Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) NatureWorks grant program. The NatureWorks grant program is accepting applications for funding to rehabilitate recreational areas. If awarded, the funding will be used towards the Sullivant Gardens Park Improvements project.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is accepting grant applications for the Nature Works fund program. The grant offers assistance to governmental agencies for the acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of recreational areas. Grant applications are due June 1, 2024. The notification of the grant acceptance will be awarded in September 2024. The anticipated grant is approximately $70,000 to $150,000, and if awarded, a 25% match funding will be required.
This grant will be used towards the Sullivant Gardens Park Improvements project. This project will improve a currently unusable open field and turn it into a green space suitable for recreational sports and open play. It will also construct additional parking, walkways, and fencing adjacent to the existing Sullivant Gardens Community Center.
Principal Parties:
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
2024 Morse Road, Building E
Columbus, OH 43229
Tim Robinson, (614) 265-6417
Contract Compliance Number: 005089
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: N/A (State of Ohio Agency)
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is being requested to meet the application deadline of June 1, 2024.
Benefits to the Public: This project will provide residents with additional gathering opportunities and recreational activity space by improving and expanding the green space.
Community Input/Issues: The Franklinton Community has provided many requests for improvements to the Sullivant Gardens Park through engagement opportunities and 311 requests.
Area(s) Affected: Franklinton (54)
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by updating parks while continuing to work with the neighborhood groups to improve the parks.
Fiscal Impact: No fiscal action is required at this time. Future legislation will accept, appropriate, and encumber funding for this project as needed if the grant is awarded.
Title
To authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) NatureWorks grant program for the Sullivant Gardens Park Improvements Project; and to declare an emergency. ($0)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) NatureWorks grant program, which will be used for the Sullivant Gardens Park Improvements Project; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance shows the City of Columbus' support for all application requirements; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to meet the application submittal deadline of June 1, 2024, all for the preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare and, 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 (ODNR) NatureWorks grant program for the Sullivant Gardens Park Improvements Project.
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 accept, appropriate, and encumber funding for this project as needed if the grant is awarded.
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 (ODNR) NatureWorks grant program.
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 ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.