Green Township adding sixth park to commemorate bicentennial

Published May 12, 2009 at 12:00 a.m.
In 1809 one of Cincinnati's largest westside communities, GreenTownship, got its start.  Named after Revolutionary War GeneralNathanael Greene, Green Township includes the Bridgetown, Covedale,Dent, Mack, Monfort Heights and White Oak neighborhoods and boasts anestimated 55,000 residents which is expected to reach some 60,000 inthe 2010 Census count.

Followinga comprehensive study of the Township’s recreational needs, and as ameans to celebrate the community’s bicentennial, the Township purchasedapproximately 50 acres of land along Diehl Road with the intention ofdeveloping the site into a park.

The site is located almost adjacent to Hamilton County’s largest park, Mt. Airy Forest,and is located on the edge of the Green Township community.  Alsonotable is the history of the site, the former childhood home of MargeSchott, as it will be restored with the help of the Schott Foundation.

Thepark will be named the “Green Township Bicentennial Park” and willfeature a mix of active recreational uses including three ball fields,a playground, a picnic/shelter area, paved walking paths, equestriantrails, two sand volleyball courts and potentially a frisbee golfcourse.

The park will also have passive green space accessibleonly by unpaved trails and will use “green” building methods to becomethe first of its kind in Hamilton County by using storm water bestmanagement practices.

Giventhe park’s close proximity to Mt. Airy Forest, there are also plans toprovide access connections between the two parks through walking/hikingtrails.

Starting last year the Township began initial clearingoperations on about 20 acres of the site for the active recreationalamenities.  The hopes are to have the park completed by spring of 2010.

Therestoration of the Marge Schott childhood home will include a specialbicentennial commons and garden surrounding the Federal/Greek Revivalfarmhouse built in 1835.  In the rear of the house, there will be a newevent plaza envisioned for use by special events including weddings.

With the support of the Schott Foundation, the Township has created theopportunity for members of the community to show their support throughthe purchase of commemorative bricks and paver stones that will be usedin the garden area.

Green Township Bicentennial Park will be theTownship’s sixth park in addition to Bosken Park, Blue Rock Park, WestFork Park, Veterans’ Park and Kuliga Park, home to the Township’sannual summer concert series.

Writer: Randy Simes
Source: Adam Goetzman, Director of Development, Green Township; Jennifer Barlow


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