T H E G U I D E

For more information about CRC and its programs visit www.cincyrec.org or call CRC’s InfoLine at (513) 352-4000. Established in 1927, If bread is the first necessity of life, the Recreation Commission provides recreational, cultural, leisure and “ recreation is a close second. educational activities for Cincinnatians of - Edward Bellamy all ages and abilities. CRC's network of ” recreation centers, senior clubs, pools, golf courses, fields and other facilities is vital for Cincinnati's continuing growth and leadership. )(

The Cincinnati Recreation Commission is dedicated to providing recreational and cultural activities for all of the people in our neighborhoods and the whole community.

We believe that by enhancing people's personal health and wellness, we strengthen and enrich the lives of our citizens and build a spirit of community in our City.

1 HISTORY

1926 • After a unanimous vote by City Council on May 26, an ordinance is passed creating a Public Recreation Commission.

1927 • Cincinnati Recreation Commission is born!

1931 • Depression hits the country, and despite economic conditions, the Cincinnati Recreation Commission’s infrastructure doubles.

1945 • CRC perseveres under war conditions while the majority of CRC’s staff of supervisors were called to duty through the Armed Forces or other war agencies and industries.

1968 • CRC’s Senior Hall of Fame recognizes its first class of inductees.

1970 • CRC’s facilities now include 21 pools, 15 recreation centers, 25 playgrounds and two (2) golf courses.

1971 • CRC receives the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Administration.

1992 • The first Cincinnati Recreation Commission Senior Olympics is held.

1997 • CRC wins its second National Gold Medal Award.

• CRC wins National Recreation and Park Association’s Excellence in Aquatics Award.

2005 • CRC is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies.

2011 • CRC is reaccredited. This reaccreditation is in effect through 2016.

2012 • Happy 85th Birthday, Cincinnati Recreation Commission! • CRC’s facilities now include 32 aquatic facilities, 24 recreation centers, six (6) golf courses, and hundreds of playgrounds, courts and fields.

eleven 3 A B O U T C R C TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Cincinnati Recreation Commission maintains 1 Background and programs a variety of recreation facilities 3 History in the City of Cincinnati. Recreation centers, aquatic facilities, tennis courts, ball fields, golf 4 About CRC courses and playgrounds provide almost limitless 5 Table of Contents opportunities for exercise, relaxation and fun. 6 Community Activities Each year millions of people visit Cincinnati Recreation Recreation C enters Commission’s recreation facilities and enjoy many programs. 8 CRC offers dedicated activities for seniors and youth, thera- 10 Aquatics peutic and inclusive programs for persons with disabilities, before- and after-school programs, summer day camps, athletic leagues, volunteer opportunities and special City of Cincinnati public events. Center Map - Pull Out The Cincinnati Recreation Commission is accredited Program Grid by the Commission on Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). CAPRA accreditation uses self-assessment and a peer review process to evaluate a public agency's operations based on national standards for quality. 11 Therapeutics 12 Athletics CRC is recognized as an award-winning organization. Cincinnati Recreation Commission has earned two (2) National Recreation and Park Association Gold Medal Awards recognizing excellence in 13 Golf park and recreation management, and multilple awards and recognitions from the Ohio Parks and 15 Seniors Recreation Association. 16 Regional Destinations 18 Leadership 19 Foundation / YP Group 20 Acknowledgements

4 5 COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

RecreationRecreation Centers Centers PlayPlay Areas Areas

Cincinnati Recreation Commission’s 24 recreation centers serve as neighborhood Where would we be without play? Playtime and fun gathering spots. They provide hundreds of programs, activities, and services that time are necessary parts of life - especially in the life of spark creativity and imagination. CRC prides itself on including everyone and those a child. with disabilities can be part of all CRC activities. For more information about inclusion, contact the CRC Division of Therapeutics (page 11.) Cincinnati Recreation Commission maintains more than 100 playgrounds capturing the smiles of children and grownups alike. CRC playgrounds offer safe places to Recreation centers are the epicenter of play in Cincinnati. play, climb, slide or swing. Many playgrounds have Cincinnati Recreation Commission centers boast the following… transfer platforms, wheelchair ramps and other acces- sible play components. CRC playgrounds exceed state Amenities Memberships requirements for accessibility and safety. And they’re all over the city. including pools, teen lounges, for all ages at affordable theaters, gymnasiums, computer annual rates Playing doesn’t just happen on playgrounds. labs, dance studios and art rooms CRC offers basketball and tennis courts as well Activities as a wide network of ball fields to bring out the Classes playful side of us all. See the Athletics section of from chess and roller-skating this Guide for more information on playing from yoga and line dancing to to holiday events and tutoring martial arts and jewelry making sports with CRC. Camp CRC Events offers summer, before-school, from city-wide gatherings to after-school, specialty and neighboorhood get-togethers holiday camps

Inclusion team meets with individuals and families to include everyone

6 7 RECREATION CENTERS

Bond Hill Evanston McKie Over the Rhine 1501 Elizabeth Place 3204 Woodburn Avenue 1655 Chase Avenue 1715 Republic Street Cincinnati, OH 45237 Cincinnati, OH 45207 Cincinnati, OH 45223 Cincinnati, OH 45210 (513) (513)242 –9565 (513) 861–9417 681–8247 (513) 381–1893

Bush Hartwell Millvale Pleasant Ridge 2640 Kemper Lane 8275 Vine Street 3303 Beekman Street 5915 Ridge Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45206 Cincinnati, OH 45216 Cincinnati, OH 45225 Cincinnati, OH 45213 (513) 281–1286 (513) 821–5194 (513) 352–4351 (513) 731–7894

Clifton Hirsch Mt. Auburn Price Hill 320 McAlpin Avenue 3630 Reading Road 270 Southern Avenue 959 Hawthorne Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45220 Cincinnati, OH 45229 Cincinnati, OH 45219 Cincinnati, OH 45205 (513) 961–5681 (513) 751–3393 (513) 381–1760 (513) 251–4123

College Hill LeBlond Mt. Washington Sayler Park 5545 Belmont Avenue 2335 Riverside Drive 1715 Beacon Street 6720 Home City Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45224 Cincinnati, OH 45202 Cincinnati, OH 45230 Cincinnati, OH 45233 (513) 591–3555 (513) 352-4013 (513) 232–4762 (513) 941–01 02

Corryville Lincoln North Avondale Westwood Town Hall 2823 Eden Avenue 1027 Linn Street 617 Clinton Springs Avenue 3017 Harrison Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45219 Cincinnati, OH 45203 Cincinnati, OH 45229 Cincinnati, OH 45211 (513) 221–0888 (513) 721–6514 (513) 961–1584 (513) 662–9109

Dunham Madisonville Oakley Winton Hills 4356 Dunham Lane 5320 Stewart Avenue 3882 Paxton Avenue 5170 Winneste Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45238 Cincinnati, OH 45227 Cincinnati, OH 45209 Cincinnati, OH 45232 (513) 251–5862 (513) 271–4190 (513) 321–9320 (513) 641–0422

8 9 AQUATICS CITY OF CINCINNATI

Recreation is simply not complete without On the next three pages, you will find a grid listing of CRC’s centers and programs as well as a map water and the Cincinnati Recreation detailing locations of the recreation center or CRC facility nearest you. Please feel free to detach Commission provides many opportunities the map from this magazine and refer to it on a regular basis. to enjoy aquatics throughout the City. Nestled among the hills of the Ohio River Valley, the City of Cincinnati has the personality and charm CRC operates a mix of deep- and shallow-water of a richly historic city, complemented by the stature of a world-class business center. Cincinnati is pools and spraygrounds and offers award-winning home to major sports teams including the (MLB) and (NFL), and hosts aquatics programs that save lives by teaching national events like the World Choir Games and Riverfest, the longest running fireworks display on the people to swim. CRC instructors offer the year-round Ohio River. “I Can Swim!” program in partnership with the American Red Cross and USA Swimming. The city’s professional staff, beautiful surroundings and quality CRC programming, combine to ensure Cincinnati Recreation Commission is there where it counts — with neighborhood recreation centers. CRC pools provide fun, safe, quality aquatic programs for residents and visitors. Regional and And we’ve been a great neighbor. neighborhood pools offer hours of water fun, double as water classrooms, and even provide summer jobs. CRC pools also provide summer youth employment preparedness opportunities such as the Guard Start Learn to Earn program.

The Aquatics Division offers youth swim teams, American Red Cross lifeguard training courses, water exercise classes, Discover SCUBA sessions, kayak courses and swim stroke clinics. CRC also specializes in adapted-aquatic programs for individuals with disabilities. “ ”

10 pull-out Outdoor Outdoor Children’sHealthy LifestylesGame Senior FitnessComputer Recreation Centerszip codes begin 452 area code 513Arts & CraftsAthletic FieldBasketball CourtPrograms Fitness ProgramsRoom Gym PlaygroundProgramsTeen LoungeRoom Center

1. Bond Hill 1501 Elizabeth Pl. (37)242-9565 • • • • • • • • • • • • 2. Bush 2640 Kemper Ln. (06)281-1286 • • • • • • • • • 961-5681 3. Clifton 320 McAlpin Ave. (20) • • • • • • • • • 591-3555 4. College Hill 5545 Belmont Ave. (24) 221-0888 • • ••• • • • 5. Corryville 2823 Eden Ave. (19) 251-5862 • • • • • • • • • • • 6. Dunham Complex 4356 Dunham Ln. (38) 861-9417 • • • • • • • • •• 7. Evanston 3204 Woodburn Ave. (07) 821-5194 • • • • • • • • • 8. Hartwell 8275 Vine St. (16) 751-3393 • • • • • • • 9. Hirsch 3630 Reading Rd. (29) 352-4013 • • • • • • • • • •• 10. LeBlond 2335 Riverside Dr. (02) 721-6514 • • • • •• • • • 11. Lincoln 1027 Linn St. (03) 271-4190 • • • • • • • • • • 12. Madisonville 5320 Stewart Ave. (27) 681-8247 • • • • • • • • • • • • 13. McKie 1655 Chase Ave. (23) 352-4351 • • • • • • • • • • • • 14. Millvale 3303 Beekman St. (25)381-1760 • • • • • • • • • • • • 15. Mt. Auburn 270 Southern Ave. (19)232-4762 • • • • • • • • • • • 16. Mt. Washington 1715 Beacon961-1584 St. (30) • • • • •• • • •• 17. North AvondaleClinton 617 Springs Ave.321-9320 (29) • • • • • • • • • • • • 18. Oakley 3882 Paxton Ave. (09)381-1893 • • • • • • • 19. Over the Rhine 1715 Republic731-7894 St. (10) • • • • •• • • • 251-4123 20. Pleasant Ridge 5915 Ridge Rd. (13) • • • • • • • • • 941-0102 21. Price Hill 959 Hawthorne Ave. (05) • • • • • • • • • • • • 662-9109 22. Sayler Park 6720 Home City Ave. (23) 641-0422 • • • • • • • • • •• 23. Westwood Town Hall 3017 Harrison Ave. (11)• • • • • • • • 24. Winton Hills 5170 Winneste Ave. (32)• • • • • • • • •

All information is subject to change. Contact centers for additional information and availability. S C I T U E P A R E H T CRC believes everyone should be included, especially those with with those especially included, be disabilities andCRCinvitesallpersons toparticipate inany program. should everyone believes CRC team sports, dances, specialand eventsinstructional sports, and wheelchair outings leagues, fitness, andbowling Miracle gatherings, aquatics, social League Baseball. adapted include programs specialized and Adapted physical and intellectualdisabilities. programs offered The by the TR Division meet the needs disabilities. and interests of individuals recognized with with Therapeutic individuals for internationally programs in Commission’s and leader a as nationally Recreation is Division Cincinnati (TR) Recreation 1968, in Created first pitchtoaneager participantattheTRReds Fantasy Camp. While on the Miracle League Field, Cincinnati Reds player Chris Heisey throws the 11 ATHLETICS GOLF

CRC has many sports for all ages. Cincinnati Recreation Commission proudly offers six outstanding golf facilities.

Baseball is one of America's favorite sports and CRC Featuring outstanding service in friendly atmospheres, the CRC golf courses offer great golf at truly has one of the country's largest programs for adults affordable prices. Conveniently located throughout the City of Cincinnati, the golf courses are and youth. The baseball program features national perfect for every level of player, from a seasoned golfer to a beginner just starting to play the game. tournaments and recreational play. CRC partners with Whether you are looking to host your group's next golf outing with us, or wish to play in one of CRC’s the Cincinnati Reds and the Cincinnati Knothole Asso- in-house events, CRC golf courses offer the ideal place to play. ciation to provide baseball opportunities for everyone. The CRC golf courses feature a variety of instructional programs for beginner golfers looking for Softball leagues run in the Spring, Summer and Fall. an easy and non-intimidating introduction to the game, as well as programs designed to fine-tune Co-rec, men's and women's leagues are played at skills of advanced players. The courses also offer a comprehensive adaptive golf program which, various fields throughout the city. All leagues and caters to those with physical and cognitive disabilities. officials are USSSA-sanctioned and certified. Outings & Event Experiences Tournament & Event Schedule Ready for 3-on-3-tournament action or a weekly game of hoops? CRC offers year-round basketball The CRC golf courses have the ideal venue for your The CRC golf courses welcome golfers to play in programs, special events, tournaments and leagues next event including corporate outings, fundraisers, CRC open competition, social and senior events, for men, women and youth. business events, community gatherings and more. From junior events, Cincinnati Recreation Women's Golf Association (CRWGA) events, and club championship Flag and tag football leagues are USFTL-sanctioned 18-hole shotguns to unique 9-hole outings, we can series. Please contact the host golf course for and run year-round. CRC partners with the NFL’s customize and host your event to meet your specific specific information about a listed tournament or event. Cincinnati Bengals and attracts serious athletes as needs at an affordable price. In addition, the Glenview well as recreational players. Back Room has 3,000 square feet of banquet and After the dedication of the North Avondale Tennis Courts, professional tennis player, John Isner assists a youth conference space, full-service catering, and a large participant with her swing. CRC offers tennis lessons, leagues, tournaments, covered deck with additional outdoor seating. Our camps and other tennis activities on more than 100 professional staff will work closely with you to host an courts citywide. excellent event that is both memorable and successful.

Volleyball anyone? CRC offers year-round leagues for men's, women's and co-rec teams. Leagues play Golf Courses on indoor courts in the fall and winter, and sand 4081 Reading Rd. (29) 281-0322 courts in the summer months. Avon Fields California 5920 Kellogg Ave. (28) 231-6513 Glenview 10965 Springfield Pike (46) 771-1747 Neumann 7215 Bridgetown Rd. (48) 574-1320 Reeves 4747 Playfield Ln. (26) 321-2740 Woodland 5820 Muddy Creek Rd. (33) 451-4408 12 13 SENIORS

The Cincinnati Recreation Commission senior programs offer something to fit every lifestyle with a wide selection of activities for those aged 50 and older. CRC recreation centers offer activities such as aerobics, sports, crafts and dance.

A highlight activity for CRC seniors is the annual Southwest Ohio Senior Olympics. Since 1992, this fun and challenging program has promoted healthy lifestyle choices and is open to athletes ages 50 and older. Events include golf, swimming, tennis, track & field and many more.

Since 1968, CRC has honored Hamilton County seniors at the annual Senior Citizen Hall of Fame. More than 1,600 seniors, aged 60+, have been inducted. This event unifies the Cincinnati community and recognizes the benefits and talents of its extraordinary senior citizens.

As part of the CRC family, seniors take part in congregate meals at many CRC centers. These meals are just one more way that seniors are involved and included at Cincinnati Recreation Commission neighborhood facilities.

SeniorSenior Meal Meal Site Locations Sites

Beechwood Seniors 330 Forest Ave. (29) 281-2346 Oakley Seniors 3882 Paxton Ave. (09) 321-9407 Pinecrest Seniors 3951 W. Eighth St. (05) 921-8922 Price Hill Seniors 949 Hawthorne Ave. (05) 251-0279 Stanley Rowe Seniors 1621 Linn St. (14) 721-5682

Senior Olympics Information 352-4012 Senior Hall of Fame Information 352-4000

Leonard Shore Senior Center 4745 Playfield Ln. (26) 321-7560

15 REGIONAL DESTINATIONS

Dunham Recreation Complex Lunken Airport Playfield Otto Armleder Memorial Park & Recreation Complex The Dunham Recreation Complex features Lunken Airport Playfield is home to a recreation center and many acres of premier outdoor tennis courts, an Located on Cincinnati’s East Side, landscape which include a playground, 18-hole, par-3 golf course and Otto Armleder Park is 350 acres of walking trails, shelter, sand volleyball driving range, a 5.0 mile walking Cincinnati's best outdoor green space. courts, aquatics center and deluxe water and biking trail, the Land of Make Armleder Park's amenities include bike and play area, ball fields and more. Believe Playground and the Spirit of walking trails, a dog park, open meadows, playsets, championship soccer fields and '76 Pavilion covered shelter. Cincinnati Reds players Chris Heisey, Todd Frasier, Nick Masset and Central to Dunham’s campus, the Dunham Recreation a covered shelter complete with grills and a Fred Lewis pose with players at a TR Reds Fantasy Camp. Center houses all programs and operations such as fireplace. Armleder Park provides access to CRC tennis courts are used by youth, adults, day camps, activities for seniors, pottery facilities, Tiger Lily Press printmaking, arts and crafts and the Little Miami Scenic River for recreational professionals, amateurs and enthusiasts alike. preschool activities. boating as well as open and relaxing views of Each year, many tennis tournaments are played surrounding hillsides. Otto Armleder Park is on Lunken’s courts at the Carl and Edyth Lindner The Otto Armleder Memorial Regional Aquatics Center at Dunham Recreation Complex on the Dunham jointly operated by the Cincinnati Recreation Family Tennis Center. campus delights children and adults with its slides, water features and zero-depth entry pool. Commission, Cincinnati Park Board and Hamilton County Park District. The innovative Miracle League Field is a synthetic turf surface at Dunham Recreation Complex that provides Reeves Golf Course provides enjoyment individuals with and without disabilities the opportunity to play in the same park. for adults and youth. Visitors can play rounds on the course or just practice their swing at the driving range.

The Spirit of '76 Pavilion is available for rental for all types of gatherings including company picnics, family reunions and get-togethers with friends.

Parents of playground-age children can rest easy in the Land of Make Believe Playground. With a fenced-in play area complete with swings, slides, mazes, concessions and an air-conditioned entrance; kids enjoy their time at Lunken just as much as their parents do. 16 17 LEADERSHIP

CincinnatiCincinnati Recreation Recreation Foundation Foundation The Cincinnati Recreation Commission is a policy-setting, The Cincinnati Recreation Foundation, established in 1996, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to aiding and improving the quality of life for Cincinnati citizens. independent board of five (5) The Foundation supplements the services offered by the Cincinnati Recreation Commission and members that bring quality purchases recreation equipment, awards youth scholarships, supports senior citizen programs and provides programs for youth with disabilities. recreation programming

to Cincinnati. The Foundation functions through the generous donations of countless individuals, businesses, industries and organizations. The Director of the Recreation Department reports to the Commission, which includes one (1) Park Board member, one (1) Cincinnati Board of Education member, three (3) Mayor-appointed members Call the Cincinnati Recreation Commission at 352-4000 to get involved. and an at-large Youth Commissioner. The Commission holds monthly public meetings and is responsible for setting CRC policy. Funding for CRC comes from a combination of revenue- generating programs and taxpayer dollars. The departmental budget is allocated and approved by Cincinnati City Council.

YoungYoung Professionals Professionals Group

Composed of a multi-disciplinary team of creative and community-minded young professionals, the CRC Young Professionals Group (also known as the REC-ing Crew) strives to strengthen the Cincinnati Recreation Commission and benefits the Cincinnati community.

The group, along with the Commission and the Foundation, helps maintain CRC’s assets and its many facilities and services, through fundraising, social events and community outreach.

18 19 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

City of Cincinnati Mark Mallory, Mayor Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager David Holmes, Assistant City Manager Scott Stiles, Assistant City Manager

City of Cincinnati Council Members Roxanne Qualls, Vice Mayor Laure Quinlivan Chris Seelbach Yvette Simpson P.G. Sittenfeld Christopher Smitherman Cecil Thomas Charlie Winburn Wendell Young

Cincinnati Recreation Commission Kazava Smith, President Dawn Denno, Vice President Roscoe A. Fultz Stephen MacConnell Chris Nelms Hunter Phifer, Youth Member

Christopher A. Bigham, Director Stephen J. Pacella, PGA, Superintendent Michael A. Thomas, Superintendent

Acknowledgements Stephanni J. Cohen, Creative Direction Bunny Arszman & Lisa Kruse, Copy & Editing Emi Villavicencio, Design & Photography Faith LaTorre, Design & Photography P. Gage Burke, Design & Photography

Special thanks to DAAP Co-op Program - especially the students who have worked at CRC - for their dedication to excellence in graphic design & photography.

Printed by United Graphics Printing

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