Because We Acorn Cincy Parks: 30 Years of Planting a Legacy
For 30 years, the Cincinnati Parks Foundation has worked hand-in-hand with community members like you to ensure our city’s parks are clean, green, safe and welcoming for all. Together, we’ve built something extraordinary over the past three decades. As we look ahead, we’re planting the seeds for the next 30 years of impact.
Thousands of donors. One mission. Thanks to you, Cincinnati Parks has grown into one of the top-rated park systems in the nation. Here’s just a glimpse of what we’ve accomplished together:
Create
- 100+ capital projects completed: from Smale Riverfront Park and Tom Jones Commons to Mt. Storm’s redesign and an accessible playground at Inwood Park.
- 6 major accessibility improvements at beloved spaces like Bettman Nature Preserve, Carter’s Grove and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Eden Park.
- Public art and heritage preserved in Smale, Eden and Ezzard Charles Parks.
In 2025 and beyond, your support is creating even more:
- Owl’s Nest Park: A campaign to add gathering spaces, an accessible pavilion new pathways, and comfort stations.
- Sawyer Point: Revitalizing the Roller Rink and playground to create a vibrant riverfront hub for wellness and fun.
- Smale Riverfront Park: Groundbreaking on the final phase, funded by $3.5M raised.
- Mt. Airy Forest: New beginner bike skills course and ADA pathway opened this year.
Conserve
- 30,000+ trees planted across all 52 neighborhoods.
- 50 conservation projects to restore habitats and remove invasive species.
- 100,000+ pounds of litter removed through obLITTERators and community partners.
In 2025, we’re growing this legacy:
- Let’s Grow Local in the West End: 100+ trees and 200+ volunteers.
- ReLeaf: 1,000 free yard trees for low-canopy neighborhoods.
- French Park: $150,000+ raised to remove 22 acres of invasive species.
- Targeted canopy expansion to increase shade and air quality in underserved areas.
Connect
- Hundreds of free programs annually, making parks places of belonging for all.
- Thousands of participants in wellness, arts, and community programs.
- 200+ partner events hosted, from Ault Park Fireworks to America’s River Roots.
In 2025, we’ve expanded even further:
- Cincinnati Parks + Rec for Wellness: 180 free classes and events—yoga, hiking, dance, Tai Chi.
- Owl’s Nest Park: Community walks and neighborhood connections.
- Nature Next Door Summer Camps: 1,000 CPS students supported with scholarships.
- Krohn Conservatory: Sponsorship of annual Butterfly and Holiday Shows.
Looking Ahead: Planting the Next 30 Years
- Rebuild and revitalize Sawyer Point, restoring the playground lost to arson and enhancing the Riverfront Rink as a safe, thriving hub for teens and families.
- Reimagine Krohn Conservatory with a bold new master plan, connecting it more deeply to Eden Park’s cultural neighbors.
- Expand tree canopy in Madisonville from 36% to 40% through ReLeaf and Let’s Grow Local.
- Keep parks safe and clean with monthly obLITTERators volunteer events.
- Offer 200+ neighborhood events and 100+ wellness activities free for all ages.
- Inspire the next generation with Explore Nature, our hands-on environmental education program.
Together, We Acorn Cincy Parks
For three decades, we’ve grown stronger together—planting seeds of creation, conservation, and connection. Today, we invite you to celebrate our anniversary with a gift that ensures Cincinnati Parks continue to thrive for the next 30 years and beyond.