Presented by Cincinnati Business Courier

Great Parks: A Regional Force for Growth, Connection & Conservation

Great Parks continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the Cincinnati region's economic, environmental and community well-being. A recent study from the University of Cincinnati Economics Center found that Great Parks contributed $138.6 million to the local economy in 2024, marking a significant jump over the past decade ($91 million in 2015). Every $1 of Great Parks' tax funding generated $3.15 in economic activity, supporting more than 4,000 local jobs.

With more than 7 million annual visits, including many from outside of Hamilton County, Great Parks has cemented itself as one of the region's largest tourism drivers, outpacing several other recognizable destinations in visitation. Out-of-county visitors alone added $47 million in local economic output.

Great Parks' impact, however, extends well beyond the economy. As Hamilton County's largest landowner, protecting more than 18,000 acres (one-third of the county's open space), Great Parks safeguards the region's ecological heritage while providing countless opportunities for recreation, education and connection.

Strong partnerships make this work possible. Sponsors and community partners help bring large-scale events and programs to life, creating unique opportunities to connect with guests and invest in a healthier, more sustainable region.

As Great Parks looks ahead through the lens of its community-driven master plan, the vision is clear: build more trails, create outstanding experiences for diverse audiences and strengthen the region’s ecological resilience. Together with corporate, nonprofit and civic partners, Great Parks is shaping a future where conservation and economic growth go hand in hand.

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How to Connect with Great Parks

Connecting with Colleagues: Join the Trail Challenge!

Looking for a fresh way to build camaraderie among your team? The Great Parks Trail Challenge offers a unique opportunity to connect, compete and explore together, all while working toward a shared goal.

In recent years, the Trail Challenge has grown into a beloved tradition that invites participants to hike, run or walk across 15 Great Parks destinations. Teams can aim to complete seven different trails, log 50 miles or even attempt to visit all participating parks.

Registration is required, but a free option is available for those who wish to participate without purchasing merchandise. Paid registrants receive exclusive items like a Great Parks-branded water bottle or dog bowl. All participants gain access to milestone rewards and community engagement opportunities.

Why it works:

Flexible participation: Complete trails at your own pace, on your own schedule.
Friendly competition: Set internal goals or challenge other departments.
Shared experience: Build stronger relationships through outdoor adventure.
Recognition: Teams can celebrate achievements with hiking medallions and exclusive merchandise.

Learn More & Hit the Trails

Connecting with a Cause: 2025 River Sweep Recap

Great Parks had the pleasure of hosting four River Sweeps this year in collaboration with the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO), twice the typical number of these cleanup events.

Why the increase? Early-year flooding across the Cincinnati region led to a greater need for litter removal, especially at Fernbank Park. An additional cleanup at Woodland Mound, organized with the Ohio Section of the American Water Works Association, also boosted these efforts.

Double the cleanups, double the fun! In total, 46 volunteers dedicated 138 hours to collecting 106 bags of trash and numerous large debris items, making a tangible impact on Great Parks' riverfront destinations.

Want to get involved in 2026? Join one of Great Parks' annual River Sweeps at Woodland Mound in March or Fernbank Park in July. Groups may also work with Great Parks to coordinate their own private River Sweep.

If interested, contact Joe Von Allmen, Volunteer Engagement Specialist at jvonallmen@greatparks.org or call 513-245-7471.

Connecting with Clients: Corporate Partnerships

Great Parks extends its gratitude to the sponsors and partners whose support was instrumental in making this year’s Hispanic Heritage Festival a success.

Supporting Sponsors

FC Cincinnati, FC Cincinnati Soccer Zones Annual Partner

Kings Volkswagen, Stage Sponsor

Collaborating Sponsors

Interact for Health, Learning Adventure Zone Sponsor

Participating Sponsors

Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA, Kids Crafts Station Sponsor

La Mega 101.5 FM as part of Urban One

Marathon Health, Face Painting Station Sponsor

Raising Cane’s, Firepit Station Sponsor

University of Cincinnati Worker Health & Safety Training

Grow Your Impact in 2026!

Become a force for nature by supporting one of Great Parks’ 2026 events! From seasonal celebrations to summer-long series, each event offers a unique opportunity to connect with the community while showcasing your brand. Sponsors play a vital role in bringing event experiences to life and creating extraordinary moments for guests across Hamilton County.

For sponsorship or event questions, contact LeAnne Anklan, Director of Donor Engagement, at lanklan@greatparks.org or call 513-728-4517.

View Great Parks' Special Events

Adventure Program Spotlight: Mindful Archery

As the holidays approach, teams often look for ways to slow down and reconnect. Great Parks' Mindful Archery offers just that, through the simple, focused act of drawing a bow.

This seasonal program blends gentle movement with beginner-friendly archery instruction, creating space for participants to breathe, focus and enjoy the outdoors together. It's not about competition but about being present.

Why teams love it:

A quiet reset from the workday
Confidence-building through a new skill
Authentic connection without forced icebreakers
A shared experience that's both playful and grounding

What Participants Are Saying:

“Outstanding! The instructor was welcoming, knowledgeable, and made the learning process fun and safe.”
“10/10! Super fun and very welcoming.”
“Great programs, beautiful setting, friendly instructors!”

Mindful Archery is available through December, with private sessions tailored to your team's needs. It’s the perfect way to recharge before the holiday rush and aim for balance, together. For more information, contact Allison Cone, Adventure Coordinator at acone@greatparks.org or call 513-521-2345.

Sponsor Spotlight: Marathon Health

Thank you to Marathon Health for supporting all Great Parks special events this year as an Annual Participating Sponsor. Their sponsorship helps create memorable experiences that connect the community to nature, and we're grateful for their continued support!

To find out how you or your group can make a similar contribution in support of a Great Parks series or event, contact LeAnne Anklan, Director of Donor Engagement, at lanklan@greatparks.org or call 513-728-4517.