Cincinnati Parks Foundation

Our mission to do more in Cincinnati Parks comes through in everything we do, from conservation, to improving our parks, to creating free and accessible programs. In 2023, we raised $2.2 million for various projects, programs and conservations efforts and distributed $1 million throughout Cincinnati Parks. Our Impact included:Improving more parks:We raised $28K for Glenway Park and began our transformation of this East Price Hill park by removing 3 acres of invasives, alongside community members.In partnership with the Sons and Daughters of Italy and surrounding community, we replaced and dedicated the Capitoline Wolf statue in Eden Park.Completed Carter's Grove at Ault Park - adding accessible benches, connecting to more paths and planting 1500 new native plants.We completed fundraising for the beginner skills bike course in Mt. Airy ForestSupporting more conservation:Alongside community partners, we hosted events to add 126 trees in Bond Hill and 42 trees in Roselawn to help reach Cincinnati's goal of 40% tree canopy coverage, focusing on under-resourced neighborhoods.We supported Cincinnati Parks' Fall Releaf tree planting to help increase the city's urban tree canopy, distributing and planting more than 1,000 trees.Thanks to our memorial tree planting program, we planted even more trees to honor a donor's memory, milestone or loved one.Through our volunteer litter removal program, obLITTERators, we removed 33 tons of litter from our parks and around the city.Activating more parks:We raised over $160K for Sawyer Point Riverfront Roller Rink through advocacy, donors and our Emerging Leaders, and hosted 16 free skating events that brought hundreds to the outdoor rink.In support of the 34 Cincinnati Parks Advisory Councils, we sponsored more than 200 free events, classes and programs that attracted thousands of participants into parks.Through a partnership with Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Luke 5 Adventures, our award-winning be.well program gave children with disabilities and their families accessible ways to explore our parks.Our emerging collaboration with the Osher Center for Integrative Health at the University of Cincinnati invited people to view our parks as a resource for health and wellness.Celebrating our city:We piloted the first-ever DJ Festival at the ICON Stage at Smale Riverfront Park, highlighting black and brown artists for an audience of 600 people.We wished Carol Ann Haile a happy 100th birthday with free carousel rides all weekend long.Engaging more volunteers:Through litter removal, tree planting and special events, we give volunteers the tools they need to get involved.We continued to build our Women's Committee, an active group of advocates and volunteers, to support growth in our parks and our community.