Council reviews $1 annual lease with Columbus for Pumphouse Park; city retains programming control

Council considered a first reading of Ordinance 16-25 to authorize the mayor to sign a lease with the City of Columbus covering the parcel known as Pumphouse Park (southeast corner of Alum Creek Drive and Main Street).

Staff said Bexley has leased and programmed the site for years; prior leases began in the late 1990s and allowed the city to improve the parcel with athletic fields, a stone wall, fencing and a picnic shelter. The park includes a stormwater storage facility under the site and therefore is administered in coordination with Columbus public utilities.

The proposed lease follows the prior arrangement and is for a nominal $1 per year. As tenant, the city has latitude to program the park; staff noted the rec department currently schedules activities there and that the picnic shelter is reservable. The mayor said the park shelter roof needs repairs and that the city plans further investment in maintenance and programming.

Councilmembers asked about programming, shelter reservations and possible partnerships to increase safe access. The mayor said the city is working on an agreement with a nearby church for supplemental parking and exploring a walking-path connection from that parking lot. Bexley also plans infrastructure improvements supported by transit-related funds to improve pedestrian access.

No vote was recorded on the lease at first reading; staff said the proposed lease is substantially similar to the prior agreement with updated dates and execution details and that staff will return with any necessary implementation details.