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CINCINNATI (WXIX) – Got ideas for the new park under the leadership of Great Hamilton County Parks? They want to hear them!
Tentatively called “Werk Road Park” until an official name is decided, the 22-acre land in Westwood happens to be the 22nd natural site under county supervision.
The online survey [and in Spanish] asks about preferred activities and desired educational elements for a planned urban ecology center so that park officials have a good idea of what to bring to those who will use it.
The Urban Ecology Center will focus on connecting the community to nature, wellness and conservation-based education.
The survey is available until the beginning of December. The design of the park will be funded in part by a grant from the Greater Cincinnati Foundation.
Local community organizations such as WestCURC, Westwood Works and the Westwood Historical Society participate in the project.
Great Parks acquired the site, which was once home to the James N. Gamble family, in 2021. The county acquired it at no cost through a grant from the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Fund with local matching from the Greenacres Foundation.
“We are very excited to directly serve a thriving and diverse community in the city of Cincinnati,” Great Parks CEO Todd Palmeter said at the time. “This urban reserve aligns with our Master Plan priority to expand park access for all users by providing nature-based resources in currently underserved areas.”
Officials presented the site as an ecological node connecting a mosaic of habitats, including Mount Airy Forest, Mill Creek and Embshoff Woods.
It is described as very walkable, close to community resources such as Westwood Schools and the Westwood Public Library and also located on several subway bus routes.
The site’s green space has been open to pedestrians since April 2022, but there are no toilet facilities or parking spaces available yet. Bikes are not yet allowed. Dogs are welcome but must stay on a 6ft. leaves at all times.
It’s been a big year for Great Parks, with more to come, including major improvements at Glenwood Gardens [also this] and Sharon Woods.
Great Parks is the third largest park district in the state with 17 parks, four nature preserves, 78 miles of trails and more. It encompasses over 17,700 acres in Hamilton County, 83% of which is natural.
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