Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for the funding and provide the necessary match funds for land acquisition.
The Clean Ohio Conservation Fund is accepting applications for grant funding to conserve natural areas and greenway corridors. If awarded funding, a separate piece of legislation will be submitted to enter into a grant agreement and allocate the local funds. These applications will propose to acquire fee simple property in the East Linden area and along Big Walnut Creek.
East Linden Natural Area Protection
The East Linden neighborhood is one of the city’s most underserved areas for parks, open spaces, and natural areas. The purpose of the project is to acquire two separate sites fronting two ravine/tributary areas of Alum Creek near Agler Road. The Clean Ohio funding will be used to acquire 33.5 acres of wooded ravines and tributary corridor in the near northeast side of Columbus. The two properties are owned by a single owner and are listed for sale. Acquiring these sites provides significant long term preservation to water quality, forest preservation, and protection of natural habitat and for a disinvested community. The sites are easily accessible, within a few minutes’ walk of each other, with an estimated 11,000 people living within a 1 mile radius.
Noe Bixby Parkland and Preserve
Big Walnut Creek and its related tributaries and ravines are one of the region’s most diverse remaining water courses. The purpose of the project is to acquire a significant 20 acre stretch of natural area near Broad Street and Noe Bixby Road. The proposed property has been listed for sale as potential development land. Acquiring the land provides significant long term preservation for water quality, forest preservation, and protection of habitat. The site is easily accessible, with an estimated 2,500 people living within a 1/2 mile radius. The natural terrain of site is upla...
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