Cincinnati Parks...Sustaining Our Parks Photo By Thomas Schiff ANNUAL REPORT 2016 - 2017 Top from left to right: Smale Family Fun days were the summer hotspot for kids to enjoy free face painting, lawn games, and more; Smale Fit & Fun hosted summer weekly free yoga programming at Schmidlapp event lawn; offers a morning jogger and dog a quiet place to start the day; Monarch's were in full flight at 's international butterfly show "The Majestic Monarch" Left Page: Campers enjoy a hike through the wilderness at Explore Nature! Summer Day Camps

OUR MISSION Conserving, managing, sustaining, and enhancing Parks’ natural and cultural resources and public greenspaces - for the enjoyment, enlightenment, and enrichment of the community.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Message from the Park Commissioners 4 Awards & Accolades 5 Contact Us 6 Planning & Design 8 Explore Nature! 12 Urban Forestry 17 Volunteer Spotlight 18 Park Advisory Councils 19 Volunteer Services 20 Carol Ann’s Carousel 26 Krohn Conservatory 30 Business Services 36 Social Media Community 40 Financial Services 42 Green Leaf Program 43 Maintenance Cost Centers 44 Waterfront 46 CincinnatiPAGE 4 Parks...Sustaining Our Parks Cincinnati Parks...Sustaining Our ParksPAGE 5

A MESSAGE FROM CINCINNATI BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS

The Park Board is pleased to share the accomplishments of Fiscal Year 2017, which brought many impressive achievements. The newly renovated and The Cincinnati Park Board is comprised of exceptional community and corporate leaders who are a vital part of our successful organization. The Board expanded Ziegler Park will bring welcomed beautification and improvements to the Sycamore and Main Street areas. Some of the highlights of this of five Commissioners volunteer their time and talents in support of our mutual commitment to continued care and maintenance for the positive trajec- project include the new underground parking garage, a new pedestrian walkway, picnic areas, a comfort station, and sprayground. Ziegler Park is tory of Cincinnati Parks. Additional volunteerism by the Park Board includes: participation in ribbon cutting ceremonies, presentations to business and scheduled to officially open June 2017. community councils, public speaking engagements, and attendance at monthly Board sessions.

The Krohn Conservatory Holiday Show, "A Whimsical Wonderland" and the Butterfly Show, "Majestic Monarch" generated robust attendance and revenue. More than 52,517 patrons visited the Holiday Show, and over 74,717 patrons visited the Butterfly Show. Our Explore Nature! education camps performed at a 97% customer satisfaction rate. Once again this year, Cincinnati Parks was ranked in the Top 10 among our nation’s best parks by the Trust for Public Land. Locally, Smale Park was voted Best Local Park in City Beat’s Best of the City. Our more than 5,439 loyal volunteers share in this success, and we are sincerely grateful to them for providing year-round support of numerous park projects and programming.

This also has been a year of farewells and new beginnings for Cincinnati Parks. In May, we said good-bye to Willie Carden, Jr. who has worked for the AWARDS & ACCOLADES City of Cincinnati for 30 years and served as our Director of Parks for the past 14 years. During his tenure, Mr. Carden oversaw the development of Theo- THE TRUST FOR Cincinnati Parks received recognition as one of the best park systems in the dore M. Barry International Friendship Park and Smale Riverfront Park, among several landmark accomplishments. We thank Mr. Carden for his vision, PUBLIC LAND nation. The ranking was based on how many residents live within a 10-minute leadership and dedication to our Parks. May 2016, we selected our new Director of Parks, Wade Walcutt, who comes to us from Greensboro, North walk of a park, park size, park investment and the inclusion of popular amenities Carolina, where he served as Director of Parks and Recreation since 2014. like dog parks, playgrounds and recreation centers.

On behalf of the Board of Park Commissioners, we want to thank the City Administration, our amazing senior team and their staff, and our corporate ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION 2017 TREE CITY USA RECOGNITION and community partners for their hard work and collaboration in service to our Parks. Most importantly, we want to express sincere appreciation to our To qualify as a Tree City USA community, a town or city must meet four standards devoted neighborhood volunteers. We could not succeed without their continuous support of our parks system, thank you. Truly, it takes a city to make established by the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State wonderful parks for all to share and enjoy. Foresters. The Cincinnati Park Board has received Tree City USA recognition for 34 years!

TRIPADVISOR 2017 CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE The 2017 Certificate of Excellence is a prestigious award that can only be earned through consistently great reviews, that are published on the TripAdvisor travel site.

CINCINNATI 2016 BEST OF PARENTING - DAY CAMP FAMILY MAGAZINE Readers participate and vote in an annual Best of Parenting Awards for Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Cincinnati Parks’ Explore Nature! program was voted a finalist for ‘Best Day Camp!’

ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION 2017 TREE CITY USA RECOGNITION - GROWTH AWARD The Tree City USA Growth Award is awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation to recognize higher levels of tree care by praticipating Tree City USA com- munities. The Growth Award highlights innovative programs and projects as DIANNE M. ROSENBERG, ROBERT D.H. ANNING, well as increased commitment of resources for urban foresty. It also provides an President Vice President opportunity to share new ideas and successes across the country.

CITY BEAT 2017 URBAN LIFE READER PICKS Cincinnati Parks was named in nine categories: Best City Parks, Best Tennis Courts, Best Playground, Best New Thing, Best Scenic Overlook, Best Kid-Friendly Attraction, Best Free Attraction, Best Hiking Trail, and Best Jogging Route

OHIO CHAPTER 2017 SAFETY AWARD INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY In recognition of the City of Cincinnati's distinguished OF ARBORICULTURE service, preparedness and their exemplary proactive Urban Forestry management program.

CINCINNATI Carol Ann's Carousel was named #1 for the "50 Fun PARENT MAGAZINE Activities for $5 or Less Guide!" and #6 on Cincinnati Parent Magazine's "100 Awesome Things to do this Summer in Cincy" SUSAN F. CASTELLINI LINDA LEE THOMAS BRAD LINDNER

Sawyer Point's tennis courts ranked #1 by City Beat Urban Readers CincinnatiPAGE 6 Parks...Sustaining Our Parks Cincinnati Parks...Sustaining Our ParksPAGE 7

Cincinnati Parks Organization Tree

CONTACT US DIRECTOR OF PARKS NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT Wade A. Walcutt 513-352-4079 Dave Gamstetter 513-861-9070 West Youth Krohn District OPERATIONS & LAND MANAGEMENT PARK ADVISORY COUNCILS Employment East Marketing District Jim Burkhardt 513-861-8970 Cheryl Alexander 513-352-4079 & Public Fuel/Fleet PLANNING & DESIGN PARK FACILITY RENTALS & QUESTIONS Relations Management Planning/ Steve Schuckman 513-475-9600 Administrative Office 513-357-2604 Premier Park Design Green Greenleaf BUSINESS SERVICES PARK SPECIAL EVENTS & SPECIAL USE PERMITS Facilities Technology Property Central Management Graphic Jackie Binford 513-357-2619 Jenny Mobley 513-357-2602 District Design Budget FINANCIAL SERVICES PREMIER PARK EVENTS 513-221-2610 Reservations Financial Carol Ann’s Marijane Klug 513-357-2608 Event Rentals for: Krohn Conservatory, French House, Gibson House, Facility Reporting Carousel CAROL ANN’S CAROUSEL Ault Park Pavilion, Pavilion, Berry Pavilion, Mt. Echo Pavil- Management Human Natural Resource ion, Maple Ridge Lodge, The Anderson Pavilion, and Oak Ridge Lodge Explore Nature! Administration Resources Tashae Watkins 513-381-3756 Management CENTRAL DISTRICT PARKS STREET TREES & TRAILS Special Information Projects Riverfront Technology Dave Boutelle 513-961-1800 Jim Godby 513-861-9070 Special Capital Project Events & Green EAST DISTRICT PARKS URBAN FORESTRY Management Permits Auditing Procurement Lou Sand 513-321-8439 Robin Hunt 513-861-9070 Planning Business Financial Volunteers EXPLORE NATURE! & NATURE CAMPS VOLUNTEERS & GREEN UP DAY & Design Services Services Waterfront Ruthann Spears 513-321-6070 Jennifer Harten 513-861-8970 Operations GREENSPACES AND GATEWAYS WATERFRONT PARKS Ann Uhlman 513-861-9070 Office 513-352-6180 Director of Parks KROHN CONSERVATORY WEST DISTRICT PARKS Parks Foundation Board of Park Commissioners Andrea Schepmann 513-352-4080 Larry Parker 513-251-8728 Urban Forestr Board Park Advisor Councils Maor of Cincinnati

Citiens of Cincinnati KROHN & EXPLORE NATURE! SPOTLIGHT: KROHN PRESCHOOL NATURE CAMP January 2017 marked the first time Parks' Krohn Conservatory and Explore Nature! held a joint preschool camp. This pilot program served 16 very energetic and adorable 3 ½ to 5 year old children. Camp was held on three consecutive Mondays while Krohn was closed to the public. This gave the children a sense of having the conservatory all to themselves.

Each Monday we explored a different nature theme, which included Birds, Gifts from Trees, and Scavenger Hunt Day. Campers made bird feeders for wild birds in their own backyards and tasted all kinds of new fruit from trees found inside the conservatory. The children enjoyed playing educational games, singing nature songs, exploring the gardens outside of Krohn and reading stories together.

Right: Explore Nature! preschool camp at Krohn Conservatory; Next Page: Fleischmann Gardens is a beautiful place to take in the autumn colors | Photo by Tom Schiff CincinnatiPAGE 8 Parks...Sustaining Our Parks Cincinnati Parks...Sustaining Our ParksPAGE 9

ZIEGLER PARK Successful work with the Corps of Engineers and our congressional The park was expanded with features including a new playground, delegation, resulted in expanded federal authorization for the project to be swimming pool, sprayground, walkways, lighting, landscape and a new able to receive future appropriations to complete the park. comfort station. The project was a $25 million partnership with 3CDC that included a new lawn area constructed on top of a new parking garage. PARK PLANNING A number of park improvement plans advanced including the LYTLE PARK development of a first phase improvement plan for Inwood Park adjacent The master plan for the park was refined and presented to the com- munity at a public meeting. Staff worked with Western-Southern and Eagle Realty to develop a partnership agreement with the Park Board and the City in which the Western-Southern Financial Fund will contribute to over half the cost of implementing the refined master plan. Detailed design work started in order to take the plans from PLANNING & DESIGN concept drawings to construction documents. SMALE RIVERFRONT PARK Design work advanced on the boat dock and future phases of the park and a Request for Qualifications and then a Request for Proposals was Planning, Design and Facilities is the section prepared in order to retain a construction manager for the boat dock. The contract between the City and the Ohio Department of Natural responsible for Parks' capital improvement Resources for a major federal grant for the boat dock was executed.

program, budgeting, planning, design, and man- Below: Lytle Park in the spring; Right: Smale Riverfront Park boat agement of facilities and infrastructure. dock rendering The section manages construction projects, master planning, park enhancements, renovations and repairs. Staff is also responsible for strategic and long range planning, property transactions, general park development and public art. Program highlights include the following: Ziegler Park, Lytle Park, Smale Riverfront Park, Park Planning, Trails & Greenways, Capital Improvements, and Facility Management. CincinnatiPAGE 10 Parks...Sustaining Our Parks

Above: Improvements were completed by Planning & Design team at the Auburn Triangle; Above Right: Damaged stone pier and stone eagle figure were restored at the entrance; Right: The Oak Ridge Shelter in Mt. Airy was renovated and the foundation rebuilt

Above: Rebuilt in 2017, the Heekin Overlook pergola and garden provides a shaded spot for reading and reflection at Ault Park. to new housing development. Improvements were completed at the • The Waterfront Paver replacement project at Auburn Triangle which is located at the entrance to the Corryville Yeatmans Cove was completed neighborhood and adjacent to a major new residential development. • All the light poles and furnishings at Friendship Park were painted • Installed a new boiler at Maple Funding was provided from the Department of Economic Development. • Concrete repairs were carried out at the Waterfront Ridge Lodge Also funded by the Department of Economic Development and the FACILITY MANAGEMENT Department of Transportation and Engineering is the new master plan • Storm sewer renovations were completed in Eden Park This section carried out preventive maintenance and repairs at over 120 • Installed a new motor at the gateway for Westwood Town Hall Park. After an extensive public engagement buildings as well as for the infrastructure of fountains, utilities, hose sculpture pond at Sawyer Point process, a new master plan was created for this park, which will be located • New playgrounds were installed at Stuart Park and M. L. King boxes and furnishings. There were over 3,000 scheduled preventive in the center of the Westwood Business District. These plans were then Park and a new playground was designed for Alms Park maintenance tasks completed as well as over 2,000 individual repair • Carried out major patching and developed into construction documents and the improvements are slated projects. Special projects included the following: painting work at Ault Pavilion to begin in the summer of 2017. • Concrete repairs were done at Hoffner Park • Repaired the Hauck Garden gazebo Park staff also worked with a group interested in developing a mountain • Repairs were made at the Melan Arch Bridge in Eden Park bike trail system in Mt. Airy as a pilot project and presented the idea at a • Installed HVAC equipment at the Mt. Airy number of community meetings. Staff also worked with the State on • Roof repairs were completed at the Administration Building Service Building and the Ault Pavilion kitchen a funding agreement for the Ault Commons project, and with potential and at the Bandstand donors and the Foundation on several projects. Other projects included • Built displays for Carol Ann’s Carousel and a new vestibule for working with individuals who are proposing a new sculpture designed • Retaining walls were repaired at Eden Park and Jergens Park the Butterfly Show at Krohn Conservatory to go in a public park, and reviews of several neighborhood improvement plans. • Repairs were made to the Washington Park fountain • Rebuilt the Heekin Overlook pergola at Ault Park

TRAILS AND GREENWAYS • Sidewalk and roadway repairs were made • Repaired the Avon Woods entry sign and installed new Specific trail alignments were further developed for the Ohio River Trail, in Eden Park near the gazebo signs at LaBoiteaux Woods and Little Duck Creek Trail, and the Mill Creek and Little Miami Trail and how these trails would link up, and staff worked with a regional trails • A new door security system was put into place • Installed benches at Auburn Triangle group and completed a new comprehensive trail plan to connect up bike at the Administration Building trails within the city. Also design work was completed on the first phase • Retrofitted lights at Sawyer Point with new LED fixtures of the Wasson Way Trail which is expected to start construction by the • The damaged stone pier and stone eagle and installed LEDs at Caldwell Nature Preserve summer of 2017. figure were restored at the Eden Park entrance • Tested in-house all 130 backflow preventers CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS: • New floors were installed at the Alms Park comfort station • The Oak Ridge Shelter in Mt. Airy was renovated and and at a Washington Park comfort station • Carried out electric work at Yeatman’s Cove in support of the foundation rebuilt the paver replacements along the top of the Serpentine Wall Cincinnati Parks...Sustaining Our ParksPAGE 13 33,492 children and 7,292 adults explored nature at 1,277 programs

REPRESENTS 100 CHILDREN REPRESENTS 100 ADULTS EXPLORE NATURE! PROGRAMS SCHOOL PROGRAMMING This past year, Explore Nature! offered many special events such as Explore Nature! staff did 334 school programs Halloween Hikes, Maple in Mt. Airy, the Amazing Family Race, and reaching 11,047 children and 2,225 adults. The naturalists Camp Fire on the Bluff. Some of our other public programming included did programming at public and private schools. About two-thirds of the astronomy programs at the Wolff Planetarium along with night hikes school programming were done at the centers, the rest in the schools. where our guests became aware of owls and other nocturnal wildlife. Even when we do programming at the schools, we still make sure the Nature-themed birthday parties were popular and our scout programming children do a portion of the programming outside where the children can for girls and boys were very well attended. Homeschool programs were actually “interact” with nature. We are happy to report that we did the so popular we held a week long summer camp just for homeschoolers and same number of school programs as 2016 despite a sharp decline in funds lengthened the homeschool programs. Our spring and winter day break for school field trips. camps were the highlight of many children’s vacations from school. Guid- ed tours by our naturalists for adults are on the increase due to an interest EXPLORE NATURE! in the revitalization of Cincinnati Parks. We combined staff from different centers this past year to enable Explore Cincinnati Park Board has provided quality Nature! to offer more family friendly programs with a strong diversity of themes and activities such as our Thanksgiving Traditions, Family educational programming at five nature Science Night and Springfest.

centers, neighborhood parks and Right: Kids at Smale Riverfront Park enjoying the PNC Grow Great Grand autumn program; Below: Explore Nature! partnered preserves, and at outreach community with the US Forest Service National Parks’ 100th anniversary sites since the 1930s. These year-round "Every Kid in a Park” to lead programming at Mt. Airy Forest programs, events and activities are offered for Pre-K to adults of all ages on a wide variety of topics that teach appreciation for our natural resources and parks in Cincinnati. We help our guests discover and appreciate the natural world around them from tapping maple trees, to the stars and beyond. CincinnatiPAGE 14 Parks...Sustaining Our Parks

NATURE NEXT DOOR: INNER CITY OUTREACH Our free eight week summer Nature Next Door program encouraged We partnered with the USFS to celebrate the National Parks’ 100th an- children to explore nature in their own neighborhoods. These locations niversary by working with them on their “Every Kid in a Park” program. included Lincoln Recreation Center Play Area (West End), Fleishmann The US Forest Service chose Explore Nature! and Mt. Airy Forest to do Gardens (Avondale), Roselawn Park (Roselawn) and our well - known joint programming with 13 other environmental education groups for 150 Washington Park (OTR). Cincinnati Public School students. The National Parks Foundation and the US Forest Service were the sponsors of this program. A new approach this past year was to have more experiential education to capture the imagination of the students & it did! We had outside present- Our partnership with the Camping and Education Foundation allowed ers do programming with live bats, amphibians, insects & birds of prey to students to experience canoe paddling with Urban Wilderness along the delight of almost 4,000 children & adults. with programming about the water cycle and Native American life styles presented by Explore Nature! naturalists and staff from the Camping and Our free Nature Next Door school year-round outreach programs Education Foundation again at no cost to the students. provided important hands-on experiences in science and natural history during the academic year for 31 classes. Thanks to grants, classes had two programs at their schools by our naturalists. Then all these classes visited Avon Woods Nature Center this spring to experience the wonder of nature Above Left to Right: It's a bugs life! Kids explore bugs at the '"Nature Next Door" first hand guided by our naturalists. program; Explore Natures! popular Summer Camps host ages 3 1/2 - 12, above is Avon Woods Preschool Camp; EXPLORE NATURE! PARTNERSHIPS Next Page: French Park has picturesque trails for guests to hike Explore Nature! always seeks opportunities to partner with other envi- ronmental educators and volunteers. Our traditional programming such as Maple in Mt. Airy, Halloween Hikes and Holiday Crafts could not hap- pen without the help of individual volunteers and volunteer groups. Some of our programs were presented with great partners such as KCB, CRC, ORSANCO, Hamilton County Soil and Water, Cincinnati Wild Flower Association, community councils and park advisory councils.

New this year, Explore Nature! partnered with the US Forest Service, the Camping and Education Foundation and Urban Wilderness to present completely new programming at no cost to students. CincinnatiPAGE 16 Parks...Sustaining Our Parks

30 Head Start classes join Cincinnati Parks naturalist at Smale Riverfront Park for hands-on learning as part EXPLORE NATURE! SPOTLIGHT: of the PNC Grow Up Great programming grant. URBAN FORESTRY PNC GROW UP An urban forest consists of all of the vegetation within an urban GREAT GRANT area, both planted and naturally occurring. In Cincinnati, the urban Cincinnati Parks’ Explore Nature! is working in conjunction with the Theodore M. Berry Head forest includes street trees, city parks, and wooded rights-of-way. Start Children and Family Learning Center, the Early Head Start Life Learning Center and the Hamilton County Educational Service Center in this first year of implementation of the three- year PNC Grow Up Great programming grant.

The programming provided by Explore Nature! STREET TREES FIGHT CRIME focused on three primary themes satisfying the With 5000 acres of park forests and 85,000 street trees, Cincinnati is one categories. Based on the quantity of trees grant requirements: Science of Water and the of the greenest cities in North America. When viewed from above, 39% removed at each site, the researchers calculated Water Cycle; Cincinnati’s Natural History; and of the land area is covered by tree canopy. While it is known that trees that the loss of each tree was associated with a Natural Habitats of the Ohio River, and incor- provide wildlife habitat, oxygen, reduced home energy costs, carbon, significant increase in theft, breaking, and en- porating Green Energy concepts pollution, and stormwater abatement, a recent study found that trees also tering, property crime incidents, simple assaults, where appropriate. reduce crime. felony assaults, and violent crimes at EAB in- fested block groups compared to in non infested These programs included active and static ele- The invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been plaguing Cincinnati block groups between 2007 and 2014. ments such as hands-on activities and interactive ash trees since 2007. To date, approximately 5000 ash street trees have demonstrations; education through play and died and been removed. Because Cincinnati maintains accurate records of These results are consistent with criminology song; introductions to basic nature conservation, where and when ash trees are removed, the United States Forest Service theories that suggest that trees reduce crime by awareness and stewardship. and University of Pennsylvania researchers decided to use Cincinnati for a making the built environment less attractive to study on the relationship between tree removal and crime. potential offenders. In contrast, tree loss may be The grant provided transportation & three visits a sign of neighborhood blight, which signals to with Cincinnati Parks’ naturalists for 30 Head Studies have identified varying, and sometimes contradictory, associa- a potential offender that a neighborhood is not Start classes. In the fall, the students had their tions between presence of trees and crime. For example, dense vegetation well cared for. Most studies on EAB have been first program at the Heekin Family/PNC Grow has been shown to promote crime by providing criminals a place to hide focused on environmental costs, however, it Up Great Adventure Playground at Smale Riv- themselves or illegal goods. In contrast, emerging evidence suggests that appears to affect social behavior as well. erfront Park. During the winter, the naturalists urban green space, measured in various ways, may be associated with low- visited the Head Start groups at their centers er rates of crime and violence. Street trees and large residential lot trees Citation: for their second program. In the spring, all the have been associated with fewer total crimes, property crimes, Kondo, Michelle C.; Han, SeungHoon; Dono- groups visited the Heekin Family/PNC Grow and vandalism. van, Geoffrey H.; MacDonald, John M. 2017. Up Great Adventure Playground again for the The association between urban trees and crime: third and final program in the series. Using data provided by the Cincinnati Police Department, crime statistics Evidence from the spread of the emerald ash borer in were compared to tree removal in years between 2005 and 2014 in each Cincinnati. Landscape and Urban Planning. 157: PARTICIPATION SURVEY of the 307 census block groups in the city (statistical divisions of census 193-199. Teachers tell us, what was the best part of this tracts, containing between 600 to 3,000 people). After using modeling fall program at Smale Riverfront Park? and statistics, the study found that ash removal due to EAB infestation was significantly associatedwith higher crime in EAB-infested block “Seeing the excitement from the children...first groups compared to control block groups with no EAB in most crime experience for some of the children to travel in the downtown area. The children seemed to have enjoyed the park and the activities.”

“The children had a wonderful time and can't wait to go back. The park staff was fantastic. The kids especially loved exploring the park.”

“The children getting to experience the park, especially them experiencing standing under the singing bridge and hearing the cars pass”.

“The best part was the nature hike.” VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHTS: Cincinnati Parks...Sustaining Our Parks THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT PAGE 19

Thank you to all of the loyal dedicated volunteers who have donated 21,600 hours of their time to help Cincinnati Parks. While we can't recognize every individual your work is appreciated and Cincinnati Parks gratitude goes beyond words.

MARLENE HOLWADEL ADOPT-A-PLOT GARDENS JENNY SMITH Located in Ault Park’s old formal gardens this is a garden area where approximately 35 volunteers A long time member of the Ault Park Advisory Council and long history of working with Parks as maintain 40 small landscape beds. Cincinnati Parks and the Ault Park Advisory Council support a Horticulture Technician and volunteer extraordinaire! Currently she is maintaining a couple of the volunteer gardener’s efforts by providing seasonal help for watering and purchasing mulch. Adopt-A-Plot gardens in Ault Park. Her favorite spot now is what she calls ‘The Secret Garden’ at the Bettman Natural Resource Center in O’Bryonville. Jenny raises funds for plants and puts many FERNBANK GARDEN CLUB gardening hours into the Bettman gardens and the individual plots at Ault Park. The volunteer group (shown right) was established in 1922 and is the oldest ALAN BUNKER garden club in Cincinnati. The members 45 year career in Forestry, retired in 2014 and started volunteering for Parks this year as a Horticul- have cared for the Nelson Sayler Park ture Assistant in Ault Park. Alan does a variety of projects including Honeysuckle removal, pruning landscape beds. They actively plant, and maintaining landscape beds with annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs. Alan also assists with Below: Vantiv, a corporate volunteer, participates in water, weed, and mulch around trees, Urban Forestry’s forestry regeneration transects project. Ault Park is known for its extensive public the annual Greater Cincinnati Corporate Challenge. shrubs, perennials, and annuals. It is display gardens. Enjoys being outdoors and staying active both mentally and physically. Corporate volunteerism encourages team building, and truly a labor of love for these volunteers LARRY JONES giving back to community, while Parks get much needed and they do it because they love work accomplished. their community. An active volunteer in Mt. Airy Forest with a total of approximately 376 hours for the year. Mr. Jones contributes to Parks trail maintance program where he picks up litter, removes invasive NORTHSIDE GREENSPACE plant species, and occasionally installs water bars to mitigate irrrotion on the trails. He loves the INC. (NGI) outdoors, wants to stay active, and supports the community with public service. He is an active A volunteer non-profit organization established in 1993 to identify, preserve, and restore natural volunteer throughout the city, participating in River sweeps, City Clean Ups, and Keep Cincinnati areas in Northside, surrounding Cincinnati and Ohio communities. Cincinnati Parks has enjoyed Beautiful projects to name a few. the benefits of this group by their continued volunteer work in two of our Northside parks, But- tercup Valley and Parker Woods. NGI regularly schedules volunteer work days to remove invasive DEAN REGAS plant species and plant native species. The highlight of this year was the collaboration between An active community member of the Columbia Tusculum neighborhood and lives adjacent to Alms Parker Woods Montessori School, NGI, and Parks. On a chilly Saturday morning in November 26 Park. Mr. Regas volunteers his time in Alms Park during the winter months removing invasive volunteers including 5th and 6th graders, their parents, teachers, neighbors, and NGI cleared hon- plant species such as Honeysuckle. The fruits of his labor are becoming evident as the wildflowers eysuckle behind the school. The following Monday Parks staff chipped the enormous piles of cut emerge on the forest floor. brush. NGI has their monthly meetings at our LaBoiteaux Woods Nature Center and has regular educational hikes and speakers concerned with preserving and restoring the native habitat in our local forests and preserves.

WALNUT HILLS HIGH SCHOOL (WHHS) The volunteer group was started by student Josie Backers and her mother Susan Diballa a few short years ago. The WHHS students, teachers, and parents work with the Evanston Community Coun- cil, WHHS Foundation, and administration. They scheduled monthly volunteer outings to remove invasive plants and plant native species in the park area in front of the school. Senior Mackenzie Park Advisory Councils Neighborhood Contact Brown secured a grant from a ‘Caring for Our Watersheds’ competition. The funding helped purchase native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plant species for the area they are calling ‘Hoyles Ault Park Advisory Council Mt. Lookout Rob Kranz Field’ along Victory Parkway in front of the historic WHHS building. Avon Woods Advisory Council North Avondale/Paddock Hills Joyce Coleman Bettman Gardens E. Walnut Hills/Evanston Jennifer Smith Bradford-Felter-Tanglewood College Hill Jay Staples Burnet Woods/Mt. Storm Corryville/Clifton/CUF Steve Slack California Woods Council California John Lindberg/Jim Farfsing Drake Park Advisory Council Kennedy Heights Michelle Dragga Eden Park Advisory Council Walnut Hills/Mt. Adams Fred Orth Fleischmann Gardens Council Avondale Melvin & Brenda Grier Kennedy Heights/ Kennedy Heights Kate Kern/Lisa Pickering Woodford Parks LaBoiteaux Woods Council College Hill Drew Asimus Mt. Echo Advisory Council East Price Hill James Turner/Eric Buhrer Northside Greenspace, Inc. Northside Anita Buck Owls Nest Advisory Council E. Walnut Hills/Evanston Rae Vuic Rapid Run Advisory Council West Price Hill Mary Jo Bazeley Sayler Park Advisory Council Sayler Park Amy Searcy Smale Riverfront Park /Central Riverfront Linda Phillips Stanbery Park Advisory Council Mt. Washington Mark Lorenz/P. Elgersma Wilson Commons Council East Price Hill Mary Croft

Above: The Walnut Hills High School Community Volunteers CincinnatiPAGE 20 Parks...Sustaining Our Parks Cincinnati Parks...Sustaining Our ParksPAGE 21

CORPORATE VOLUNTEER PROJECTS COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER PROJECTS Agencies throughout the greater Cincinnati area participate in Park Cincinnati Parks could not function as well as it does without the help of volunteer projects in many of our regional and neighborhood parks. our community volunteers throughout the year. A tremendous amount Corporations such as General Electric, KAO, PNC Bank, Vantiv, Hylant of support was given by multiple groups and organizations for various Insurance, Duke Energy, Scherzinger Pest Control, and many others pro- park locations. Approximately 750 hours were donated by groups from vide volunteer teams to complete tasks that would not otherwise get done. , the Wildflower Society, Fernbank Garden Club, Elder, It is mutually beneficial when corporations encourage team building, and Happen Inc., CIY Engage, community councils, and many others! Green give back to their community, while Parks get much needed work accom- Up Day events took place during the month of April in several local parks plished. Each year Parks depends more and more on volunteer support to such as Seasongood Square, Fairview, Burnet Woods, Inwood, Stanbery, keep our parks clean, safe, and reliable.

The 11th annual Greater Cincinnati Corporate Challenge was very suc- cessful, with 900 volunteers from 24 participating organizations. The VOLUNTEER SERVICES day started early with a kick-off at Sawyer Point and delivery of an en- ergetic welcome from Council Woman Yvette Simpson. Leaders from Each year, new groups, individuals, and the participating groups helped to cheer the volunteers on for a day of team building and fun. A total of 21 projects were completed with 1950 companies join our ongoing efforts to bags of mulch, 580 cubic yards of mulch, 355 cubic yards of playground safety surface, 100 perennials, 10,000 annual flowers and 112 trees help make Cincinnati Parks more beautiful and shrubs. Volunteers also worked on habitat restoration by removing invasive honeysuckle. One of the highlights for the 2017 GCCC was and enjoyable for all citizens. In fiscal year a generous $5,000 donation by KAO. This donation allowed Parks to 2017, a total of 5,439 individuals donated purchase bulk mulch and plant material for Ault Park. 38,255 hours of their time and talents to help Cincinnati Parks maintain our status as “one of the top urban park systems in the country.” Volunteers saved Cincinnati Parks a total value of $956,375 (based on the estimated $25.00 per hour value of volunteer time from the Independent Sector).

represents 100 donated volunteer hours

Right Page: Volunteers from Vantiv & GE at the Greater Cincinnati Corporate Challenge tackle mountains of mulch! Cincinnati Parks...Sustaining Our ParksPAGE 23

and Kennedy Heights Parks. Over 1,200 hours were donated to help plant trees, spread mulch, provide general parks clean-up and much more! During the "Go Local" volunteer event sponsored by Crossroads Church 600 volunteers donated 1,800 hours of their time. Thank you to our com- munity volunteers. INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS Cincinnati Parks is very lucky to have several volunteers that donate their personal time to Parks. Their hours vary but each individual gives of their time and energy for self gratification and to contribute to their commu- nity. With five volunteers donating approximately 545 hours annually projects and tasks such as litter pick up, trail work, honeysuckle removal, and gardening were accomplished. YOUTH VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTIONS Engaging youth in our volunteer programs is very important to culti- vating an environment of learning and community contributions. This year Cincinnati Parks partnered with high schools, colleges, and Scouts to accomplish many great things such as habitat restoration and bridge building. Schools that partnered with Parks this year include Deer Park, Walnut Hills, Madeira, Gamble Montessori, Clark Montessori, Miami Valley Christian Academy, , Xavier University, and others. Youth volunteer hours are estimated at 3,429 hours 900 stu- dents working in collaboration with Park staff. KROHN VOLUNTEERS Krohn Conservatory is a popular regional attraction in Eden Park both URBAN FORESTRY SPOTLIGHT: for its architecture and botanical displays. Hosting five floral shows per year, including the international butterfly show. The crafts, educational DEER CULLING programs and floral show displays wouldn't be possible without the help • 2016-17 marked the 8th safe & successful bow hunting season of 600 dedicated individuals volunteering 7,222 hours. for parks. • 139 deer were harvested from 10 parks during the season. CAROL ANN’S CAROUSEL VOLUNTEERS • A total of 1073 deer have been harvested since the beginning of the Over 90 volunteers have contributed approximately 225 hours to help bow hunting program. with the smooth operation of Carol Ann's Carousel. These volunteers act • 157 volunteer hunters passed the qualifications to participate in the as ambassadors by helping direct the public, keeping riders safe on the bow hunting program. Almost 37% of those hunters were successful at carousel, and providing general information about Smale Riverfront Park harvesting deer, 18% harvested multiple deer. and its many features. • 10 hunters volunteered to help with qualifications and preparing hunter packets. Hunter volunteers have logged over 96,467 hours since EXPLORE NATURE! VOLUNTEERS the project start, beginning, providing an estimated cost savings Our Explore Nature! volunteers help at special events, outdoor service of $964,670.00 to Cincinnati Parks. projects, educational programs and summer camp team assistants. These • Thanks to the deer culling program, thousands of acres of native volunteers contribute 2,842 hours of their time helping Park Naturalists and wild species are being preserved. with environmental education and preservation. Parks is educating the • Two hunters donated 3 deer to local food banks this season. In next generation of environmentalist to care for and preserve our addition, hunters have found an innovative way to help the community. natural environment. They have donated the hearts from their harvested deer to the Biology Department at Lakota East High School. Students then used them for DEER CULLING VOLUNTEERS dissection as part of their class studies. The teachers were thrilled to get Volunteers for the deer culling program are skilled and dedicated. The them, saying “superior to the hearts studentsusually dissect,” and “more 157 volunteers racked up over 12,100 hours in the field to control our deer supple as once living hearts would naturally be.” We look forward to population. The deer population is devastating our natural environment, continuing/expanding this part of the program. public landscaped areas, and greenspaces as they forage for food. Without natural predators to control the deer population we have come to depend on our deer culling volunteers to assist us to reestablish and maintain Left: Tulips in bloom at Lytle Park; Right: Volunteer's help at the Greater Cin- balance in our City parks. cinnati Corporate Challenge; Next Page: Krohn Conservatory's Holiday Show, "A Whimsical Wonderland" encouraged guests to use their imagination and explore poinsettias of a different color! Featuring displays by Applied Imagination.| Photo By Gary Kessler Krohn Conservatory's Holiday Show, "A Whimsical Wonderland" | Photo By Gary Kessler CincinnatiPAGE 26 Parks...Sustaining Our Parks Cincinnati Parks...Sustaining Our ParksPAGE 27

CAROL ANN'S CAROUSEL THE ANDERSON PAVILION Upon entering the glass building, you are struck by the beauty of the Nestled on the banks of the Ohio River with the Cincinnati skyline as its Carousel itself and the views of the Ohio River. The Carousel offers 44 backdrop, The Annie W. & Elizabeth M. Anderson Pavilion in Smale different characters to ride such as a tiger, blue heron, pigeon and catfish. Riverfront Park— a gift of the Anderson Foundation—is located at street Each character has its own connection to Cincinnati and is meant to offer level underneath Carol Ann’s Carousel. With spectacular views, contem- a way to introduce history and science to children. porary elegance decor & ambiance, state-of-the art technology and an award-winning in-house culinary group, The Pavilion will offer a 350+ The amazing fascia paintings by local artist Jonathan Queen and the stun- seat conference facility, ideal for hosting a wide variety of events. ning view of the Roebling Bridge makes the Carousel a must see for all!

Carol Ann’s Carousel brings back memories to many and creates new memories as parents bring little ones for their first ride, birthday cele- bration, or to a Carousel family friendly programming event; couples get CAROL ANN'S CAROUSEL engaged, fiancés wed, while the Carousel majestically whirls. In fiscal 2017, there were over 36 programs/events produced by the Carousel. While looking for something new to entertain The Carousel has had over 225 volunteer hours and there have been over 85,000 tokens purchased fiscal year to date! Since opening, there have and educate, Cincinnati Parks has turned to been approximately 275,000 riders! So won’t you join the many, something decidedly old: a wooden carousel. and create your own memory at Carol Ann’s Carousel!

In 2015 Carol Ann’s Carousel, a hand-carved Right: The corvette is a top 5 popular 'ride' at the carousel for kids; Below: Riders wooden carousel filled with whimsical charac- enjoy a whirl at Carol Ann's Carousel | Photographs by Gary Kessler ters related to Cincinnati life, history and culture, opened its doors for the first time. The carousel is named for Carol Ann Haile, who, along with her husband Ralph, had a passion and commitment for communities on both banks of the Ohio Riv- er. Together, they had the desire to advance the quality of life for the Greater Cincinnati region. Below Left to Right: Riverfest fireworks over Labor day weekend is a ceremonial CincinnatiPAGE 28 Parks...Sustaining Our Parks close for many to the end of summer; Penguins came to visit Carol Ann's Carousel at the Arctic Blast event; The frog prince made a visit to win Carol Ann's Carousel Halloween contest at this year's Trick-or-Treat event

Above: Kids are mesmorized by the Explore Nature! program; Right: The Anderson Pavilion at Smale Riv- erfront Park is a top notch event center for use from weddings to corporate luncheons.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: CAROL ANN'S CAROUSEL SPOTLIGHT: THE KROHN CRAFTERS NEW SPECIAL EVENTS The first holiday tree at Krohn Conservatory was decorated by sisters Hester and Bernice Since 2016, there have been over 50 new programs and events developed Stephenson in 1933. For 84 years, volunteers and Parks staff have continued the to engage visitors at the Carousel. The whimsical and nature educational annual tradition creating natural adornments for both the holiday tree and key events have included themed Family Fun Nights, Insect Day, Toast to stand-alone displays. This craft group, known as the Krohn Crafters, still Art series, Carousel in Bloom, Nostalgia Weekend, Read Around Days, continues to meet on a monthly basis at Bettman Natural Resource Center. as well as Arctic Blast!

The philosophy of the The Arctic Blast Event showcasing the Carousel’s penguin, is held group is to collect ma- the weekend of Thanksgiving. It’s become an annual tradition of terials, rather than buy. This holds exuberance with live penguins from Newport Aquarium, interactive true today. All of the materials used educational penguin fun, penguin and winter themed crafts, as in the ornaments have been hand well as a Q&A penguin session for prizes! collected by the crafters themselves. At a glance ahead, the Carousel has many new events and programs Next time you visit the Krohn coming soon, inclusive of a Solar-gazing event with the Cincinnati Conservatory Holiday Show, stop Observatory, a Royal-Tea Party, Carousel Comic Con, Western Day, to admire the incredible handmade Santa-bration and many more. Come whirl with us on Carol Ann’s ornaments hanging from the limbs Carousel, and enjoy the excitement! of the tree. You will be looking at a decades old tradition that began when our doors first opened. CincinnatiPAGE 30 Parks...Sustaining Our Parks Cincinnati Parks...Sustaining Our ParksPAGE 31

HONEY BEES IN THE SUMMER BREEZE The Summer Show, presented by Scherzinger Termite and Pest Con- amenities, were added to this show to provide a blend of past and modern. trol, kicked off the fiscal year with “Honey Bees in the Summer Breeze” Events such as Nostalgia Nights featuring Molly Wellman, fall Bonsai running July 2 to August 21. This beautiful floral display exhibited ways and Orchid shows, and weekly Victorian themed crafts provided visitors to attract beneficial bees and pollinators to your garden. Volunteers helped with unique fun experiences. A total of 8,973 people came to this show! construct beautiful honeycomb beds and the graphic design team created honeycomb shaped educational signage. The floral beds were filled with A WHIMSICAL WONDERLAND bright yellow, orange and golden flowers. Visitors got to dance through The 2016 Holiday Show at the Krohn Conservatory had a whimsical new a guided floral path to learn honey bees communicate with each other to twist on the holiday traditions running November 12 to January 8, 2017. find nectar. Over 11,058 people attended this summer show making it the The creative flair of 'A Whimsical Wonderland' presented by Scherzinger highest ever attended summer show! Termite and Pest Control encouraged guests to use their imagination and explore poinsettias of a different color! This show featured poinsettias of FALL BACK IN TIME royal blue, lively orange, and deep purple along with the more traditional KROHN CONSERVATORY The fall show, “Fall Back in Time,” was presented by Scherzinger Termite hues. The interactive train display and botanical architecture was intensi- and Pest Control. The show ran from September 3 to October 23. The flo- fied with fanciful pompom junipers, vibrant globe amaranths, and cheer- The Conservatory is named for Irwin M. Krohn, ral design was inspired by formal gardens of the Victorian era. In Victori- ful powder puff plants. Sprigs of painted twigs and patterned branches an England, gardens were a thing of art and beauty created to encourage intertwined with twisted, curly grasses and various tropical flowers to honoring his 25 years of dedicated service on the peaceful reflection. This was a time when flowers held special meaning create this captivating landscape. Extended hours in December provided and were sometimes used to portray secret messages. Visitors enjoyed the time for families to enjoy live musical performances, the Schmalz Family Board of Park Commissioners. Constructed in wonderful colors of the fall season such as chrysanthemums, fuchsias, and holiday display, “candlelight” nights and great photo opportunities. Over lavender. Some elements of “steampunk,” a style which steals its inspira- 52,517 guests attended the show which is an increase over previous years. 1933, the glasshouse structure reflects an Art tion from Victorian fashions blended beautifully with gears and modern

Deco influcence. Activities include special tours, Below: Krohn Conservatory's exterior 30' butterfly greeted guests to "The Majestic Monarch" show; | Photo By: Scott Opp school programs, elaborate horticulture displays and more. The changing seasonal floral shows have been a popular attraction since the conser- vatory opened, and the showroom is redesigned five times a year with beautiful floral installations.

74,717 Visitors

Represents 1,000 Butterfly Show Guests CincinnatiPAGE 32 Parks...Sustaining Our Parks Cincinnati Parks...Sustaining Our ParksPAGE 33

Above: The Majestic Monarch show features 15,000 butterflies in free flight | Photography by Lynda Rust ; Right: A whimiscial wonderland brought wonderment and imagination to this year's holiday show props.

BLOOMS ON THE BAYOU The 2017 Spring Show, 'Blooms on the Bayou', presented by Scherzinger Termite and Pest Control was inspired by the colorful culture of New Orleans, which features both a fun, festive side of the ‘Big Easy’ as well as the eerie, yet enchanting, swampy southern bayou. The show ran from January 21 to March 12. The Louisiana bayou boardwalk in the midst of bald cypress trees, blossoming bog lilies, and Spanish moss were a huge hit with visitors who explored the mysterious river shack. They danced to Dixieland jazz in the traditional New Orleans courtyard and were surrounded by Crepe Myrtle and Magnolia trees glittered with beads! Special events like the Valentine’s Date Night and the first ever Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball were a huge success! Attendance for this show was a whopping 15,514 visitors! THE MAJESTIC MONARCH The 2017 Butterfly Show, 'Majestic Monarch', presented by Macy’s ran from March 25 to June 18. This year's show featured scientific infor- mation about the amazing journey of the Monarch Butterfly and a new activity booklet designed like a Field Journal to encourage our junior 11,058 Visitors 8,973 Visitors “Citizen Scientists” to gather data. Guests experienced what it’s like to be a small butterfly surrounded by towering fir trees and giant flowers in this display where everything was larger than usual. By empowering our “Citizen Scientists” they discovered types of food butterflies are attracted to and ways to attract butterflies to a garden. Additional items included the butterfly landing pads scented with jasmine, the 'Citizen Scientist' activities, and investigation stations. In addition, many special events such as Watercolor Wednesdays, Butterfly Pajama Parties, Science Geek Week, and the Daffodil Show added to the appeal of this already popular show. Attendance for this show was 74,717 visitors!

52,517 Visitors 15,514 Visitors Top Left to Bottom Right: Fall Back in Time featured Victorian era gardens and props; the picture captures a 'butterflies view' of the show room | Photograph by David McCullough; "Honey Bees in the Summer Breeze" handpainted signs gave inspirational quotes a homie touch; Guests ventured across the boardwalk to a vodoo shack at the Early Spring Show "Blooms on the Bayou" CincinnatiPAGE 34 Parks...Sustaining Our Parks

KROHN SPOTLIGHT: HOW AN IDEA BECOMES A KROHN FLORAL SHOW Inspiration for show design is everywhere. Once an idea is settled on, and nectar back to their hive. Many of the participants volunteered their inspirational images are gathered into a storyboard to convey an overall time to increase knowledge about the importance of bees. mood & theme of what the show should include. The storyboard typically includes images of specific plants, props to construct, ideas for floor plan The Krohn team created Six “Bee Happy” Saturdays. The events were layout, craft examples, and ideas for educational signage and events. created to be family friendly and accesible to all ages. Educational components as well as hands-on crafts matched each weekend's theme: The 2016 summer show, "Honey Bees in the Summer Breeze" storyboard included images of modular honeycomb shaped bed designs, examples • Bee-Utiful Pollinators of monochromatic yellow planting schemes, and images of the "waggle • Mind Your Own Beeswax dance" and "round dance" that honey bees use to communicate where food • Honey Bee Mine is located. After the storyboard is created, the next steps involve taking • Bee Crafty these images and developing them into construction drawings and plans • Fairy Gardens for new/modified props, as well as drafting a floor plan design. The floor • Hug-a-Bug plan for each show is drafted in DynaSCAPE by the Krohn florists. The shows at Krohn continue to be successful. Thanks to the creative “One of the most interesting facts about honey bees is that they dance and hard working Parks staff and volunteers that help design and a certain way in order to communicate with their hive the distance and install these shows. direction of a nectar source.” By using this fact about honey bees as inspiration, the Krohn Florists designed a path that visitors could actually walk to learn the "round dance" and "waggle dance". Below & Left: "Honey Bees in the Summer Breeze" featured colorful signage, raised The summer show was a monochromatic planting scheme, most of the honeycomb planter beds, and a visit from a friendly Krohn bee! plants were shades of yellow, orange, gold, and white and included certain nectar plants that honey bees are drawn to. Plants are usually selected about a year out from when they are needed. Once the Krohn team chooses the plants they would like to use, they turn this list over to the Cincinnati Parks' Warder florists who make contact with suppliers and schedule delivery of the small plants. This ensures that plants are available, and have time to grow from plugs at Warder nursery so they are blooming and show-ready for opening day.

The props for each show vary greatly and often this is a key area for volunteer participation. Volunteer workshops hosted at Cin- cinnati Parks' Sinton facility are scheduled throughout the year to create and store the new props for shows. Since there were so many interesting facts about honey bees, the show included educational signage. Information was provided to the graphic design team who added this to the list of other marketing materials to design. In ad- dition, several hexagonal shaped signs were cut and hand painted by a volunteer with positive messages about honey bees, which added to the uniqueness and beauty of the show.

Bee keeping and education about pollinators is a hot topic. This allowed for great community partnerships with bee keepers who assisted Krohn with educational events.

The Krohn team made contact with multiple bee enthusiasts in- cluding Bruce Allman, Jeff Harris the Ohio State Apiarist, Colleen Penquite of The Girls Bee Club, Suzy Hardin, Barbara Bloetcher the Ohio State Apiarist/Entomologist, and Gwen Roth a teacher and bee enthusiast who created a 'Pollinator Plinko' game to demon- strate the perils that bees are up against to get pollen CincinnatiPAGE 36 Parks...Sustaining Our Parks

HUMAN RESOURCES SAFETY & TRAINING: PARKS ACADEMY The responsibilities of Human Resources are to oversee and assure that For the 2016-2017 year, Parks Academy held 56 classes, which amounts all hiring, payroll, and disciplinary actions are completed within the to a total of 102 hours in the following five categories: Equipment, Man- timelines and guidelines provided by the City. agement/Supervisor, Safety, Computer Courses, and General Training.

During the hiring process, interviews are carefully designed and struc- As Director Carden often states our most critical asset is the staff. The tured to select the right talent with the skills necessary to meet the needs commitment to Parks Academy demonstrates just how important employ- of the department. Parks uses internal subject matter expert managers, ee’s growth and development is to the overall success of the department. and staff to form an interview panel that allows a precise match of Parks Academy ensures we have qualified and productive employees who employee skill and expertise. This interview process has been successful help in exceeding Park Board goals. Learning and upgrading employees’ in establishing a dynamic work team. skills makes good business sense.

Another successful initiative established by department leadership is the According to Jackie Cohen of lovetoknow.com, “training employees BUSINESS SERVICES “open door policy.” Each employee is given the opportunity to speak with while they are working, as opposed to sending them to an offsite location, their supervisor, superintendent, and even the director to discuss any con- increases the chance that learned information will be fully assimilated. cerns they may have. This policy has allowed an almost zero percent need Additionally, employees often find onsite training more enjoyable than to discipline staff for issues that may escalate to a point that may require having to go to a classroom away from the job.” outside mediation. Comprised of many elements which are essential GRAPHIC DESIGN The department’s workforce is a priority, and every effort is put forward to Another successful year designed for Krohn Conservatory’s Whimsical to the success of Parks. These include: Human research and provide updates to staff on any new initiatives, policy chang- Wonderland, Explore Nature!'s Magical Hikes, Carol Ann’s Carousel’s es, and benefit changes that may affect the career path of Park employees. birthday celebration along with over 425 designed pieces in print, digital, Resources, Safety & Training, Reservations, and environmental signage. RESERVATIONS & SPECIAL USE PERMITS Special Use Permits, Marketing & Social Media, When visitors come to Cincinnati Parks, they may not realize the atten- The Graphic Design team aimed to visually showcase this year’s theme tion and detail that goes into sustaining our Parks and facilities. Over 200 “Sustaining Our Parks,” by capturing events, programs and/or individuals’ and Graphic Design. employees contribute to the maintenance, enhancement, and beautifi- Cincinnati Parks support through programs, physical space, and experi- cation of our Parks, specifically our reservable facilities. Thanks to their ences to sustain the Cincinnati Parks mission of being clean, safe, reliable, dedication, our parks have been reserved and enjoyed for 200 years! We green, beautiful and enriching. The vignette photography, picture frame know they will be enjoyed for decades to come. In FY 2017, over 215,000 and natural floral elements of this year’s visual theme communicates a people enjoyed our reservable shelters, premier facilities, gardens, and ‘snapshot’ into those moments. special use areas in FY2017, which totaled 1,100 reservations. While each print or digital piece is a work of design, they are all part of a larger system to showcase the Parks organization. The design of the visual system—the relationships between all of those parts—is where the designers bring value.

cincparks

879,784 51,706 Facebook 28,762 Twitter 4,695 Instagram Page Views “Likes” Followers Followers Share, Like, Tweet, Hashtag What’s Happening!

4,695 CincinnatiPAGE 38 Parks...Sustaining Our Parks

BUSINESS SERVICES SPOTLIGHT: MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA The Marketing and Social Media team is the communication expressway between Parks and the PARKGAMES public. We provide the community a continuous stream of information by keeping the website cur- During the summer of 2016, the Business rent and carry on conversations with our patrons through various social media outlets. Social Media Service team created a multi-division cross and Marketing are the source for people to hear news, see events, visit new places, and engage with promotional campaign to raise the publics' Cincinnati Parks. The marketing team continually searches for the newest trends and technology awareness about the various Park programs, to advance the Cincinnati Parks brand. The marketing team posts multiple times daily across social special events, and facilities through an media channels and engage with the public through 'likes,' 'comments,' 'reshares,' and 'hearts'! interactive game and social media. Hosting contests and trivia on social media invites the public to engage with our brand and puts a 'human behind the screen.' The Cincinnati Parks main Facebook page has increased by 3,805 new ParkGames, consisted of five stickers created by 'likes' and Smale Riverfront Park has increased by 2,717 'likes.' the Graphic Design team along with a “playing card” and focused on getting the public active The combined efforts of advertising through websites, social media platforms, in conjunction with in the parks! The Marketing team promoted the numerous press releases and targeted market emails, allows engagement with the community. We event series through social media announcing have set the bar high for marketing efforts by a city parks’ department and continue to provide a cards and sticker collection spots during July & high level of service to the citizens of Cincinnati. August at Krohn Conservatory, Explore Na- ture!, Carol Ann’s Carousel, and Waterfront.

The fifth sticker, Community Engagement, was distributed at various parks and events to visitors by Business Services staff. Thanks to a successful partnership with Go Vibrant and Above left to right: Carol Ann's Carousel cascading light waterfalls wash Smale Riverfront Park Cincinnati Parks Foundation an assortment of with a rainbow of colors; Instagram allows the public to share their moments exploring nature lawn games were donated and taken to over with us using #CincyParks 15 parks to engage the community in their local neighborhood. Right Page from top to bottom: Eden Park's gazebo is a snowy wonderland escape | Photo By Gary Kessler; ParkGames participants were invited to share their 'quest for gold' on social media; Unique ParkGames closed out summer with a festival campaign materials were created by the Graphic Design team linking posters, rack cards, and stickers like atmosphere at Krohn the last weekend in for participants to collect August featuring games, music, and prizes.

CincinnatiPAGE 42 Parks...Sustaining Our Parks Cincinnati Parks...Sustaining Our ParksPAGE 43

2017 Park Board Operating 2017 Park Board Operating Epenses Budget - 18,467,860 Resources Budget - 18,467,860 FINANCIAL SERVICES 2 Greenspace Program 2 Greenspace Program 3 Customer Services 5 Stormwater Fund Cincinnati Parks’ all-funds budget in 2017 was $22.5 4 Eplore Nature! 8 Endowment Funds million. Of this total, 21% came from non-tax supported 5 Facilities 10 Street Tree Assessment sources such as grants, donations, endowments, and 8 Administration 19 Restricted Funds sponsorships, as well as fees and permits. Exclusive of 9 Krohn Conservator 56 General & capital improvements, the basic park operation budget 10 Street Tree Assessment Infrastructure Funds component of the above total was over $18.5 million. 59 Grounds Management

Admissions, fees, rents, permits, and sales generated over $3.4 million in revenue funds. Private endow- ments provided over $1.4 million in funding. Of the $18.5 million all-funds operating budget, 27% came from non-tax resources.

Cincinnati Parks receives an estimated 6 million visits per year. Over 250,000 people visit the Krohn Conserva- tory each year, which generates an economic impact of over $30 million to the Greater Cincinnati region.

In 2017, the Park Board leveraged 74 cents in funds and services for every taxpayer dollar received! History

of Parks return on every tax dollar: $.42 in 2003, $.46 in Right: Green Leaf Summer Youth participants help to keep our City 2004, $.50 in 2005, $.51 in 2006, $.62 in 2007, $.66 in parks clean, safe, reliable, green, beautiful, and enriching. 2008, $.68 in 2009, $.83 in 2010, $.74 in 2011, $.83 in 2012, $.83 in 2013, $.84 in 2014, $.75 in 2015, and .76 in 2016. GREEN LEAF The Park Board is a leader in community volunteerism, Fiscal year 2017 marks the eleventh year of the Cincinnati Parks Green our Explore Nature! nature education program and assisted our thanks to the generosity of our citizens. In 2017, a total Leaf Summer Youth Jobs Program. We have hired a total of 22 Cincinna- summer youth counselors. We are continuing with our Life-Skill of 5,439 people volunteered 38,255 hours, which is ti youth who worked eight weeks throughout our park system. component which aims to teach them financial literacy, interview skills, leadership skills, the importance of goal setting, and a host of other topics equivalent to 18.4 additional full time employees The majority of our youth staff plant, mulch, clean, paint, and pick-up lit- to provide them with life coping skills and job readiness. for the year. ter while learning to take pride in their community. Others worked with CincinnatiPAGE 44 Parks...Sustaining Our Parks Cincinnati Parks...Sustaining Our ParksPAGE 45

PARKS MAINTENANCE COST CENTERS

Parks Maintenance, Facilities, Seasongood $16,726 $ - $16,726 0.09% & Programs Cost Centers 2017 City 2017 Private 2017 Volunteer Total % Total Seymour $2,309 $ - $2,309 0.01% Smale Riverfront $2,202,910 $90,000 $1,823 $2,294,733 11.81% Alms $160,208 $3,218 $163,426 0.84% Stanbery $42,444 $2,299 $44,743 0.23% Annwood $22,810 $ - $22,810 0.12% Torrence $41,324 $2,565 $ - $43,889 0.23% Ault $593,401 $5,700 $13,792 $612,893 3.16% Valley $14,849 $ - $14,849 0.08% Avon Woods $44,422 $17,371 $61,793 0.32% Victory Parkway $85,083 $788 $85,872 0.44% Bellevue $48,919 $ - $48,919 0.25% Washington $549,780 $ - $549,780 2.83% Berry, Intern. Friendship $352,080 $ - $352,080 1.81% Waterfront $2,381,370 $85,000 $19,210 $2,485,580 12.80% Bettman $653,620 $55,000 $2,217 $710,837 3.66% Wilson $21,256 $475 $4,105 $25,836 0.13% Burnet $213,155 $8,357 $221,512 1.14% Wulsin $16,087 $2,134 $18,221 0.09% Buttercup $3,178 $ - $3,178 0.02% Misc. Parks/Facilities/Programs $3,030,144 $416,070 $148,422 $3,594,637 18.51% Caldwell $34,857 $6,141 $40,998 0.21% California $34,542 $5,927 $40,469 0.21% Urban Forestry $1,900,000 $ - $1,900,000 9.78% Central Parkway $111,108 $8,000 $ - $119,108 0.61% Greenspace $346,440 $30,000 $62,220 $438,660 2.26% Drake $88,968 $985 $89,954 0.46% Eden $862,686 $950 $55,356 $918,992 4.73% Totals $17,031,110 $1,436,750 $956,375 $19,424,235 100.00% Fairview $43,656 $ - $43,656 0.22% Fernbank Managed by Hamilton County Park District Fleishmann $1,041 $298,500 $ - $299,541 1.54% French $180,346 $950 $2,906 $184,202 0.95% 34 10 18 Glenway $33,330 $1,921 $35,251 0.18% 48 26 Hauck Gardens $27,655 $2,479 $30,135 0.16% Hoffner $12,065 $ - $12,065 0.06% Hyde Park Square $28,234 $ - $28,234 0.15% 36 Inwood $82,252 $ - $82,252 0.42% 29 13 Jackson Hill $14,115 $ - $14,115 0.07% Jergens $13,804 $ - $13,804 0.07% 09 Kennedy $69,923 $3,153 $73,076 0.38% 37 38 25 King, Martin Luther $24,645 $542 $25,187 0.13% 04 Krohn Conservatory $1,163,660 $305,190 $348,922 $1,817,772 9.36% 21 41 Laboiteaux $11,046 $- $11,046 0.06% 47 53 Lytle $61,844 $17,100 $887 $79,830 0.41% 38 40 27 Madison $18,525 $18,525 0.10% 31 22 17 Magrish $12,648 $12,648 0.07% 57 Mayfield $13,830 $13,830 0.07% 08 07 03 42 McEvoy $33,569 $33,569 0.17% Miles Edwards $17,461 $58,000 $75,461 0.39% 12 20 51 Montgomery $15,056 $15,056 0.08% 52 05 02 Morris $15,338 $15,338 0.08% 15 23 Mt. Airy $810,299 $213,944 $1,024,243 5.27% 24 01 Mt. Echo $176,162 $19,588 $195,750 1.01% 45 19 33 28 14 Mt. Storm $41,792 $2,627 $44,419 0.23% 06 Oakley $38,375 $1,478 $39,853 0.21% 54 44 50 Owl's Nest $31,494 $ - $31,494 0.16% 30 55 43 Piatt $48,673 $63,250 $197 $112,120 0.58% 49 Pioneer $32,124 $16 $32,140 0.17% 35 56 32 Rapid Run $71,407 $3,349 $74,756 0.38% 39 Sayler Park $12,066 $ - $12,066 0.06% 11 PAGECincinnati 46 Parks...Sustaining Our Parks Cincinnati Parks...Sustaining Our ParksPAGE 47

SAWYER POINT TENNIS SMALE KIDS DAY, FITNESS & FUN The 1980s was the golden age of tennis, energized by the fame of Bjorn Did you know that in addition to keeping Smale Riverfront Park clean, WATERFRONT Borg and John McEnroe. The popularity of tennis rose and tennis safe, and its amenities reliable, that Cincinnati Parks is committed to courts made their way out of exclusive country clubs into public parks. providing enriching programs for all ages to enjoy? From playgrounds Parks of vistas, of gatherings and celebrations that And in 1988, with the development of Bicentennial Commons at Saw- to spray-grounds, concessions or concerts, our Park Staff work hard to yer Point, Cincinnati opened its very own regionally renowned tennis ensure park patrons have opportunities for free entertainment. Since the reconnects Downtown to the Ohio River, and links the chain facility. Still to this day, Sawyer Point Tennis has a commendable repu- opening of Smale Riverfront Park in 2012, the park's event schedule has tation. Winning City-Beat Magazine’s “Best-Of” three years in a row, grown to include children’s plays and jazz concerts. In 2016, thanks to of parks along the water. Including: Smale Riverfront Park, Sawyer Point Tennis continues to provide court access and professional the generous support of Modo Yoga and Cincinnati Cyclebar, Cincinnati tennis instruction. Parks was able to feature free cycling and yoga classes. The 2016 Smale Sawyer Point & Yeatman's Cove, Theodore M. Berry Mind and Body program was so successful that Cincinnati Parks decided “The courts are more than just a place to play tennis… Sawyer Point to add barre classes and labyrinth tours to the schedule. With new part- International Friendship Park, Otto Armleder Park, Tennis is a location where you become a part of a community, make ners such as the BarreCode and Veriditas, Cincinnati Parks can provide new friends, and get quality instruction” says Tennis Pro Federico Mas. these additional classes at no cost to the public. and Margrish Riverlands Preserve. Between school groups, private lessons, and the Professional Tennis Registry’s International Tennis Instructor Certification Workshops, new participants are consistently visiting the courts and discovering Bicentennial Commons Park.

Bicentennial Commons at Sawyer Point consists of twenty two acres between the Purple People Bridge and Montgomery Inn Boat House. The land was once a scrap yard, until the announcement that the I-471 Interstate Bridge would be built across the Ohio River. At that time, Cincinnati philanthropist Charles Sawyer kick started the project with a million dollar donation, buying the land from American Steel. With the assistance of the Cincinnatus Association’s Riverfront Adviso- ry Council, the park’s master plan was adopted by Cincinnati City Council in 1980. The park was designed to be recreation-centric with amphitheatres, an ice skating rink, sand volleyball courts, and a world class tennis facility.

Almost thirty years old, Bicentennial Commons at Sawyer Point continues to be a place for fun and fitness. Joggers run the paved trails along the river, volleyball leagues pick up each summer season, and ju- nior tennis players advance their game on the courts. Thanks to Tennis Professionals like Federico Mas running the shop, anyone can come down for a game, receive private or group lessons, and become part of a tennis community. Sawyer Point Tennis is just another example of how we are sustaining our parks.