Obetz approves annexation of about 163 acres for Franklin County Metroparks site; east side to open May 16

The Obetz City Council unanimously adopted an emergency ordinance to accept the annexation of roughly 163 acres from Hamilton Township, approving a planned Franklin County Metroparks facility on the site.

City Administrator Rod Davisson introduced Tim Moloney, executive director of the Franklin County Metroparks, who thanked the city for its partnership and said, "this is going to be an amazing facility." Moloney also told council that "the east side of the park opens May 16th." Council suspended the rules and voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 01-26.

Why it matters: The annexation adds about 163 acres to Obetz and formalizes the city's role in hosting the Metroparks project, which Metroparks staff described as a major regional amenity. The council's emergency adoption speeds the municipal acceptance and allows city and park officials to proceed with final preparations ahead of the May opening.

Details: The ordinance was presented and read by Stacey Boumis. Councilmembers voted yes: Guiles Richardson, Mike Kimbler, Michael Flaherty, Robert Kramer, Derek Varney and Todd Gibbs. No public opposition or alternate motions were recorded during the segment. City Administrator Davisson introduced the Metroparks' presentation but did not provide additional fiscal detail in the meeting record.

What comes next: Metroparks staff and city officials will proceed with the park rollout and any required intergovernmental coordination ahead of the scheduled opening. No additional votes or funding allocations tied to the annexation were recorded in the meeting minutes; related appropriations and implementation steps may appear in future agenda items.