Gahanna — Finance committee members discussed the city's 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Plan at their Oct. 27 meeting, with detailed questions about aquatic facilities, gateway signage, neighborhood park walkways and the timing and funding of Creekside flood‑mitigation and plaza improvements.

Director Schultz said the administration has not circulated a new single compiled CIP document because of expected final edits but summarized key items: entryway/gateway signage design work, several park improvements, and an aquatics site‑assessment request of $90,000 for 2026 to better vet the proposed Gahanna Soccer Park (GSP) replacement scope identified in the aquatics master plan.

Council members stressed that the GSP pool requires timely attention: staff said the master‑plan estimate for full rebuild at GSP was large (roughly $20 million of an approximate $30 million systemwide figure), and that the 2026 $90,000 request is intended to support geotechnical, flood‑plain and site‑capability studies to determine feasible options and refine cost estimates. Schultz emphasized that relining the pool again is likely not a long‑term solution and that a full replacement requires further study and community discussion.

Other CIP items discussed include gateway and wayfinding signage to create a consistent municipal brand across larger entryways and smaller medallion signs; staff expect to bring design proposals forward within about 12 months. Council also asked about smaller park items such as replacing a Bridal Gardens path; staff said portions will be replaced this year and a temporary winter pathway will be installed for seasonal events.

On Creekside funding, staff told council the 2026 request figures in earlier published materials were updated; the most recent 2026 request presented at the budget workshop was about $19.5 million for that year, and the total construction estimate remains roughly $23 million. Schultz said no city cash allocation for Creekside is being requested today because final project scope and funding package remain under development; staff expect to return in Q1 2026 with a proposed funding plan that could combine grants, private contributions and potential TIF elements.

Committee members were reminded of the upcoming budget calendar: public safety materials are expected Nov. 3 and the full budget book will be issued Friday; staff asked council to submit questions to allow targeted follow‑up before scheduled department hearings.