Parks committee advances NatureWorks grant application for Hardisty Park, including ADA-accessible zip line

The Parks and Recreation Committee moved to advance an ordinance authorizing the mayor or designee to accept and expand a NatureWorks grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for a component of a larger Hardisty Park project. Councilman Lombardo moved to suspend the rules and give the measure a favorable report; the committee approved the motion by voice vote.

City staff explained the NatureWorks portion is one element of a broader effort to solicit funding and complete improvements at Hardisty Park. A staff member said the grant-funded item would add an ADA-accessible feature so children with mobility challenges can use playground equipment. "This piece that you would be approving would allow us to then apply... and if we receive it, would we would then be able to move forward with adding that to the project, something on ADA accessible component to the park project," the staff presenter said.

Committee members asked about timing and scope. Staff said ODNR typically announces awards in the fall with construction expected the following summer, so work would not begin this summer at the earliest. When asked whether the project included a zip line, staff described a two-sided zip line with an ADA-accessible seat on one side so children who need accommodations can access the equipment; a council member clarified this was not a commercial-style zip line.

The committee approved suspending the rules and forwarding the ordinance with a favorable report. With the committee’s action, the city can apply for the NatureWorks grant and, if awarded, incorporate the ADA-accessible element into the Hardisty Park improvements.

Next steps: the ordinance will move to the full council for consideration per the committee’s favorable report.