Centennial Master Plan for Cincinnati Parks

68@CDLA:9<:B:CIH

7dVgYD[EVg`8dbb^hh^dcZgh 6Yk^hdgn8dbb^iiZZ

Marian J. Lindberg President Minette Cooper Ron Kull UC Architect Roscoe A. Fultz Vice President Grant S. Cowan Tony Brown Uptown Consortium Merri Gaither Smith Cathy T. Crain Robert Fitzpatrick Wilson Commons Adv. Otto M. Budig Jr. Amelia S. Crutcher Mary Margaret Rochford Robert D.H. Anning Andrew D. DeWitt Cincinnati Horticulture Society Francis P. Russell Former Member Eric L. Emerson Melody Sawyer Richardson Arts Sharon Williams Frisbie Morton Libby Business & Marketing EVg`7dVgYHiV[[ Dean Gregory Lydia Morgan Community Representative J. Joseph Hale, Jr. Murray Sinclaire Business & Finance Willie F. Carden, Jr. Director Renee Mahaffey Hattis Jack Rouse Business & Port Authority Marijane Klug Finance Administrator Helen K. Heekin Len Thomas UC Landscape Architect Steve Schuckman Superintendent Susan Hickenlooper Myrtis Powell Community Representative of Planning & Design—Project Manager Marty Humes Jinny Berten Community Representative Gerald Checco Superintendent Ron Joseph, Jr. Ann Zaring Parks Foundation of Operations & Land Management Stanley M. Kaplan, M.D. Tim Burke Attorney David R. Lofland, Jr. Lee Carter Finance 8^cX^ccViÊVg`h;djcYVi^dc Kevin N. McMurray Heidi Jark Fifth Third Foundation Carter McNabb Jeff Weedman P&G Executive Committee Marjorie Motch Past President Ty Easley President Debra C. Oliver HiZZg^c\8dbbîiZZ Patrick J. Ward Vice President Sean T. Parker Mary Jo Bazeley Rapid Run Advisory Council Lois Conyers Secretary John A. Parlin III, M.D. Peter Brumm Ault Park Advisory Council Valerie Newell Treasurer Robert J. Petrik Caryl Fullman Urban Forestry Board Judy S. Dalambakis C. Brewstet Rhoads Brenda Grier Friends of Fleischmann Park John E. Neyer Robert Richardson Skip Hickenlooper Business & Finance Paul G. Sittenfeld Ryan Rybolt Jim King Walnut Hills & Arts Advisory Panel Thomas R. Schiff Cathy Moon Friends of Krohn & Parks John Anning Eliazabeth A. Stone Tom Neyer, Jr. Developer Susan S. Anthony William F. Thiemann Brewster Rhoads Parks Foundation Kristine H. Barr Lynda A. Thomas Virginia Russell UC Landscape Architect Richard L. Betagole Marsha Thornton Donald Spencer Friends of Krohn & Parks Neil K. Bortz Darren Tolliver Beth Sullebarger Historic Preservation Susan F. Castellini Dick Williams Stephanie Sunderland Neighborhood Representative Phillip J. Castellini Alex C. Young Eric Russo Hillside Trust Philip K. Cone Anne M. Zaring

' I67A:D;8DCI:CIH

8dchjaiVciIZVb 6X`cdlaZY\ZbZcih

Christopher Manning & Table of Contents Human Nature, Inc. Principal Nicole DiNovo '"( Letters Human Nature, Inc. Project Manager Jess Parrett Leisure Services Management ) Introduction Kelly Kolar Kolar Design * The Planning Process Catherine Cappel C.A. Cappel Associates

+ The Vision HeZX^VaI]Vc`h , Map Special thanks to all of the Park Board Staff, -". Key Strategies Volunteers and Citizens of Cincinnati who have attended meetings, answered question- &%"&( Action Plan naires, and provided input through the project web site. Your passion, knowledge and ideas &) Funding Matrix have helped make this plan better! &* Stabilizing City Park Revenue

&+ Comparison with other Cities

&, Capital Improvement Plan &-"&. Capital Funding and Strategy '%"'& The Urban Core '' Cincinnati Riverfront Park '( Mill Creek Valley ')"(% Uptown (&"(, Regional Parks (-"(. Neighborhood Parks )% Preserves & Community Greenspaces )& New & Expanded Parks )'")( Parkways ))")* Natural Systems & Greenways “The new Master Plan continues the =>HIDGN

AdXViZYdci]ZZVhiaVlcd[Bi#Hidgb^hI]ZIZbeaZd[AdkZ! of >CCDK6I>K:EA6CC>C<#” VhigjXijgZYVi^c\idX#&-*%# & A:II:GH

To the citizens of Cincinnati: It is with great enthusiasm and hope for the future that I endorse and support the Centennial Master Plan for Cincinnati Parks. Our city is blessed with many assets, and our beautiful park system is certainly one of our greatest achievements. Our parks contribute to our quality of life, our vibrant economy, our sense of place, our social fabric and our environmental health.

Parks play an important role in furthering City priorities and policy. Parks contribute to Neigh- borhood Investment since they help make for a livable community. Parks encourage Economic Development and are catalysts for new investment all over the city. Cincinnati Parks are areas of Service Excellence, providing our citizens one of the top park systems in the country. And Parks contribute directly to Public Safety, not only as safe havens with low crime rates, but as places that make us feel good about ourselves and our community.

This new Master Plan continues the history of in- novative planning for Cincinnati Parks and, as we follow it, will help guide us on to an even brighter, Green future.

Sincerely:

B6G@B6AADGN BVndgd[8^cX^ccVi^

' I am very pleased to present the Cincinnati Parks I am pleased to present the Cincinnati Parks Centennial Master Plan as our vision for the Centennial Master Plan by the Cincinnati future of Cincinnati Parks. Park Board.

Through in-depth study, exploration, discussion Historically, Cincinnati Parks have helped shape and input from people all over the community, we the development of our city. Parks that are well- have crafted a plan that builds upon the distin- distributed, accessible to all of our citizens and guished past, faces the challenges of the present, which are part of a network of greenspaces are key and projects a future of even greater achievements dimensions to a healthy and viable community. for our parks and our city. This latest Master Plan builds upon the excellence of the 1907 Kessler Plan and the momentum of the Sincerely: 1992 Park Master Plan. Most important, however, it provides a road map for the future of Cincinnati Parks in the 21st century, so that we can continue B 6 G > 6 C ? # A > C 9 7 : G < to provide for the needs and aspirations of those EgZh^YZci!7dVgYd[EVg`8dbb^hh^dcZgh who live, work and visit here.

Sincerely:

L>AA>:;#86G9:C!?G# 9^gZXidg!8^cX^ccVi^EVg`7dVgYVcYEVg`h;djcYVi^dc

( >CIGD9J8I>DC

6H=6G:98>K>86<:C96

One hundred years ago, in 1907, the Cincinnati As our city is challenged by the flight to the Park Board unveiled its first park system master suburbs, rising crime and social tensions, as plan, prepared by George Kessler, Landscape well as limited budgets and staff, we call upon Architect. Kessler’s plan, like those of other parks again as agents of transformation. We major cities during this era such as Boston, Min- imagine once again that our city can be great if neapolis, Chicago and Kansas City, proposed we celebrate our assets—our parks and natural a connected system of parks and parkways as resources; our arts, educational institutions and a way of lifting the city out of the unhealthy con- cultural resources; our wonderfully diverse and ditions created by the Industrial Revolution. This talented spectrum of citizens and businesses. was the age of the Garden City and City Beautiful These are our core assets, cornerstones of a Movements—an age of enlightenment in the shared civic agenda. planning of American cities. The Park Board’s Centennial Master Plan honors Kessler proposed to capitalize upon the scenic this rich legacy of park planning and design by views and the natural topography by creating a revisiting the transformative powers that parks series of crown jewels—parks along the ridge can have in shaping a city; by expanding the tops surrounding the city core, as well as a connective network that Kessler started; and by network of scenic parkways that would link the weaving in contemporary issues such as sustain- parks together throughout the city. We have been ability, crime prevention through environmental the beneficiaries of this visionary plan, and the design, and a re-engagement with our citizens Park Board has been the steward, systematically and partner institutions to provide services and implementing, expanding and celebrating this facilities that are current, relevant, responsible great legacy. and efficient. This is our plan for the 21st Century—one that will help bring our city back Today, standing on the shoulders of this seminal to greatness. work, we look forward into the future once again.

“We call upon parks as 6<:CIH D; Ide/:c_dn^c\V8^cX^ccViÊVg`#q7diidb/IjaêhVi IG6CH;DGB6I>DC.” I]ZdYdgZB#7Zggn>ciZgcVi^dcVa;g^ZcYh]êEVg`

) >CIGD9J8I>DC>CIGD9J8I>DC

I=:EA6CC>C<EGD8:HH &EJGEDH:

=dli]ZEaVclVh8gZViZY The Centennial Master Plan has been created The plan looks beyond our borders and our “Input from the 8DBBJC>IN through a methodical process of research, com- region for trends, innovations and successes munity input and testing. Many people have abroad, from other regional cities in the Mid- is the :C:Ghistory of Cincinnati Finally, a lot of time was also invested in identi- Parks: 2006 is the centennial year for the Board fying and understanding the challenges that our of Park Commissioners and 2007 is the centen- city faces, from demographics and crime statistics nial year of the ﬁrst park system master plan. At to tax revenues and city budgets; from patterns this historic moment, it is important to look back of revitalization to new partnership opportuni- and appreciate the legacy; to study and learn from ties; from restoration and linkage strategies to the masters; to honor and carry the tradition of the civic landscape as a laboratory for lifelong excellence forward. History is the foundation learning and sustainability. Parks and greenspace upon which the plan has been built. driving city revitalization and regional growth is a central theme of the plan.

7ZaaZkjZ=^aaEVg`d[[Zghk^h^idghhijcc^c\k^ZlhVcYVjc^fjZh]ZaiZg

* I=:K>H>DC

8^cX^ccVi^EVg`h8ZciZcc^VaBVhiZgEaVc

The vision for Cincinnati’s park system is one This is the vision for Cincinnati and its park that fulﬁlls the destiny that Kessler started—a system—a vision that will come to life through well distributed and well-connected park system the conservation, appreciation and enjoyment that capitalizes on the natural gifts of the land of our parks’ cultural and natural resources. and provides facilities and venues that contribute to the health and viability of the City. This vision can be described as follows:

Cincinnati is a city where greenspace and Key parklands touch the lives of all people. Existing Parkway .. It is furthermore: ...... Highway ...... A city where a network of parkways, . Proposed Parkways ...... greenways and open spaces shape the future ...... Interstate Parkways of the entire region...... Existing Parks A city with distinctive parklands, beautifully ...... designed and maintained facilities, gardens Flagship Projects ...... and greenspaces. Hillside Parkways ...... A city with parks which provide natural settings River Parkways ...... for the community’s outdoor leisure activities, ...... education, and growth. A city with parks which provide enrichment through programs, events, services and community celebrations.

8 > C 8 > C C 6 I > E 6 G @ H . .

. . .

. .

8:CI:CC>6AB6HI:GEA6C . .

. .

. . .

. .

. . ;G:C8= .

. . .

. E6G@ . .

. . .

-* . .. . .

......

. . . ..

. .

. . . .

. .

. ,& . . .

. . .

. . . .

. .

. . . .

. . . . .

. .

. . . . .

. .. .

. .

. . . B>AA8G::@

. . .

. .

. . .

. .

BI6>GN . . . .

. .

. . .

. .

......

. . .

......

. .

. ,* .

. . .

......

. .

......

. .

. . . .

. .

......

. . .

......

. . . .

. .

. . ..

. . . . .

. . .

. . . . .

. . . .

. . .

. .

. . . . .

. . .

......

. . .

. . . .

......

. .

. . .

.. . . .

. .

.. . .

......

. . . . .

... .

. .

...... 6JAI . . . . .

. . .

. .

. . . .

. . .

...... A>IIA:B>6B>

. . .

. .

. 7JGC:I ......

. .E6G@

. . ..

......

...... G>K:G ...... LDD9H...... ;:GC76C@E6G@ ...... IDGG:C8:......

...... E@LN. . .

.. . 8:CIG6A ......

......

...... 8DAJB7>6E@LN.

. . ... E@LN ......

...... K>8IDGNE@LN . .

......

G6E>9GJC . .

......

. . . . .

......

. .

......

. . E6G@ ...... 6GBA:9:G . .

......

. . . . .

. .

. . . . .

. . .

. . . .

......

. . E6G@

. . . .

. . .

. . . . .

. .

. . .

. .

. . . .

. .

. . .

......

. .. .

...... :9:C .

. . . . .

. .

......

. .

G6E>9GJCE@LN . .

. . . . .

. .

......

. . . E6G@ .

. . . . 6ABH ......

......

. . . .

. .

......

. .

...... E6G@

......

. . . .

. . . . .

. . .

. . . .

......

. .

......

. . . .

......

...... BI:8=D ......

......

...... G>K:G;GDCI . .

. . .. . ),& .. . .

. .

......

...... E6G@ ......

. . . .

. . . . .

.. .. ,* ......

. . . . . HI6C7:GN D=>DG>K:G . . . . . E6G@ . .

. . .

. .

......

, @:NHIG6I:<>:H To help implement the Master Plan’s Key Recommendations, are several Key Strategies.

7jâY^c\i]Z8ZciZge^ZXZ 8^cX^ccVi^G^kZg[gdciEVg` 8dci^cjZYJe\gVYZhI]gdj\]djii]ZHnhiZb “Parks and The most dramatic new park included in The Since the 1992 Plan Update, progress has been Plan is the Cincinnati Riverfront Park—finally made on upgrades to existing parks, parkways, Ohio River. preserves and other assets throughout the system. city G:K>I6A>O6I>DC The upgrades have been distributed to provide an It will be the centerpiece of the park system, the equitable balance to all regions of the city, while and regional growth is front door to our city, and the living room where also responding to individual site and neighbor- a central theme of the plan.” we hold key events and celebrations. It will also hood challenges and opportunities, while continu- be part of a larger strategic agenda to invigorate ing to make the park system universally accessible. the core of our city and region. This work is the core of the Park Board’s mission HigZc\i]Zc^c\i]ZJgWVc8dgZ and responsibilities to the citizens, and it should continue to be a primary focus, achieved by Downtown, Over-the-Rhine and the Mill Creek expanding partnerships, identifying new sources Valley all need more parks, greenspace and more of funding, and finding ways to be even more ef- greenway connections. With community and ficient and effective. financial support and new partnerships, the Park Board could be a pivotal investment in the HjhiV^cVWâîn!HiZlVgYh]ê renaissance of our urban core. & HigZc\i]Zc^c\CVijgVaHnhiZbh HigZc\i]Zc^c\i]ZGZ\^dc q 8în Continued work on assembling and connecting key properties and facilities along our hillsides Through new and enhanced park facilities and streams, appropriately managing and con- serving the region, and programs, expanded serving our parklands and nurturing and plant- awareness, partnerships, and actions, the Park ing the urban forest are all vital to the long-term Board can help improve the city’s image and economic, social and environmental health of our the quality of life in the region. city. Park facilities, services and land management and operational practices should all be HigZc\i]Zc^c\i]ZCZ^\]Wdg]ddYh sustainable economically and environmentally. By enhancing neighborhood parks, adding programs and services and building even more relationships with communities, including expanding Park Advisory Councils, the Park Board can help drive neighborhood revitalization.

- G^\]iIde/:YZcEVg`ciZgcVi^dcVa;g^ZcYh]^eEVg`q;VgG^\]i/ 8^cX^ccVi^G^kZg[gdciEVg` . 68I>DCEA6CH %, %- %. &% && &' &( &) &* &+

DG<6C>O6I>DC6AEG>DG>I>:H '% '% '% '% '% '% '% '% '% '% &=^gZ:mZXji^kZ9^gZXidgd[;djcYVi^dc 'Ldg`lî]8în8djcXâidXgZViZ9ZY^XViZYIVm (Ldg`lî]E68id:YjXViZejWa^Xdc9ZY^XViZYIVm )GZdg\VcôVi^dcXgZViZEgd\gVb7jh^cZhh9^k^h^dc *8ddgY^cVi^dc&:meVch^dcKdajciZZg^hb +;djcYVi^dc,=^gZEG &BVg`Zi^c\HiV[[ ,;djcYVi^dc,=^gZH

.HijYnXgZVi^dc=dgi^XjaijgZHZXi^dcl^i]HjeZgk#;adg^hi &%>cXgZVh^c\i]ZcjbWZg &hXdeZd[egd\gVbhZkZcih &&7gdVYZc^c\i]ZgZVX]d[cVijgZZYjXVi^dc &':c]VcXZVcYegdbdiZEG&BVg`Zi^c\>c^i^Vi^kZh

DE:G6I>DCHA6C9B6C6<:B:CI EG>DG>I>:H &9ZZgBVcV\ZbZci '>ckVh^kZHeZX^Zh8dcigda (LdgìdlVgYHidgblViZgEVgicZgh]êh&[ZZh ):meVcYHigZZiIgZZWnhiZeeZY^cXgZVhZVhhZhhbZciaZkZah *HjhiV^cVWâînEg^cXêaZh& Egd_ZXih +EgdiZXi^c\&A^c`^c\CVijgVaGZhdjgXZhhnhiZbh ,8^k^X7ZVji^ÒXVi^dcEgd_ZXih&EVgicZgh]êh -CZ^\]Wdg]ddYGZ[dgZhiVi^dc

&% %, %- %. &% && &' &( &) &* &+ ;JC9>C<E6GIC:GH=>EEG>DG>I>:H '% '% '% '% '% '% '% '% '% '%

&HiVWâôZIVmgZkZcjZWngZ[dXjh^c\8îngZkZcjZhigZVb '>cXgZbZciVagZVhdcVWaZ^cXgZVhZ^c;ZZHX]ZYjaZ (BV^ciV^cVWVaVcXZd[[gZZ[ZZ[VXâî^ZhhZgk^XZh )>cXgZbZciVagZVhdcVWaZ^cXgZVhZ^c;jcYGV^h^c\ *:c]VcXZYkdajciZZgegd\gVb +:meVcYEVgicZgh]êhlî]:YjXVi^dc>chiîji^dch ,:meVcYEVgicZgh]êhlî]YZkZadebZciZciî^Zh -:meVcYEVgicZgh]êhlî]di]ZgEVg`HZgk^XZEgdk^YZgh .9ZkZadeGZhiVjgVci7jgcZiLddYh &%9ZkZadeLZYY^c\8dgedgViZBZZi^c\;VXâîn>clddY &&:c]VcXZBZZi^c\;VXâînViBi#6^gn &'>beaZbZci@gd]c8dchZgkVidgn:meVch^dc &(HZZ`\gZViZgZ[ÒX^ZcX^Zhlî]8G8=8E9 &)9ZkZadeeVgicZgh]êh[dgXgZVi^dcd[gZ\^dcVaigVâh &*>ckZhi^\ViZXgZViZbdYZaEVg`>begdkZbZci9^hig^Xi &+>ckZhi^\ViZXgZViZbdYZa[dgEVgÌ>;jhZ

&& 68I>DCEA 6CH %,"%- %."&% '&"'' '("') ')"'+ &&"&' &("&) &*"&+ &,"&- &."'% 86E>I6A>BEGDK:B:CIH '% '% '% '% '% '% '% '% '% '% &HjhiV^c^c\EVg`>c[gVhigjXijgZ '8gZViZBVhiZgEaVcAniaZEVg` (>beaZbZciAniaZEVgÈaVc )8gZViZBVhiZgEaVcLVh]^c\idcEVg` *>beaZbZciLVh]^c\idcEVgÈaVc +9ZkZadeeaVch[dgcZl9dlcidlcEVg`h ,9ZkZadeeaVch[dgcZlCZ^\]Wdg]ddYEVg`hHfjVgZh -8dchigjXi8^cX^ccVi^G^kZg[gdciEVg` .>beaZbZciDlahCZhiEVgÈaVc &%8gZViZBVhiZgEaVc$;ZVh^WâînHijYn[dg@gd]c:meVch^dc &&8dchigjXi@gd]c8dchZgkVidgn:meVch^dc &'>beaZbZci7jgcZiLddYhBVhiZgEaVc &(>beaZbZci>clddYEVg`BVhiZgEaVc &)>beaZbZci?VX`hdc=âaBVhiZgEaVc &*>beaZbZci7ZaaZkjZ=âaBVhiZgEaVc

&' %,"%- %."&% '&"'' '("') ')"'+ &&"&' &("&) &*"&+ &,"&- &."'% 86E>I6A>BEGDK:B:CIH&+"(% '% '% '% '% '% '% '% '% '% '% &+>beaZbZci;V^gk^ZlBVhiZgEaVc &,>beaZbZci;aZ^hX]bVccBVhiZgEaVc &-8gZViZBVhiZgEaVc[dgBi#6^gn;dgZhi6gWdgZijb &.>beaZbZciBi#6^gnBVhiZgEaVc&GZcdkVi^dc '%8gZViZBVhiZgEaVc[dgbeaZbZcibeaZbZci;gZcX]EVg`BVhiZgEaVc '(>begdkZbZcihViAVg\ZCZ^\]Wdg]ddYEVg`h ')>begdkZbZcihViHbVaaCZ^\]Wdg]ddYEVg`h '*EgZhZgkZh &CVijgVa6gZVh>begdkZbZcih '+EgdeZgin6Xfj^h^i^dc ',EVg`lVn$7djaZkVgY$

&( ;JC9>C<B6IG>M 8]Vg\Zh BH9 , & GZciVah$Di]Zg ;ZZh 8în8VeîVa 8DBEDC:CIH 8înE8djcin! =8E9 Di]ZgAdXVa EjWa^XDeZgVi^c\ HiViZ ;ZYZgVa Eg^kViZ$ 9dcVi^dch Hedchdgh]êh >c"@^cY$ KdajciZZg EVgicZgh]êh$ 8daaVWdgVi^dch 9ZkZadebZci 6\gZZbZcih$HeZX^Va >begdkZbZci9^hig^Xih

DeZgVi^dch$BV^ciZcVcXZ

Egd\gVbh$:kZcih

EVg`lVnh

;dgZhign$HigZZiIgZZh

EVg`>begdkZbZcih

Landscape / Horticulture / Grounds

Facilities / Buildings

Infrastructure

AVcY6Xfj^h^i^dc

&) HI67>A>O>C<8>INE6G@ I 6 M G : K : C J :

BZX]Vc^Xhd[IVm>hhjZh

The Cincinnati Park Board has reached a critical Cincinnati Parks, as part of its long-term plan- The critical point to be remembered is that a yes financial crossroads. The Park Board is busy craft- ning, seeks a committed, reasonable and consis- vote by the citizens would not cause an increase ing a vision for the next century (The Centennial tent allocation from the city’s annual budget as in taxes like the County Park levy did, but would Master Plan), building upon a rich tradition that part of the formula for maintaining and operat- be a dedication of existing dollars for park opera- has earned it a reputation as one of the best urban ing their world class park system. One way to tions. The referendum question can be placed on park systems in America. accomplish this is to set aside a consistent annual the ballot by a super majority of Council or by percentage from the present city income tax. This citizens’ petition drive. Either method could allow With city budgets constantly challenged by percentage would not be substantially more than City Council and the citizens of Cincinnati to population loss and, at best, no real growth in tax it has been in the past. It would just be a set decide to support its world class park system with revenue, the Park Board has weathered significant amount that the Park Board could count on to votes, and without additional taxes. staff reductions over the last two decades and a do effective fiscal planning for the future and it time-consuming annual defense of its relatively would be based on the baseline operating budget Once this happens, City Council would no longer small operating budget (1.8 cents out of every tax Parks needs to provide basic levels of mainte- need to debate and battle over this every year; dollar spent on city services). Parks are to a point, nance. An existing local model is the long-stand- they would have a dedicated percentage for Parks however, where any more cuts will compromise ing dedication of a percentage of the income tax that was reasonable. their ability to provide even the most basic of which helps support sorta. services—parks that are clean, safe, reliable, The Park Board would then be able to turn its green and beautiful. To move beyond this basic This tax dedication was approved by voters in the attention to planning and operating great parks, level of service, two things must happen. 1970s and continues today. City Parks should growing fiscal support through its other revenue- have the same type of dedicated tax source to sup- generating opportunities and serving as a catalyst First, the annual city operating budget support for port park operations. This is possible only by the for the revitalization of the city. Parks must stabilize and become something that voters’ approval of a referendum to change the the Park Board can count on each year, without present city charter language. having to spend so much time and energy defend- ing it. Once this happens, the Park Board will Many park systems across the country are cur- be able to turn its attention to growing its other rently funded with a dedicated share of taxes revenue-generating opportunities. supporting park operations. Examples include “Many E6G@Hacross the Minneapolis, Kansas City, Seattle, and Pittsburgh. 8DJCIGN are currently ;JC9:9 with a dedicated share of taxes supporting park operations.”

&* 8>I>:HL>I=9:9>86I:9E6G@;JC9>C<&...;N

9?J?;I =;D;H7B

BZY^jb9Zch^in B^ccZVeda^h &!&+'!%%% ) &-!,,*!%%% *- &&!--&!%%% (, (,%!%%% & ('!&--!%%% HZViiaZ '+!+.'!%%% )) ''!*-'!%%% (- &%!,)-!%%% &- &*'!%%% %#'* +%!&,)!%%% E^iihWjg\] &%!*+%!%%% -& +'%!%%% * &!'&(!%%% . *-%!%%% ) &'!.,(!%%%

Adl9Zch^in HVc9^Z\d )*!.)'!%%% *. '+!)&+!%%% () *!+.'!%%% , Å Å ,-!%*%!%%% @VchVh8^in &)!*+*!%%% *+ +!'+,!%%% ') *!'%(!%%% &.#. &')!%%% %#), '+!&.+!%%%

8^cX^ccVi^ -!&%&!+(' -) Å Å ,--!*&- -#' ,*)!+*% ,#- .!+))!-%% Å 6kZgV\Z Å (- Å )' Å &. & Å

&+ 86E>I6A>BEGDK:B:CIEA6C

HjhiV^c^c\VcY:c]VcX^c\EVg`h &EgZhZgkZh While some of the broad objectives and initiatives This is inclusive of sites throughout of The Plan have been previously outlined, the the city, including: proposed system-wide capital improvements are GZ\^dcVaEVg`h categorized and described in more detail in this chapter. The park system is comprised of many CZ^\]Wdg]ddYEVg`h components, from the connective tissue that holds EgZhZgkZh&8dbbjc^inc^i^Vi^kZh

The Centennial Plan outlines the following Capital 8dchZgk^c\!HigZc\i]Zc^c\VcYA^c`^c\ Strategies to address all of these dimensions:: EVg`lVnh& CVijgVaHnhiZbh This is the connective framework of linear GZk^iVa^o^c\i]ZJgWVc8dgZ systems including: Enhancing and developing parks in the following EVg`lVnh core areas: 7djaZkVgYh 9dlcidlcq879 HXZc^X9g^kZh DkZg"i]Z"G]^cZ A^cZVgEVg`h 7Vh^cCZ^\]Wdg]ddYh

EaVci^c\&HjhiV^c^c\i]ZJgWVc;dgZhi This is inclusive of the city-wide inventory of trees including:

HigZZiIgZZh

CZ^\]Wdg]ddYGZ[dgZhiVi^dc

&, 8Ve^iVa;jcY^c\

The proposed capital improvement program The Plan includes the following breakdown of Achieving the goal of securing an additional $80 is an ambitious plan to restore, renovate and costs over a 20-year planning period: million over 20 years for new projects ranging sustain Park’s existing infrastructure as well as from expanding Krohn to making significant 8în;jcY^c\idhjhiV^ci]ZhnhiZb )-#,B to enhance the park system. Over two-thirds of improvements at Mt. Airy Forest and Arboretum Park’s buildings are over 60 years old and the 8în;jcY^c\[dgcZl^cî^Vi^kZh -%#(B is a major challenge and not likely to be available infrastructure of the historic system is aging and from city capital improvement sources. Di]ZgEjWa^X;jcY^c\ +%#%B in constant need of attention. The capital plan addresses these needs. The Plan also recommends Eg^kViZ;jcY^c\ ,.#*B During the master planning process, there was a range of new initiatives to bring more people to much discussion about the existing county park ?d^ciKZcijgZ9ZkZadebZcih &(#%B parks and to help revitalize neighborhoods, the levy. The consensus of opinion has been not to city and the region. attempt an additional levy during the current one, The total capital budget from all funding sources but to wait until the existing levy ends and at that Some of these enhancements and new facilities is $280 million. It should be noted, however, that time collaborate with the Hamilton County Park will also generate revenue for parks while others two mega-projects alone, Krohn and Cincinnati District to carve out a portion of new levy funds support significant environmental and develop- Riverfront Park, account for $132 million of this for city park endeavors with a regional focus such ment goals for the city. total. Another $32 million of this budget are the as Krohn, Mt. Airy and trails. costs to implement the master plan for the parks A number of flagship projects are proposed within in Uptown. This leaves a total for all other proj- This would seem to be a workable solution for the plan and these are relatively costly. These ects of $116 million of which $48.7 million is for the large capital need which the master plan has include the Cincinnati Riverfront Park, currently basic infrastructure support and $80.3 million identified. If that allocations of levy dollars is not under development, which is a $90 million for new initiatives and significant enhancements. forthcoming, then another alternative would be to project. Another is the long-planned expansion The $48.7 million dollars for sustaining the have the citizens pass a capital improvement levy of Krohn Conservatory, which is a $42 million existing system is the cost of investment in that is specifically ear-marked to build those facili- project. Both would have significant amounts of Park’s infrastructure at current rates of City ties listed in the master plan. private and other public funding support. Capital investment of approximately $4 million Funding is targeted to come from city capital annually over the first 12 years of plan implemen- The tax language could be written so as to have dollars, other local public dollars, and state and tation. Future investments of $3.7 to $4 million a definitive life based on yearly dollar needs federal funds. Funding is also to come from annually will be needed for the remainder of the of the master plan and ending at a defined private sources and joint venture developments. planning period. termination year.

9ZiV^aViI]ZdYdgZB#7Zggn>ciZgcVi^dcVa;g^ZcYh]^eEVg` &- “The proposed program is an ambitious plan to G:HIDG:,G:CDK6I: and HJHI6>C Park's existing infrastructure as well as to :C=6C8: I=: E6G@ HNHI:B.”

&. 86E>I6A>BEGDK:B:CIHIG6I:I6A>BEGDK:B:CIHIG 6I:

86E>I6AEA6CH

With this funding overview as a backdrop, the following pages outline each of the capital initia- JEIDLC tives in more detail. 8>C8>CC6I> HI6I:JC>K:GH>IN6I: M6K>:G JC>K:GH>IN I]ZJgWVc8dgZ

One of the Key Initiatives of the Centennial Plan 7JGC:I is to leverage parks and open space as a catalyst 8:CIG6AE6G @L6N LLDD9H for the revitalization of the urban core, stimulat- JC>K:GH>IND; ing redevelopment, improving quality of life and 8>C8>CC6I>

providing better connectivity between the many N G N assets that exist in the heart of our community. D 6 I L 8 > @ K G 6 Each of the sub-areas outlined in the diagram E 8DAJB7>6E6G@L6N above—Downtown, Over-the-Rhine, Uptown :9:C and Mill Creek Valley—have unique needs, assets B>AA8G::@ E6G@ and opportunities. In the following pages, more DIG detailed strategies are outlined for each area. L6H=>C:C9H=>E E6G@ together, with an emphasis on the symbiotic E>6II relationship between the two. E6G@ ;DJCI6>C HFJ6G: ANIA: E6G@ 9DLCIDLC

8:CIG6A G>K:G;GDCI E6G@

'% 9 D L C I D L C & DK:G"I=:"G=>C: A>7:GINHIG::I

Both of these urban core neighborhoods are deﬁcient in green space, and revitalization strategies L6H=>C6II most ambitious new park is being planned, the E6G@ Cincinnati Riverfront Park. 3cdc has also put signiﬁcant resources into major enhancements and programming for Fountain Square. Building on ANIA: this momentum, the following additional recom- E6G@ mendations are made for Downtown. ;DJCI6>C HFJ6G: ! CZlBVhiZgEaVcqJe\gVYZh[dgAniaZ VcYLVh]^c\idcEVg`h ;I#L6H=>C

! CZlEVg`h^ci]ZHi#MVk^Zg9^hig^XiVcYcZVgi]Z 8dckZci^dc8ZciZg!jh^c\i]ZE^ViiEVg`bdYZa

! CZlhbVaaeVg`h^cDIG!^ceVgicZgh]êlî](898! 8>C8>CC6I> G>K:G;GDCI YZkZadeZgh!8^cX^ccVi^GZXgZVi^dc8dbb^hh^dcVcY E6G@ 8^cX^ccViÊjWa^XHX]ddah

JG76C8DG: Key Current Park ...... Potential New Park ...... Connective Route ...... '& 8>C8>CC6I>G>K:G;GDCI E6G@

I]Z8ZciZge^ZXZ

Working for the last several years with the Corps The park of almost 40 acres will provide a wide of Engineers, local partners and a design team led array of features and amenities, including: by Sasaki Associates, the Park Board has been ! GZhiVjgVcih 8V[Zh crafting a powerful vision for the centerpiece to q the park system–where downtown can ﬁnally ! 8VgdjhZa reconnect with the Ohio River. Nestled between ! EaVn\gdjcYh the two stadiums, a proposed new downtown neighborhood called “The Banks,” and the Ohio ! 9ZXdgVi^kZLViZg;ZVijgZhqLViZg[Vaah River, the new park will provide an appropriate ! EjWa^X6gi setting for one of our region’s premiere features, the Roebling Suspension Bridge, and a strong ! ;Vb^anHl^c\h visual linkage with the National Underground ! :megZhh^kZ

“The park is EA6CC:9 to function as a ';GDCI N6G9' for the city.”

'' B>AA8G::@K6AA:N

BI#HIDGB The future of the Mill Creek Valley is one of our B>AA8G::@ City’s most important challenges and opportunities in the next century. Despite the environmental Key Current Park obstacles, it offers some of the largest opportunities ...... Potential New Park B>AA8G::@ for redevelopment, after “The Banks” has been ......

D]^dG^kZg -i]HigZZi :ooVgY8]VgaZh$BjhZjb8ZciZg LZhiZgc=^aahK^VYjXi B^iX]Zaa$HValVn6gZV

8>C8>CC6I> G>K:G;GDCI E6G@ '( A A>C@6<:I=GDJ<= B>M:9JH:ODC: JEIDLC

Before the Kessler Plan of 1907, Adolph Strauch had created a major park in what is now known as Uptown-Burnet Woods. This provided a retreat from the heat, ﬁlth and poor air quality of The Downtown Basin and a focal point for the city’s early suburbs. Kessler added to the ensem- ble by proposing a series of connected parks along the edge of the plateau overlooking the city. Recently, in coordination with the Centennial Plan, the Park Board has partnered with the Uptown Consortium to produce a plan that would promote neighborhood revitalization and renewed investment in Uptown parks as a cohe- sive strategy. The plan included four study areas, with plans for each of the parks within these study areas represented on the next several pages.

8a^[idcHijYn6gZV Burnet Woods

8J;HijYn6gZV Fairview & Bellevue Hill Parks

Bi#6jWjgcq8dggnk^aaZHijYn6gZV Inwood, Jackson Hill and Filson Parks “A plan that would 6kdcYVaZHijYn6gZV EGDBDI: neighborhood Fleischmann Gardens G:K>I6A>O6I>DC and renewed investment in JEIDLC.”

') I]ZHXjaeijgZVi7jgcZiLddYh AjYadl6kZ#

7JGC:I LDD9H q I=:D6H>H

! AjYadl&@^c\

! HigZZihXVeZA^c`V\Zhid$[gdbOdd BJ E

! GZhidgZYHigZVb8dgg^Ydglî]IgVâ>ciZgegZi^kZ B^mZY"JhZ lî] Hideh/HidgblViZg7BEÉh HigjXijgZY EVg`^c\ E ! 8a^[idcbegdkZYEVg`^c\&E^Xc^XqEaVnGZciVa6gZV

9^mbni] ! GZVa^\cZYHigZZil^i]EVg`^c\!EZYZhig^Vc EgdbZcVYZ&8dccZXi^c\

! :m^hi^c\GdVYGZbdkZYidHigZc\i]Zc;dgZhi >C &HigZVbA^c`V\Z

! IZggVXZ!8V[Z&GZhiVjgVcidc8a^[idc6kZcjZ >C ! :c]VcXZYAV`ZEgdbZcVYZ

! CZlHXZc^X9g^kZ6a^\cbZci

!Æ

! :c]VcXZYHigZZihXVeZ6adc\8a^[idc6kZcjZ VcYBA@6kZcjZ

! :meVcYZY9^hX

! CVi^kZAVcYhXVeZGZhidgVi^dc&7^dÒaigVi^dc

! :cignEaVoV&>begdkZY>ciZghZXi^dc

! 7VcYhiVcY

JC>K:GH>IND;

8a^[idc6kZ# 8>C8>CC6I> BJ BJ

BJ GI >CLDD9E6G@ +%!%%%H#;# q 8Va]djcHigZZi BJ

LZhiBXB^aaVc BJ ! Jeidlc

:Vhi=daa^hiZg :VhiBXB^aaVcH !

! :c]VcXZYHigZZihXVeZdcK^cZHigZZi HigZZi ! EVg`^c\ >G ! 6XXZhh^WaZGVbe ! CZlGZh^YZci^Va9ZkZadebZci dc>hdaViZYEVg`EVgXZah

:Vhi=daa^hiZg ! EZYZhig^VcEgdbZcVYZ6adc\CZlHigZZi HigZZi ! :c]VcXZYEVk^a^dc!

6kZcjZ ! >begdkZYEVi]HnhiZb >G

6jWjgc ! GZhigddb&GZciVWaZH]ZaiZg LZaa^c\idcEaVXZ ! 9d\EVg` ! EVg`^c\&7Vh`ZiWVaa8djgih >clddYEaVXZ ! DkZgadd`6adc\LVa`lVnAdde

I]^aaHi

EdiZci^Va;jijgZ9ZkZadebZci

igZZi

K^cZH

'+ ? 6 8 @ H D C = > A A E 6 G @ & ;>AHDCE6G@q I=::6HI:GCL>C9DLH

! DkZgadd` ! 8dbbjcînC ! EZYZhig^VcEVi]h&E^Xc^X6gZVh ! >begdkZYEaVn\gdjcY ...... Infill/Rehab Development Opportunities >G ...... BJ ! CZlH]ZaiZg&EaVn\gdjcY ! IgZaa^h"8dkZgZYIZggVXZ&DkZgadd` ...... New Mixed-Use Development Opportunities New Residential Development Opportunities G: ! EVg`^c\ ! :c]VcXZY:m^hi^c\Eddalî]CZlHegVn\gdjcY ...... Park/Neighborhood Gateway ! :cignEaVoVlî]EVg`H^\cV\Z ! >ciZghZXi^dc:c]VcXZbZci!DcZ"LVn>cidEVg` ...... Major Uptown Gateway & EaVoVVii]Z;aVi>gdc7jâY^c\ Interpretive Element ! 8dbbjcînIZggVXZ ...... Potentially Developed Park Land ! HVaZd[KVXVciEVgÈVgXZah ...... ! DkZgadd`H]ZaiZg&

Zi Hig j HigZ 6 K^cZ Adi]

igZZi H G^XZ

G: BJ BJ & )

' ( BJ G: 7dYbVc6kZcjZ * G: BJ , - & &' G: 9dgX] + BJ ZhiZg6kZcjZ LZhi8a^[idc6kZcjZ =de`^ch G: G: EVg`

>G G:

>G G: kZcjZ >C >C >G HigZZi G:

=^\]aVcY6

HnXVbdgZ G: G^c\\daYHigZZi . ' && ', & &% G: >G ;6>GK>:LE6G@ q I=:EGDB:C69: BXB^aaVc

G: BJ BJ ! CZlH]ZaiZg!LViZgEaVn&DkZgadd` ! ;V^gk^Zl8dbbdch&;Vb^anEaVn6gZV

! CZlEVg`:cignild"lVn >G ! AVcYhXVeZ>ciZgegZiVi^dcd[>cXa^cZ

>begdkZYEZYZhig^VcHiV^gXVhZ ;V^gk^Zl ! G: ! 6XXZhh^Wâîn>begdkZbZcihid:m^hi^c\EaVn6gZV ! Ild"LVnEVg`9g^kZlî]9Zh^\cViZYEVg`^c\6gZVh ! Ijgc"6gdjcY ! >begdkZYEZYZhig^VcEgdbZcVYZ!DkZgadd`h &>ciZgegZi^kZ;ZVijgZh

! EVg`>YZci^ÒXVi^dcH^\cV\Z$>Xdc ! >begdkZYCdgi]:cigndcZ"lVn +

LVgcZg

GVk^cZ

'- @adiiZg EVg`ZgHigZZi

igZZi

L]ZZaZgH 7:AA:KJ:=>AAE6G@ q LZhi8a^[idc6kZcjZ I=:8:CIG6AL>C9DL

:bb^c\HigZZi

! EZYZhig^Vc6XXZhh ! 7ZaaZkjZbegdkZYEVg`^c\&EaVn

D]^d6kZcjZ ! CZlKZ]^XjaVg&EZYZhig^Vc:cigVcXZ

! IgV^a6XXZhh cjZ ! Egd\gVbbZY:m^hi^c\EVk^a^dc ! >begdkZYE^Xc^X6gZVh ! AVlcIZggVXZh ! K^ZlBVcV\ZbZci ! >begdkZYHiV^g6XXZhh ! 9ZXdgVi^kZEZg^bZiZgLVaa&EZYZhig^VccXa^cZ>ciZgegZi^kZGZbcVcih &AVcYhXVeZ:c]VcXZbZcih

LZhi8a^[idc

6kZcjZ

LZhi8a^[idc6kZcjZ

6aaZn

KVcAZVg '. ;A:>H8=B6CC<6G9:CH q I=:HIGDAA>C<<6G9:C

G: ! :meVcYZYEVg`VcYGZhidgZY LddYaVcYl^i]EVi]Adde

! 8dbbjc^in:cign G: E ! begdkZYCZ^\]Wdg]ddY6XXZhhidbegdkZY

=VgkZn6kZ# >G

G: ;dgZhi6kZ#

kZ#

G: LVh]^c\idc6

(% G: G : < > D C 6 A E 6 G @ H

Bi#6^gn;dgZhi

As the largest park in the system, one of the most Upgrades to major facilities should include rustic in character, one of the most popular to expansion and refinement of the arboretum to visit, and the hub of the west district, Mt. Airy has have more of a focus on native plants. A more both the need and the potential for enhancements detailed plan should be developed for the arbo- to better serve the community and take greater retum that focuses more exotic plants near the advantage of some of its most unique qualities/ building and lake, with the collection transition- assets. Specifically, upgrades to the network of ing to more natives as it moves outward toward trails and to each of the major use areas could the valleys. The arboretum building should be provide better accommodations for users, while upgraded or replaced as a Visitor’s Center for also preserving the unique rustic character of the Mt. Airy, with adequate parking added near the park. Existing trails should be upgraded and the building and near the lake. Pine Ridge should be sign system improved. A new paved trail loop converted/expanded to be the Mt. Airy Nature that accommodates bicycles and connects major Center. Maple Ridge should be expanded as a use areas in the eastern half of the site should be major rental lodge for multiple community and designed and implemented. The trail would parallel corporate rental uses. A new rentable shelter is existing roads along the ridgetops and forest edge. proposed in Area 23. Each of these facility This trails network can then be connected to a upgrades offers revenue-generating potential, larger system that connects several sites to the without sacrificing the unique character of Mt. Airy. north and east all the way to the Mill Creek.

“Facility upgrades offer G:K:CJ:"<:C:G6I>C< EDI:CI>6A, without sacrificing the unique character of Mt. Airy.”

(& BdgZheZX^ÒXje\gVYZh^cXajYZ

! 6gWdgZijb ! IgV^ah Develop an updated concept plan for the Upgrade trail system and trail signs Arboretum and the Arboretum building Create new bike/hike trail. This is a potential four Determine the existing and potential support to ﬁve mile trail on the Colerain side of the park base and constituency for funding development Create trail link with preserves and park properties of the Arboretum along Kirby Valley. Connect Mt. Airy with LaBoi- Develop a program and strategy for the teaux Woods, linking College Hill, Mt. Airy and enhancement of the arboretum, its operations Northside communities and its funding H^\ch Create a long term funding and development ! plan, and implement plan Upgrade directional signs and facility signs Develop kiosk/event/rental signs ! GZhZgkZY6gZVh

Enhance reserved areas to better serve rentals ! 9d\EVg` Develop a new reserved area and shelter Sustain dog park to support heavy use at Area 23 ! E^cZG^Y\ZAdY\Z EgdeZgin6Xfj^h^i^dc 9ZkZadebZci ! q Seek funds for capital improvement and operation of Provide a new park entry and improve access to Pine Ridge as nature center and work-program base trails on the West side of the park at Diehl Road ! >c[gVhigjXijgZ Maintain/repair/restore all buildings and structures as needed Maintain/repair/replace utilities and circulation systems as needed Reforest & sustain Mt. Airy Forest

(' :MI:C9:9 IG6>AADDE K>H>IDG8:CI:G 6C96G7DG:IJB :C=6C8:B:CIH

7AJ:HEGJ8:GD69 Key Proposed Bike Path ...... Roads 7>@: ...... E6I= H=:E=:G98G::@GD69

EGDEDH:9 C6IJG: 8DA:G6>C6K: L:HI;DG@GD698:CI:G6I 9>:=AGD69 E>C:G>9<: AD9<:

E C:L688:HH C:LH=:AI:G E6G@>C< 6G:6'( :ME6CH>DCD; B6EA:G>9<: L:HI;DG@GD69 AD9<:

L:HILDD9CDGI=:GC7AK9

C BDCI6C66K:

(( <6G9:CHD;:9:C

:YZcEVg`

Eden Park is one of the city’s most treasured The park’s infrastructure, facilities and manage- The space surrounding Mirror Lake and the flat and frequently visited places. It is home to the ment need to be updated. Improved parking, trails, reservoir space below it need to be upgraded to Cincinnati Art Museum, the Playhouse in the accommodations for major events, connectivity provide a major central event venue that all of the Park, Seasongood Pavilion, historic Waterworks between assets via an inventive, site-specific transit institutions in the park can share and the region structures, the Park Board’s Administrative Office strategy, upgrades to the Seasongood Pavilion, as a whole can enjoy. and iconic gazebo, an inspiring collection of more intensive landscape maintenance, an ex- garden settings, overlooks, public art and natural panded Krohn, and collaborative programming/ In coordination with expansion plans for both areas, and the Park Board’s flagship facility, the marketing with the other cultural assets would take the Cincinnati Art Museum and the Playhouse, Krohn Conservatory. the park to the next level. these enhancements will place Eden Park among the nation’s top urban parks such as the Boston From its poetic beginnings as an open pastoral An expanded Krohn will bring one of the best Commons, Central Park in New York and Golden oasis, the park has been loved and added to so opportunities for increased revenues to the Park Gate Park in San Francisco. Without these refine- much that it has become a gallery of gardens and Board, while also providing more services and ments and upgrades, the park will start to feel features—a unique constellation of assets found facilities for community use. It could include its more like a grandmother’s attic—packed full nowhere else in the park system. The challenge own parking structure, a restaurant overlook- of special treasures, but without the grace and has become that these individual gardens and ing the city, expanded exhibit spaces, classrooms, respectful setting that they deserve. features have been conceived independently, more space for horticultural displays, a banquet/ without revisiting the overall impacts and integration conference facility, an auditorium, an expanded gift with the entire park. This has resulted in won- shop and visitor’s center, and sculpture gardens, all derful individual assets, but with an in-between in an expressive garden setting that is sensitively landscape “that doesn’t know what to be” and a integrated into the Eden Park environment. park infrastructure that can’t fully connect and support the features. When Adolph Strauch came to the city, Cincinnati was considered the “horticultural epicenter of the u.s.” With these assets and the Park Board’s expertise, this could be true again.

“These enhancements will place :9:CE6G@ among the nation's IDE JG76C E6G@H.” () Di]ZgGZXdbbZcYVi^dch>cXajYZ HeZX^ÒX:c]VcXZbZcih

! BZbdg^Va

! HZVhdc\ddYEVk^a^dc

! H^\ch Design & install an integrated system of wayﬁnding signs to all park destinations

! >c[gVhigjXijgZ Maintain/repair/replace utilities and circulation system as needed Update & implement transportation/circulation/ parking plan, including improvement of trails and pathways Enhance old reservoir walls as park features

(* <6G9:CHD;:9:CB6E

K:I:G6CÉH A>7:GIN B:BDG>6A <6G9:C <6G9:C IL>C A6@:H >CHI6AAHE:8>6A:CIGN DK:GADD@ B:96AA>DC6I :M>HI>C<8DC8G:I: 8JI"DJI 6JI=DGÉH

L>9:C6C9 :C=6C8:E6I= >BEGDK:9 I=GDJ<=I=: E6I=;GDB B:BDG>6A

>BEGDK:9;JAIDCHI 8DCC:8I>DC HE:C8:GDK:GADD@$ @GD=C6C9 <6G9:CH <6G9:CH

C:LE6I=;GDB @GD=CID E E B:BDG>6A BDCJB:CI @GD=C 8DCH:GK6IDGN

=>C@A: <6G9:C

C E B>GGDGA6@: (+ G:<>DC6AE6G@H

6jaiEVg` ;gZcX]EVg`

! >c[gVhigjXijgZ ! H]ZaiZg Maintain buildings and structures Enhance/upgrade or replace reserved shelter and repair as needed and provide handicap access to it

Maintain/repair/replace utilities as needed ! 8^gXjaVi^dcHnhiZb Renovate/replace service building Develop hard surface walkways connecting features and link to Amberly Recreation Site Replace sections of Observatory sidewalk ! 7^gYHVcXijVgn ! IgV^ah Develop sanctuary, pond and viewing station Maintain/repair trails as needed as per Master Plan

Improve trail signs ! IgVâh Develop paved bike/hike trail from Observatory Upgrade trail system and trail signs to Red Bank ! >c[gVhigjXijgZ Maintain/repair/replace utilities as needed Add new playground and picnic area 6gbaZYZgq AîiaZB^Vb^G^kZgEVg` Consider partnership on master plan Work with crc and Hamilton County Parks to implementation with hcpd implement remaining phases of Master Plan ! ;gZcX]=djhZ Carry out second phase rehab of 2nd floor if supportable by rental market

! DkZgadd` Create overlook and amphitheater as per Master Plan

(, C:><=7DG=DD9E6G@H

6abhEVg` Bdjci:X]dEVg`

GZhZgkZYVgZV ! EVk^a^dc6gZV ! GVe^YGjcEVg` Construct new shelter and enhance reserved area Enhance grounds and Pavilion rental site as per Master Plan if supportable by rental market ! >c[gVhigjXijgZ ! LVa`h Maintain/repair/replace utilities ! Ajc`ZcDkZgadd` Develop walkway from west overlook, to and circulation system as needed Rebuild & Enhance Pavilion, to tennis courts Enhance landscape at parking lot and along parkway 7jgcZiLddYh&>clddYEVg` ! >c[gVhigjXijgZ Maintain/repair/replace utilities as needed Improve service drive from Gurley Road ! BVhiZgEaVc>beaZbZciVi^dc Implement recommendations of the Uptown Repair overlook and furnishings as needed HiVcWZgnEVg` Parks & Neighborhood Revitalization Plan in Determine needs of operations support partnership with the Uptown Consortium and Implement remaining phases of Master Plan other partners Remove service building and relocate to different park in west district 9gV`ZEVg` ! IgV^ah ! >c[gVhigjXijgZ Maintain & upgrade trails and signs. Extend Maintain/repair/replace utilities and circulation trails to Sedamsville Neighborhood and investi- system as needed gate link to Embshoff and to river Assess condition of overlook and renovate as needed BdjciHidgbEVg`

Create trail loop ! =^hidg^XVa6cVanh^h Allow historical analysis to drive future enhance- BX:kdnEVg` ments and potential relocation of park elements

! >c[gVhigjXijgZ ! >c[gVhigjXijgZ Maintain/repair/replace utilities and circulation Maintain/repair/replace utilities as needed systems as needed Consider relocation of playground to open up views between shelter and Temple of Love Rebuild trail to Ludlow Avenue Upgrade picnic area and wine cellar feature

(- HB6AA C:><=7DG=DD9E6G@H

7ZaaZkjZ=âaEVg`!7^h]deIg^Vc\aZ!Bdjci ?Zg\Zch DlahCZhi 6jWjgcIg^Vc\aZ!8aVhhZcEVg`!8dggnkâaZ Replace fence & enhance walks Implement Master Plan Ig^Vc\aZ!;V^gk^ZlEVg`!;aZ^hX]bVcc beaZbZciVi^dc Incorporate adjacent school site if/when Create new Master Plan for grounds Implement recommendations of the Uptown Parks it becomes available & Neighborhood Revitalization Plan in partnership Work with State and Stowe House advocacy group with the Uptown Consortium and other partners BVgi^cAji]Zg@^c\EVg` LVh]^c\idcEVg` Create new master plan 6cclddYEVg` Create & implement new Master Plan Add drinking fountain AniaZEVg` Lâhdc8dbbdch Create new master plan

(. EG:H:GK:H& 8 D B B J C > I N 8DBBJC>IN

EgZhZgkZh

6kdcLddYh

)% 7jgcZiLddYhAV`Z C:L & :ME6C9:9E6G@H E6G@L6NHq7DJA:K6G9H

:meVch^dchd[EVg`h

There are several new park and parkway Based upon a system-wide analysis of potential Kessler’s 1907 Plan is most noted for starting opportunities that have been identified in this property acquisitions in close proximity to existing Cincinnati Parks’ network of connective parkways section, particularly associated with the urban parks, the following areas are recommended for through the use of scenic drives and boulevards. core and expanded parkways network. In consideration in addition to those that support The 1992 Plan expanded this network by addition to the new opportunities previously the expanded parkways network. proposing more parkway, greenway and trail outlined, the following is a list of other new parks linkages. Continuing to build this network, The and expansion opportunities recommended. 8Va^[dgc^VLddYh Centennial Plan proposes an expanded web of 21st Acquisition of parcel at Salem and Kellogg Century Parkways that includes a more complete Di]ZgCZlEVg`h and connected network of both natural and LZg`GdVYEVg` (if site is donated) HiVcWZgn built components. Modest Expansion out to Beechmont 6cYZghdc;ZggnEVg` I]ZegdedhZYVYYî^dchidi]ZEVg`lVnh 8dcÓjZcXZEVg` ViBâa8gZZ`D]^dG^kZg Bdjci6^gn cZildg`VgZVh[daadlh/ Diehl Road parcel/access and several sites connect- ! 68dbeaZiZY=âah^YZciZghiViZHnhiZb Business District, Northside, and Mt. Washington, 6jaiEVg` VhEVgid[i]ZEVg`lVnhCZildg` who have already expressed interest and/or Adjacent hillside properties ! 6YYî^dcVaaVcYhXVeZYWdjaZkVgYh incorporated new parks into neighborhood plans).

L^ahdc8dbbdch&Bdjci:X]d The execution of this expanded parkways network Adjacent hillside properties will require long-term commitment and many “This :ME6C9:9 E6G@L6NH partnerships. Once completed, it will reﬂect and network will link all parts ;aZ^hX]bVcc celebrate the natural framework of our city, it’s Expansion to North geography and its primary roads. It will link all of the city through a parts of the city through a web of green that L:7 D; clddY is unparalleled by any American city. It will Expansion to South-West on Vine strengthen the environmental health, visual quality and economic value of the city as a whole as well ;V^gk^Zl as the properties along these corridors. Expansion to Warner at Ravine

BjYYn8gZZ` Open space site )& C:LE6G@L6NH

The Plan advocates expanding the traditional ! The parkway plans should be coordinated and ! A full investigation and articulation of these network of road-related parkways and boulevards integrated with the Park Board’s street tree and objectives will assist new parkways in providing in keeping with the original intentions of the Kessler neighborhood reforestation programs. maximum value to the park system, as well as the Plan. There are several dimensions to these ex- City environment as a whole. panded parkways that will be key to their success: ! The parkway plans should integrate as many of the following dimensions as is reasonably possible: ! They are intended to occur on significant street trees, forested/native planting areas, storm- roadways in the city-wide roadways network, not water bmp’s, trails and other forms of alternative secondary or tertiary streets, with a first priority transportation, open lawns or meadows, ornamen- given to the streets already identified in The Plan. tal landscaped areas, decorative lighting and furnishings, public art features, neighborhood/ ! There needs to be inherent scenic potential in the district gateways, architectural features, and/or corridor. This may include landscape scenery, wayfinding/signs. architectural scenery or some combination. ! All of these elements should be consistent with ! There needs to be connective intent in the Park Board standards and design approval processes. corridor, linking parks, landmarks and major The Park Board should coordinate all new park- geographic districts of the City. way projects with other public agencies to insure maximum efficiency and integration with other ! There needs to be a right-of-way of existing or initiatives related to transportation, neighborhood potential scale to accommodate parkway and/or revitalization, utility/infrastructure enhancements, boulevard enhancements. and environmental preservation or restoration.

! Each new parkway corridor should have ! To the extent possible, the Park Board should seek a design plan created that demonstrates the out and secure partnerships with other City agen- proposed landscape enhancements in more detail cies and property owners in these corridors to assist prior to implementation. These enhancements in a holistic strategy for funding the proper and should be compatible with the spirit of existing long-term maintenance of the corridor. This should parkways in the City, but also with features and be a key determinant in the feasibility and timing of amenities that are site-speciﬁc. any new parkway project.

8dajbW^VEVg`lVn[gdbi]Z*i]HigZZiK^VYjXiViBVgi^c9g^kZ

)' :M>HI>C<E6G@L6NH

8dajbW^VEVg`lVn

Our existing network of parkways is an Continue implementation of viewshed important legacy of the 1907 Kessler Plan, management recommendations, landscape and future generations will continue to be enhancement/gateway recommendations and stewards of this important resource. As such, identity/wayﬁnding recommendations from continued focus, maintenance and enhancements previous studies. will be necessary to preserve this legacy and to Collaborate with other city departments see that parkways serve their originally intended on continued upgrades related to walls, purpose of connecting parks and other civic assets lighting and streetscape enhancements. via scenic and environmentally friendly corridors of travel. With these broad objectives in mind and IdggZcXZEVg`lVn current needs better in focus, further study, planning and minor upgrades are recommended for Continue landscape enhancements several existing Parkways, including: as private funds are identiﬁed.

8ZcigVaEVg`lVn K^XidgnEVg`lVn

Implement master plan for section between Continue collaborative enhancements Downtown and otr and follow up on unfunded with Xavier University. portions related to additional plantings, public art, Create master plan that addresses gaps in tree interpretive elements and the Vine Street Gateway canopy, opportunities for streetscape enhance- enhancements. ments (lighting, walls, pavement, wayfinding, Investigate linking to Gilbert Avenue. public art & special planting areas), ada accessibility, improved linkages to/from neighborhoods, Create Master Plan for remaining corridor that improved transit accommodations and the addresses gaps in tree canopy, opportunities for possibility of better accommodations for cycling. streetscape enhancements (lighting, walls, pavement, wayfinding, public art & special planting GVe^YGjcEVg`lVn areas), ada accessibility, improved linkages to/from neighborhoods, improved transit Create master plan that addresses gaps in tree accommodations and the possibility of better canopy, opportunities for streetscape enhance- accommodations for cycling. ments (lighting, walls, pavement, wayfinding, public art & special planting areas), ada accessibility, improved linkages to/from neighborhoods, improved transit accommodations and the possibility of better accommodations for cycling.

8ZcigVaEVg`lVnX#&.'*

)( C 6 I J G 6 A H N H I : B H &

HigZVb8dgg^YdgEVg`lVnh :meVcYZYHXZc^XEVg`lVnh&7djaZkVgYh Several expansions/reﬁnements to the network Collaborate with the Ohio River Way, Corps of Continue to expand the network of boulevards of parkways are proposed as part of The Plan, Engineers, Ohio, Kentucky, & Indiana Regional and parkways. including: Council (oki), City Department of Transporta- Implement the Interstate Greenways Plan as tion and Engineering (cdote), Hamilton County outlined in the Park Board’s Natural Resource =^aah^YZEVg`lVnh Park District, Little Miami Inc. (lmi), Mill Creek Management Plan for 2004—2024. Collaborate with Hillside Trust, Western Wildlife Restoration Project, Rivers Unlimited and other Corridor and other partners to obtain property partners to acquire and manage a continuous or conservation easements, donations, develop- network of linked greenspaces along the city’s ment controls, and as needed, acquisition of key major stream corridors via ownership, easements, properties that link the system together. trails, watershed plans, riparian buffers and other mechanisms. Collaborate with other city departments and Hillside Trust to implement recommendations of Play a proactive partnership role in the the City Viewshed Study. completion of the Ohio River Trail Plan and the Mill Creek Greenway Plan, as well as their implementation and management, in collabora- tion with the other partners. >?BBI?:;I

8DAJB7>6E6G@L6N=>AAH>9:

JEIDLCEA6I:6J L:HI:GC=>AAH :6HI:GC=>AAH

)) GZcYZg^c\[gdb&.%,@ZhhaZgEaVc