Here we are with another installment of “365 Things to do in Cincinnati” and today we’re featuring the newest Cincinnati Park, Smale Riverfront Park.
Smale Riverfront Park sits along the Ohio River just east of the base of the Roebling Suspension Bridge. This 45 acre park spans the riverfront area between Paul Brown Stadium and Great American Ballpark.
The park had its grand opening just a few days ago. I must say that I am INCREDIBLY impressed with what they’ve done with this space, with this park, with the entire area. It’s nothing short of amazing.
The park is divided into two levels. The upper level features the Schmidlapp Event Lawn and one of the spraying water features. The lower level sits south of Mehring Way.
The park pays tribute to The Black Brigade with a monument commemorating the voluntary service of hundreds of African-American men during the Civil War. The monument tells the story of The Black Brigade and it also lists all 700 members.
This park is rich in water features. The park features two “splash fountains” where kids can play in the water. There are a number of cascading fountains (one can be seen above).
There are “water curtains” which fall from glass balconies above.
The park offers plenty of tree-lined walking and biking paths (paved). They’ve even opened up a new bike rental center within the park (Cincinnati Bike Center). The Bike Center offers bike and quadcycle rentals (hourly and daily). The Bike Center also offers bike tours. You can also pick up a brochure with a map if you’d like to do a self-guided bike tour.
The park includes 12 acres of lawn space – the perfect place for a picnic. Many full sized trees have been planted around the park, making it easy to find a shady spot to enjoy the afternoon.
Below you’ll see the Schmidlapp Event Lawn and Stage. This space is actually a green space over the parking garage! The green space adjoins The Moerlein Lager House on the east and the cascading water fountains and steps (seen above) border it on the west.
Plenty of parking is available in the new parking garages that are part of The Banks project.
I would highly recommend that you take a trip downtown, especially if you haven’t been down there in a while. The Banks development and the new Riverfront Park will surprise you. It’s an incredible asset for our fine city. one to truly be proud of and enjoy!
Smale Riverfront Park is just south of 2nd Street between Great American Ballpark and Paul Brown Stadium
The City of Cincinnati did a great job on the park. I go down all the time to take pictures and my three daughters rarely want to go. I took them down on Saturday and Sunday and they had a blast. They are now asking me to take them downtown to Smale. It’s amazing how a little water and lights change their perception.
The fountains are absolutely beautiful.
A few minor critiques. They need more seating at the fountain jets down below similar to fountains up top. I’m not that impressed labyrinth but the kids seemed to like it. It just seems like a lot of space that could be better used. Not sure what though. I’d like to hear some more sounds/music near the river. Maybe some old caliopy style music you might hear on a steamboat in their heyday.
All in all a wonderful start.