Title
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE STATE OF OHIO CAPITAL BUDGET GRANT PROCESS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE COSTS TO ACCOMMODATE AN INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND AT MIDDLETON PARK.
Brief Description: The State of Ohio awards biennial capital budget funding to support regional and local projects that demonstrate a state benefit in higher education, mental health, parks and recreation, conservation, and cultural and sports facilities. The inclusive playground proposal at Middleton Road Park would be a strong submittal as a local community group anticipates raising private funding for playground equipment, specialized turf and fencing on site, with the City responsible for infrastructure and site improvement costs. Through the State Capital Budget, the City could receive up to two thirds of the total infrastructure cost through reimbursement with a one-third local match requirement. Detailed engineering costs included in Attachment A.
Body
Legislative History
None.
Purpose & Explanation
Conversations surrounding the need for an inclusive (or “universal”) playground began in the Summer of 2022 following a resident’s concern that the Park Master Plan, published in 2020, addressed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible options; however, did not address inclusivity for children with and without disabilities. To provide background, ADA is federal law which, in part, requires parks and recreation departments/ districts to serve people with disabilities through physical access to parks through removal of elimination of architectural barriers and access to programs through adapted sports. ADA standards are based on minimum guidelines set by the Access Board. Currently, the City of Hudson Parks include a handicapped accessible swing at each playground.
According to the National Recreation and Park Association, the concept of a “universal” or “inclusive” playground design focuses on an environment usable by all persons of all abilities. By incorporating an inclusive approach into a playground design, it enables and empowers a diverse population through human performance, health and wellness, and social participation.
The nearest fully inclusive playgrounds to Hudson, Ohio are over 45 minutes away and include:
• Preston’s Hope - Beechwood, Ohio
• Mila’s Way and Rowyn’s Dream - Randolph, Ohio
Since the initial conversations with the City, an organized group of community members has committed to raising private funds through a fund with the Hudson Community Foundation with the intent to purchase playground equipment, specialized turf, fencing and other above ground amenities. Commitment letter in Attachment B.
The Park Board recently supported a recommendation to proceed with Middleton Road Park as the potential site of an inclusive playground, but now seeks Council approval.
The City staff has sought out this state capital budget funding option for infrastructure including: grading, demolition, parking, sidewalks, utilities, restroom facility, and landscape restoration, if the City Council wishes to proceed with this initiative.
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted (Account #, $)
X Supplemental Appropriation Required (This would be included in the FY25 Budget.)
Appropriation Not Required
Does this legislation require use of an emergency clause?
Yes [if so, explain why]
X No
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Staff recommends passage of this Resolution to authorize the City Manager to submit an application to the State of Ohio Capital Budget Grant Process to support infrastructure costs at the Hudson Parks Middleton Road Playground site.
Submitted by,
Thomas J. Sheridan, City Manager
Greg Hannan, Community Development Director
Jena Stasik, Community Relations Manager