Parks... Continuing to Make THE Difference

CINCINNATI PARK BOARD 2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT CINCINNATI PARK BOARD 2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT

Cincinnati Parks... Continuing to Make THE Difference

950 Drive • Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 • (513) 352.4080 • www.cincinnatiparks.com Cincinnati Parks... 34 10 18 48 26 Continuing 36 to Make 29 13 09 37 38 25 THE 04 21 41 47 53 38 40 27 Difference 31 22 17 57 08 07 03 42

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PARKS MAINTENANCE CITY FUNDS PRIVATE FUNDS VOLUNTEER TOTAL % TOTAL 49 Smale Riverfront $836,050 $2,558 $838,608 4.91% 50 Stanbery $42,608 $3,226 $45,834 0.27% 51 Torrence $41,483 $2,565 $44,048 0.26% 52 Valley $14,907 $14,907 0.09% 53 Victory Parkway $85,412 $1,106 $86,518 0.51% 54 Washington $555,030 $555,030 3.25% 55 Waterfront $1,917,070 $26,959 $1,944,029 11.37% 56 Wilson $21,338 $5,760 $27,098 0.16% 57 Wulsin $16,149 $2,995 $19,144 0.11% Misc. Parks/Facilities $3,318,922 $250,845 $208,288 $3,778,055 22.11%

CLOCKWISE FROM UPPER LEFT: Explore Nature! summer camper; Smale Riverfront Park; -themed Scotts Floral Urban Forestry $1,800,000 $1,800,000 10.53% carpet at Fountain Square, volunteers from Duke Energy at the 8th Annual Mayor’s Corporate Greenspace $422,150 $9,000 $87,316 $518,466 3.03% Challenge work at the Smale Anniversary Gardens off of Butler and 5th Streets Totals $14,841,550 $907,500 $1,342,125 $17,091,175

2 Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference 31 PARKS MAINTENANCE COST CENTERS

PARKS MAINTENANCE CITY FUNDS PRIVATE FUNDS VOLUNTEER TOTAL % TOTAL 1 Alms $160,827 $4,516 $165,343 0.97% 2 Annwood $22,898 $22,898 0.13% 3 Ault $595,691 $5,700 $19,355 $620,746 3.63% 4 Avon Woods $44,593 $24,378 $68,971 0.40% 5 Bellevue $49,107 $49,107 0.29% 30 6 Berry, Intern. Friendship $353,439 $353,439 2.07% 7 Bettman $463,246 $40,000 $3,111 $506,357 2.96% 8 Burnet $213,977 $11,728 $225,705 1.32% 9 Buttercup $3,190 $3,190 0.02% 10 Caldwell $34,992 $8,618 $43,609 0.26% 11 California $34,675 $8,318 $42,993 0.25% 12 Central Parkway $111,537 $8,000 $119,537 0.70% 3CDC 13 Drake $89,312 $1,382 $90,694 0.53% 14 Eden $866,015 $950 $77,684 $944,649 5.53% 15 Fairview $43,824 $43,824 0.26% 16 Fernbank Maintained by Hamilton County Park District 17 Fleishmann $1,045 $150,000 $151,045 0.88% 18 French $181,042 $950 $4,078 $186,070 1.09% 19 Glenway $33,459 $2,696 $36,154 0.21% 20 Hauck Gardens $27,762 $3,479 $31,241 0.18% 21 Hoffner $12,111 $12,111 0.07% 22 Hyde Park Square $28,343 $28,343 0.17% 23 Inwood $82,569 $82,569 0.48% 24 Jackson Hill $14,170 $14,170 0.08% 25 Jergens $13,857 $13,857 0.08% 26 Kennedy $70,192 $4,425 $74,617 0.44% 27 King, Martin Luther $24,740 $760 $25,500 0.15% 28 $707,360 $382,490 $489,658 $1,579,508 9.24% 29 Laboiteaux $11,089 $11,089 0.06% 30 Lytle $62,082 $17,100 $1,244 $80,427 0.47% 31 Madison $18,597 $18,597 0.11% 32 Magrish $12,697 $12,697 0.07% 33 Mayfield $13,883 $13,883 0.08% 34 McEvoy $33,699 $33,699 0.20% 35 Miles Edwards $17,528 $17,528 0.10% 36 Montgomery $15,114 $15,114 0.09% 37 Morris $15,397 $15,397 0.09% 38 Mt. Airy $813,426 $6,650 $300,237 $1,120,313 6.55% 39 Mt. Echo $176,842 $27,489 $204,331 1.20% 40 Mt. Storm $41,954 $3,687 $45,640 0.27% 41 Oakley $38,523 $2,074 $40,597 0.24% 42 Owl’s Nest $31,616 $31,616 0.18% 43 Piatt $48,861 $33,250 $276 $82,387 0.48% 44 Pioneer $32,248 $23 $32,271 0.19% CLOCKWISE FROM UPPER LEFT: The water fountains COVER PHOTOS: at Washington Park provide many visitors with a fun and Award-winning Smale Riverfront Park; City Flea Market at award-winning Washington 45 Rapid Run $71,682 $4,700 $76,383 0.45% refreshing way to play; beautiful fall colors delight these Park; playground at Washington Park (photo courtesy of the Urban Land Institute) 46 Sayler Park $12,113 $12,113 0.07% visitors to ; mom and daughter admire a butterfly at Krohn Conservatory’s Butterfly Show; a Snowy Owl 47 Seasongood $16,790 $16,790 0.10% “snowman” created by an Explore Nature! Winter Break 48 Seymour $2,318 $2,318 0.01% Camper at Caldwell Nature Center

30 Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS CINCINNATI PARKS FOUNDATION Our Mission Message from the President 5 Conserving, managing, sustaining, and enhancing Friendraise, Fundraise, Advocate Awards & Accomplishments 7 FRIENDS OF THE PARK Full Time Staff Parks’ natural and cultural resources and public 8 › 100% Board Participation Organization Chart / Contact Info 9 greenspaces —for the enjoyment, enlightenment, › $152 , 0 89 – from 421 donors Greenspace Program 1 0 - 11 and enrichment of the Cincinnati community. 8th HATS OFF! LUNCHEON 2014 Conserving & Managing Our Parks 12 -13 › 886 attendees - $310,000 (gross) Planning & Design 14 -16 with $210,000 (net) up 11% Parks Advisory Council 17 8th GENTLEMEN OF STYLE AND SUBSTANCE Financial Services 18 › 236 attendees over $30,000 raised Our Sponsors & Partners 19 Volunteers 2 0 - 21 7th GOLF OUTING $45,300 (4 new foursomes) 5% increase Explore Nature! 22-23 › Krohn Conservatory 24 -25 PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK Business Services 26 -27 › 209 attendees $25,000 raised Waterfront Events 28 › Parks Foundation 29 CHILDREN’S TEA (First-time event) Maintenance Cost Centers 3 0 -31 › 230 guests; 4 new sponsors; $15,000 raised MEET THE CANDIDATES › 85 Trustees and candidates attended LEGACIES OF GREEN › Reintroduced with new brochure DOCENTS › Graduated 17 docents –187 tours with The mission of the Parks Foundation is to 380 guests ave toured our Waterfront Parks build broad-based private/public partnerships, CAROUSEL supporting the conservation and enhancement › 44 figures sold =$850,000 of our City’s parks and greenspaces. › 16 Queen paintings sold = $80,000 › Crown Jewel Wall – 52 donors = $29,950 CAPITAL GIFTS › Gardner Family Grove & Rose Garden = $2.3 million › Joseph & Susan Pichler › Anderson Pavilion = $1.5 million › Interact for Health – Mt. Airy Playground = $50,000 › Luther Trust = $25,000 Krohn Conservatory Educational programs › Macy’s = $25,000 Krohn COMMUNICATIONS › New comprehensive sponsorship brochure; “Thanks for Giving” card; New facebook page; Enhanced Feel Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference 29 WATERFRONT PARKS & SPECIAL EVENTS A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

The Bunbury Music Festival, located at Sawyer Point, is an annual three day event with six stages, over a 100 performances, with nearly 20,000 persons in attendance each day. I am very pleased to present the annual report for fiscal year 2014. This year showcased how Cincinnati Parks is “Continuing to Make the Difference”, our theme and focus during the year, throughout the communities of Cincinnati.

Along with the many park improvements in over 20 parks, the Cincinnati Park Board continued to offer many concerts, events, and beautiful amenities for all to enjoy. The first Park Board sponsored Cherry Blossom 5K Run was a huge success with over 500 participants, and this year’s Hats Off! Luncheon had record revenue of $310,000, up 11%! From the Waterfront Parks and Washington Park, to our largest park, Mt. Airy Forest, our organization is making a vast economic difference in the city of Cincinnati. Our thriving parks and appealing green spaces have encouraged much business growth and many visitors to our great city. As a result, City Beat ranked Cincinnati #3 The Waterfront Parks is comprised Smale Summer Events and 5 events Blues Fest, Midwest Black Family of Theodore M Berry International at , along with the Reunion, Brew Ha Ha, Riverfest and as a “U.S. Staycation Destination!” Please continue to read the enclosed pages which detail the many awards and Friendship Park, Bicentennial “Welcome Home – A Salute to the Christian Moerlein Lager House accomplishments Cincinnati Parks achieved during the year. Commons at Sawyer Point, Yeatman’s Service” parade and concert. Oktoberfest. The Waterfront is proud Cove, and Smale Riverfront Park. Activities ranged from family to provide a beautiful venue for such Each year is filled with new projects, innovations, and excitement. Our work has only just begun, as we look forward They hosted over 95 events and gatherings and corporate functions, events, which allows the citizens of to seven ribbon cuttings at Smale Riverfront Park taking place in fiscal year 2015! We are also excited about our first had 35 facility rentals, with over to large events such as: the Hats Cincinnati to enjoy the Riverfront. ever “River Grill before the Big Chill” professional barbeque competitions coming this fall. This past year has been a 1 million visitors throughout the Off Luncheon, Bunbury Music year of hard work and planning by our employees for our future success. I look forward to sharing what’s new at Parks, year. Waterfront also produced 15 Festival, Buckle Up Music Festival, and seeing all of you in the year to come.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT...Coming Soon to Smale Riverfront Park On behalf of the Board of Park Commissioners, I want to thank the Honorable Mayor John Cranley and the Heekin/PNC Grow up Great Adventure P&G Go Vibrant Playscape members of City Council, our Parks Foundation Trustees, all Park employees, community partners, and volunteers for Playground Saturday, May 9th, 2015 Thursday, June 4, 2015 their dedication and commitment to “ Continuing to Make the Difference” in our spectacular park system, and thus Donated by the Heekin family and PNC Bank, This area will contain a series of unique features our great city. Cincinnati Parks is a renowned treasure for all to enjoy! the new playground will feature a rock climbing that will engage visitors of all ages in play – and canyon, twin racing slides, a real log climber, a exercise. Otto M. Budig, Jr. swinging rope bridge and a mist system. Cincinnati Board of Park Commissioners James J. & Joan A. Gardner Family Grove PRESIDENT Pichler Fountains & Plaza Vine Street Wednesday, June 17, 2015 Tuesday, May 12, 2015 This tree grove will contain over 100 shade and Donated by the Pichler family, this area will feature understory trees, within which will be a number cascades, water curtains, water jets and a basin. of features including the Gardner Family Rose Garden. Anderson Pavilion Thursday, May 14, 2015 Castellini Esplanade The Annie W. & Elizabeth M. Anderson Pavilion Saturday, June 27, 2015 will accommodate weddings, corporate functions, This feature with its plaza and seating will be banquets, birthday parties and more. designed to honor the produce industry, which was formerly on this site. It will be the setting Carol Ann’s Carousel featuring a Carnival, for picnicking, relaxing and viewing the river, and Concert & Fireworks special events and farmers markets. Saturday, May 16, 2015 The colorful carousel will be filled with animals representing the sites, traditions and , all contained in an elegant glass box. Merri Gaither Smith Robert D. H. Anning Susan F. Castellini Cathy T. Crain VICE PRESIDENT 28 Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference 5 BUSINESS SERVICES Marketing and Social Media The Marketing and Social Media team is the communication highway between Parks and the public. It is continuous work to keep the website updated and to carry on conversations with our patrons through various social media outlets. Social Media and marketing are the source for people to know, learn, visit, experience, and enjoy Cincinnati Parks. In one year we had over 430,000 visits to www. cincinnatiparks.com. On-line statistics show that 75% of the 430,000 visits are from new visitors! We are continually reaching new markets and driving new patrons. Cincinnati Parks is a leader of online social engagement. The Parks’ Facebook page continues to grow, even without paid promotions. It has grown to 21,200 likes, and Twitter has grown to over 12,800 followers…the word is getting out!

Used as a marketing tool, the department’s website, Cincinnatiparks. com, (and other event specific websites) are monitored and managed Cincinnati Parks... daily. With the new additions to Smale Riverfront Park, and the enhancement and excitement it is adding to Cincinnati’s front yard, we These two lucky winners just found the tickets Continuing to Make THE Difference are consistently attracting national attention. People are watching us hidden near the Seven Vessels Ascending sculpture located at Theodore M. Berry Fiscal year 2014 was another huge success for Cincinnati Parks, and “clicking on” to learn what is happening next, and to learn about International Friendship Park. Their father the services we provide. posted their photo on the Parks Facebook page due to the continued support from our public-private partnerships announcing they found the prize.

3CDC and establishing new “parknerships” to support Smale Riverfront Graphic Design FREE TICKET TUESDAY is a fun, Park. Your park system continued to make the difference! Generous The graphic design team is responsible for fulfilling the graphic needs interactive, online social media donations were received in support of Smale during the year, and of Cincinnati Parks. A Cincinnati Parks graphic designer wears many engagement through Facebook hats: conceptual artist, production designer, print coordinator, project seven new features will be opening to the public during spring and that promotes the Butterfly Show. summer 2015! manager, photographer, art director, brand manager, and occasional writer. Utilizing these skills, the designer strives to communicate and It also generates buzz, encourages people to visit our parks, and We also focused on our revenue generating enterprises during consistently represent the Park Board brand through a strong visual medium. Each project has its own unique needs and expectations. rewards the winner with a prize. the year (Waterfront Parks, Smale Riverfront Park, Washington Sometimes a design project needs to generate interest and curiosity, or Park, Krohn Conservatory, Explore Nature!, Shelters/Wedding educate and inform, or captivate and excite. The graphic design team is A week before Krohn’s Butterfly Areas, Special Use Areas, and premier venues) by promoting our focused on identifying those needs and working with the entire Park Show opens, an announcement premier and rental facilities and creating new community events Board staff to ensure every project hits the mark, on time, every time. is posted on Facebook describing and programs. These efforts have increased visitors to our parks FREE TICKET TUESDAY. Followers and generated additional revenue to assist with maintenance and check Facebook every Tuesday during the Butterfly Show to see upgrades of our facilities. Reliance on tax-payers’ dollars is still a photo of the location of hidden not a solution, as we continue to face challenges of the Emerald tickets in one of our many beautiful Ash Borer infestation and potential budget cuts. However, the parks. The photo usually contains Park team will continue to meet every challenge head-on as we an iconic feature or landmark maintain our aging infrastructure, and continue to focus on new from the park that makes it easy innovative ways to keep our long tradition of providing clean, safe, for the viewer to identify. Other reliable, green and enriching parks for all visitors to experience and lucky winners just happen to be in the right place at the right time enjoy. Krohn Conservatory and stumble upon the tickets, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: street pole Family enjoys a photo op at the Main Street Fountains at Smale Riverfront Park. generating even more curiosity banners It’s Kids Fall Fest in Washington Park! throughout Eden about this hidden treasure they’ve Park created Happy newlyweds at Pavilion. just discovered. by the Graphic A replica of Moerlein Lager House debuts in the 2013-14 Hoiday Show at Krohn Design team. Conservatory. 6 Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference 27 BUSINESS SERVICES Awards & Accomplishments Business Services is comprised of many elements which are essential to the success of Parks. These include: Reservations, Human Resources, Marketing & Social Media, and Graphic Design. NATIONAL ARBOR DAY Presented the City of Cincinnati with the 32nd consecutive FOUNDATION Tree City USA Award and the 19th consecutive Growth Award

NATIONAL RECREATION Presented the National Facility/Park Design Award for the design of AND PARK ASSOCIATION Smale Riverfront Park

CINCINNATI BUSINESS Krohn Conservatory rated in the top 10 as one of the Largest COURIER Cincinnati Attractions & Destinations

CINCINNATI MAGAZINE Cincinnati Parks recognized and featured as a top story for having a “Simply Amazing Park system!”

URBAN LAND INSTITUTE Washington Park, through the partnership between the Park Board and the Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation, was recognized for its design and its role in urban revitalization by the Urban Land Institute. The park was also selected as a finalist for the National design award.

THE GARDEN CLUB OF Washington Park was awarded for the expansion and renovation of AMERICA the park, and for its positive impact on the community

TRIPADVISOR Eden Park awarded “Certificate of Excellence” for consistently receiving outstanding feedback from visitors Reservations are Reservations & Special Use bringing people to Our Reservations’ team works hard to provide fun and entertainment for CITY BEAT MAGAZINE Cincinnati Parks! Ranked #3 as a “U.S. Staycation Destination”, due to Cincinnati’s park all. From picnic shelters and gardens to amphitheaters and historically grand system pavilions, Cincinnati Parks offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a SPECIAL USE PERMITS bride-to-be or a corporation, our venues provide an unforgettable and amazing 181 permits issued experience. Ault Park Concours d’ Elegance, Balluminaria, It’s Commonly Jazz, 11 4 , 19 0 attendees and the Reggae Run are just a few of the many annual events organized by our Reservations’ team. This section of Business Services generates the revenue PICNIC SHELTERS AND necessary to keep our facilities looking spectacular. Our reservations for the GARDEN AREAS 2014 Fiscal Year generated revenue near $400,000! 403 reservations 49,225 visitors Human Resources and Customer Service Business Services staff also handles the day-to-day human resources PREMIER FACILITIES requirements of all Park employees, including seasonal staff. This includes hires, 178 reservations grievances, promotions, and training. In addition, all customer service requests 23,900 guests are handled through this section.

CLOCKWISE FROM UPPER LEFT: Hot air balloons light up the night at the Balluminaria Festival at Mirror Lake in Eden Park; the Ault Park Concours d’Elegance is a nationally recognized car show that highlights spectacular automobiles and motorcycles; the Seasongood Pavilion in Eden Park hosts the It’s Commonly Jazz series of free concerts featuring different jazz performers every Thursday in August. 26 Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference 7

URBAN LAND INSTITUTE KROHN CONSERVATORY

The 2014 Spring Show opened the season at Krohn with the Avant-Garden show, presented by Scherzinger. This display featured a fresh and creative spring landscape uniquely showcasing many exotic spring bulbs, fragrant shrubs, and bright annuals not commonly used in the typical spring garden. The use of recycled materials in an “avant-garde” style enhanced the imaginative landscape. The 2014 Butterfly Show, Butterflies of Costa Rica, presented by Macy’s, was a beautifully designed, lush tropical hideaway

GARY COOK GARY COOK celebrating the spectacular animals, plants and ancient cultures found in this abundantly diverse country. Cascading waterfalls, colorful parrot fish, and mysterious stone sculptures set the stage Park Board Full Time Staff 2014 for thousands of free flying butterflies, including the country’s Rhonda Adkins Laketa Cole Robert Hiler Pamela Miller Andrew Schuermann brilliant Blue Morpho Butterfly. This marked the fifth year in a Cheryl Alexander Letrena Crooms Joshua Hill Paula Miller Victoria Schumacher Christopher Alexander Steven Crooms Lamont Hill Jennifer Mobley Rebecca Sechrest row with Butterfly Show attendance exceeding the 90,000 mark. Philip Anderson Richard Cross Richie Hollifield Erin Morris Amber Shidler Tyler Avery Ron Dailey Kenneth Holloway Jill Nicholson Rodney Simpson David Barfels Erin Dempsey Matthew Hood Heather Noe Michael Sizemore Chester Bennett Paul Depenbrock Mark House Phillip Nohrer Ruthann Spears Jacqueline Binford Matthew Dickman Phillip Hucke Darrell Oliver James Spencer Scott Binns Mary Dorn Lynn Hudson Patricia Osterhaus Broshes Stevens THE SCHMALZ FAMILY Antton Blakey Tammy Eken Robin Hunt Lawrence Parker Gregory Stevenson Brian Blamer Joseph Fisher Eric Jones Gary Partridge Sheila Stump HOLIDAY VILLAGE David Boutelle Douglas Fritsch Josh Jump Kristen Pattison Jay Swanson A new display of vintage holiday Wendell Brock Tracy Fryburger Larry Kalker Scott Pavone Kevin Temple decorations given to the Krohn this Wesley Brock Solomon Gamboa Kurt Kastner Gregory Peck Ruth Thomas year by the Schmalz family brought Jimmy Brunner David Gamstetter Ronald Kelsey Marianne Prue Joseph Toebbe John Buchanan Shawn Gaston Brandon Kersker Kari Raisor Paul Tonnis back many fond memories of Jim Burkhardt Michael George Robert Keys Jami Reynolds Jessica Truman holidays past. This amazing collection Denise Burch Gianina Giammarinaro Aaron Kleinmann Rachel Rice Jamila Turnbow was displayed throughout Krohn Bethany Butler Jane Gideon Marijane Klug David Roberts Renee Tyree and included some of the original Kenneth Calloway James Godby Douglas Knebel Shelia Rollinson Ann Uhlman “Motionettes” that were featured in Olivia Canada Gerard Gray Calvin Lockett, II Ray Rubit Tashae Watkins Willie F. Carden, Jr. Charles Grimes Haley Long Louis Sand Jason Watson the windows of Shillito’s and Pogue’s Angela Carloss James Hail, Jr. Bruce Malcom Andrea Schepmann Frederick Whitfield years ago and delighted generations Kelly Carr Charles Harris Stacie Martin David Schepmann Ricky Williams during the holiday season. This Corrie Carswell Sheila Harris Sarah Masci Carl Ronald Schmidt Roosevelt Williams wonderful donation provided us the Kenneth Casey Jennifer Harten Allison Maume James Schmidt Cynthia Witte Gregory Clark Mary Hendrix Casey McCann John Schoenfeld Jessica Young opportunity to bring great joy to many Corey Clay Kevin Hicks Andrew McKenrick Steven Schuckman Jonathan Young of our visitors, both young and old. Marcus Clayton

The life-sized animatronic Santa as he appeared in the home of Diana and Larry Schmalz (left). When Cincinnati Parks acquired Santa, special care was taken to repair and restore him to mint condition for his debut at the Holiday Show at Krohn Conservatory (above). See page 8 to see the restoration in progress! This visitor gets a close up view of a butterfly after it landed on his mother’s nose at the 2014 Butterfly Show: Buttterflies of Costa Rica.

8 Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference 25 KROHN CONSERVATORY Contact Us The Park Board Visitor Center is located inside Krohn Conservatory in Eden Park and is open to the public Tuesday through The Irwin M. Krohn Conservatory opened to the public on Sunday, March 26, 1933 and has been a Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 513-352-4080. beloved Cincinnati icon ever since. Park Director West District Parks Volunteer Coordinator Willie F. Carden, Jr. 513-352-4079 Larry Parker 513-368-0992 Sarah Schmalz 513 - 861- 8970 Operations and Land Management Waterfront Parks Park Facility Rental & Reservations Jim Burkhardt 513-861-8970 Jennifer Mobley 513-352-6182 Park Special Events, and Special Use Permits 513-357-2604 Planning & Design Natural Resources Management Steve Schuckman 513-475-9600 Dave Gamstetter 513-861-9070 Premier Park Events 513-221-2610 Event Rentals for: Krohn Business Services Urban Forestry Conservatory, French House, Gibson Jackie Binford 513-352-4079 Robin Hunt 513-861-9070 Cincinnati ParksHouse, Ault Park Pavilion, Alms Park Financial Services Greenspaces and Gateways Pavilion, Berry Pavilion, Mt. Echo Marijane Klug 513-357-2608 Dave Boutelle 513-861-9070 Pavilion, Maple Ridge Lodge, and Oak Organization TreeRidge Lodge Krohn Conservatory Land Management and Trails Andrea Schepmann 513-352-4080 Jim Godby 513-861-9070 Cincinnati Parks Foundation 513 - 861- 8975 Explore Nature! and Nature Camps Customer Service, Events, Ruth Ann Spears 513-321-6070 and Park Advisory Councils Jackie Binford 513-352-4079 Interim Central District Parks Ken Casey 513-478-6433 East District Parks Jennifer Harten 513-368-0997 The 2013 floral season started off The 2013 Summer Show Cultural weekend sponsored by the Smale West Youth District with a Spring Floral Show called called Let It Grow, presented by Japan America Society, and more Marketing Employment An Enchanted Forest presented Scherzinger Termite and Pest great media coverage. & Public by Scherzinger Termite and Pest Control, featured a sustainable The 2013 Holiday Show, A Relations Control. The floral show room was theme incorporating elements of Cincinnati Scenic Railway, was East Planning/ District transformed into an undulating “resource responsible” horticulture presented by Scherzinger Termite Design Graphic Green spring woodland, featuring early such as: a vertical garden, a and Pest Control and featured the Technology Property Design Fleet blooming hyacinths, tulips, violas hydroponics display, and two following traditional Cincinnati Management Management and daffodils - the perfect backdrop newer technologies; aquaponics, landmarks: the Taft Museum, for the enchanting elf and fairy and aeroponics. The sustainable Union Terminal, the Eden Park Reservations Facility houses. gardening examples were a popular Spring House, the Tyler Davidson Management Budget Central The 2013 International attraction. Complementing the Fountain (new this year), and a District Human Butterfly Show, Butterflies of success of the summer show were riverboat with real smoking stacks. Explore Nature! Administration Information Resources Morocco, presented by the Macy’s numerous events, including lectures New this year as well were a Technology Foundation featured butterflies, on aquaponics and aeroponics, collection of interactive stations International A airs flower specimens, cultural cooking demonstrations, and our and the Schmalz Family Holiday Capital Project Special Events Green aspects, and architectural details annual Bonsai show. All of this display. A Cincinnati Scenic Railway Management & Permits Auditing Procurement Volunteers of the North African country. activity contributed to an increase celebrated the rich history of the Planning & The Butterfly Show is a multi- of 18% in attendance and 47% in beautiful Queen City and its seven Design Business Financial Services dimensional exhibit of education, income (gate and gift shop) over hills. Services Operations Waterfront nature, horticultural design and the 2012 summer show. 2013 was an exceptional year cultural enrichment, which invites In September, the show room at Krohn Conservatory with a our visitors to engage and grow. was dramatically transformed into total of 187,666 visitors and over Director of Parks Nearly all visitors to the show a Japanese Garden called Mitate, $1,000,000 in revenue. Parks Foundation (99%) rated the show Good and presented by Scherzinger Termite Board of Park Commissioners Urban Forestry Board above, with 56% rating the show and Pest Control. The following ABOVE LEFT: Interactive display built by Park Advisory Councils as “Outstanding”. This show was were included in this show: a Applied Imagination for the Holiday Show. Mayor of Cincinnati the fourth consecutive show above lecture and tour by John DeVore on ABOVE RIGHT: An Enchanted Forest Early 90,000 visitors. Japanese Garden design, a Japanese Spring Show Citizens of Cincinnati 24 Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference 9 GREENSPACE PROGRAM Explore Nature! Special Events Beautification and Expanded Programming Ravine to Freedom Programming Spring and Fall Canine Camps Halloween Hikes Maple in Mt Airy Maple Magic Docent Training for the Cincinnati Parks Foundation (5 month program) Winter Break Camps Holiday Camp Amazing Family Race Expanded Home School Programming Su Casa Summer camp Expanded Scout Programming Joint program with Hamilton County Extension Agency Expanded Senior Programming Pancakes in the Woods

The Greenspace Program Educational signs were posted for The Greenspace Program implemented many innovative ideas the public to learn about how edible continues to maintain and enhance AT LEFT: Recent French Park Canine Camp graduate and his human companion are excited throughout their public displays. gardening can be ornamental and its traditional greenspace areas to receive his diploma. Asked by Cincinnati Center beautiful. on various parkways, community TOP RIGHT: Cooking over an open fire at the Outdoor Skillz Camp at California Woods. City Development Corporation In 2014, the City decided gateways, main arteries and BOTTOM RIGHT: Naturalist, Jason Watson, leads this attentive group at the LaBoiteaux (3CDC) and Scott’s to design a to expand the business district other public spaces. It added Scout camp. Cincinnati Reds-themed floral flower pot program to create new greenspaces in Hartwell on carpet for an April, 2013 display, a new Business Improvement Galbraith, Duke Substation in the staff responded with a colorful, Program. This program allows all of Corryville, Planning and Buildings’ GREENLEAF PROGRAM interactive baseball field with a “Mr. Cincinnati’s business communities Permit Center on Central Parkway, The Cincinnati Park Board’s Mayor’s those particular areas. Former Council Redlegs” baseball being hit out of an opportunity to participate in a and the Smale Anniversary Greenleaf Program has completed Member Laketa Cole joined our team the ballpark. The public enjoyed cost-share program to pay CPB Gardens downtown. Volunteers another successful year. A total of 43 this year and brought with her a wealth sitting on the team benches and to design, install, and maintain helped the CPB plant most of these Cincinnati youth were hired and worked of resources for the youth. She was running the base paths. flower pots along the sidewalks new installations. eight weeks throughout our park system. instrumental in providing a “Life Skills” The following spring (2014) of their districts. The program is Youth completed an array of projects training component to the program. FAR LEFT: from litter picking to event planning. Youth learned everything from how to at Fountain Square, Amber designed to enhance the business Traditional Greenspace program in the highly Shidler conceived and designed districts to attract economic growth. traveled I-71/471/Gilbert Ave gateway. This year another component was added open a bank account to completing job edible gardens in the various Seventeen communities signed up to the program. Youth learned about applications, all to help prepare them ABOVE RIGHT: planters. These gardens yielded for the first year, and the resulting Business Improvement Program flowerpot in how our park system actually works. for adulthood. Classes included job vegetables, which included: peas, spring displays were received very East Walnut Hills community. The entire Park Board team worked readiness, financial literacy, conflict cabbage, kale, Swiss chard, mustard, enthusiastically by all participants. together to make this happen. Youth resolution, and more. The Cincinnati BELOW RIGHT: lettuce, broccoli, kohlrabi, leaf In May, the CPB replaced the Edible Garden at Fountain Square. spent a half day in different areas of Park Board is “continuing to make the chicory, linaria, and even pansies! spring displays with summer plants. Parks learning about the functions of difference” for those in the community.

10 Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference 23 EXPLORE NATURE! GREENSPACE PROGRAM

The Explore Nature section provided a range of programs and services to over 100,000 people Stormwater Management at nature centers, parks, nature preserves, and at schools and other sites throughout Cincinnati. The Greenspace Program has a located in West Price Hill, the have continued at several sites memorandum of understanding stormwater is being separated throughout the Lick Run Programs ranged from its award-winning summer nature camps, to school programs and diverse with the Metropolitan Sewer from the sanitary sewage watershed, including over 11 acres public programs. District of Greater Cincinnati and redirected into a newly of invasive honeysuckle and garlic (MSDGC) to help install, constructed swale that will run the mustard removal. Hundreds of 208 Paid School Programs - 8849 children and 128 0 adults inspect, and maintain green length of the park. In Roselawn container trees, seedlings, and 186 Nature Next Door school programs - 4346 children and 216 adults infrastructure projects to minimize Park, three levels of bioinfiltration shrubs have been donated and combined sewer overflows that basins, as well as a large hillside planted in areas such as Mt. Airy 54 Public Programs - 36,451 children and 40,394 adults occur during wet weather events. reforestation, have been installed Forest, Glenway Woods, Rapid 81 Scout Programs - 2074 children and 652 adults Green infrastructure measures to slow and capture stormwater Run Park, and reforestation include bioinfiltration gardens, runoff. sites on Queen City Avenue. In 45 Senior Programs - 917 adults permeable pavement, green roofs, In South Fairmount, CPB Glenway Woods, a $150,000 74 adult programs/ meetings – 219 6 adults reforestation, and daylighted teamed with contractors to Urban Water grant was applied streams. complete a street side bump-out for and awarded to the CPB for 10 Birthday parties – 162 children and 184 adults Beginning in 2013, staff planter on Harrison Avenue. a major stormwater separation/ 38 Home school programs - 995 children and 347 adults was contracted to restore and Rock weirs separate three levels stream daylighting project that is maintain two large bioinfiltration of bioinfiltration, each with a curb scheduled to begin soon. 8 Rentals – 173 children and 112 adults basins located at St. Francis Court cut that allows sheet flow from the Staff continues to perform Paid 2013 summer camps – 170 0 children attended - $105,865 income Apartments. The basins had not street and neighboring properties both dry and wet weather Over 4,000 children served by Nature Next Door’s summer program at received essential maintenance in to enter the system. inspections of many Enabled several years and were in very poor In North Fairmount, CPB Impact Projects (EIPS) for 5 city parks condition. Cincinnati Parks began staff partnered with volunteers MSDGC, ranging from intensive invasive control and to plant trees and clean out an inspections of green roofs, Total Children Served = 59,4 09 Total Adults Served = 46,425 restored the basins for maximum extensive, long-used dump site bioinfiltration gardens and plant health, filtration, and between Carll and Denham permeable pavement. These infiltration rate. streets. Construction of a inspections are intended to track Multiple major construction bioswale at this location is set to the condition and performance Nature Next Door projects are happening on CPB begin in fall 2014. of each feature, as well as provide This Cincinnati Parks’ outreach properties. In , Reforestation efforts guidance to the property owners. summer program, supplemented by an in-school program during the school year, encourages inner-city children to explore nature in their own neighborhoods. This program celebrated its 20th year in 2013. The Ladislas and Vilma Segoe Family Foundation provided a $10,000 donation, and the Gentlemen of Style and Substance Fundraiser (sponsored by Cincinnati Profile Magazine, Saks Fifth Avenue, and the Cincinnati Parks Foundation) raised $25,000. Nature Next Door Program ran the weeks of June 10 to August 2, 2013. Children ranged in age from 3 to 14 years old.

ABOVE:Naturalist Darrick Ramsey assists this young lady with tapping a maple tree at the Maple in Mt. Airy Festival. RIGHT: Nature Next Door campers learning ABOVE: ABOVE: that bugs are cool - though a couple campers Volunteers working to plant trees in Mt. Airy Forest as part of a major reforestation effort. Bioinfiltration project on Harrison Avenue. look like they need a little more convincing! 22 Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference 11 URBAN FORESTRY PARK BOARD VOLUNTEERS (FISCAL YEAR 2014) Street Tree Maintenance Cycle The Cincinnati Park Board’s Urban Forestry program is one of only a few in North America that manages its street tree forests on a 6-year cycle. Many cities have a much longer cycle, and some only respond to emergency situations. A 6-year cycle allows for a systematic, managed approach to prune trees and remove dead or hazardous branches, including low branches that may impede traffic or interfere with buildings. Trees that are found to be dead, dying, or structurally unstable are removed before they damage their surroundings. In a typical year, over 12,000 trees are inspected, and the majority of them are pruned. Approximately 500 trees are Mary Jo Bazeley (center) at the Hats Off! Luncheon removed and replaced each year. VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: In 2014, preventive maintenance was focused in Camp Washington, East Westwood, Mary Jo Bazeley Fay Apartments, Millvale, North Fairmount, South Cumminsville, South Fairmount, Cincinnati Parks is proud to highlight and Westwood. In 2015, preventive maintenance will occur in Bond Hill, Carthage, one of our most supportive and Hartwell, Kennedy Heights, Paddock Hills, Pleasant Ridge, and Roselawn. dedicated volunteers, Mrs. Mary Jo Herschel Woods Lane street treesin Mt. Lookout. Bazeley. Mrs. Bazeley has volunteered for Emerald Ash Borer Multi Million Dollar Impact on Parks Cincinnati Parks for the past 25 years, which began with her active role in The Park Board manages 5,000 acres of 2011 and 2012, contractual money was 1988 with Urban Forestry. As one of hardwood forests. Approximately 10% identified within the park budget to the co-Founders of the West Price Hill of the trees that comprise park forests fund contracted tree service crews. Many Tree Board, she chaired the “Green Up” are ash trees. In 2005, Emerald Ash trees were removed, but even more were Day cleanup at Rapid Run Park for the Borer, a non-native beetle was found in dying throughout the system. In 2013, past 23 years! She formed the Advisory nearby Anderson Township. Emerald the Park Board authorized and City Council committee for Rapid Run Ash Borer (EAB) has no major predator Council approved $500,000 from the Volunteers from UC helped cut back invasive plant species in Burnet Woods Park. Park and attends all of the quarterly and feeds exclusively on ash trees, which Park Boards’ permanent improvement meetings to provide input from the community, and to give suggestions for have no defense against the exotic beetle. fund to hire contracted tree crews to Community Projects In 2007, EAB was found in the east complete priority removals. improvements and programming. One Cincinnati Parks could not function as well as it does without the help of her programming initiatives was the side parks of Cincinnati. Since 2007, the of our community volunteers throughout the year. Many hours were “Family Friday” at Rapid Run Park. The insect has spread throughout the park As of June 2014, most of the trees that donated by groups from Eden Park, Clifton, North Avondale, Rapid program continues to this day, offering system from east to west and has killed threaten high use areas within parks Run, Westwood, Kennedy Heights, and Northside during Green-Up canoeing and a movie on the last Friday thousands of park ash trees. have been removed; however, many dead Day events from April 13 through May 11. Large crowds of volunteers of July! Park staff took a systematic or dying trees remain along park trails helped maintain larger areas such as Burnet Woods, where over 100 In addition, Mrs. Bazeley serves on approach by inspecting all park and exterior property lines. In fiscal students cleared massive areas of invasive numerous committees throughout the properties and noting dead or dying year 2015, more funds will be identified honeysuckle. Over 325 trees were planted for Green-Up Day 2014. City; including the citywide master plan trees that threaten high use areas such to remove trees along closed trails and Support was given by multiple groups and organizations throughout discussion for accessible parks, the committee to acquire and preserve the as playgrounds, picnic areas, roads, property lines that may threaten private the parks. We would like to say “Thank You” to St. Xavier High School, and shelters. Some areas with a large property. Allen House for recreation activities, REI, CSU, University of Cincinnati, NKU Climbing Club, Miami and the committee for development number of dead or dangerous trees were The widespread loss of the tree Group Sierra Club, BCOHC, U.C. Greek Organizations, Clark of the Aquatics Center. These are closed until the trees could be removed canopy results in forest openings Montessori, Goodwill, the Sayler Park community, and the Fernbank just to name a few. When asked why (e.g. Amphitheatre at Caldwell Park). that enable invasive plants, such Garden Club. Together, they provided 673 volunteer hours. she gives so much of her time to the Many park trails were closed or marked as honeysuckle, to colonize. It also community, Mrs. Bazeley responded: with caution signs to warn people of increases storm water runoff and erosion, “I’ve tried to live my life by making potential hazards. which causes ash seed - a valuable food Board of Park Commissioners the world, and especially Cincinnati, The arkP Board has two in- source for song birds - to disappear. The Cincinnati Park Board is comprised of community leaders, a better place. Children are the hope house tree crews that are dedicated to CEOs, Business Executives, PhDs, etc., who volunteer their time to and future, and since I was fourteen I’ve maintaining park trees. The widespread attend meetings that help advise the direction of Cincinnati Parks. volunteered, primarily trying to provide LEFT TOP: impact of EAB required additional Additional volunteerism includes participation in ribbon cutting events, opportunities for children.” An ash tree dying as a result of an emerlad ash borer The Cincinnati Park Board and the resources to remove the 2500 plus infestation. presentations to business communities and councils, public speaking Cincinnati community at large thank standing dead trees along park roads, engagements, and attending special meetings that may require an LEFT BOTTOM: emergency vote. Mrs. Bazeley for all her contributions! ROBERT QUEEN parking lots, and high use areas. In Close up of the damage caused by the larvae.

12 Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference 21 PARK BOARD VOLUNTEERS (FISCAL YEAR 2014) URBAN FORESTRY Many new groups, individuals, and companies joined our ongoing Park Board Partners with U.S. Forest Service and MSDGC – Improved Forest Quality, Cleaner Water volunteer efforts in fiscal year 2014. A total of 3,926 individuals donated As a result of a consent decree with the EPA, the Metropolitan Sewer Department of Greater Cincinnati (MSDGC) 53,685 hours of their time and talents to help make Cincinnati Parks must eliminate 2 billion gallons of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) by 2018, which is 85% of existing overflows. To more beautiful and enjoyable for all! The above numbers also reflect achieve this goal, MSDGC has developed a watershed-based planning approach to evaluate and develop solutions to volunteer hours from the Deer Culling program (10,319) and (4,662.5) high volumes of CSOs. This approach considers CSO reduction strategies in the context of natural and built systems from Explore Nature Camps! These dedicated volunteers were equivalent and community needs. to 26 full-time employees, and they saved Cincinnati Parks a total value In 2010, the MSDGC and Park Board formed a partnership agreement. Under this agreement, some park of $1,342.125 (based on the estimated value of volunteer time from staff were assigned to work on projects that support this watershed- based approach to managing stormwater. The Independent Sector). Thank you for helping to maintain our status as one partnership benefits the Park Board both socially and environmentally: of the top urban park systems in the country!” › DEER CULLING Social: It provides recreational opportunities by creating or improving trails and access points and providing 8th Mayor’s Corporate Challenge educational signage. These can be used by the surrounding community and enhances natural habitats for people, 2014 marked the 5th safe and The 8th Mayor’s Corporate plants, and wildlife. successful bow hunting program Challenge (8MCC) was the biggest › for Parks. Environmental: Reduces CSOs, eliminates sewer backups, and decreases human exposure to pathogens and ever, with 1,015 volunteers from pollutants that may exist in park streams. 29 participating companies and 102 deer were harvested from organizations. The morning started In 2012, the Park Board submitted a grant to the US Forest Service (USFS) for improving forest quality, thus 4 parks during the 2013/2014 early with a kick-off at Sawyer Point improving water quality. The $200,000 grant was awarded to MSDGC to fund tree and understory plantings in Rapid season. with an energetic welcome from Run Park that will slow, absorb, and filter stormwater. This stormwater will be separated from combined sewers and Honorable Mayor John Cranley. conveyed to Mill Creek. The clean stormwater will then flow into the Ohio River where millions of people obtain their A total of 633 deer have been Leaders from the participating drinking water. harvested since the program’s groups then helped to cheer the In 2013, the Park Board submitted a similar grant to the USFS for the Glenway Woods wetland project. The beginning. volunteers on for a day of hard work $150,000 in grant funds will result in a reinvigorated forest that will reduce stormwater runoff, resulting in a forested, and fun. Cincinnati Parks is very vegetated wetland. This forested wetland will improve stormwater quality and serve as base flow for a mile long urban grateful for their efforts and would ABOVE: Willie F. Carden, Director of Parks 11 6 volunteer hunters passed the waterway that will be constructed in the Lick Run stream bed at the bottom of the watershed. The stream will flow like to thank them for being part of (left) with The Honorable John Cranley into Mill Creek and then into the Ohio River. Forested wetlands carry out critical hydrologic, biogeochemical, and qualifications to participate in the this exciting day. at the 8th Annual Mayor’s Corporate bow hunting program. Challenge Kick Off. ecological water management roles, as well as enhancing habitat for a variety of species. A trail and signage will be One of the highlights for the incorporated to facilitate an educational component for the surrounding community. 8MCC was the planting of trees due These grants in support of the MSDGC projects, combined with the 730 trees that were planted by corporate 10 hunters volunteered to assist to Emerald Ash Borer destruction. A total of 40 projects were completed partners as part of the 2014 Mayors Corporate Challenge, will help restore the forest canopy that was compromised by Park staff during the deer hunting with incredible accomplishments, including the spreading of over 5,700 the Emerald Ash Borer. Cincinnatians will benefit from improved parks and forests, and millions of people who live qualifications. CF of mulch, removing acres of honeysuckle, debarking logs for the Smale along the Ohio River downstream from Cincinnati will also benefit from having cleaner drinking water. playground and providing volunteers for the Butterfly Show. Volunteers have logged over 41,000 hours since the program’s beginning, providing an estimated cost savings of $410,000 to Cincinnati Parks.

Thanks to the deer culling program thousands of acres of native and wild species have been preserved. JUSTIN MEISSEN

LEFT: One of the hunters and his family This group of UC students is one of many who volunteered to plant trees during the Mayor’s organized a volunteer outing Corporate Challenge in 2014. In all, 730 trees to bag and remove trash in Mt. were planted during the one-day event. Airy Forest. In all they removed ABOVE: 33 bags of litter. Spotted salamader and other native species will become more common in the Cincinnati Volunteers from GE helped plant trees and cut back invasive plant species. area as their habitats are improved. 20 Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference 13 PLANNING, DESIGN & FACILITIES THANK YOU TO OUR 2014 SPONSORS

The Planning & Design section of Parks is comprised of 4 areas: Planning, Design, Facilities, and Arhren's Family Explore Nature. Each section highlights a few of their many accomplishments during fiscal year 2014. Foundation

Charles Shor Duro Bag Company

EAST PRICE HILL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION

Planning & Design The Planning and Design section manages the capital improvement program and budget for parks. This is accomplished by managing construction projects and directing Parks’ master planning, park enhancements, John Nieman renovations and repairs. Staff is also responsible for strategic and long range planning, property transactions, Nursery development/planning, and public art.

Smale Riverfront Park: Significant milestones were achieved, including the opening in May 2013 of the following park features: Women’s Committee Garden, the first phase of the Riverwalk, and the Duke Energy Garden, as well as continuing construction on additional park phases and receiving additional public and private dollars to further advance the park. The highlights are listed below: › Construction started for the Carousel, Vine Street Steps/Cascades, and the Vine Street Plaza and Interactive Fountain. › Construction also started for the Anderson Pavilion and for Phase 5, south of Mehring Way. › Construction proceeded on the Heekin/PNC Playground. › $4.5 million of Federal funding was received through the Corps of Engineers › $8 million of City CIP funding was received

› Additional private money was received for the Carousel, Vine Street water features, and a rose garden Suzanne M. and Robert L. Laboiteaux › $1.5 million of Federal funds were allocated for the boat dock Family Foundation

Lytle Park: Staff worked with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and area stakeholders to assure that ODOT’s I-71 tunnel ventilation project would not negatively impact the park or its surroundings. This led to an agreement in which ODOT will pay over $1 million toward the construction of the park master plan on completion of the tunnel project. Staff also worked closely with Western Southern Life Insurance Company to blend their redevelopment plans with the park master plan.

14 Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference 19 FINANCIAL SERVICES / OPERATING BUDGET FOR 2014 PLANNING, DESIGN & FACILITIES Cincinnati Parks’ all-funds budget in 2014 was $17.6 million. Of this total, 21% came from non-tax supported sources Sawyer Point Park: A planning process was implemented to determine what changes or “repurposing” might be such as grants, donations, endowments, and sponsorships, as well as fees and permits. Private fundraising for parks is led appropriate for the park on its 25th anniversary. Planning included compiling a public opinion survey and holding by the Cincinnati Parks Foundation. Exclusive of capital improvements, the basic park operation budget component of a charette. A concept plan was then developed to make the park more accessible, to introduce new uses and new the above total was over $15.9 million. revenue opportunities, and to make the park more sustainable. New joint uses and partnerships for new development Admissions, fees, rents, permits, and sales generated close to $878,000 in revenue funds. were also explored. Private endowments provided over $891,500 in funding. Of the $11.5 million all-funds operating budget, 18% came from non-tax resources. Capital Improvements: › Cincinnati Parks receives an estimated 6 million visits per year. Over 250,000 people visit the Krohn › California Woods Nature Center was renovated Conservatory each year, which generates an economic impact of over $29.3 million to the Greater Cincinnati

region. › An addition to Krohn Conservatory was built to provide storage, a loading dock, plant staging area, and catering set-up area. › In 2014, the Park Board leveraged 83 cents in funds and services for every taxpayer dollar received! History of Parks return on every tax dollar: $.42 in 2003, $.46 in 2004, $.50 in 2005, $.51 in 2006, $.62 in 2007, $.66 in › Comfort Stations were renovated at French Park, Areas #10 and #22 in Mt. Airy Forest, the concession 2008, $.68 in 2009, $.83 in 2010, $.74 in 2011, $.83 in 2012, $.83 in 2013, and $.84 in 2014. stand restrooms at Yeatman’s Cove, and comfort stations at the Dog Park in Mt. Airy Forest. › The Park Board is a leader in community volunteerism, thanks to the generosity of our citizens. In 2014, a total › New roofs were installed at two Waterfront restroom buildings, Area #23 shelter and the Bramm of 3,926 people volunteered 53,685 hours, which is equivalent to 26 additional full time employees for the year. Gazebo in Mt. Airy Forest, Mt. Echo Park Pavilion, and the Inwood Park comfort station › French House improvements were completed and a new service drive was built to the shelter. 2014 Park Board Operating Resources Budget - $15,753,050 › A new playground was installed at Fleischmann Garden, and a design was created for a new Endowed Funds 6% Restricted Funds 18 % playground at Area #10 in Mt. Airy Forest - which then received a grant from Interact for Health. Street Tree Assessment 11 % › Completed the new graphics/branding on the Concession Stand Restrooms at Yeatman’s Cove. Greenspace › New electric service to the French Park Shelter. Program 2% › Stormwater Fund 5% General and New swings were installed at Mt. Echo and Kennedy Heights Parks. Infrastructure Funds 58% › Benches were installed at Madison Park and at Bettman Fountain. › Many other improvements - such as lighting, electrical, plumbing, drainage, concrete, and masonry work - were performed throughout the park system.

The new playground in Fleischmann Gardens is located in the Avondale community and these visitors think it’s a great improvement. 2014 Park Board Operating Expenses Budget - $15,733,050 Explore Nature! 4% Customer Services 3% Krohn Conservatory 9% Greenspace Program 2% Administration 7% Street Tree Assessment 11 %

Facility Maintenance 5%

Grounds Management 59%

18 Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference 15 17

PLANNING, DESIGN & FACILITIES

Trails and Greenways: Work advanced in support of several mixed-use trails and greenways, promoting the Wasson trail and designing and building additional sections of the Ohio River Trail east of downtown. There was continued progress on the Mill Creek trail and greenway, as well as designing a new Lick Run trail and greenway. Finally, staff participated in the creation of a new regional trail map and a resolution in support of the trails plan which was approved by the Board.

Neighborhood Parks: Staff worked with the Pleasant Ridge community to develop a new plan for Montgomery Triangle Park. Staff also provided support for a public greenspace in the Pendleton neighborhood, a proposed new park in Lower Price Hill and for improvements to the Stowe House grounds in Walnut Hills. Also an assessment and then minor repairs were completed at a range of neighborhood parks that had been constructed or renovated in recent years to assure that they were all in good condition

Additional Accomplishments: Awards received included the top national award for Smale Riverfront Park from the National Recreation and Parks Association and the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association. Washington Park also received awards from the Ohio Society of Landscape Architects, the Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Green Building Council.

ABOVE: Facilities Otto Armleder Memorial Fountain The Facilities Management section of the Planning Division completed all 4,128 preventive maintenance tasks that sprayground at Sawyer Point. were scheduled. These range from the maintenance of all park water features, to the care of over100 park buildings, LEFT: utilities, and the rest of the infrastructure of parks. Additionally, staff completed 3,772 other repairs and maintenance These lucky visitorsPark. tasks. A new staffing and operating plan was also put into place for interactive water features to meet Health Department requirements. A gorgeous view of through the paviloin at Mt. Echo.

CINCINNATI PARKS ADVISORY COUNCILS

Park Advisory Councils Neighborhood Contact

Alms Park Advisory Council Columbia-Tusculum Arlene Golembiewski Ault Park Advisory Council Mt. Lookout Susan Laing Avon Woods Advisory Council North Avondale/Paddock Hills Joyce Coleman Bradford-Felter-Tanglewood College Hill Jay Staples Burnet Woods/Mt. Storm PAC Corryville/Clifton/CUF Steve Slack California Woods Council California John Lindberg/Jim Farfsing Dog Park Advisory Council Mt. Airy Tom & Bobbie Sansalone 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/Woodford Parks Kennedy Heights Kate Kern/Lisa Pickering LaBoiteaux Woods Council College Hill Drew Asimus Larz Anderson Park Council Columbia-Tusculum Joe Warkany Mt. Echo Advisory Council East Price Hill James Turner Northside Greenspace, Inc. Northside Steve Albert/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 An artist works on a painting of the Roebling Bridge in the newly opened Women’s Committee Garden at Smale Riverfront Park. 16 Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference Cincinnati Parks › Continuing to Make THE Difference 17