CINCINNATI PARKS ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 Burnet Woods
Washington Park Cincinnati Parks C.A.R.E.S.! Creating economic impacts Advancing conservation Rejuvenating health & wellness Enhancing quality of life Sustaining social equity
Smale Family Fun Day
Krohn Conservatory Photo By: Sue Kuhr TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from the Board 4 Ohio River Flood Impact 22-24 Organization Chart 5 Park Spotlight 25 Connect with Us 6 Urban Forestry 26-28 Awards & Accolades 7 Volunteer Spotlight 29 Social Networks 8-9 Krohn Conservatory 30-31 Explore Nature! 10-12 Volunteers Rock! 34-35 Park & Program Spotlight 13-14 Carol Ann's Carousel 36 Staff Spotlight 15 Maintenance Cost Centers 37-39 Park Planning 16-19
Seasongood Pavilion
Explore Nature! Art Camp Smale Mind & Body Series PG 4-5 MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD On behalf of the Cincinnati Park Board of Commissioners, we are proud to share the many successes allowing us to strengthen, main- tain and improve Cincinnati Parks during Fiscal Year 2018. As you will see, this work is only possible thanks to the dedicated staff, the strong support from Mayor John Cranley, Cincinnati City Council, the City of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Parks Foundation, all of our community partners, private donors, and the countless volunteers who are responsible for so much of what we do. Ultimately though, any success we experience is powered by the thousands of people who visit our parks and love and appreciate all they have to offer. As an organization we are devoted to utilizing our precious park spaces to build better lives and a better community, through our fundamental pillars highlighted throughout this report, Cincinnati BRAD LINDNER JAMES GOETZ Parks C.A.R.E.S. This means that driving everything we do we President Vice President remain committed to Creating economic impacts, Advancing conservation, Rejuvenating health and wellness, Enhancing quality of life, and achieving it all through Social equity. I welcome you to take a few moments to review and celebrate our successes. You will see we have renovated parks, added features and broken ground on several improvement projects. We have also exposed thousands of children of all ages to the wonders of the great outdoors, protected and maintained green assets, and welcomed hundreds of thousands to our new Riverfront attractions and Krohn Conservatory. Cincinnati Parks’ future is bright. Your continued interest and support is crucial to our continued success. Thank you. - Brad Lindner SUSAN F. CASTELLINI KEVIN FLYNN LINDA LEE THOMAS Board Chair, Cincinnati Park Board of Commissioners
Did you know we have... 70 NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS Cincinnati Parks Organization Tree
Warder Riverfront Parks Marketing Nursery East District Customer Operations Communications Services Fund Tracking/ Downtown Management Explore Nature! Area Parks Procurement Programs Fleet Property Trail Management Transactions Construction/ Maintenance Krohn Personnel Conservatory IT Services Actions Natural Resource Carol Training Management Project/ Administrative Ann’s Capital Construction Services Carousel Improvement Management Contract Risk Budgeting Management Management
Reservations & Fees Budget West District Planning Special Event Volunteer Payroll Program Operations & Design Services Facility Coordination/ Support Management Management Storehouse Financial Management Riverfront & Services Master Business Human Planning Planning, Design, Services Downtown Area Resources Operations & & Facilities Maintenance
Director of Parks Parks Foundation Board of Park Commissioners Urban Forestry Board Mayor of Cincinnati Park Advisory Councils
Citizens of Cincinnati PG 6-7
CONNECT WITH US! DIRECTOR OF PARKS KROHN CONSERVATORY Wade A. Walcutt 513-352-4079 Andrea Schepmann 513-352-4080 PLANNING & DESIGN PARK ADVISORY COUNCILS Steve Schuckman 513-475-9600 513-357-2604 BUSINESS SERVICES FACILITY RENTALS & QUESTIONS Rocky Merz 513-357-2619 Visit www.cincinnatiparks.com for 24/7 booking access OPERATIONS & NATURAL RESOURCES SPECIAL EVENTS & SPECIAL USE PERMITS Dave Gamstetter 513-861-9070 Lou Sand 513-352-6180 RIVERFRONT PARKS PREMIER PARK EVENTS 513-221-2610 Jenny Mobley 513-352-6180 Event Rentals for: Krohn Conservatory, French House, CAROL ANN’S CAROUSEL Gibson House, Ault Park Pavilion, Alms Park Pavilion, Tashae Watkins 513-381-3756 Berry Pavilion, Mt. Echo Pavilion, Maple Ridge Lodge, CENTRAL DISTRICT PARKS The Anderson Pavilion, and Oak Ridge Lodge Dave Boutelle 513-961-1800 STREET TREES & TRAILS EAST DISTRICT PARKS Jim Godby 513-861-9070 Jim Burkhardt 513-321-8439 URBAN FORESTRY EXPLORE NATURE! & NATURE CAMPS Robin Hunt 513-861-9070 Jennifer Harten 513-321-6070 VOLUNTEER WITH US! FINANCIAL SERVICES Christyl Johnson-Roberts 513-321-6070 Anna Cochran 513-357-2608 WEST DISTRICT PARKS GREENSPACES AND GATEWAYS Larry Parker 513-251-8728 Ann Uhlman 513-861-9070
We're an energized team who values keeping Cincinnati's parks clean, beautiful, reliable, enriching, green, and safe. To do this, we need the best people who connect with our mission, vision, value innovation and collaboration. AWARDS & ACCOLADES THE TRUST FOR Cincinnati Parks received recognition as the 7th best park system in PUBLIC LAND the nation from Trust for Public Land. The ranking is based on how many residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, park size, park investment and the inclusion of popular amenities like dog parks, playgrounds and recreation centers.
2018 Tree City USA Recognition TH ARBOR DAY To qualify as a Tree City USA community, a town or city must meet FOUNDATION four standards established by the Arbor Day Foundation and the BEST PARK SYSTEM National Association of State Foresters. The Cincinnati Parks is proud to have received Tree City USA recognition for 35 years! 7 IN THE Best Park in Ohio - Washington Park NATION MONEY MONEY, a part of Time.com listed the best park in each state & BEST PARK named Washington Park Ohio's top stop!
2017 Best of Day Camps - Explore Nature! Day Camps IN OHIO CINCINNATI 2017 Best of Local Parks - Smale Riverfront Park FAMILY MAGAZINE TREE CITY USA Readers participate and vote in an annual Best of Parenting Awards for Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. GROWTH SMALE RIVERFRONT Accredation is given after passing rigorous standards for PARK ARBORETUM maintaing properly labeled and inventoried plant collection of over 81 AWARD ACCREDITATION species of trees and shrubs. The Morton Arboretum's ArbNet Accreditation Program is in cooperation with the American Public BEST IN CINCY Gardens Associate and Botanic Gardens Conservation International.
2018 Tree City USA Recognition - Growth Award ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION The Tree City USA Growth Award is given by the Arbor Day Founda- tion to recognize higher levels of tree care by participating Tree City USA communities. The Growth Award highlights innovative programs and projects as well as increased commitment of resources for urban YEARS forestry. TREE CITY USA RECOGNITION CITY BEAT 2018 Urban Life Best of Cincinnati Winner 35 Cincinnati Parks won Best City Park, Best Playground, Best Scenic Overlook and Best Jogging Route PG 8-9
57,085 30,796 6,289 703,320 FOLLOWERS FOLLOWERS FOLLOWERS PAGE VIEWS
SOCIAL AND DIGITAL PLATFORMS ALLOW US TO INTERACT DIRECTLY WITH THE PUBLIC USING #CINCYPARKS
PG 10-11 REJUVANTING HEALTH & WELLNESS
REPRESENTS 100 ADULTS
REPRESENTS 100 CHILDREN
9,778 CHILDREN & 1,233 ADULTS Since the 1930’s, Cincinnati Park Board has provided quality educational programming at five nature centers, neighborhood parks and EXPLOREDpreserves, and diverseNATURE! community sites. These AT year-round 270 programs, SCHOOL events and activities PROGRAMS are offered from Pre-K to senior citizens on a wide variety of topics that stimulate interest in appreciating and learning about our wonderful natural resources in Cincinnati. From Throughout the schooltapping year, educators maple have trees, a large to varietythe stars of engaging and beyond, programs we at fourengage Nature our guestsprograms in discovering and can customize the natural them to meet world each around educator’s them. need. Lesson plans presented at Centers, neighborhood parks or their school. Using objectives from the national curriculum Nature Centers and in parks include an investigative hike, sharing the history of Cincinnati’s famous standards with experiential learning, our professional Naturalist staff create quality educational fossils, local documented underground railroad routes, tapping trees for maple sugaring and viewing the constellations in the Wolff Planetarium. REJUVANTING HEALTH & WELLNESS
EXPLORE NATURE! OUTDOOR PLAY Butterfly Show Homeschool Program BENEFITS KIDS Spending time outdoors is great for making memories but did you know that it is also good for a child’s development? Kids who learn and play outdoors are physically and mentally healthi- er. Research studies over the last decade have confirmed that kids that learn and play outdoors: • Build physical strength. Active unstructured play helps them keep body parts moving while having fun. • Perform better in school. Functions such as working
cooperatively and problem solving are all improved with time Summer Camp spent outside. • Are more creative. Nature is a source for inspiration and fostering imagination. • Have higher self-esteem. Experiencing challenges and testing assumptions to build confidence. • Have good self-discipline. Spending time in nature can help children slow down, consider their options and make direct cause and effect connections.
Summer Camp
WHAT IS EXPLORE NATURE!? The Cincinnati Park Board has provided quality educational programming at nature centers, and appreciate the natural world around them. Each year Explore Nature! offers many special neighborhood parks and preserves, and at community sites since the 1930s from pre-K to events, educational programs, birthday parties, and outreach participation enhancing the quality adults of all ages. From tapping maple trees, to the stars and beyond, we help our guests discover of life in Cincinnati. PG 12-13 SUSTAINING SOCIAL EQUITY DIVERSITY OF PROGRAMS TAUGHT BY EXPLORE NATURE! EXPLORE NATURE! NATURE NEXT DOOR: CONNECTING INNER-CITY YOUTH 638 adults 5480 children 5620 adults TO NATURE YEAR-ROUND! 22 Senior Programs 104 Public Programs The primary objective of this FREE program is to help low-income, at-risk children develop healthy curiosity, awareness and exploration of the natural world, and a sense of stewardship for nature. One Nature Center, Avon Woods, is dedicated to this mission year-round. During the school year, Naturalists provide a 90-minute hands-on lesson plan each season for each of the 59 classrooms. In the fall, activities are 7528 children 767 adults 1210 adults presented in a park/greenspace near their school; winter keeps them 345 Nature Next Door 91 Adult Programs/ school programs Meetings indoors but having fun at school; and spring provides a field trip to Avon Woods Preserve. We often see the same children from the school year attending the summer camp eight week series. Hikes, active games, crafts, live animal encounters and guest speakers made each themed week a must attend event for the 3,678 children and 508 adults this year. 2085 children 485 adults 13 0 5 children 13 0 5 adults 53 Scout Programs 62 Rentals
7828 children 343 adults 9778 children 123 3 adults 225 Paid Camps 270 Paid School Programs At camp, when children make new friends, explore the world around them, and learn that "I can" is much more powerful than "I can't", magic happens. Whether children are playing, exploring nature, conquering new heights, or becoming part of a camp family, they are creating memories to last a lifetime. ENHANCING QUALITY OF LIFE
DISCOVER THIS PARK OLDEN VIEW PARK 2610 EIGHTH STREET | PRICE HILL Sometimes you just want a place where you can sit back, relax, and take in the beauty of Cincinnati. Olden View Park is your place! Easy to find and easy to appreciate is this small but spectacularly situated park at the uppermost peak of Price Hill. Seat yourself on one of the benches cozily tucked behind a low wall and take a long look down. From this vantage point, it’s not at all difficult to imagine the old Price Hill Incline (1874-1943) once chugging up the 350-foot slope, bringing passengers from the downtown area to the land the park occupies today. Who do we have to thank for the gift of the gorgeous view from Olden View Park? Mrs. William H. Whiting! Mrs. Whiting and her husband donated the land for the park in memory of her father, Harry Olden, a Cincinnati industrialist as well as founder and 20-year president of the Boys Club of Cincinnati. With a history of community service like that, it’s only right that Mr. Olden’s namesake park serves the community with unbeatable views of Cincinnati, which is good news for your inner photographer and your Instagram feed!
WHAT IS PLANNING & DESIGN? Planning, Design and Facilities is the section responsible for Park’s capital improvement program and budgeting, planning, design, and management of facilities and infrastruc- ture. The section manages construction projects, master planning, and park enhancements, renovations and repairs. Staff is also responsible for strategic and long range planning, property transactions, general park development and public art. PG 14-15 SUSTAINING SOCIAL EQUITY
EXPLORE NATURE! PNC GROW UP GREAT GRANT For the second year in a row Cincinnati Park’s Explore Nature! program worked in conjunction with the Theodore M. Berry Head Start Children and Family Learning Center, the Early Head Start Life Learning Center and the Hamilton County Educational Services Center to implement the three year PNC Grow Up Great programming grant. These programs provide hands-on activities and interactive demonstrations include; education through play and song; introductions to basic nature conservation, awareness and stewardship. The grant provides transportation and three visits with Cincinnati Park’s Naturalist for 30 Head Start classes. In the fall, the students had their first program at the PNC Grow Up Great Playground at Smale Riverfront Park. During the winter, the Naturalist visited the Head Start groups at their centers. SUMMER CAMPS Many of our camp parents have been registering for years and we are proud we've remained so popular. From specialty themes such as Harry Potter, Star Wars, Narnia, Outdoor Skills and ART-rageous Camp to our long loved NatureCamps in the Parks, we have camps for every age and interest. With eight weeks of daily hikes, active games, live animal encounters, experiments and make & take projects, our 1,653 campers enjoy hands-on fun and remove any worries of summer brain drain. Campers also benefit from new friendships, increased confidence and self-esteem and active bodies. PNC Grow Up Great Program
Did you know we have... 18 SCENIC OVERLOOKS STAFF RECOGNITION
ISAIAH THOMPSON • CAROL ANN'S CAROUSEL DOUG KNEBEL • EDEN PARK FLORIST FOURTH OF JULY CLEAN UP Isaiah immediately became familiar with Cincinnati Parks and We know him as Doug Knebel. Our park guests know him as The 4th of July is a time for celebration. However, unless Carol Ann's Carousel when he joined the team in 2016. He is Mr. Eden Park. For twenty one plus years Doug has been the specifically permitted fireworks may not be set off in our friendly, warm and respectful when dealing with all custom- Florist (horticulturist) responsible for the beautification of parks. Unfortunately, that doesn’t stop many from leaving ers, both internal and external. Isaiah goes above and Eden Park. His primary responsibility is the design, installa- behind big messes. beyond to ensure visitors and customers have a fun, whimsi- tion and maintenance of the annual beds, landscape areas We want to give a special shout out to all of our mainte- cal experience at the Carousel and Parks. Through his and trees throughout Eden Park. Most of the “green” beauty nance crews who cleaned up garbage like this after the July primary roles and responsibilities, Isaiah has shown admira- of Eden Park rests on his shoulders. 4th holiday. Your work is what keeps our parks beautiful. ble strides in managing, tracking and coordinating six on-line He is a leader in customer service. His years of experience Thank you. calendars, sharing with staff and contractors the information have given him a wide pallet of knowledge about Eden Park to assure no double-booking at Smale Riverfront Park and and the surrounding neighborhoods. He uses this knowl- the Carousel. All tasks that are assigned to Isaiah are edge to assist our park guests with directions to various welcomed and he gives his all to assure the customer goes points of interest, the neighborhoods around Eden Park as away please with Parks services. He willingly took on well as other parks in the system. additional assignments and has done an exceptional job
Did you know we have... 5 NATURE CENTERS AROUND THE CITY PG 16-17 VISION VICTORIES
PLANNING & DESIGN WESTWOOD TOWN HALL PARK The Park Board worked with the City, the neighborhood and Cincinnati Landmark Productions to complete a series of agreements for a New Market Tax Credit project that will see the Town Hall Park renovated and expanded, while creating economic impacts in the renovation of a building for Madcap Puppets. Project completion is Spring 2019. The renovation and expansion of the park is an important part of the revitalization of the neighborhood business district. Westwood Groundbreaking AULT PARK COMMONS Thanks to a State grant and private donations, a new walkway and several groupings of exercise equipment are coming to the former soccer field in Ault Park. The project also includes an accessi- ble woodland walk within the forest edge adjacent to the field and regrading and reseeding the field. Construction will be completed in early 2019.
SMALE RIVERFRONT PARK Ault Park Commons Smale Riverfront Park Design work took place for the next extension of the park north of Mehring Way in conjunction with planning for The Banks and the remaining development sites around the park.
WHAT IS PLANNING & DESIGN? Planning, Design and Facilities is the section responsible for Cincinnati Park’s capital improvement repairs. Staff is also responsible for strategic and long-range planning, property transactions, program and budgeting, planning, design, and management of facilities and infrastructure. This general park development and public art. section manages construction projects, master planning, park enhancements, renovations and VISION VICTORIES TOM JONES COMMONS Planning & Design staff worked with Tom Jones, a former resident of Mt. Adams, on a plan to transform the field at the lower reservoir area in Eden Park adjacent to Martin Drive into an exciting new park asset. The project, funded by Mr. Jones, includes a perimeter walkway with benches and trees along the way, picnic areas, an informational kiosk, a “nature play scape” playground using natural materials, and a walkway connection from the site to Seasongood Pavilion. Additional features being considered include gardens, an orchard, and new climbing features. Construction on the first phase is expected in Fall 2018.
Terry K. Crilley Family ALMS PARK Playground Dedication The City of Cincinnati, the Crilley Family, the Cincinnati Park Board, and the Cincinnati Parks Foundation were pleased to dedicate the Terry K. Crilley Family Playground in Alms Park. Explore Nature! family friendly nature programs, ice cream for guests, a face painter and balloon artist were there to celebrate the occasion. LYTLE PARK A revitalized park design was finalized and construction is expected to be completed in the Spring of 2019. Western Southern Life Insurance Company is a major funding partner. TRAILS AND GREENWAYS Parks worked with Tri-State Trails, a regional trail group on the development of a new trail network called CROWN, the Cincinnati Riding Or Walking Network. Parks also worked with different groups and partners on the Ohio River Trail, Wasson Way and the Little Duck Creek Trail. Staff also provided assistance and guidance to the Madisonville community on the restoration of natural areas, removal of invasives and new trails along the Little Duck Creek corridor. PG 18-19 ADVANCING CONSERVATION PARK PLANNING Staff worked with the Parks Foundation and a number of partners to leverage public dollars on a variety of improvement plans. These included the expansion of the Vietnam Memorial in Eden Park, a new tree grove in Burnet Woods, public art for Laurel Park, a new playground in Alms Park and a series of improvements at Inwood Park. Staff also assisted the Oakley, Walnut Hills and College Hill neighborhoods with their park and open space planning and with stakeholders on improvements to Sawyer Point Park. 2,000 3,000 120 Planning Division staff worked with communities, neighbors and stakeholders on park INDIVIDUAL PREVENTIVE REPAIRS TO BUILDING, improvement ideas and projects in the following neighborhoods: REPAIR PROJECTS MAINTENANCE FOUNTAINS, & MORE • Camp Washington • North Avondale • Mt. Washington • Avondale FACILITY MANAGEMENT • East Price Hill • Westwood Future Tom Jones Commons Location in Eden Park • Kennedy Heights • Madisonville • Clifton Heights/University Heights/Fairview (CUF) • Corryville • Hyde Park • Mt. Adams • Clifton • Mt. Airy • West End • Downtown • Mt. Auburn • Northside
FACILITY MANAGEMENT This section carried out preventive maintenance and repairs at over 120 buildings as well as fountains, utilities, hose boxes and furnishings. There were over 3,000 scheduled preventive maintenance tasks completed as well as over 2,000 individual repair projects.
Did you know we have... 34 PRESERVES AND NATURAL AREAS ADVANCING CONSERVATION COME JOIN US! HIKING PLANNING & DESIGN YOUR WAY TO BETTER HEALTH MT. AIRY BIKE TRAIL Staff developed a partnership for, the Cincinnati Off Road Alliance, to build, maintain and operate a mountain bike trail system in Mt. Airy. Construction by the volunteer group is CONTROLS WEIGHT REDUCES STRESS IMPROVES CARDIO- expected through the summer of 2018. VASCULAR HEALTH
Hiking Your Way To Better Health Information Source: http://www.goodhiker.com/2011/05/25/health-benefits-hiking
LOWERS BLOOD TONES MUSCLE IMPROVES MOOD PRESSURE
FOR ALL AGES
Did you know we have... 65 MILES OF HIKING AND BRIDLE TRAILS PG 20-21 CREATING ECONOMIC IMPACT
RIVERFRONT OPERATIONS OHIO RIVER FLOOD In February the rising Ohio River created flooding along Cincinnati Parks riverfront parks. But no need to worry, Smale Riverfront Park to Ted Berry Friendship Park were built to accommodate rising waters. A sandbag wall was installed at the lowest point, lights were removed, equipment was moved to higher ground and additional cleaning equipment was readied. Throughout the week as river levels continued to ascend, electrical panels were removed, picnic tables were moved and the restroom under the Suspension Bridge was taken to a safe location. Finally, on Sunday, February 25 the River crested at 60.53 feet, significantly higher than the normal level of 25.4 feet. This was the highest the River has been since 1997 when the river crested at 64.7 feet. Most of Sawyer Point, Yeatman’s Cove and Smale Riverfront Park south of Mehring Way were under water and closed to the public. In addition, California Woods and Magrish Preserve were P&G Stage closed due to floodwaters. As the River receded, our work was just beginning. The Cincinnati Parks team pulled together to clean up debris left behind and place the parks back into working order. Crews working with volunteers spent weeks with water hoses, shovels and squeegees removing the considerable mud left behind. Staff even took extra care to protect 3,500 tulips in the Memory Garden at Smale. Remarkably, the parks were back in good condition for the beginning of the event season and no events were cancelled. Three of the largest spring events, The National Homecoming concert, The Flying Pig Marathon and the Hat’s Off Luncheon were held on the Smale lawn on time and as scheduled. While we hope this type of effort is not needed next year, it is good to know plans are in place and talented and dedicated crews are ready to answer the call should flood waters return. Tulip Garden at Smale Survived Rowing Center Below Montgomery Inn Below Montgomery Inn Boathouse Rowing Center Below Montgomery Inn PG 22-23
60.5’ OHI O RIVER CRESTED OHIO RIVER FLOOD LEVELS ALONG CINCINNATI PARKS RIVERFRONT PARKS A
CAROL ANN’S 78 CAROUSEL 19 A A A A A WALNUT STREET STEPS 0 AND WATER CASCADES
WOMEN’S WALNUT STREET STEPS COMMITTEE GARDEN 0 AND WATER CASCADES LABYRINTH P&G GO MAIN STREET ROEBLING BRIDGE A A A 5 VIBRANTSCAPE FOUNTAINS PNC GROW UP GREAT 55 ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND MIDDLE WALKWAY of GARDNER 2 DUKE ENERGY GARDEN 55 ROSE GARDEN
WOMEN’S COMMITTEE 55 OVERLOOK PORTLAND 55 CASTELLINI GREAT 5 LOWER WALKWAY of LOO 55 ESPLANADE 55 LAWN DUKE ENERGY GARDEN