Friends of Parks eNews
A collage of park photos
Greetings!

What a time we are collectively experiencing together. First things first, on behalf of our Board of Directors and team, we wish to thank the Cincinnati Park Board and the 218 employees who work year-round to keep our parks glorious.

Sadly, starting next week, 100 Cincinnati Parks employees will be furloughed. This number includes 30 full-time and 70 part-time dedicated team members, along with approximately 1,600 other city employees. Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this pandemic. 

Luckily, we do have one bit of good news to share: Your Cincinnati Parks remain OPEN! Free and accessible for all, your Cincinnati Parks are helping all of us get through this difficult time. 

It's been heartwarming to see so many people outside, enjoying the sunshine in their neighborhood park. To ensure Cincinnati Parks can remain open, it is vital that everyone maintains social distance while out enjoying nature. Check out our many tips below on how we can all enjoy the parks safely.

We are grateful for the 118 Cincinnati Parks employees who will take on an even greater responsibility of keeping Cincinnati Parks open, clean, and safe. 

Please join us in thanking them next time you're out enjoying your neighborhood park.

With sincere gratitude, 

Jennifer Hafner Spieser
Executive Director
How to Practice Social Distancing in the Parks
Covid-19 And The Parks
Recommendations for park users on observing social distancing minimums:

  • Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading out. Wash your hands, carry hand sanitizer, do not use trails if you have symptoms, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, etc.

  • Observe the CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of at least six feet from other people. Maintain it at all times when in the park, even when passing others on trails and sidewalks.

  • Warn other trail users of your presence as you pass to allow proper distance and step off trails to allow others to pass.


  • Bring your own water or drinks. Public drinking fountains should not be used, even if they are operable. Do not touch surfaces.

  • Bring a suitable trash bag. Practice Leave No Trace and “Pack it In, Pack It Out” with your trash. This will help avoid overloaded trashcans and protect Cincinnati Parks workers.

  • Visit the park alone or with your immediate family or roommates– those whom you live with. Don’t meet up with large friend groups.

  • Remember that playgrounds are closed, even if there is no sign saying so. Do not touch surfaces.

  • If a park seems crowded, where appropriate social distancing cannot occur, leave and choose another park.
We're Bringing Parks to Your Living Room, LIVE!
Parks are going LIVE
Is your self-quarantine getting you down? Got the missing-my-park-blues? We definitely understand! Being outdoors has amazing physical and mental health benefits which are hard to give up. This is why we are bringing neighborhood parks to YOU! Every day, for the remainder of the  Stay At Home Order , we will be broadcasting live from  Cincinnati Parks ! Throw some headphones in and join us on  Instagram  or   Facebook ! You’ll get to experience spring blooms, babbling creeks, singing birds, and much more.
COVID-19 Postponements and Announcements
Covid-19
Learn more about our COVID-19 cancellations, postponements, recommendations for park users, and other COVID-19 related resources on our website.
CALL FOR PHOTOS: Tell Us What Parks Mean to You
Annwood Park
We want to know how you have been safely using parks during this time where most other public places are closed. Have you been enjoying a daily walk at your neighborhood park? Are you taking your workout outdoors? Hosting remote video conferences from the parks ?

Tell us your story!

Email your story and photos to Kate@cincinnatiparksfoundation.org . Tag us in your photos on Facebook and Instagram!

Tell us YOUR parks story and be entered to win tickets to a future Cincinnati Parks'
Krohn Conservatory 2020 Show
Keep Your Distance in One of These Seven Parks
Family at Owl's Nest Park
Having access to our wonderful  Cincinnati Parks  is more important now than ever! To keep the parks open and safe will take the effort of everyone. We all must continue to practice social distancing and avoid crowded parks. The easiest way to accomplish this is to visit a lesser known gem in the Cincinnati Parks system! Check out our list for some ideas of where to go.
COVID-19 Can't Cancel Spring Blooms
blooming flowers
Flowers are blooming all over Cincinnati right now! Apparently Mother Nature didn't get the "cancel everything" memo! Check out this list from Cincinnati Parks so you can identify those beautiful blooms!
Behind-the-Scenes at Krohn Conservatory
Play Video
Krohn Conservatory may be closed to the public, but some Parks' employees have been working hard behind the scenes to keep the Conservatory plants alive and well. Take a quick sneak peak and behind-the-scenes look at how the staff planned the (postponed) Butterfly Show!
Hats Off Luncheon Postponed to October
Hats Off Around The World Parks Around Our City 2020
To keep you and the community safe, the Cincinnati Parks Foundation is  postponing our annual Hats Off Luncheon to   Friday, October 2, 2020. 

Same critical fundraiser, different date and time.

The annual Hats Off Luncheon, in its 14th year, is the premier Spring event where 1,200 park supporters come together under one tent to celebrate your top-rated Cincinnati Parks. This event is not only a fun highlight of the year, but it is  the critical fundraising engine  that fuels our collective work within your urban parks. 
Cincinnati Parks Foundation, the official philanthropic partner of Cincinnati Parks, is committed to building broad-based private/public partnerships supporting the conservation and enhancement of our city's parks and greenspaces.
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