Explanation
This ordinance is to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to accept the “Meet Me at the Park Play Space Grant” in the amount of $30,000.00 for the construction of a nature playground at Carriage Place Park and to enter into an agreement with the National Recreation and Parks Association in the amount of $60,000.00.
Background: The National Recreation and Parks Association is managing the administration of the “Meet Me at the Park Play Space Grant Program” which is made possible through the support of the Walt Disney Company. This grant will be used to construct a “nature playground” in the popular Carriage Place Park located near the intersection of Bethel Road and Sawmill Road. The grant amount is $30,000.00. The City of Columbus is required to contribute at least $30,000.00 towards this project as a grant match. A future ordinance will provide the additional grant match funding towards this project, once bids have been reviewed.
This project will develop a replicable nature play model that will be the first of its kind for the City. The model will establish a space where children have walkable access to outdoor, natural play. Research shows that children are spending half the time outside as they did 20 years ago. This trend is described as “Nature Deficit Disorder.” Connection with nature has health benefits that include reduced stress levels, increased creative problem solving, and motivation to be more physically active. To help children realize these benefits, the project will create a setting that mimics varied play opportunities naturally found in forests and meadows. It will be safe and accessible in order to provide an experience that is inclusive of all visitors, and will adhere to effective natural play design principles and contain elements such as logs, boulders, and native plants.
Principal Parties:
National Recreation and Parks Association
22377 Belmont Ridge Roa...
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