Presented by Cincinnati Business Courier

It's River Sweep Season at Great Parks!

Great Parks is teaming up with the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) to remove litter and beautify the Ohio River. Each year, Ohio River Sweep volunteers help protect the river and its wildlife by collecting trash and recyclables along the banks. In 2024, 125 river sweep events hosted by organizations across six states removed 180,000 pounds of trash, including nearly 1,000 tires.

Corporate groups and individuals are invited to Fernbank Park on July 12 for the second river sweep event of 2025. Groups can also request to organize a river sweep project of their own, facilitated by Great Parks. Private group projects can be scheduled anytime through October.

For more information, contact Joe Von Allmen, Volunteer Engagement Specialist at jvonallmen@greatparks.org or by phone at 513-245-7471.

More Ways to Connect with Great Parks

Connect with Colleagues on Winton Lake

Get ready for an unforgettable kayaking adventure on the serene waters of Winton Lake! With warmer temperatures ahead, now is the perfect time for small groups to hit the water, build camaraderie and strengthen connections through guided kayaking experiences. Each experience is personalized for up to 10 participants per session. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or a first-timer, Great Parks' expert guides, certified by the American Canoe Association, ensure a fun, safe and memorable experience.

Sessions are available on weekdays from June through September and last approximately 2.5 hours. All necessary equipment, including kayaks, paddles and safety gear, is provided. We can’t wait to see you on the water!

For more information on kayaking or another experience below, contact Allison Cone, Adventure Coordinator at acone@greatparks.org or by phone at 513-521-2345.

Team Building

Available Spring, Summer & Fall

Monday-Friday

Archery

Available Spring & Fall

Monday-Friday

Paddlesports

Available Summer & Fall

Monday-Friday

Connecting with a Cause at Miami Whitewater Forest

Volunteers play a vital role in keeping Miami Whitewater Forest in Harrison, one of Great Parks' largest parks at roughly 4,500 acres, beautiful and accessible.

Opportunities to volunteer at Miami Whitewater Forest include landscaping, trail maintenance and invasive plant removal. Seasonal tree planting projects are also available in the spring and fall. Your group can make an impactful contribution to a beloved destination.

To plan your next volunteer outing at Miami Whitewater Forest contact Joe Von Allmen, Volunteer Engagement Specialist at jvonallmen@greatparks.org or by phone at 513-245-7471.

Connecting with Clients through Corporate Partnerships

Sponsors and Partners Help Make Year-Long Series a Success

Great Parks extends its gratitude to the sponsors and partners whose support has been instrumental in the success of two monthly programming series.

Women in the Outdoors Series

Presenting Sponsor: Johnson Investment Counsel

Out in the Outdoors Series

Series Sponsor: Roads Rivers and Trails

Root Ball 2025: Thank You to Our Early Committed Sponsors

Great Parks Forever, the philanthropic partner of Great Parks, is ramping up for its sixth annual Root Ball, an annual celebration with a natural twist, the evening of Friday, Oct. 17 at Savannah Center in West Chester. We wish to thank the early committed sponsors for this year's event and remind prospective sponsors that gifts made before June 30 are matched dollar-for-dollar through the generosity of the Farmer Family Foundation.

Thanks to our 2025 Root Ball sponsors! (as of May 8, 2025)

Presenting Sponsors:

Cincinnati Business Courier, Cincinnati MINI

Supporting Sponsors:

Cincinnati Museum Center, Human Nature, Inc., Lithko Contracting, Synoptek, USI Insurance Services

Collaborating Sponsors:

Adopt A Class, emersion DESIGN, Kimley-Horn, The Kleingers Group, Bill & Caren Laverty, Marathon Health, Pepper Construction

Table Sponsors:

Custom Design Benefits, Ann & Mike Frederick, Government Strategies Group

For sponsorship or event questions, contact LeAnne Anklan, Director of Donor Engagement at lanklan@greatparks.org or by phone at 513-245-4517.

Sponsor Spotlight: Johnson Investment Counsel

Great Parks is thankful for the support of Johnson Investment Counsel, a returning sponsor of our annual, year-long Women in the Outdoors Series. With their support, this year's series is off to a strong start. The second session is already at full capacity, and many participants from the first session have expressed interest in future archery opportunities.

Interested in making a similar impact? Contact LeAnne Anklan, Director of Donor Engagement, at lanklan@greatparks.org or 513-728-4517 to learn how you or your organization can support a Great Parks event or series.