1. travel
2. tourist destinations
3. national parks

Cincinnati Parks Foundation
950 Eden Park Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: (513) 861-0023
PRESORTED
STANDARD
US POSTAGE PAID
CINCINNNATI OH
PERMIT # 4493
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
NEWSLET TER OF THE
C I N C I N N AT I PA R K S F O U N D AT I O N
Printed on paper which contains 10% postconsumer recycled content.
FALL/WINTER 2014
UPCOMING EVENTS
Events and programs happening in Cincinnati Parks! There are over 600 activities and events
ts
scheduled in our parks this year. Details can be found at: www.cincinnatiparks.com
Santa's Workshop
Washington Park
November 29-December 20, 2014,
1:00pm-3:00pm
Caroling in the Park
Washington Park
November 29- December 20, 2014,
6:00pm-8:00pm
Nature Education
Winter in the Woodlands
California Woods Nature Center
December 5, 2014, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Nature Education
Holiday Craft Workshop
Laboiteaux Woods
December 5, 2014, 6:30pm-8:30pm
December 6, 2014, 2:30pm-4:30pm
Nature Education
Holiday Wreath Making
Caldwell Nature Center
December 13, 2014, 1:00pm-3:00pm
City Flea
Washington Park
December 13, 2014, 5:00pm-10:00pm
Nature Education
Wild about Winter Camp (ages 5-12)
Laboiteaux Woods
December 22, 2014, 9:30am-2:30pm
Nature Education
Outdoor Winter Survivor Camp
Caldwell Nature Center
December 23, 2014, 9:30am-2:30pm
Nature Education
Winter Break Camp (K-3rd Grade)
Trailside Nature Center
December 29, 2014, 9:30am-2:30pm
Nature Education
Give a Cheer for Winter! (K-3rd Grade)
California Woods Nature Center
December 30, 2014, 9:30am-2:30pm
Thank You!
Parkways Newsletter is
partially underwritten by
Jerry Malsh and Ann Segal.
We've Moved!
Please note our new address and phone
number:
421 Oak Street, Cincinnati, OH 45219
(513) 861-0023
Susan L. Dorward, Executive Director
sdorward@cincinnatiparksfoundation.org
(513) 861-0023 ext. #16
Lori McDermott, Assistant Director of
Development
lori@cincinnatiparksfoundation.org
(513) 861-0023 ext. #14
Brandi Lewis, Associate Director of
Development
Brandi@cincinnatiparksfoundation.org
(513) 861-0023 ext. #18
Why Not Spend
Some Time in
Our Front Yard?
Executive Committee:
Mark J. Busher, President
John Neyer, Vice President
Valerie Newell, Treasurer
Dacia M. Snider, Secretary
Amelia S. Crutcher
Judy S. Dalambakis*
Trudi Fullen
Helen K. Heekin
Marty Humes
Toni LaBoiteaux
Skip Merten
Dianne M. Rosenberg
Ryan Rybolt
William F. Thiemann
John H. Anning
Kristine H. Barr
Neil K. Bortz
Catherine S. Caldemeyer
Phillip J. Castellini
Philip K. Cone
Kenneth Davis, Jr., M.D.
Andrew E. DeWitt
Fay D. Dupuis
Susan Abernethy Frank
Jose A. Garcia
Dean Gregory
Thomas F. Hankinson
Renee Mahaffey Harris
Susan J. Hickenlooper
Steve Jemison
Ron Joseph, Jr.
Polk Laffoon IV
Jerry Malsh
Kevin N. McMurray
Carter McNabb
Donald L. Mellott, Jr.
John Mocker
Eleanor K. Moffat
Marjorie Motch+
Debra C. Oliver
Bruce I. Petrie, Jr.*
Laura S. Raines
Timothy F. Seifert
Paul G. Sittenfeld
Elizabeth Stone+
Lynda A. Thomas
Daniel D. Vogelpohl
Lori Wellinghoff
Paula C. Wienkoop
Lindsay Wilhelm
Dick Williams
Alex C. Young
Susan L. Dorward, Executive Director
Lori McDermott, Assistant Director of Development
Brandi Lewis, Associate Director of Development
Riverfront Parks transform into a BBQ
Feast for All at the River Grill Before the
Big Chill
A magnificent Cincinnati summer has come and gone and our Parks are
resplendent in fall glory. The summer has marked a high point for Cincinnatians
of all ages to enjoy our parks.
My family and I have enjoyed so many of our parks this season. Smale Riverfront
Park has been a great place to watch the fireworks from Reds games, to enjoy the
Rosenberg swings, and to have a picnic lunch on the immaculately manicured
lawns. Ault Park looked glorious during the annual Concours d’Elegance and at
the Foundation’s Gentlemen of Style and Substance and Children’s Tea events.
What a beautiful backdrop our park provided our guests. Washington Park
swelled to accommodate the second annual LumenoCity. Even the rain could
not dampen our enjoyment of the first River Grill before the Big Chill event at
Sawyer Point.
Won't you consider joining my family and me in making a donation to keep our
parks outstanding? Even a modest donation can make a significant impact. If you
haven’t made a gift to the parks before, consider joining us in this annual effort
to ensure our parks continue to be amazing. From now until December 31, the
Parks Foundation will benefit from each NEW gift, as an anonymous donor will
give an additional $10,000 if we reach our goal of 400 new donors. So, your gift
will have an even greater impact. For more information on how to contribute
please visit www.cincinnatiparks.org/donation.
BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
Otto M. Budig, Jr., President
Robert D.H. Anning
Susan Castellini
Cathy T. Crain
Merri Gaither Smith
Willie F. Carden, Jr., Director
Above photo location: Twin Lakes in
Eden Park
Cover photo location: Burnet Woods
2 | cincinnatiparksfoundation.org
Park Ambassadors
We, at the Parks Foundation, are proud stewards and passionate advocates for
our parks. Join us in keeping our Cincinnati Parks the crown jewel of the Queen
City. We are grateful for your support!
Mark J. Busher
President, Cincinnati Parks Foundation
Why not keep up on what’s happening at your
parks and at the Cincinnati Parks Foundation by
“liking” us on facebook. You can see more photos
of our events by visiting our facebook page
www.facebook.com/cincinnatiparksfoundation
Our Parks are priceless.
Keeping them that way isn’t.
You are receiving this newsletter because,
at some point, you either gave us a gift;
participated in an event; responded to a
request or expressed interest in one of
our parks or the Krohn Conservatory. We
truly thank you and we are asking you
to consider joining us. Your Cincinnati
Parks have a unique opportunity to make
a bigger investment in our parks as we
have been challenged to expand our
donors by 400 by the end of 2014. What
this means is that YOUR new gift to the
Cincinnati Parks Foundation will help us
receive a matching gift and the impact of
your generous donation will allow us to
do more things for our “Amazing” parks.
Why not consider joining the “Friends of
the Parks” Annual Campaign by making
a gift this year. You can use the envelope
provided in this newsletter or go online
to: www.cincinnatiparksfoundation.
org/donation. We thank you.
Dear Friends of Cincinnati Parks,
*Past President
+ Emertus
We’ve Been
Challenged!
The smells of chicken, pork, ribs and brisket wafted across Sawyer Point as 52
Professional Grillers and 28 Backyard Grillers prepared their special dishes for
our judging teams and for the viewing enjoyment of thousands of attendees.
Over $20,000 in award money was given out to the top grillers in four
different categories with Lonnie “Bubba” Smith walking away with the Overall
Grand Prize of $6,000, a beautiful RiverGrill Trophy and a Golden Ticket (paid
entry to the World Food Championship). This two-day event held October
10 & 11 offered plenty of other activities including a Children’s Play area and
a performance by “Starship” featuring Mickey Thomas and several other local
bands. We thank our sponsors: Fifth Third Bank, WLWT, Western & Southern,
Kroger, Horseshoe Casino, Cincinnati Reds, Christian Moerlein, Montgomery
Inn, Messer, RWA, Harley Davidson and Jim Dandy’s.
The Cincinnati Park Ambassadors
Advisory Council (CPAAC) is a group of
young professionals who are passionate
about their parks. CPAAC hasn’t stopped
momentum since their founding in 2013
and continues to get the buzz out about
the amazing Cincinnati Parks. CPAAC
hosted the second of “Cincinnati Parks…
Uncorked!” on August 14th at Ault Park
Pavilion. Over 90 people attended
"Uncorked" enjoying the live music, craft
beer, wine and food parings. CPAAC
seeks to engage professionals from
around the city who want to be involved
with not only the Cincinnati Parks, but
events and new developments as well.
They will continue to host the new
annual event, Butterflies After Dark and
have another new event on the horizon
for 2015! Thanks to our co-chairs, Jamie
Humes and Tom Hankinson.
11 | cincinnatiparksfoundation.org
November 15, 2014 - January 4, 2015
Open Daily 10 am - 5 pm
Special Evening Hours on December
9, 11, 16 and 18 open 5 - 7:30 pm
Krohn Conservatory Holiday Show: Magic & Mistletoe
Presented by Scherzinger Termite and Pest Control and Huntington Bank
All aboard for another exciting Krohn Holiday Show! Magic and Mistletoe will feature the return of our interactive train
display and thousands of colorful poinsettias, cyclamen and tropical flowers. Guests will be drawn in from the minute they
enter our lobby and see the giant tree decorated and illuminated. Browse our list of events below or visit our website at
www.cincinnatiparks.com/krohn and peruse all the events the Krohn will have during our month and a half show. You can
experience local musicians, the Schmalz Family holiday display, extended “candlelight” hours, strategically placed baskets of
mistletoe and great photo opportunities. Holiday magic will definitely be in the air!
All ages will enjoy the delightful botanical architecture made out of all natural components and created, again this year, by
the Applied Imagination team. Weaving throughout the Krohn display, past historical buildings, there are miles of train tracks
that will immerse visitors in the sights and sounds of chugging trains overhead, trolleys at your feet and splashing water. The
“botanical architecture” of bridges and historical buildings includes the impressive Roebling Bridge and replicas of historical
buildings, such as the Taft Birthplace and the Ault Park Pavilion, and are all constructed of gathered willow and other natural
materials. A new feature this year will take you into our Fern House and will feature three illuminated botanical balloons atop
the pond, trains winding through the center tropical beds and a tiny version of Santa’s Village that is sure to delight children of
all ages. ADMISSION FEES: Adults $7.00, Children $4.00 (4 and under free).
Going Green for the Holidays “Be Crafty”
Saturday, November 15 from 10am-3pm
Krohn by Candlelight
December 9, 11, 16, and 18 from 5:00pm-7:30pm
Going Green for the Holidays “Be Healthy & Be Happy!” Santa Visits Krohn
Sunday, November 16 from 10am-3pm
Saturdays, December 13 and 20 from 1pm-3pm
(And during Krohn by Candlelight: December 11 from
The Krohn Zone Presents: The Evergreen Advisor
5:30pm-7pm)
plus Holiday Flower Tips
Saturday, December 6 from 1pm-3pm
Live Nativity
Sponsored by Western & Southern Financial Group
St. Theresa Brass
December 13 - January 1, 2015, Daily 9am-9pm
Sunday, December 7 from 1pm-3pm
(Dedication Ceremony December 14 1:30pm)
The Blessed Sacrament Handbell Choir
Sunday, December 14 starts at 1:30pm
Henri : A Book Signing by Jinny Berten
Sunday, December 21 from 1pm-3pm
Dulcimer Performance
December 26 from 1pm-3pm
End of Show Sale
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Starts at 10 am (Friends of Krohn can shop at 8:30am)
4VQQPSUJOH4QPOTPST$JODJOOBUJ1BSLT'PVOEBUJPOr'SJFOETPG,SPIOr5IF"ISFOT'BNJMZ'PVOEBUJPO
$PNNVOJUZ4QPOTPST&TRVJSF.BSJFNPOUBOE,FOXPPE5IFBUSFTr+PIO/JFNBO/VSTFSZr,FTTMFS1IPUPHSBQIZr.FHIBO'SPOEVUJ5PXFS
(BSEFO*OEFQFOEFOU%JTUSJCVUPSr$IBSMFT4IPSr7JMUSBLJT1IPUPHSBQIZr8IPMF'PPET
1SPHSBN4QPOTPS5IF)#&8BOE'3-VUIFS$IBSJUBCMF'PVOEBUJPO'JGUI5IJSE#BOLBOE/BSMFZ-)BMFZ$P5SVTUFFT
4QFDJBM5IBOLT,SPIO$SBGU(VJMEr-BNBSr(BSEFO(JSM$SFBUJWFr4LZMJOF$IJMJJO8BMOVU
)JMMT
r.PVOU"EBNT#VTJOFTT$PNNVOJUZr&MFNFOUT1SP
Cincinnati Magazine Declares Cincinnati Parks “Amazing”
Not only does this announcement mark the second occasion the Cincinnati Parks have graced the
cover of Cincinnati Magazine, but in 2012 Cincinnati Parks were featured as “Great”; but in the May,
2014 issue they are referred to as “Amazing”. We hope you had a chance to read all about our parks
and hear from several of our expert Park Board staff members who were highlighted.
10 | cincinnatiparksfoundation.org
Hats Off Luncheon a VIBRANT Success!
It was a “New Day for Play” at the eighth annual Hats Off
Luncheon held May 22nd. This year more than 880 ladies
and gentlemen joined us in supporting the P&G GoVibrant
Playscapes in Smale Riverfront Park. Thanks to the outstanding
leadership of event chairs, Cynthia Henderson and Keke
Sansalone and the hard work of their amazing committee, more
than $210,000 was raised making this the most successful Hats
Off Luncheon to date! We truly thank those who volunteered,
purchased tickets and/or sponsored the event as we couldn't
have done it without you!
SAVE THE DATE! Mark your calendars for another special Hats
Off Luncheon celebration for our beautiful riverfront parks on
May 21, 2015!
A Spoonful of FUN!
On Sunday, September 21st, over 250 guests attended the
second annual Children’s Tea. This year, the event took
place in Ault Park, which was festively decked out in orange
and pink. Children and adults, alike, enjoyed making crafts,
posing in the photo booth, meeting the animals the Explore
Nature! Education staff brought, and dining on delicious finger
sandwiches and delectable desserts. Thanks to our Co-Chairs
Chrissie Blatt, Jessica Levine & Katie Comeaux; our Women’s
Committee Advisors and the entire Committee who made this
a success.
“Spending the day with family and friends and having the lawn
of Ault Park as a backdrop, was such an inspiring way to create
warm memories in the beautiful, natural surroundings our parks
provide,” explained Chrissie Blatt. Jessica and Katie added, “By
helping our children develop a love of the many beautiful parks
and greenspaces our city offers, we hope they will grow to
participate in their care and preservation.”
The event not only raised over $17,000 to benefit Mt. Airy
Forest, but also served as a “friend raiser” bringing many new
faces to the event and our parks.
3 | cin
cincinnatiparksfoundation.org
i cin
i nati
tiparksf
k foundat
d
Gentlemen of Style and Substance
Honors Thirteen
Ault Park provided a picturesque backdrop for the celebration of the many
accomplishments and contributions of our thirteen Gentlemen of Style and
Substance honorees. The event, which benefits the Park Board’s Nature Next
Door Program, raised over $50,000 this year, bringing the total raised for this
program to $150,000. Thanks to our honorees and our fabulous committee, the
ninth annual event welcomed over 285 people who helped us recognize and
celebrate these outstanding individuals.
Front Row (l-r) Santa J. Ono, PhD – President, UC; Marty Dunn – Partner,
Dinsmore & Shohl; Kevin Jones - Regional President, Huntington Bank; Steve
Boymel - President, Healthcare Management Group; John Cranley - Mayor,
City of Cincinnati; Bob Herzog - Anchor, Local 12; William Kelleher - Vice
President Wealth Management Group /PNC Bank; Manny Rios – President &
CEO, American Modern Insurance;
Back Row (l-r)
Martin Miller – Attorney, Porter Wright; Andrew Salzbrun – Partner, AGAR; Don
Wymore – President, Wymore & Associates; Mike Schuster – President, MSA
Architects; Scott Sheridan – Owner, Obscura.
Golf Outing above PAR for the Foundation
5XFOUZĒWFGPVSTPNFT
TQFOUBCFBVUJGVM
BGUFSOPPOBU5SBEJUJPOT
(PMG$PVSTFBOEIFMQFE
SBJTFPWFS
Mike Prus, Prus Construction
and his team pose with
Board Member/Golf Outing
Volunteer Dacia Snider.
The 7th Annual Golf Outing, Chaired by Dean Gregory, was another great
event for the Parks. The afternoon was capped off with a dinner provided by
Montgomery Inn, a raffle and plenty of awards. Thanks to our outstanding
volunteer committee who solicited sponsors, organized teams, provided
outstanding prizes and even played a round of golf the day of the event!
4 | cincinnatiparksfoundation.org
Raise a Glass for our
Parks! Beer, Bourbon
and Berries: A Fun
Night
g For All!
Carol Ann's Carousel Awaits
It’s hard to believe but in a few months you will be able to ride
our Carousel! The building is taking shape. The 42 figures are
being carved and painted by the artists at CarouselWorks; the
Jonathan Queen parks paintings are almost complete; and
the interns from ArtWorks have finished their project (the
interior paintings). There is still an opportunity to be a part
of the Carousel by purchasing one of the interior paintings
before December 15, 2014 ($2,500 each) and receive special
recognition on the Crown Jewel Wall. This is a great holiday,
anniversary or birthday gift for anyone. Call Suzy Dorward at
(513) 861-0023 for details.
New Faces at Our Parks
A new event for the Parks Foundation,
Foundation
“Beer, Bourbon and Berries,” took place
on our Riverfront at the Montgomery
Inn Boathouse on October 4. A crowd
of nearly 190 tasted wines from around
the country, beers from Great Lakes
Brewing, sipped a variety of scotches
and bourbons and grazed the many
food stations full of Montgomery Inn
treats. The night was not complete
without a corn hole contest, great
auction items and a photo booth!
Thanks to co-chairs and Foundation
Board Members, Dan Vogelpohl/Fifth
Third Bank, Dacia Snider/Soapbox
Media and Dean Gregory/Montgomery
Inn and the rest of the outstanding
Committee for helping us raise nearly
$29,000 for our parks.
BRANDI LEWIS
Associate Director of Development
JIM BURKHARDT
Superintendent of Park Operations
The Cincinnati Parks Foundation
welcomes its newest team member,
Brandi Lewis as the Associate Director
of Development. Native to the area,
Brandi comes to the Foundation with
two years of experience in the non-profit
field having worked at the Cincinnati
Art Museum and the Taft Museum of
Art. Brandi most recently worked at the
Cincinnati Art Museum as a volunteer
manager. Brandi has a Bachelor of Arts
from Northern Kentucky University for
Art History and Fine Art. She began
working for the Foundation in August.
The Cincinnati Parks welcome Jim
Burkhardt as Superintendent of Park
Operations and Land Management. Jim
has been with the Cincinnati Parks since
1991, starting out as a florist. Originally
from the Cincinnati area, Jim attended
Michigan State University where he
received his Bachelor of Science in
Forestry. He has held a variety positions in
his over 23 year tenure at the Cincinnati
Parks, including Urban Forestry Specialist
and District Crew Leader. He began his
new position in the interim in May and
officially started this past August.
DAWN GEOPPINGER
Business Services Manager
The Cincinnati Parks welcomed Dawn
Geoppinger as Business Services Manager
in September. Dawn has worked for the
city’s Office of Budget & Evaluation since
2007, receiving the 2009 GCC-ASPA
Public Administrator of the Year – Early
Careerist Award for her contributions.
Native to Portland, Oregon, Dawn attended
University of Portland for her Bachelor’s
in History, and was awarded the James T.
Covert Leadership Award. Later, Dawn
pursued her Masters degree in Public
Administration and International Relations
with the Maxwell School of Citizenship and
Public Affairs at Syracuse University and the
School of Advanced International Studies
at Johns Hopkins University.
9 | cincinnatiparksfoundation.org
Put Your Name in Our History Books
Docents Take In the Parks of New York City
The Women’s Committee Docents took New York by storm as they visited
various parks and attractions to bring back some new and exciting ideas for
our own docent program. Battery, Brooklyn Bridge, Tear Drop Park, Jane's
Carousel, various community “pocket” gardens, and the 9/11 Memorial
Museum were on the list of must see attractions! While all were beautiful
and much loved spaces, the favorite by far was Bryant Park because of
the charming, engaging and neighborly setting. The Docents continue
to be wonderful ambassadors for our parks and add a welcoming and
educational benefit to a Riverfront Park visit. Why not book your own tour?
It is FREE, just email Brandi Lewis at Brandi@cincinnatiparksfoundation.org
or call (513) 861-0023.
The Cincinnati Parks Foundation is inviting one and all to be a part of the history of our new
riverfront, as well as a part of the legacy of Carol Ann’s Carousel by becoming a Crown
Jewel. For a gift of $500 or more, you can get your name in our history books. Each Crown
Jewel donor’s name will be etched on one of the glass walls of the carousel structure
which will serve as the backdrop for acknowledging all those who have contributed to the
carousel. The gifts received will help support the maintenance and operational needs of
Carol Ann’s Carousel.
As one generous donor, Jahn Gazder, when asked why he decided to add his name on the
wall replied, “What is more important than time spent with friends and family enjoying the
simple pleasures…like spending a Sunday afternoon together…at a carousel…building
memories that stay with you a lifetime? It will become a tradition for generations of kids to
come down to the riverfront with their families, play in the park, and ride the carousel.
Gifts of $500 or more will reserve your space on the Carousel Wall. DEADLINE FOR
ADDING YOUR NAME IS DECEMBER 31, 2014. Call Suzy Dorward at (513) 861-0023 or go
to the Park Foundation website at www.cincinnatiparksfoundation.org/carousel to make
an online gift.
A Rose is a Rose...
A feature in Smale Riverfront Park, just west of the Roebling
Bridge, that is certain to draw visitors who appreciate the
beauty of the rose, is the Gardner Family Tree Grove and Rose
Garden. In August, 2014, the James J. and Joan A. Gardner
Family Foundation announced their gift of $2.3 million to
create one of the next features at Smale Riverfront Park.
The grove will be covered by over 80 shade trees including
oaks, honey locust and American elms, with an understory of
redbuds and drifts of flowering shrubs. The rose garden will
be framed by low seatwalls, climbing roses on a trellis, and
planting beds. A lawn in the center of the rose garden will be a
setting for weddings and other special functions.
“The establishment of this grove and garden in Smale
Riverfront Park is a joyful yet bittersweet occasion for the
foundation and for our family,” said Gary Johns, chair of the
Gardner Family Foundation and son-in-law of Jim and Joan
Gardner. “…Jim had wanted to do something significant for
the city for some time, to give back to the community that had
meant so much to him, his wife and family for so many years;
however, he passed away before we could finalize our plans
for this gift. This would have meant the world to him,” Johns
commented.
8 | cincinnatiparksfoundation.org
Users have the ability to rate
and review businesses they’ve
used. Cincinnati Parks is
featured in an article entitled
“Best & Worst Cities for
Recreation”, by Richie Bernardo.
When rating the quality of the
The Cincinnati Parks Nature Education
program has changed its name to
Explore Nature! to reflect the exciting
changes made to engage and entice
children and adults to come outside
and connect to nature. Offering a wide
range of programs from GrandCamp
for 3 and 4 year olds and grandparents,
to Canine Camp, to the “Ravine to
Freedom” (a program that highlights the
history of a documented Underground
Railroad trail that traverses LaBoiteaux
Woods); everyone can enjoy these
outstanding parks programs.
Families enjoy the Parks Amazing
Family Race and Ride that brings teams
of adults and children together to
decode puzzles, solve riddles and find
their way to the next designation. A
returning participant remarked, “Once
again, the clues and challenges were
so very clever; fun themes; and very
clear instructions. Everything was very
organized from registration to finish
line! We had a blast!”
Parents in our community are realizing
their children need to be outside – as
evidenced by the record attendance at
our Summer Day Camps. Attendance
jumped from an average of 1,650 per
summer to 1,945 children this year
with 98% of our camps filled! Our
Harry Potter Camp was quite popular
this year. When asked, one of our
parents had a difficult time narrowing
down which program their child loved
best, “They couldn't name one that
was the best, but they LOVED this
new Harry Potter camp.”
Visit www.cincinnatiparks.com
to find an activity that will fit your
plans. Whether it’s learning about
night sky through a monthly series
in the Wolff Planetarium at Trailside
Nature Center; getting into the holiday
spirit at December events occurring
at LaBoiteaux and California Nature
Preserves; or venturing on a hike
during one of our monthly public
programs; we have something for every
member of your family! Our Naturalist
staff takes pride in offering handson learning at over 1,200 programs
annually serving more than 48,000
individuals.
FAR LEFT: These campers
have a great time exploring
the creek in French Park
during Explore Nature!’s
Summer Camp.
Wallet Hub Ranks Cincinnati Parks on Top
The Cincinnati Parks were
recently highlighted in Wallet
Hub, a free online community
geared towards providing
information to consumers to
help them save money and
make sound financial decisions.
Explore Nature Offers Something for EVERYONE
LEFT: One happy canine
camper is thrilled to receive
his diploma after graduation.
parks, Cincinnati Parks ranked
in the top four. Our Parks were
rated based on accessibility,
park area compared to city area,
number of playgrounds and
other categories.
5 | cincinnatiparksfoundation.org
A Smale Riverfront Park Spring
The spring of 2015 promises to be something special for our city with no fewer than seven ribbon-cuttings for new
features in Smale Riverfront Park from May – July. Here is an inside peek at these features as we move to the west of
the Roebling Bridge on Mehring Way:
Carol Ann’s Carousel – The steel and glass building structure is up and the colorful animals to be housed in the
carousel arrive next March. Artists at Carousel Works, Mansfield, Ohio, have been carving and painting figures for
months. Each animal tells a unique story about Cincinnati so each carousel ride will be not only a fun ride, but also a
short journey through Cincinnati history, culture and traditions. The carousel opens on to a plaza, and a south-facing
balcony overlooking the park. To top it off, local artist, Jonathan Queen has been busy all year painting whimsical
versions of Cincinnati Park scenes (with animals enjoying the parks) that will cover the fascia of the carousel. (The
carousel is a gift to the city from the Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr./US Bank Foundation)
Vine Street Plaza – The carousel sits at the west end of a new plaza that will contain a shallow pool of water
enlivened with water jets, bordered by balconies rimmed with water curtains dropping into pools. A grand stairway and
water cascade at the end of Vine Street drops down to Mehring Way. (The water features surrounding the carousel are
a gift from Susan and Joseph Pichler)
The Annie W. & Elizabeth M. Anderson Pavilion – Located beneath the carousel, this beautiful facility will feature
over 5,000 square feet of sub-dividable space that includes the Longworth and Mendenhall Rooms. The pavilion will
be street level and provide a perfect setting for weddings, parties and corporate functions. Offering views of the P&G
Go-VibrantScape, the Gardner Rose Garden and Tree Grove, the Roebling Bridge and providing access to a plaza and
loggia, the pavilion is certain to be a destination spot for many celebrations! (The Pavilion is a gift from The Anderson
Foundation).
P&G Go-VibrantScape – You might well ask what a “vibrantscape” is since there is nothing quite like it anywhere else.
This feature is all about creating unique and irresistible play features that will draw people of all ages – with the intent
of engaging them in fun activities leading to inadvertent exercise. That’s right, this is a sneaky way to compel people to
play and get healthier along the way. As an example, there will be a giant interactive keyboard. When someone steps
on keys, the chimess will be activated to play music. Another feature will be a flying pig – visitors pull on ropes and the
wings flap. (This feature is a gift from the P&G Fund).
Heekin/PNC Grow Up Great Adventure Playground – This new playground next to the Roebling Bridge features
twin racing slides, a rock climbing canyon, a swinging rope bridge, unique musical drums, a tumbled log climber, tree
stump steps, tot toys and a misting space. It is unlike any other playground in the park system and is sure to be a
popular spot for families. (The Playground is a gift from the Helen & Brian Heekin; Trey & Chris Heekin and PNC Bank).
Castellini Esplanade – Next to Elm Street at the west entrance to Smale, will be a feature commemorating the
produce industry which formerly occupied the site. A cobbled granite plaza, decorative metal panels depicting produce,
and seating reminiscent of old fruit and vegetable crates all recall the site’s history. Not only will this be a popular
spot to sit and enjoy the river view, but it may also serve as a periodic farmers market – almost a southern extension of
Findlay Market. A unique additional feature here will be picnic tables on wheels which can move along rails installed
in the picnic terrace to recall the train tracks that used to be on the site. (The Esplanade is a gift from the Castellini
Foundation)
The Gardner Family Rose Garden & Tree Grove – The Gardner Family Rose Garden will be full of a variety of
beautiful rose bushes, planting beds and trellises surrounded by flowering shrubs and redbuds. The Tree Grove
provides the perfect connector of tree lined walkways and open space as visitors explore the rest of the West park
features including more swings and a shelter. (See article on page 8 for more details on this gift from the
Gardner Family).
6 | cincinnatiparksfoundation.org
7 | cincinnatiparksfoundation.org