The Comprehensive Master Plan is a high-level guiding document that sets the vision for parks, facilities, programming and services over the next 10 years, through 2028. The Park and Facility Master Plans, which will be developed as part of a planning process continuing through 2021, will ensure that the recommendations of the Comprehensive Master Plan are reflected in the operation and physical design of all parks and facilities.
Where the Comprehensive Master Plan was visionary and looked across all Great Parks, the Park and Facility Master Plans will look at each Great Park with additional detail and specialized information. The final product will include an illustrative master plan for each park organized into three regions (West, Central, and East Hamilton County) with recommendations for specific improvements and programs.
The Park and Facilities Master Plan process is underway! 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 about project updates and 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.
This is a single planning process, occurring over a two-year time frame, that will give attention to every Great Park. The three regions were drawn to organize the work effort by task and help direct the community engagement outreach.
While the Great Parks Region Teams will guide the development of the Park and Facility Master Plan for each region, the Planning Team of consultants and the Great Parks Core Team will guide the process and assure cohesion across all plans. This will allow the experts of each park and facility to contribute directly to the corresponding Master Plan and keep the overall planning effort organized and cohesive.
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!
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.