Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with the Franklin Park Conservatory for the administration and implementation of the Franklin Park Master Plan and related capital improvement projects. The amount being authorized by this ordinance is $500,000.00.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens requested capital support from the City of Columbus in 2020 to fund three capital projects. This $500,000.00 commitment from the City of Columbus supports renovation of the Conservatory’s first floor to provide much needed employee office space. It will also support the hiring of an engineering firm to develop a comprehensive equipment and building program. Lastly, this commitment will support design work for the full restoration of the John F. Wolfe Palm House and Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse.
It has been determined that it is beneficial for the Franklin Park Conservatory to perform the administration of these projects to allow for the least disruption to the daily operations of Conservatory business. The funds will be used to reimburse the Conservatory for expenditures in conjunction with these projects as part of the implementation of the Master Plan for the Conservatory and Franklin Park.
Principal Parties:
Franklin Park Conservatory Joint Recreation District
1777 East Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43203
Federal Identification Number: 31-1364884 (Non-Profit Organization)
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested to allow the City to reimburse the Franklin Park Conservatory as soon as possible as plans for the park are moving forward and work has commenced.
Benefits to the Public: These improvements will benefit the community by enhancing the visitor experience, creating a more attractive destination for Central Ohio residents and beyond. Franklin Park, The Conservatory, and Botanical Gardens are an asset to the entire Central Ohio community.
Community Input Is...
Click here for full text