An inclusive and thorough community planning process helped to create this Comprehensive Master Plan, which will guide parks, facilities, programming and services over the next 10 years ending in 2028. The planning team has worked with Great Parks staff, a community Advisory Committee, stakeholders and the residents of Hamilton County to tackle the following questions:
- How do we continue to build bonds between people and nature as Hamilton County grows and society changes?
- How do we advance the legacy of conservation while exploring opportunities for public use and education?
- How do we build on the cultural, natural and historical qualities of Hamilton County to create educational and exciting park experiences?
- How do we equitably improve physical connectivity and social access to the parks system?
- How do we inspire the next generation of environmental stewards of Hamilton County?
The Comprehensive Master Plan identifies eight priorities for implementation:
- Build more trails,
- Add programming and events for diverse audiences,
- Provide access to conservation areas,
- Establish a defined blueway system,
- Focus on partnerships,
- Build ecological resiliency and sustainability,
- Expand access for all users and
- Plan for the future of every park.
Review the executive summary and sign up for project updates to stay involved!
While the Comprehensive Master Plan has been adopted, there is plenty of opportunity to get involved in future efforts! As someone who lives in or visits Hamilton County, sharing your ideas and experience is essential to understanding the needs of our community and implementing the community-driven vision for the future of our parks. Here are several ways to participate:
- Sign up for project updates to be the first to know when we launch into the immediate next steps: the development of park and facility master plans through upcoming regional community engagement efforts.
- Invite Great Parks staff to present the Comprehensive Master Plan goals and objectives to your group or at your community event.
Since its founding in 1930, Great Parks of Hamilton County has established one of the state’s largest and most diverse inventories of parks, nature preserves and conservation areas. Great Parks currently manages more than 17,600 acres of greenspace including more than 25 miles of river frontage along ecologically important and recreationally valuable riparian corridors across Hamilton County.
While the needs and goals for each of our current parks spaces vary, the Master Plan sets a comprehensive strategy for the entire county parks system and contain action items specific to our parks.
The plan helps ensure that Great Parks follows the vision shaped in partnership with the community, that resources are used effectively and efficiently, that decisions are made with a balanced understanding of immediate needs and long-term goals, and that priorities are in line with national best practices for conservation and recreation.
Campbell Lakes Preserve, Embshoff Woods, Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve, Fernbank Park, Francis RecreAcres, Glenwood Gardens, Lake Isabella, Little Miami Golf Center, Miami Whitewater Forest, Mitchell Memorial Forest, Otto Armleder Memorial Park, Sharon Woods, Shawnee Lookout, Triple Creek, Winton Woods, Withrow Nature Preserve, Woodland Mound, Kroger Hills, Newberry Wildlife Sanctuary, Oak Glen Nature Preserve, Richardson Forest Preserve
For more details on each park visit greatparks.org/parks
Great Parks of Hamilton County administrative offices are located in Winton Woods at 10245 Winton Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45231. You can also reach us by calling 513-521-7275.
The parks are open 365 days a year, from dawn to dusk, except for special circumstances. Occasionally our naturalists will schedule program opportunities and we will host special events in the parks. Please check the event calendar on greatparks.org for details. Boathouses, golf courses, visitor centers and gift shop hours vary by season.
Parks may be closed for short periods of time due to inclement weather. If in doubt, please check Current Park Notifications & Closures prior to your visit.