WHAT: Owls Nest Park Renovation
Thanks to the efforts of the Cincinnati Park Board, the Owls Nest Advisory Council, and a number of generous individuals and local companies, work on the first phase of the new master plan for Owls Nest Park is underway.  The first of thousands of yards of fill dirt are being delivered on site, to raise the former ball field area along Fairfax Avenue up to street level. This will be a major improvement, providing better access and visibility for the north end of the park.

WHO: The Owls Nest Advisory Council, a neighborhood volunteer group, the Cincinnati Park Board, and area community councils worked together to develop a master plan for revitalizing the park.

WHERE: Owls Nest Park bridges the East Walnut Hills, and Evanston communities, adjacent to the O'Bryonville Business District.  The master plan will transform the north end of the park, and that area is now receiving thousands of yards of fill dirt.

WHEN:  Beginning October 27, 2008, the fill (donated by Xavier University and Maxim Crane) is being brought to the site, and will be spread and compacted over a period of about six weeks. Construction on the improvements is expected to start in the spring of 2009.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The Cincinnati Park Board is contributing over $600,000 toward the first phase of the master plan. To date, another $200,000 has been received from private donors, $90,000 has been committed by the Cincinnati Recreation Commission, and The Cincinnati Reds Community Fund has pledged $25,000 to the project.

The Master Plan for Owls Nest Park envisions:
▪ A continuous pathway system which builds on the park's existing walks
▪ New recreational activities
▪ New lighting 
▪ Renovating the ball field so that the outfield will double as a soccer/football practice field
▪ New half court basketball courts and basket-shooting areas
▪ Improved picnic and seating areas
▪ A new entrance plaza along Fairfax Avenue 
▪ A nature study area and amphitheatre in the grove on the west side of the park

The goal of these improvements is to create a better sense of a single park, bring more activity to the park, create a better venue for community gatherings and special programs and to ultimately knit together the surrounding neighborhoods. Co-Chair of the Owls Nest Advisory Council, Jennie Rosenthal Berliant said, "The spirit of community engagement and donor participation has been tremendous so far, we know that this revitalized park will benefit many neighbors and businesses.  A safe, open, well utilized green space joining such diverse neighborhoods is exactly the sort of project we'd love to see happening in pockets all over the city.”

CONTACT:  Steven Schuckman, Park Superintendent of Planning and Design (513) 475-9600