Explanation
Background: This legislation authorizes the Director of Recreation and Parks to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Natureworks Program, for the Gender Road Parkland Improvements Project.
In 2010, the Department acquired a 32 acre tract for future parkland development at the intersection of Gender Road and Shannon Road. Based on community input and the opportunity to acquire high quality open space in the city’s southeast area, the Department began a planning process for future development of a neighborhood park. The park is adjacent to the Pickerington Ponds Metropark, and this project will enhance a collaboration.
The application is a Resolution of Support required by the state for all application submittals. No funds are obligated. If awarded the grant, a separate ordinance will be submitted to accept and appropriate the funds.
This grant will be used for the construction of a playground, athletic fields, walks, and site furnishings, and landscaping to open the park. These improvements will serve residents of the Eastland/Brice area by providing a needed and easily accessible community park.
Principal Parties:
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
2045 Morse Road, E-2, Columbus, OH 43229
Mary Fitch 614-265-6477
CC#: 31-6402047
Emergency Justification: An emergency is being requested to apply for this grant as the application must be submitted by May 15, 2018.
Benefits to the Public: Improving Gender Road Parkland will benefit the surrounding community by providing a park that will provide significant benefits to the health, inclusiveness, social equity, and economic vitality of the surrounding community.
Applying for grant funds is a part of the Department’s commitment to smart growth and financial stability, as these funds provide critical development resources, expanding the reach of parks open for all, while also meeting the state-wide goals of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Community Input Issues: Beginning in 2013, Planning and Design staff began working on plans for the southeast area. This coordination included input with the city’s planning department, Franklin County Metroparks, and community feedback. As the project moves forward, the southeast area will continue to be engaged as plans are refined and finalized.
Area(s) Affected: Southeast. Planning Area 27.
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the mission of the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by making facilities within a park accessible to pedestrians and locating neighborhood parks within one half mile of all neighborhoods.
Fiscal Impact: The total amount of the project is estimated at $520,000.00. The grant request is for $148,000.00 from the NatureWorks Grant Program (ODNR) with the City of Columbus being responsible for a match amount of $ 372,000.00 from CIP Park Development Funds.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources NatureWorks Fund for the Gender Road Parkland Improvements project and provide the necessary match funds per grant requirements; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources NatureWorks Fund is accepting applications; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Parks Department wishes to apply for a grant for the Gender Road Parkland Improvements project; and
WHEREAS, future legislation would accept and appropriate the grant funds as well as identify a city match; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to apply for said grant to meet application deadlines; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Recreation and Parks be and is hereby authorized and directed to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources NatureWorks Fund for the Gender Road Parkland Improvements project and provide the necessary match funds per grant requirements.
SECTION 2. That this ordinance authorizes an application for the grant funds only and is not a commitment to expend city funds.
SECTION 3. That future legislation will follow to authorize acceptance, appropriation, and expenditure of funds.
SECTION 4. That the City of Columbus does agree to obligate the funds required to satisfactorily complete the proposed project and become eligible for reimbursement under the terms and conditions of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources NatureWorks Fund.
SECTION 5. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or 10 days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.