By Sandi Latimer
Staff Writer
The Westland Area Commission has approved rezoning land along Galloway Road for a city-developed sports complex.
This request came before the commission at its May 21 meeting. It passed unanimously and was forwarded to the city of Columbus for its decisions.
Joe Looby of Stantec Consulting Services presented plans for the Prairie Township Sports Complex to the full commission after the question had survived a zoning commission meeting.
Plans call for the development of 111 acres on the west side of Galloway Road, south of Hall Road into an active sports area that includes baseball, soccer and football fields, basketball and volleyball courts, fishing ponds, walking trails, picnic areas, and a Frisbee golf course. The complex would have 750 parking spaces.
The area had originally been planned for 445 houses. Looby’s plans called for the land to be rezoned to rural.
Looby said he had taken the plans to the Darby Accord as well as health department, which, he said, preferred paved paths eight-feet wide to accommodate bicyclists as well as walkers and joggers. He also said the complex, being north of the Camp Chase Trail going through the area, could also connect to that multi-purpose trail.
The land is owned by the city of Columbus, although it is in Prairie Township. The township would be responsible for maintenance.
“Prairie Township is happy to see this come to the area,” said Township Administrator Tracy Hatmaker. “We’ve been talking to people and at schools about this. There is a dearth of activities for families. They go to Hilliard or Grove City.”
He said it would be good for younger children who have never had the opportunity to participate in group activities. They may never have played together until junior high, he added.
Election results
Commissioner Adam Slane congratulated winners of the May 3 election where Jim Kennedy, Scott Taylor, Dorothy Jantzen and Linda Pitts were re-elected.
He also announced an early slate of officers who will be voted upon at the June meeting. Taylor is running for chair, Bill Steimer for vice chair and Shawn Thomas for treasurer.
