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Gahanna staff seek permission to bid park renovation and tree programs; items set for Jan. 20 consent
Summary
City staff asked council to approve permission-to-bid requests for a street tree planting program (about 120 trees identified, opt‑in), a separate pruning contract, and an Academy Park renovation (playground, shelter, restroom, stormwater work, 46 new parking spaces). Council scheduled items for consent Jan. 20.
Gahanna city staff asked the Committee of the Whole on Jan. 12 for permission to seek competitive bids on three parks projects: a street tree planting program, a separate street tree pruning contract and a renovation of Academy Park.
Director Farrell told council the street tree planting program is entering its third year and will prioritize replacement trees; residents in areas identified for planting will be notified and given the option to opt in. Farrell said staff have identified roughly 120 trees that are likely to be included but that the final list of plantings will be confirmed after notification and resident responses.
The administration also requested a separate contract for street tree pruning. Staff said splitting planting and pruning into distinct scopes makes it easier to compare costs and understand the value of each contract, though the same vendor could bid on and win both jobs.
On Academy Park, Farrell outlined a multi-component renovation that includes a playground redesign, an expanded shelter house to serve as concessions and restrooms, stormwater infrastructure and an improved parking lot, plus resurfacing of Fastwell Court and improvements to the park trail network. Farrell said the project was included in the city’s 2026 capital improvement funding request and that the administration is asking for permission to bid the work.
Council members pressed staff on potential disruptions to existing programming. Mister Schneitzer raised concerns about the timing and impacts to recurring events such as the Gahanna Junior League's summertime tournament; Farrell said staff have scheduled a meeting with Junior League officials to coordinate construction timing and alternatives. Mister Nader asked whether the project's stormwater work would include green infrastructure; Farrell said bioswale features are planned and offered to provide technical follow-up on treatment details at a later date.
Staff confirmed the renovation will expand parking from 298 to 344 spaces (an addition of 46 spaces) and said soccer fields and other green space would not be impacted by the parking changes. Farrell said the Goblin Trail may be affected by construction and that staff will draft alternative plans so the trail experience is preserved rather than cancelled.
Council agreed to place the parks items on the consent agenda for the Jan. 20 meeting.
The administration’s next step is to issue bid documents and return recommended contract awards after the competitive process; no contracts were approved at the Jan. 12 meeting.
