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. The Clean Ohio Conservation Fund is accepting applications for funding to preserve natural areas and greenway corridors. If awarded, the funding will be used to acquire 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 2022 Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program grant funds only. OPWC requires that a resolution, ordinance, or other written documentation to 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 various sites in Columbus, including three sites along West Broad Street in the Franklinton Community and a 64.25 acre site along Big Walnut Creek near Three Creeks Park in the Far South Community. Additional information about these sites is below.
Franklinton Greenspace Protection:
Statistics show that the West Franklinton Community has the least amount of public greenspace in Columbus with only 10.8 acres of parkland in a community of over 9,000 residents. The purpose of the project is to acquire five acres of greenspace in the West Franklinton Community on West Broad Street. The properties are within three blocks of each other. Included are four lots at West Broad Street and West Park Avenue as ...
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