CINCINNATI PARKS | ANNUAL REPORT 2018-2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from the Board 4 Organization Chart 5 Connect with Us 6 Recoginition 7 Communication 8-9 Explore Nature! 10 Volunteer & Staff Recognition 11 Explore Nature! Programs 12-13 Program Spotlight 14-15 Park Planning 16-18 Importance of Trees 19 Urban Forestry 20-21 Volunteer & CPAC 22-23 Finance 24-25 26-27 Volunteers' Rock! 28-31

Volunteers working on Mt. Airy Bike Trails

Cincinnati Creating economic Advancing Rejuvenating Enhancing Sustaining Parks C. impacts A. conservation R. health & wellness E. quality of life S. social equity Lake Renovated Vietnam Memorial in Burnet Woods SpringFest in Burnet Woods Ezzfest in Laurel Park

C. A. R. E. S. PG 4-5

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD On behalf of the Cincinnati Park Board of Commissioners, we are pleased to share our Fiscal Year 2019 Annual Report. This document represents the hard work and efforts of hundreds of park board staff, volunteers and partners. I invite you to take a few moments to review and reflect on this presentation. I am certain you will agree we have reason to be proud of our achievements when it comes to improving and maintaining our parks, preserves and trails. Not to mention all of the successful programs, events and services we offer the entire Cincinnati BRAD LINDNER JAMES GOETZ community and our visitors. President Vice President While we’ve been busy on many fronts across the city including park projects at Westwood Town Hall, Ault, Eden, French, Bramble, Hoffner, Inwood, Burnet Woods, Stanberry and many others, I am especially excited for the first 1.4-mile phase of the new multi-use bike trail we opened in Mt. Airy Forest. Beyond providing a much-needed amenity, this project represents a signature collaboration with the Cincinnati Off Road Alliance and the Mt. Airy community. As indicative of so many of our successes, without their vision, collaboration and plain old hard work this project would not have happened. None of what we do is possible without our dedicated staff, the strong support from Mayor John Cranley, Cincinnati City Council, the City of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Parks Foundation, our Cincinnati Parks Advisory Councils, all of our community partners, and the countless volunteers who share our passion.

SUSAN F. CASTELLINI KEVIN FLYNN LINDA LEE THOMAS Of course, everything we do is for the benefit of our thousands of park guests who rely on Cincinnati Parks for places of reflection, recreation, education and gathering. Thank you for your time, engagement and support. I look forward to seeing you out creating experiences in one of our award-winning parks soon. - Brad Lindner Board Chair, Cincinnati Board of Park Commissioners Cincinnati Parks Organization Tree

Warder Riverfront Parks Nursery East District Customer Operations Communications Services Fund Tracking/ Downtown Management Explore Nature! Area Parks Procurement Programs Program Property Trail & Event Transactions Construction/ Outreach 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 Program Operations & Design Services Payroll Facility Coordination/ Support Management Management Website & Financial Social Media Riverfront & Services Master Business Human Planning Planning, Design, Services Downtown Area Resources Operations & & Facilities Maintenance

Deputy Director

Director of Parks Parks Foundation Board of Park Commissioners Urban Forestry Board Mayor of Cincinnati Park Advisory Councils

Citiens of Cincinnati PG 6-7

Connect With Us! INTERIM DIRECTOR OF PARKS OPERATIONS INTERIM DIVISION MANAGER Kara S. Kish 513-357-4079 Larry Parker 513-357-2604 Oversight: East District Parks, West District Parks, BUSINESS SERVICES & Explore Nature! Rocky Merz 513-357-2619 Oversight: Communications, Public Relations, PARK ADVISORY COUNCILS Website, Social Media, Graphic Design, Centralized 513-357-2604 Business Operations, Guest Experience, Customer Service PLANNING & DESIGN & Reservation of Park Facilities Steve Schuckman 513-475-9600 FACILITY RENTALS & QUESTIONS Oversight: Park Structures, Plans & Designs, Visit www.cincinnatiparks.com for 24/7 booking access Infrastructure and Landscape Projects, & Special Projects We are an energized FINANCIAL SERVICES PREMIER PARK EVENTS team who values keeping Craig Sherman 513-357-2608 513-221-2610 Oversight: Budget, State & Federal Grant Programs, Event Rentals for: Carol Ann's Carousel, Krohn Conservatory, Cincinnati's parks clean, Restricted Fund Endowments, Procurement, French House, Gibson House, Pavilion, Telecommunications, & Automated Systems Pavilion, Berry Pavilion, Mt. Echo Pavilion, Maple Ridge beautiful, reliable, Lodge, The Anderson Pavilion, and Oak Ridge Lodge HUMAN RESOURCES enriching, green, Y. Laketa Cole 513-357-2605 URBAN FORESTRY Crystal Courtney 513-861-9070 and safe. OPERATIONS DIVISION MANAGER Oversight: Natural Resource Management, Jenny Mobley 513-352-6180 Street Trees & Urban Forestry Oversight: Riverfront & Central Parks, Krohn Conservatory, Greenspace, & Special Events & Permits Recognitions Explore Nature! 2019 Tree City USA Recognition, 38 Years Explore Nature! Day Camps named To qualify as a Tree City USA community, a town or city must meet four standards Day Camps named 2018 Best of Parenting established by the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters. 2018 Best of the City

CINCINNATI FAMILY MAGAZINE THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION CINCINNATI MAGAZINE

Recognized as 8th best park system in 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.

SOCIAL AND DIGITAL PLATFORMS ALLOW US TO INTERACT DIRECTLY WITH THE PUBLIC USING #CINCYPARKS

35,505 32,700 16,940 728,926 FOLLOWERS FOLLOWERS FOLLOWERS PAGE VIEWS

1) WHAT CITY PARKLAND HAS THE GREATEST VARIETY OF ANIMALS? FIND THE ANSWER ON PAGE 29 PG 8-9

PG 10-11 REJUVENATING HEALTH & WELLNESS

n ove ith ature I L EXPLORE W NATURE! N The value of educational programming in Cincinnati Parks is well known by our Explore Nature program participants and partner organizations. Our programs are not seen as a luxury but rather as a vital part of what makes Cincinnati a vibrant, dynamic place. Teaching methods have changed over the years, but Explore Nature’s mission has remained constant: providing participants with personal connections, to the natural world in parks citywide and at our 5 Nature Centers. Our inclusive, and equitable programs serve people of all ages, abilities and socio-economic groups. Participants gain knowledge and skills from the diversity of science, natural history, and local history programs offered. All 40,000 of those we serve annually benefit from this…and no electronic devices needed.

ummer amps S EXPLORE NATURE! C One of the highlights of the year for many children is summer camp. They participate in endless hours of fun and adventure they can’t have in any other setting. School can often be a stressful place, so finding time to make friends can often be tough. Active games, art & craft projects, and hikes help them gain self-confidence, boost self-esteem, and improve social skills all while having fun. These memories carry an emotional importance lasting a life time! Our camps are economically priced and provide quality outdoor nature education activities. The week long camps from June 10 - August 2 provide hours of fun with daily hikes, animal encounters, arts and crafts, storytelling, experiments, and active games keeping children 3 - 14 years old engaged. The popular specialized themed camps such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, Creek Week, ART-Rageous, and Winnie-the-Pooh meet the specific interests of our campers. Volunteer & Staff Recognition

MARY JO BAZELEY • VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION DAVE GAMSTETTER • STAFF RECOGNITION JOSH JUMP, MICHAEL BROWS, SCOTT PAVONE, JAKOBI MURREL • TREE CREW Mary Jo Bazeley began volunteering with Cincinnati Parks in Dave began with Parks in 1989 and retired in 2019, starting 1986. At this time she began her volunteer career by as an Urban Forestry Specialist. By 1999 Dave began When a severe ice storm struck in November our tree assisting Park’s Supervisor of Urban Forestry with West managing urban forestry, greenspace, and park land crews were a vital component of the cleanup. Multiple Price Hill street tree selection, planting, and maintenance. management programs along 1,000 miles of public streets hazardous situations existed at several parks and public Since that time Mary Jo has continued to be involved with and in 5,000 acres of parks as Natural Resource Manager. safety was at risk. Over a period of weeks the crews many other west side park initiatives such as Rapid Run’s Throughout his career, Dave made a tremendous removed 46 storm-damaged trees, removed detached, Green Up Day and Family Fun Fridays, Mt. Echo’s River Fest environmental impact, planting over 50,000 trees making hanging limbs from multiple trees above and along the West, Wilson Commons’ Eggstravaganza, the Genway Cincinnati greener, as well as offering his expertise on an roads throughout Mt. Airy, and cleared and chipped brush Woods plan, and Olden View Park events and floral display. international scale at the Inaugural World Forum on Urban that generated 224 cubic yards of wood chips. A special In addition, Mary Jo has been involved with Krohn’s Butterfly Forests in thank you to Josh Jump, Michael Brows, Scott Payone, and Show, Explore Nature’s Nature Next Door programming, and Mantova, Italy. Jakobi Murrell for your tireless efforts. serves on the Board of the Cincinnati Parks Foundation. Cincinnati's urban landscape would not be what it is without Thank you, Mary Jo! Dave's hard work and contributions.

2) WHAT CINCINNATI PARK HAS THE DISTINCTION OF BEING THE FIRST IN THE UNITED STATES TO BE BUILT OVER AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY? FIND THE ANSWER ON PAGE 29 PG 12-13 REJUVENATING HEALTH & WELLNESS iversity of rograms D EXPLORE NATURE! P Throughout the year, we have a large variety of engaging programs at five Nature Centers, educational school programs and can customize them to meet each educator’s need. Lesson plans neighborhood parks, senior care facilities, and schools. Using objectives from the national presented at Nature Centers, parks, and offsite locations can include an investigative hike, sharing curriculum standards with experiential learning, our professional Naturalist staff create quality the ’s famous fossils, local documented underground railroad routes, tapping trees for maple sugaring, and viewing the constellations in the Wolff Planetarium.

SCHOOL PROGRAMS PUBLIC PROGRAMS

SCOUT PROGRAMS

18,825YOUTH

8,454ADULTS

East Price Hill "Easter Eggstraveganza" Program 1,151PROGRAMS

ADULT PROGRAMS SENIOR PROGRAMS CAMP PROGRAMS

3) WHICH PARK HAS A PLAQUE WITH THE WORDING "ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAPPENED HERE"? FIND THE ANSWER ON PAGE 29 Maple in Mt. Airy Program REJUVANTING HEALTH & WELLNESS

ature or ll N EXPLORE F NATURE! A Since the 1930’s Cincinnati Parks has been providing high quality • Summer camps: We spend all summer providing superior, programming to a variety of audiences. By our very nature, we award-winning summer camps for ages 4 - 14 at all have always strived to serve all people of all backgrounds with experience and income levels. the goal to instill and foster a sense of wonder in the world • College students: We serve college students through service around us. learning projects and mentorship and summer employment. Halloween Hikes • Families: We serve families through Explore Nature special • People of all abilities and backgrounds: We are also working Springfest at Burnet Woods events, public programs, even setting up booths at toward univerisal accessibility for all. We are adding hiking community events. programs that are wheelchair and limited mobility friendly. • Adults: We serve adults through presentations as experts We are incorporating sensory friendly accommodations into on topics such as: local wildlife, wildflowers, Cincinnati and selected events so people on the autistic spectrum or with Cincinnati Parks’ history, and maple sugaring. sensory processing disorders can experience nature more comfortably. • Senior Adults: We serve older adults with park tours and outreach to senior centers and care centers. • School children and preschoolers: We serve school children with year round field trips, (we’re often the main attraction destination for their year), and scout programs for Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and American Heritage Girls. • Homeschoolers: We offer monthly programs crafted specifically to homeschoolers, as well as offering any of our school field trip topics for organized home school networks. • Teens: We mentor teens through our Counselor in Training (CIT) program, and service projects.

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 adults of all ages. From tapping maple trees, to the stars and beyond, we help our guests discover quality of life in Cincinnati. PG 14-15 SUSTAINING SOCIAL EQUITY

Nature Next Door Program Summer Camp

ature ext oor CONNECTINGN INNER-CITY YOUTHN TO NATURE D YEAR-ROUND!

EXPLORE NATURE! Another award winning camp is Nature Next Door which provides a free weekly field trip or day camp experience for children in low-income neighborhoods. Naturalist staff bring activity stations to parks and greenspaces in Avondale, Evanston, Roselawn, and the West End. Weekly themes like Feathered Friends, Incredible Insects, Water Wonders, and Slimy / Scaly give children the opportunity to use different equipment like microscopes or insect nets and investigate their neighborhood park from a new perspective. Over 3,500 contacts made with children and adults help them discover the variety of nature that can be found within walking distance of their home.

4) WHICH PARK IS CONSIDERED THE OLDEST IN THE CITY PARK SYSTEM? FIND THE ANSWER ON PAGE 29 ENHANCING QUALITY OF LIFE

Staff Renovating the Vietnam Memorial in Eden Park ietnam emorial Dedication Ceremony of the Vietnam Memorial in Eden Park V 986 ST PAUL DRIVE M | EDEN PARK

DISCOVER THIS PARK Eden Park features The Vietnam Memorial Statue (1984) and thanks to a generous annonymous donation and the Cincinnati Parks Foundation a memorial garden has been added. The extension of the Vietnam Memorial in Eden Park creates a separate but related space for quiet contemplation in a garden setting. It includes a garden with a variety of plants, seating, and an accessible pathway. This new garden serves the general public and different communities of people, but in particular serves as a respite for those who suffer with PTSD.

5) FROM WHICH PARK CAN YOU SEE PRE- AND POST-GLACIAL DRAINAGE VALLEYS OF THE OHIO RIVER? FIND THE ANSWER ON PAGE 29 PG 16-17 VISION VICTORIES

PLANNING & DESIGN

Thanks to a State grant,A theult Cincinnati P Parksar Foundation,k Commo and private funding,ns this project provided a new walking loop, exercise equipment, landscape and an accessible woodlands walk. The project opened to the public in May.

This was a privately funded Mprojectt to. re-landscape Storm the park P inar the spiritk of its original plan by Adolph Strauch. A landscape plan was completed and first phase implementation began with new trees, gardens, reduction of parking lot pavement for increased greenspace, and vegetation management thanks to the Cincinnati Parks Foundation and the Duke Energy Foundation. A reduction in the parking lot was completed to increase more greenspace. Volunteers at Mt. Storm CORA Mt. Bike Trail in Mt. Airy Forest

A trail crew was formed and completed trailT renovationsrails in French Park, assisted in the renovation of a trail in Ault Park, and also addressed a number of other immediate trail needs. In a first for Cincinnati Parks, the first phase of the Mountain Bike/Multi-Use Trail in Mt. Airy was completed by our partner, the Cincinnati Off-Road Alliance (CORA).

A number of park renovation andB urenhancementnet projects W wereoods advanced including trail renovations, picnic area improvements, lake area improvements and stormwater management initiatives. Park staff worked with the Camping & Education Foundation on the development of an Urban Wilderness Center and improvements at Trailside Nature Center.

WHAT IS PLANNING & DESIGN? Planning, Design and Facilities is the section responsible for Cincinnati Park’s capital improvement Staff is also responsible for strategic and long-range planning, property transactions, general program budgeting, planning, design, and management of facilities and infrastructure. This section park development and public art. manages construction projects, master planning, park enhancements, renovations and repairs. VISION VICTORIES

WorkingLi ttleclosely with theD Madisonvilleuck communityCree andk other/B stakeholders,ramble trail and invasivePar k removal work was carried out and a grant application was submitted and received for Clean Ohio Funds to do stream restoration.

Thanks to the generosityT ofom Mr. Tom J Joneson andes Cincinnati Commo Parks Foundationns a plan was created to include new walking loops, new landscape, connections to other parts of Eden Park, a wetland and boardwalk, picnic areas, a shelter, and natural “playscape” areas. The first phase is scheduled for completion in 2020.

Ribbon Cutting at French Park Westwood Town Hall Park Ribbon Cutting A shelter, parking lot, and walkingI loopnwood were completed P asar well ask additional walkway replacement and invasive plant removals. Plans were developed for the next phase of park improvements to include a new playground, walkway renovation, new signs, and a parking lot to serve the lake and picnic area.

The completeW renovationestwood of this park in the T centerow of then Westwood Hall Business P Districtar kwas completed in November. Features of this tranformative project include a new playground, an events plaza, new walkways, lighting and irrigation, a dog park, and new landscape.

Tom Jones Commons Groundbreaking at Eden Park

The design for a new pavilion wasSta completednber thanks yto anP ODNRar Statek grant, community support, and Cincinnati Parks Foundation. The pavilion will provide a stage, canopy and storage space. PG 18-19 VISION VICTORY

This Northside neighborhoodH park offreceived na newer collection Par of exercisek equipment thanks to a grant from Fitlot and AARP.

Exchange of a park parcel atP thear end ofk Walworth Pla Avennin in the East Endg was completed to accomodate a new residential project. The residential project established privately funded maintenance of the Columbia Parkway hillside adjacent to the project. A lease was approved to PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE,1,000 BUILDING, AND PARK INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIRS enable a restaurant adjacent to Bishop Triangle Park to operate an outdoor dining terrace and for the restaurant owner to maintain the park. A lease has been approved to renovate Playhouse in FACILITY MANAGEMENT the Park. Repair and renovation projects were carried out at a number of sites including the following: Veterans' Day Memorial at Ault Park • Fairview Park – New play equipment. • Valley Park – New play equipment and new lighting. • Hauck Garden – Step and retaining wall repair. • Art Museum Retaining Wall – The design for a new and urgently needed wall was completed with construction to be completed in the summer of 2019. • Alms Park – Retaining wall, pavilion column and railing repairs, resurfaced driving loop. • Stormwater remediation work at Rawson Woods, Edgewood Grove, and Elsinore Stairs in Eden Park. • P&G Pavilion Repairs – Foundation work, canopy and support structure work. • Krohn Conservatory – Steel repairs. • Sign Installations. • Lighting Installations at Burnet Woods Bandstand, Washington Park, and the Park Administration Building. ADVANCING CONSERVATION CINCINNATI PARKS RECOGNIZES THE IMPORTANT BENEFITS PUBLIC TREES PROVIDE TO CINCINNATI

ENERGY USE REDUCTION No Age Limit For Fun EXPLORE NATURE! URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT MITIGATION Imagine a world that has people of any age spending 93% of their time enclosed inside a STORMWATER building or vehicle. Research shows there is no need to imagine, this regrettably is the RUNOFF DECREASED average for most Americans. The best part of being outdoors is that what we need and what we want intersect. There is no age limit to enjoying excitement, learning, and adventure. Joy can be seen splashing in puddles on a rainy day, playing with your four legged family member at a dog park, or watching the stars come out after a colorful sunset stroll. INCREASED Parents search for activities to help their children develop important life skills and adults look PROPERTY VALUES REDUCED AIR for the next item to complete on their “bucket list”. But the truth is, one of the simplest POLLUTION activities we all can do, and the one we will enjoy the most, is to simply head out the door and into nature. It is healthy for body, mind and spirit and lays a foundation for a lifestyle that respects the world we live in. POSITIVE EFFECTS ON PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH

STRONGER NEIGHBORHOODS AND VIBRANT BUSINESS DISTRICTS PG 20-2114-15 CONSERVATION treet ree lantings SNATURAL RESOURCE T P MANAGEMENT Street Tree Plantings By Community Over the past year the Urban Forestry Program has continued efforts to replace each tree removed to maintain our current canopy coverage and enhance the benefits provided by trees. Each year, different areas of the city are addressed. Here's what has been planted and where this year.

Parks Staff quarterly planting of Fountain Square

NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SECTION Natural Resource Management Section (NRMS) is responsible for planting and maintaining trees in parks and areas of highway and greenway properties, and along public streets and park trails. These trees provide many benefits to the city, citizens, and visitors, including making neighborhoods and business districts more attractive, reducing air and water pollution, decreasing energy use, controlling stormwater runoff, and increasing property value. Guiding The Way Forward Cincinnati Tree Canopy Coverage Impact on NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN (2004 – 2024) Cincinnati Tree C Landano pSurfacey Cove Temperaturerage Impact on Revised in 2019 to recognize the current state of the Urban Forestry, Park Land Management, and Greenspace Program and to outline strategies and goals contributing to making our parks, Land Surface Temperature communities, and the region more sustainable. This revised plan grows on the strong foundational knowledge the Natural Resource Management Section has crafted over the Land Surface Temperature Tree Canopy Coverage 30+ years working in all the communities across Cincinnati. This new layout has incorporated creative science-based solutions emerging since the creation of the plan in 2004 and will help guide the Parks Department to further its green infrastructure, conservation efforts, and park development across the city.

Legend Cincinnati Tree Canopy Coverage Land Surface Temperature Value High : 93.4279

Low : 53.1701

Smale Mind & Body Ragga Fit summer classes

0 1.25 2.5 5 Miles Overlay of Tree Canopy Coverage & 6) IN WHAT PARK WERE 38 ELM TREES DEDICATED ON FEBRUARY 22, 1932, AS Data: Land Surface Temperature CAGIS, CINC_URBAN_FORESTRY_DISTRICTS.shp PART OF THE BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF GEORGE WASHINGTON’S BIRTH? CAGIS, CINC_NEIGBORHOOD.shp CAGIS, CINC_LANDSURFACE_TEMP_7_7_2017.gdb Ü FIND THE ANSWER ON PAGE 29 PG 22-2314-15 Our hundreds of selfless volunteers are essential to keeping our world class park system maintained.

Volunteers at Washington Park Volunteers at

Volunteers at Theodore Berry Friendship Park Volunteers at Smale Riverfront Park CCincinnatiin cParksinn is proudat andi grateful Par to workks with A ourd communityvisor partnersy C throughoutoun thec cityil to maintain, improve, and activate our parks. The work they do is essential to keeping our award winning parks system successful. Here is a listing of the active Advisory Councils who volunteer their talents and countless hours of time to help fulfill their mission.

Park Advisory Councils Neighborhood Alms Park Columbia-Tusculum Ault Park Advisory Council Mt. Lookout Avon Woods Advisory Council North Avondale/Paddock Hills Bradford-Felter-Tanglewood College Hill Burnet Woods/Mt. Storm Corryville/Clifton/CUF California Woods Council California Dog Park Advisory Council Mt. Airy Forest Drake Park Advisory Council Kennedy Heights Parks Staff presenting to Cincinnati Parks Advisory Eden Park Advisory Council Walnut Hills/Mt. Adams Council during quarterly meeting Fleischmann Gardens Council Avondale Kennedy Heights/ Woodford Parks Kennedy Heights LaBoiteaux Woods Council College Hill Larz Anderson Park Advisory Council Columbia-Tusculum Little Duck Creek Madisonville Lytle Park Advisory Council Downtown Mt. Echo Advisory Council Price Hill Mt. Storm Clifton/Corryville/CUF Northside Greenspace, Inc. Northside Owls Nest Advisory Council E. Walnut Hills/Evanston Rapid Run Advisory Council West Price Hill Sayler Park Advisory Council Sayler Park Stanbery Park Advisory Council Mt. Washington Wilson Commons Council East Price Hill PG 24-2514-15 SUSTAINING SOCIAL EQUITY

CINCINNATI PARK BOARD EXPENSES

Cincinnati Parks’ all-fundsFin budgeta inn 2019ce was $21.5 million. Of Restricted Funds this total, 22% came from non-tax supported sources such as 16% grants, donations, endowments, sponsorships, fees, and permits. The basic park operation budget of the above total General & was over $18.5 million. Infrastructure Funds 52% Admissions, fees, rents, permits, and sales generated over $3.4 million in revenue funds. Private endowments provided over $1.4 million in funding. Endowment Funds 7%

Street Tree Assessment 13%

Greenspace Program 2%

Stormwater Fund 10%

7) THE FIRST MUNICIPAL REFORESTATION PROJECT IN THE UNITED STATES WAS IN WHICH CINCINNATI PARK? FIND THE ANSWER ON PAGE 29 CINCINNATI PARK BOARD REVENUE

792,407 283,433 276,490 387,882 212,223 458,680 284,784 262,082 1,526,282 669,279 337,162 557,997 425,830 747,981 159,320 392,596 225,756 279,621 110,856 213,712 267,797 2,107,418 388,318 706,264

Volunteers at Inwood Park Park Staff putting in sandbags to protect from flooding at Sawyer Point Public Krohn Holiday Tree Lighting

Botany and Brews event at the Early Spring Show Guests at Holiday Show

Staff & volunteers spend 2 weeks between shows changing out flowers and props PG 27 ENHANCING QUALITY OF LIFE

179,750TOTAL KROHN VISITORS

SUMMER SHOW: ANK APOTHECARYrohn SOULCo GARDENnser - ATTENDANCEvator 12,150y SPRING SHOW: FABULOUS FOLIAGE - ATTENDANCE 15,627 From June 30 - August 1, the floral show featured an apothecary garden full of healing plants Presented by Scherzinger Termite and Pest Control, Fabulous Foliage ran from January 19 through including a replica of a storefront with traditional medicinal plants and remedies that would have March 10. The show served as a stage for numerous events including: a Fairies in the Foliage event, been used in an old-time apothecary shop. Special events included a colorful daylily show, Botany 'Join a Plant Society' day, educational Krohn Zone citrus tree display, a week of Flowers, and and Brews event featuring Rose Apple beer brewed with fruit from the conservatory's tree. Chocolate and Romance, with demonstrations by Maverick Chocolates. Two new programs, Krohn Grown for Families and Grown Ups featured houseplants tips and tricks, while the third event in FALL SHOW: AT HOME IN THE GARDEN - ATTENDANCE 10,356 our Botany and Brews series featured blood oranges grown in the conservatory. From September 1 to October 21, Krohn showcased creative uses of old chandeliers and items of furniture to grow plants, giving guests ideas for reuse and repurposing of recyclable household BUTTERFLY SHOW: THE BUTTERFLIES OF ECUADOR - ATTENDANCE 87,824 materials. Special events included an educational Krohn Zone display about coffee and tea, the Presented by Macy’s and Scherzinger Termite & Pest Control and the Cincinnati Parks Foundation, annual Bonsai, an All Hallow’s Eve event with pumpkin carving and themed characters interacting The Butterflies of Ecuador, ran from March 23 through June 16. The show was very colorful due with visitors. The Botany and Brews event featured a locally produced milk stout made with to the country’s rich diversity of flora, fauna, art, culture and geography. Props included indigenous chocolate from a tree in the Krohn Conservatory. llamas, lake Cuichoka, and Ecuador’s most famous volcano: Cotopaxi. Events included a weekend Ecuadorian Marketplace, Breakfast with the Butterflies, Science Geek Week and the annual HOLIDAY SHOW: A CRYSTAL HOLIDAY - ATTENDANCE 53,793 Butterfly Show Photo Contest. Extended show hours provided time for families to enjoy "Pajama Cincinnatians discovered a shimmering frozen landscape at Krohn from November 10 to January 6. Parties" and photographers designated nights. Additional special events include: Krohn Grown The holiday show featured traditional evergreens, holiday florals and chugging trains traveling Ups events, Watercolor Butterflies, Botany and Brews featuring passion fruit. through Applied Imagination's miniature Cincinnati buildings constructed out of natural materials. The tree lighting showcased the evergreen donated by Dixie View Nursery and decorated by the wonderful Krohn Crafters with handmade natural ornaments. In celebration of Krohn's 85th year a new replica building was created by Applied Imagination.

SUMMER12,150 SHOW 10,356FALL SHOW HOLIDAY53,793 SHOW SPRING15,627 SHOW BUTTERFLY87,824 SHOW PG 28-29 ENHANCING QUALITY OF LIFE & SUSTAINING SOCIAL EQUITY

$1,225,625 TOTAL VALUE Each year, new groups, individuals,Volu andn companiesteers join our roc efforts tok help! make Cincinnati Parks more beautiful and enjoyable for all. In 2019, a total of 5706 individuals served 49,025 hours of their time and talents to help Cincinnati Parks maintain our status as one of the top urban park systems in the country. Volunteers generated a total value of $1,225,625 (based on the estimated $25.00 per hour value of volunteer time). If you are interested in volunteering call 513-321-6070 or visit www.cincinnatiparks.com 5,706 INDIVIDUALS

Volunteers at Inwood Park 49,025 HOURS

BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS The Cincinnati Park Board is comprised of exceptional community and corporate leaders who are a vital part of our successful organization. The Board of five Commissioners volunteer their time and talents in support of our mutual commitment to continued care and maintenance for the positive trajectory of Cincinnati Parks. Additional volunteerism by the Board includes: participation in ceremonies, presentations to business and community councils, public speaking engagements, and attending Park Board meetings. PARK19 LOCATIONS 400YD3 BULK MULCH

orporate rojects C VOLUNTEERS P Agencies throughout the greater Cincinnati area participate in Cincinnati Parks volunteer projects in many regional and neighborhood parks. Corporations such as General Electric, KAO, PNC Bank, Worldpay, Hylant Insurance, Duke Energy, Scherzinger Pest Control, Jack Casino, Taft Law Firm, First Financial, Fifth Third, Guerilla Glue, the Cincinnati Parks Foundation and many others provide volunteer teams to complete tasks that would not otherwise get done. It is mutually beneficial as corporations encourage team building, and give back to their community, while Cincinnati Parks get much needed work accomplished. Each year, Parks depends more and more on volunteer support to keep parks clean, safe, and reliable. PERENNIALS ANNUALS Mayor's Corporate Challenge was very successful, with over 3,000 volunteer hours served. 1,500 5,000 This year the event took place in a series of projects over a week to accommodate a heavy event schedule on the Riverfront. Seventeen corporations worked in 19 different parks locations. Accomplishments include 400 cubic yards of mulch spread, 5 acres of honeysuckle removed, 5000 annuals and 1500 perennials and dozens of trees planted. This year, Cincinnati Parks was awarded the “Community Impact Award” from the Cincinnati Community ToolBank. This award recognizes the Mayor’s Corporate Challnege as an outstanding effort that focuses on collaboration.

ACRES OF VOLUNTEER HOURS 3,000 HONEYSUCKLE5 REMOVED ANSWERS

1. The Cincinnati Zoo 6. Mt. Echo (Fun Note: George Washington 2. Lytle Park is said to have taken command of the American Continental Army under the 3. Hauck Botanical Gardens (Sooty Acres) Washington Elm in Cambridge.) 4. 7. Mt. Airy Forest 5. Alms Park PG 30-31 ENHANCING QUALITY OF LIFE

VOLUNTEER PROJECTS

Cincinnati Parks could not functionC withoutommu the helpni of ourt communityy volunteers. A tremendous amount of support was given by multiple groups and organizations for various park locations, including Cincinnati Parks Advisory Councils (CPAC’s), Ault Park Adopt – A – Plot gardeners, the Wildflower Society, Fernbank Garden Club, Northside Greenspace Inc., the Boy Scouts, and many others. Green Up Day and Go Local, community driven service events, hosted more than 700 volunteers in neighborhood parks citywide, where more than 1,400 hours of time was spent on improvement projects to help plant trees, spread mulch, provide general parks clean-up and much more.

Engaging youth in service learning projectsYouth is important in cultivating environmental stewardship and community contributions. Cincinnati Parks worked with students from local schools and colleges to engage teens and young adults in meaningful opportunities benefiting natural areas in many Parks locations. This year, Cincinnati Parks enjoyed huge growth in relationships with Cincinnati Public Schools and the . In an ongoing collaboration with to Walnut Hills High School, The Evanston Community Council and Civic Garden Center, volunteers were able to make great progress on an effort to restore the natural habitat adjacent Walnut Hills High School. More than 200 volunteers dedicated 700 hours to the area removing invasive species like honeysuckle and euonymus vine, building trails and planting native plants and trees propagated by students of Walnut Hills HS. The Walnut Woods Advisory Board was established for students, faculty, community leaders and professional partners to continue to pave the way for an EcoLab suitable for future curriculum, and safe public greenspace to be enjoyed by the community. Cincinnati Parks also partnered with ViaQuest and CPS to provide skills based volunteer opportunities for 35 differently abled students. Their work in more than a dozen parks generated 1633 hours of service on tasks such as invasive species removal, litter pick up, mulching, painting and planting. Through the University of Cincinnati’s Center for Community Engagement (CCE), which helps UC students find fulfilling service opportunities, 376 UC students served 1870 hours in Cincinnati Parks. Volunteers assisted with horticulture tasks and conservation work in Ault Park, Burnet Woods, and Inwood Park. UC students also volunteered for several community events such as Riverfest West at Mt. Echo Park and Halloween Hikes at Caldwell Nature Preserve.

Volunteers from CORA removing tires from Mt. Airy Forest ENHANCING QUALITY OF LIFE

More than 200 individual volunteersI gaven dof theirivi timedual and energy to contribute to their community by working in their neighborhood parks. In 2019, more than 13,000 hours were devoted to projects and tasks including event planning & execution, horticulture assistance, litter pick-up, trail work, invasive species removal, and gardening.

642 individuals volunteering 3,504 hoursK helpedroh producen five seasonal floral shows.

100 volunteers contributedCarol approximately A 250nn hours.'s TheseCarousel volunteers act as ambassadors by helping direct the public, working in the gift shop and keeping riders safe.

Volunteers helped as SummerE Campxp loreteen volunteers, N specialature event, outdoor! service projects, and educational programs. Contributing 2,015 hours of their time helping Park Naturalists with environmental education and preservation. Parks is educating the next generation of environmentalists to care for and preserve our natural environment.

Without natural predatorsD to eercontrol the M deer populationanageme we have comen tot depend on the deer culling volunteers to maintain balance in Cincinnati Parks. Volunteers for the deer culling program are skilled and dedicated. The 150 volunteers racked up over 12,613 hours in the field to control the deer population devastating the natural environment, public landscaped areas, and greenspaces.

"Your love for your Cincinnati parks shines through every day! Each of you use the parks in unique ways for exercise, family gatherings, solitude, connecting with nature, and as your own backyard. Thank you for your passion, volunteerism, and participation. See you in the parks!" - Kara Kish, Interim Director of Cincinnati Parks