Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program which will be used to acquire three properties for preservation of the city’s natural resources.
OPWC administers statewide grant funding to preserve natural areas and greenway corridors and this ordinance authorizes an application for 2021 Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program grant funds only. OPWC requires that a resolution, ordinance, or other written documentation obligate funds for the project as part of the application. This ordinance is a commitment to provide the necessary match funds at a later date to satisfactorily complete the proposed project and become eligible for reimbursement under the terms and conditions of the grant. If the grant funding is awarded, future legislation will follow to authorize acceptance, appropriation, and expenditure of City funds from within the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund.
This grant application is intended to secure funding towards fee simple acquisition of three sites in Columbus. Two sites along Big Walnut Creek will allow for the expansion of Cherrybottom Park in the Northeast area of the city. One site along Mason Run in the city’s Mid East area will protect a stream corridor. Additional information about these sites is below.
Cherrybottom Park Expansion - Capitol City Baptist and the Venice Club (Two Sites):
Big Walnut Creek is considered one of the highest quality major waterways in Central Ohio. For several years, the Recreation and Parks Department has focused on the north segment of the creek, looking to acquire and preserve valuable riparian corridor that serves as a buffer zone between land and water. Acquiring two adjacent properties would add 7.3 acres to Cherrybottom Park, a significant 90 acre parkland between Morse Road and State Route 161. The first site is referred to a...
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