Latest news with #CincinnatiParksFoundation
Business Journals
15-05-2025
- Health
- Business Journals
Cincinnati Parks + Rec for Wellness: A citywide collaboration to grow healthier communities
In Cincinnati, wellness is going beyond the walls of gyms and doctors' offices — and is taking root in Cincinnati Parks. Cincinnati Parks + Rec for Wellness is a groundbreaking initiative that is transforming public green spaces and recreation centers into powerful tools for community health. Launched by Cincinnati Parks Foundation, the philanthropic partner to Cincinnati Parks, in collaboration with the Osher Center for Integrative Health at the University of Cincinnati, alongside Cincinnati Recreation Commission and the Cincinnati Recreation Foundation, this program delivers free, accessible wellness programming in parks and recreation spaces throughout the city. 'Parks have always been places for connection and community,' said Jennifer Hafner Spieser, president and CEO of Cincinnati Parks Foundation. 'Now, they're also places where we can move, breath, heal and grow — together.' Anchored in partnership This health-forward initiative is guided by four key organizations: Cincinnati Parks Foundation serves as the fundraising and strategic backbone and program facilitator, ensuring broad access, long-term impact and continued growth. Cincinnati Parks provides access to parks and green spaces across the city, activating them as wellness hubs. Cincinnati Recreation Commission (CRC) and Foundation integrate wellness offerings into Rec Centers and expand reach to every neighborhood (and every neighbor). The Osher Center for Integrative Health at the University of Cincinnati brings scientific leadership in lifestyle medicine and holistic, evidence-based wellness strategies. Together, these partners are building a citywide model that unites nature, movement and mindfulness. Expanding the circle of support The program's impact is strengthened by a growing network of community collaborators and supporters, including: The Cincinnati Parks + Rec for Wellness steering committee, including generous donors Cathy Crain and Carrie Hayden and Cincinnati Parks Findlay Market, Metro, 1in5 and Interact for Health, who contribute outreach support and other resources. Amy Tobin's Table, Cincy Girls Who, Emily Buckley (Get Living Guru), Riviera Run, Lincoln Ware Walking Club, the Osher Center at UC, Price Hill Will Wellness Community Action Team, Robert O'Neal Multicultural Arts Center (ROMAC), Skate Downtown Cincy and World Peace Yoga, who offer unique programming, grassroots engagement and local expertise. From community walks to yoga flows, dance classes and roller skating, these collaborators are making wellness feel relevant, inclusive and rooted in neighborhood identity. expand A growing menu of free activities Offered in neighborhood parks, the program's calendar of free wellness offerings is designed to reflect community interests, including: Yoga, tai chi, dance and movement classes taught by local certified instructors. Guided hikes, walks and runs led by nature enthusiasts. Roller skating classes (with free roller skate rentals available) at the Sawyer Point Riverfront Rink Classes are currently scheduled in Avondale, Ezzard Charles, Glenway, Lytle, Owl's Nest and Sawyer Point Parks. Guided hikes take place in Cincinnati Parks throughout the city. Wellness that works As part of the initiative, physicians through UC Health are now prescribing time in nature as a formal part of their patients' wellness plans. This emerging trend encourages patients to spend time in Cincinnati Parks to reduce stress, improve mood, increase physical activity and build community connections. Patients will receive a Cincinnati Parks + Rec for Wellness Field Guide to help track group activities and self-led time outdoors. Park prescriptions are backed by growing research and are being embraced as a low-cost, high-impact way to support physical and mental health, right in our city's own back yard — Cincinnati Parks. expand Looking ahead Cincinnati Parks + Rec for Wellness is laying the groundwork for a more connected and resilient city. With plans to expand to more parks and increase program variety and participation, the future is full of possibilities. 'The power of parks benefits our city and its 52 neighborhoods' Spieser said. 'And thanks to the power of partnership, this program is providing community-based wellness that is free and open to all.' here. The Cincinnati Parks Foundation champions the activation of Cincinnati Parks, creating clean, green and welcoming spaces. Through community partnerships and philanthropic support, we help Cincinnati Parks thrive — so everyone has a place to gather, play, connect and grow. Learn more at
Business Journals
15-05-2025
- General
- Business Journals
A park for the people: Why Owl's Nest Park deserves everyone's support
Cincinnati is home to a nationally-ranked, citywide parks system — 130 parks strong — that provides a natural heartbeat to our urban life. Some, like Smale Riverfront Park and Mt. Airy Forest, are regional destinations. Others, like Owl's Nest Park, are neighborhood gems. But just because a park is small or tucked away doesn't mean its impact is. In fact, it's these local parks that often make the most lasting difference in the lives of Cincinnatians. Right now, Owl's Nest Park is at the center of a bold revitalization effort — and the Cincinnati Parks Foundation is inviting supporters across the city to be a part of it. Located at the convergence of Evanston, East Walnut Hills and the O'Bryonville business district, Owl's Nest Park is a gathering place for families, students, neighbors and visitors alike. The Foundation, in partnership with Cincinnati Parks, community leaders and committed donors, has launched a campaign to raise $2 million for a full-scale transformation. expand The plan: A park reimagined The revitalization plan includes: An all-ages gathering space with seating and shade Upgraded walking paths and landscaping Lighting improvements More programming dollars to support recreational programming and community events More than just a facelift, this project is a reimagining of what a neighborhood park can be: a shared backyard, a community classroom, a wellness hub and a symbol of civic pride. Why support a park that's not in your backyard? You don't have to live near Owl's Nest Park to care about its future. Cincinnati's strength lies in its interconnected communities — and thriving neighborhood parks are part of the social infrastructure that binds us. expand Here's why supporting Owl's Nest Park matters to everyone: Every child deserves a safe, beautiful place to play. Every family should have green space nearby to gather, celebrate and restore. Investing in one park helps raise the standard for all. Revitalized parks spark local investment, support small businesses and increase property values — not just next door, but across the city. A strong parks system signals that Cincinnati values quality of life, sustainability and community health. It attracts talent, retains families and reflects the kind of city we want to be. A legacy 30 years in the making This year, the Cincinnati Parks Foundation celebrates its 30th anniversary. Over three decades, the Foundation has helped bring ambitious projects to life — tree groves, wellness trails, inclusive play areas and more. Owl's Nest is the next chapter in that story — and one that will echo for the next generation. Your donation doesn't just help one park. It helps define what it means to live in a city that believes in public space, neighborhood pride and community connection. How you can help To contribute to the Owl's Nest Park revitalization campaign or learn more about naming opportunities, visit Your support today plants the acorns for a better Cincinnati tomorrow. Together, let's give every neighborhood the park it deserves. Starting with Owl's Nest. The Cincinnati Parks Foundation champions the activation of Cincinnati Parks, creating clean, green and welcoming spaces. Through community partnerships and philanthropic support, we help Cincinnati Parks thrive — so everyone has a place to gather, play, connect and grow. Learn more at
