Rhiannon Hoeweler is on a mission: to visit every single Cincinnati Park and greenspace this year. As a Cincinnati Parks Foundation Board Member and the VP of Experience and Impact at MadTree Brewing, Rhiannon is passionate about creating greener, more connected communities. Her leadership helped MadTree become a certified B-Corp, and her personal and professional work across the city continues to support sustainability, equity and the joy of time spent outdoors.
We caught up with Rhiannon during a walk through Seasongood Square and MLK Jr. Park in Avondale. Her love for parks, people, and planting a better future was abundantly clear. She shared with us what inspires her, what she’s learning on her park visits, and how we can all play a role in building a greener Cincinnati.
What inspired you to get involved with the Cincinnati Parks Foundation?
A friend of mine who was already on the Board asked if I’d be interested, and I was immediately excited. MadTree was already supporting the Foundation financially, and I’ve always believed in the power of green spaces — they’re such a beautiful part of living in Cincinnati.
What initiatives have you been most passionate about since joining the Board?
Tree planting, without a doubt. I’m especially proud of Let’s Grow Local, our fall planting partnership between Cincinnati Parks, the Foundation, Groundwork ORV, Cincinnati Zoo and many other collaborators. It’s all about growing the city’s canopy in smart, sustainable and community-driven ways.
I also love ReLeaf — it’s a true celebration. A thousand trees fill the MadTree biergarten, we light them up, bring in a band, and send them off to new homes across the city. There’s something powerful about neighbors helping grow Cincinnati’s urban canopy. It’s good for the planet, and it brings beauty and pride to our neighborhoods.
What challenges do you see in expanding tree coverage across Cincinnati?
The big challenge is equitable tree cover. If every company in Cincinnati committed to planting trees to reduce their carbon footprint, we could dramatically reshape our urban canopy in no time. Of course, not every tree should be the same age, but the momentum we could build together would be transformational.
There are always challenges — but humans are incredible problem-solvers. Sometimes we have to muscle our way through, sometimes we must weed our way through, sometimes we must inspire people about what can be.
How have you seen the Cincinnati Parks Foundation evolve in recent years?
There’s been beautiful alignment between the Park Board and the Foundation — and that kind of collaboration is a key to success. Parks are influenced by the people around them — neighbors, communities, and what they envision for their shared spaces.
Cincinnati Parks are true gems. They’re what make this city special, and they’re absolutely worth investing in.
How can we better raise awareness of the value of parks?
Through storytelling. When people see their love of parks reflected in someone else’s experience, it clicks. That emotional connection drives care and action.
Let’s talk about your personal park journey — what’s it been like exploring Cincinnati Parks one park at a time?
It’s been amazing. Each park has its own personality. You get to see different neighborhoods and witness the incredible range of possibilities and beauty of our city. I deeply appreciate what Cincinnati Parks and community partners have created and continue to care for.
What’s your favorite park so far?
Eden Park. It’s close to home, and I walk through it often. The fountain, the river overlooks, the trees, the flower beds, the Krohn Conservatory, it’s incredibly beautiful.
But I also have a soft spot for Parker Woods. It feels so pure, almost untouched. The light there is magical.
What’s your favorite season to explore the outdoors?
Fall, definitely because of the colors and the weather. Spring is a close second. After a long winter, everything feels new and alive again. Winter has its own quiet beauty, but constant layering and adjusting takes away some of the enjoyment.
What’s next for Let’s Grow Local?
This year, we’re planting in the West End. It’s a bit different than Avondale — there’s more concrete, less green space — but I’m especially excited about our partnership with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
We’re also starting to dig into the data — looking at how effective these plantings are and what the numbers say about air quality, health outcomes and long-term impact. That research will help us be even more strategic with resources in the future.
How can individuals make a difference for Cincinnati Parks?
Get your friends outside. Come to events. Share your love of parks on your own platform. Celebrate the green spaces in your life. Enthusiasm is contagious.
Green spaces are life-giving. They help us feel less lonely, more connected, and more inspired. Community gets stronger when we spend time together — and nature is the best place to do that.
We can’t thank Rhiannon enough for her passion, advocacy and hands-on leadership. She’s already helping us grow a greener Cincinnati — and now she’s inviting you to explore it alongside her. Visit a new park. Bring a friend. Share your story online.
Together, we can uncover the beauty of our parks and help more people fall in love with them.
Photos are from Cincinnati Parks Foundation Archive and Rhiannon Hoeweler Private Album