Pataskala committee backs recommendation for post-and-cable fence, advancing Foundation Park parking expansion

The Pataskala City Buildings and Grounds Committee on Monday recommended that the city pursue a $40,000 supplemental appropriation to install a post-and-cable fence along the road at Foundation Park as part of a multi-phase parking expansion.

Chris, a city staff member presenting the project, said the overall plan would add about 328 parking spaces to a site that now holds roughly 200. He described the buildout as phased in $100,000 construction increments and said the city is pursuing a state capital grant that would provide up to $1,000,000, which requires a $300,000 local match.

The supplemental request discussed at the meeting covers a post-and-cable fence estimated at $35,000; Chris asked for $40,000 to allow for contingencies and to install the full length now to avoid higher future costs. "The post and cable fencing, $35,000, will put the fence in the entire length of the road," Chris said, adding that installing it now would immediately prevent people from driving around the gates.

Committee members debated phasing and access. Chris said the fence can be installed as phases are completed, but that piecemeal installation would not be effective until multiple phases are finished. When asked about overflow and event parking, Chris explained the gravel field would remain open on the backside, allowing entry even with the roadside fencing in place.

Brooks Coleman moved that the committee recommend adding the post-and-cable fencing for the project; the chair seconded. The committee indicated support by voice and the staff will amend the supplemental for second reading and proceed with the recommended process. "A motion recommendation would be great," Chris had told the committee before the vote.

Chris also explained pedestrian-safety steps: painted crosswalks will be used initially to test where people cross before committing to more expensive flashing crosswalks. He said the project advanced through regional selection for the state grant and that lobby efforts have been supported by the Montrose Group.

Looking ahead, Chris said phase 1 would be prioritized near the soccer fields and that if the grant is awarded, the city could accelerate construction. He also proposed opening the middle gate on soccer Saturdays after the fence and Phase 1 are installed to allow better use of parking; the committee supported trialing this and would re-close the gate if safety concerns arise.

The committee’s recommendation will move to the supplemental appropriation’s second reading for formal action by the governing body.