Clermont County Park District Comprehensive Master Plan

A Park District Vision.

The Clermont County Park District Comprehensive Master Plan will support and augment the agency’s mission statement to acquire, plan, develop, program and maintain park property in the county for residents and nonresidents alike, and to secure the preservation of open space and places of scenic or historic value.

Steering Committee

Jeff Blom

Clermont County Visitor’s Bureau

George Brown

Clermont County Resident

Cee Cee Collins

Little Miami Chamber Alliance

Jeff Corney

Cincinnati Nature Center

Kelli Fickle

UC Clermont

Chris Habel

Frost Brown Todd Environmental

Law, Valley View Foundation

Vanessa Hannah Valley View Foundation

Wade Johnston Tri State Trails

Dave Kennedy City of Loveland

Shane Knisley

Mercy Health

Mary Ann Lefker

Village of Williamsburg

Michael McNamara

Clermont County Economic Development

Jim Meyer Community Fund

Tom Niehaus

Former Ohio Senator

Bob Pautke

Lead Clermont

Chad Shaffer

Duke Energy

Jeff Weir Clermont County Educational Service Center

Jeff Wright Miami Township Administrator

Joy Lytle

Clermont Chamber of Commerce

Clermont County Park District Staff

Bryan Howell

Clermont County Park District Head of Operations

Bettie Johnson

Clermont County Park District Business Manager

Cory Snider

Clermont County Park District Natural Resource Manager

Project Leadership

Josh Torbeck

Clermont County Park District Executive Director

Chris Clingman

Former Clermont County Park District Executive Director

Niki Marengo

Clermont County Park District

Community Engagement Manager

Board of Park Commissioners

Dave Anspach

Clermont County Park Board Chairman

John Stowell

Clermont County Park Board Member

Andrew McAfee

Clermont County Park Board Member

Consultant Team

MKSK

PROS Consulting

ETC Institute

Executive Summary

The Clermont County Park District

The Clermont County Park District (CCPD) maintains 11 parks and nature preserves across the county representing more than 1,000 acres of land. These public assets provide a wide variety of park experiences and facilities, from walking, hiking and biking, to river access and fishing ponds, to playgrounds, picnic shelters and event venues. The Clermont County community places great value on these parks and the programs offered by CCPD, with 59% reporting that their value of parks, trails and open spaces has increased in the past three years, and 81% agreeing that continued funding levels or increased investment in the park system would be an appropriate use of tax dollars.

To fulfill the promise of this planning work to build a Clermont County Park District that better serves park users today and into the future, the planning team used a multifaceted approach to ensure that the

values of the community were reflected in the Comprehensive Master Plan. More than 700 community voices shaped this plan through engagement events and through a statistically valid survey that reached 721 residents of Clermont County. Insights from CCPD staff and leadership, a 17-person Steering Committee, and a robust group of stakeholders helped to identify opportunities and refine priorities. The work was also informed by existing conditions analysis, local, regional and national trends data, and on-the-ground observations of every park, preserve and CCPD owned property.

The Comprehensive Master Plan recommendations are organized around eight themes: Preserve, Evolve, Connect, Float, Experience, Gather, Grow, and Market. These recommendations address how CCPD can work to be a better steward of existing parks and preserves, expand relevant

programming, add needed park experiences, programs, features and facilities, better connect parks to the community, develop stronger partnerships, and involve more people (residents and nonresidents) in Clermont County Parks.

These community informed recommendations are supported by implementation steps that will help CCPD plan for the next 10 years. Through this process, the planning team along with CCPD staff and leadership, have collaborated to identify implementation timelines, priorities and partners. With this framework in place, CCPD will be able to begin the work of fulfilling the community’s vision for the future of the park system.

Comprehensive Master Plan engaged a broad cross section of the community to understand how people use the park system today and to develop a vision for the future of the park district over the next 10 years.

1400+

Total Clermont County voices heard through a community engagement process and a statistically valid survey

Engagement Tools (700+ Voices)

• Project Website

• Online Survey

• Online Ideas Wall

• Paper Comment Cards

• Attendance at Community Events

Recommendation Themes

1 | PRESERVE

Continue to preserve open spaces and connect people to nature and history.

2 | EVOLVE

Enhance, improve and add features in every park.

Statistically Valid Survey (721 Households)

• 95% Level of Confidence

• Precision Rate of at Least +/-3.6%

5 | EXPERIENCE

Increase program opportunities for a diversity of park users.

6 | GATHER

Become a destination for community events.

7 | GROW

Focus on park-to-park, park-to-neighborhood, and regional connections.

3 | CONNECT 4 | FLOAT

Invest in additional water access and create/participate in regional blueways.

Explore opportunities for continued expansion of the park system.

8 | MARKET

Market CCPD parks and programs to the community.

01 Introduction

Plan Purpose & Schedule

This year-long plan was informed by the District’s mission.

Plan Purpose

The Clermont County Park District Comprehensive Master Plan supports and augments the district’s mission statement: “To preserve natural spaces and connect people to the outdoors and to regional history through the acquisition and protection of land and water, impactful educational encounters, and unique outdoor recreation experiences.” Through an engagement process that included community events, stakeholder conversations, a statistically valid survey, and a Steering Committee, the Comprehensive Master Plan is a guiding document that will direct strategy and decision making for the next 10 years.

Process & Schedule

The Comprehensive Master Plan work began in March of 2022 as the planning team kicked off the discovery phase of work with park and facility tours that included every existing park and nature preserve along with properties that are slated to become parks in the future. This on-the-ground work was underpinned with data collection, a review of recent plans and improvements, information gathering on relevant regional park and planning efforts, and a mapping and inventory of current parks and properties. The planning team also officially launched the project with a website, survey, and an initial Steering Committee meeting.

Throughout the project, a number of engagement activities were used, from an online survey to attendance at community events. The work was augmented by a statistically valid survey that reflects the demographic and population density of Clermont County. Additional community input was received at an open house at Clingman Park and a stakeholder round table event in July of 2022.

The Comprehensive Master Plan was also informed by numerous local, regional and national data points. In addition to Clermont County demographic trends, the planning team collected data on recreation trends, national participatory trends and national best practices. This information, along with an assessment of existing CCPD programs, helped to shape recommendations.

Working together with staff and leadership, the planning team drafted a final plan over the fall of 2022 and the winter of 2023. This work was vetted by the Steering Committee and Park District Board before it was finalized. In the Spring and Summer of 2023, CCPD staff took the plan on the road, presenting findings and recommendations to the community, potential partners and other stakeholders.

Master Planning Process

How to Use the Plan

Following this introduction, there are four additional sections in this report.

Planning Context & Engagement provides an overview of the existing park system and individual parks and preserves before reviewing major findings from the community engagement.

Analysis Findings reviews the demographic data, the statistically valid survey results, trend information, program assessment and district comparisons.

Taken together two sections help shape the Recommendations of the plan. This section is organized around each of the eight recommendation themes. These themes are examined in detail, including proposed improvements and specific action items and which park they apply.

Finally, the Implementation & Next Steps section brings together all of the recommendations into one matrix that identifies timeframe, priority and potential partners for each. This provides a guide for implementation and will serve as a dynamic tool to continually evaluate progress over the life of the plan.

This Comprehensive Master Plan will guide future design making and establish priority improvements.

02 Planning Context & Engagement

Planning Context

Building an understanding of the Clermont County Park District and how the community uses its parks and facilities.

To gather a full understanding of the Clermont County Park District, its parks, facilities and programs, the planning team conducted a comprehensive park system analysis and a series of site visits. The community was also engaged to better understand both how the parks are used today and what park users would like to see improved in the future.

Park System Analysis

Clermont County Park District plays an important role in the county and the region in terms of preserving natural areas and providing access to parks, trails and blueways. These systems were mapped by the planning team to understand how CCPD parks fit into the overall county context and how they relate to the trail and blueway systems that reach across the county and across the region to connect a broader population to natural and recreational assets and opportunities. These maps, a summary of existing conditions, and how each system relates to the surrounding community context are provided at the outset of this section.

Park Inventory

With the larger park system context in mind, the planning team toured each of the CCPD parks and properties in March of 2022. Each existing park and preserve is inventoried with a summary description of existing park features and amenities, including information about water and trail access. The planning team visited Kathryn Stagge-Marr Park, Kelley Nature Preserve, Hartman Cabin, Pattison Park, Shor Park, the Maintenance Facility, Sycamore Park, Wilson Nature Preserve, the Williamsburg to Batavia Hike/Bike Trail, TenMile Creek Preserve and Chilo Lock 34 Park and Crooked Run Nature Preserve. Undeveloped or recently acquired properties were also part of this tour and inventory, but are addressed in the Recommendations section of this report on pages 74-115.

Community Engagement

The input received from the Clermont County community shaped the recommendations of this Comprehensive Master Plan. In the Engagement Summary

provided in this section, each of outreach methods and subsequent findings are detailed and explained. This information, along with the Statistically Valid Survey discussed in the Analysis section on page 50 gave the planning team valuable insights into how the park system is serving people today and what improvements, programs and experiences should be added to CCPD in the future.

Park System - Parks

The Park System connects the Little Miami River, Ohio River and the East Fork of the Little Miami River. CCPD consists of nearly 1,000 acres of property with seven (7) parks and four (4) nature preserves. As demonstrated in the map above in green and described in detail in the following pages, these parks, preserves and greenspaces spread over 30+ miles from the northernmost point at the Grailville property to the southernmost point at the Chilo Lock 34 Park and Crooked Run Nature Preserve. CCPD directly serves 13 municipalities and 14 townships totaling 460 square miles of service area. Clermont County sits directly east of Cincinnati and north of the Ohio River along the Ohio and Kentucky state lines.

CCPD Park/Preserve/Property

Municipality

Township County

Park System - Trails

Clermont County borders along two (2) major regional trails, the Ohio River Trail and the Little Miami Scenic Trail. The Ohio River Trail, shown in blue, borders the southernmost border of Clermont County along the Ohio River. This multi-use, paved trail is proposed to span 28 miles from Cincinnati with a planned extension to New Richmond. The Little Miami Scenic Trail, shown in green, is on the western border of Clermont County along the Little Miami River down to Cincinnati. This multi-use, paved trail starts just south of Milford and travels along the Little Miami River and Clermont County boundary to Xenia just east of Dayton. The Little Miami Scenic Trail connects into the greater Ohio to Erie Trail, which connects Cincinnati to Cleveland just south of Lake Erie through a series of multi-use trails within Ohio. CCPD manages the Williamsburg to Batavia Hike/Bike Trail through central Clermont County, shown in purple spans the northern boundary of East Fork State Park, and is planned to eventually connect to Batavia.

Little Miami Scenic Trail

Ohio River Trail

Ohio River Trail - Planned

Extension

Williamsburg to Batavia Trail

Stream/River/Creek

County

CCPD Park/Preserve/Property

East Fork State Park

Park System - Blueways

Clermont County has 14 streams/rivers/creeks and two (2) lakes with many water access points throughout the county. Along the southernmost boundary of the county is the Ohio River, along the westernmost boundary is the Little Miami River that connects with the East Fork of the Little Miami River in central Clermont County extending to the easternmost county boundary. Stonelick Lake is located in the northeast, connecting to Stonelick Creek and the greater Little Miami River Corridor. In the south-central portion of the county is William H Harsha Lake within East Fork State Park along the Little Miami River Corridor. Many creeks and distributaries flow off the main water corridors. Recreation water access points are available within CCPD at the following locations: East Fork Little Miami River, Little Miami River, Ohio River, Pattison Park (fishing pier), Kathryn Stagge-Marr (fishing pond) and Clingman Park (fishing pond).

500 Year Flood Zone

100 Year Flood Zone

Stream/River/Creek

County

CCPD Park/Preserve/Property

East Fork State Park

Existing Park Inventory

Documenting the Clermont County Park District parks.

To gather a better understanding of the full extent of the Clermont County Park District and the parks, preserves and properties they manage, the planning team created a park inventory exploring these spaces individually and within the greater county context. The planning team toured the properties in 2022. The following parks, preserves and properties were included within the inventory: Kathryn Stagge-Marr Park, Kelley Nature Preserve, Hartman Cabin, Pattison Park, Shor Park, the Maintenance facility, Sycamore Park, Wilson Nature Preserve, the Williamsburg to Batavia Hike/Bike Trail, Ten-Mile Creek Preserve and Chilo Lock 34 Park and River Museum and Crooked Run Nature Preserve. As part of this tour, the planning team was also able to access buildings and facilities maintained by CCPD. The planning team also visited Clingman Park and three park properties that will become parks in the future, these parks are discussed more on page 107.

Kathryn Stagge-Marr Park

Kathryn Stagge-Marr Park is located in the northern portion of Clermont County along Goshen-Belfast Rd. southeast of Goshen and east of Goshen High School and Middle School. The 82-acre property was acquired by CCPD in 2022 from the Goshen Volunteer Park Board. The park property includes the following amenities and facilities: playground, shelter, parking, 18-hole disc golf course and fishing pond. The playground area and Disc Golf Course are the most popular activities within the park. It is also used by Goshen High School for a cross country course.

Kelley Nature Preserve

Kelley Nature Preserve is located along the eastern most boundary of Clermont County along OH-126 west of Miamiville and north of the Little Miami River. The 42-acre preserve was a gift from Virginia Kelley to the park district as a memorial to her husband, Walter A. Kelley. Multiple deed restrictions restrict the available uses for the property. The preserve includes the following amenities and facilities: hiking trail, parking, canoe access to the Little Miami River and wildlife viewing area. Water access at the preserve is popular for those accessing the Little Miami River blueway.

Hartman Cabin

Hartman Cabin is located along the western most boundary of Clermont County along the intersection of US HWY 50 and Aber Rd. Historically this cabin property dates back to 1838 and was restored in 1992 and donated to CCPD in the 1989. The cabin property includes the following amenities and facilities: log cabin, shelter, barn, parking, Jackson Township Pioneer cemetery (outside of Hartman Cabin property lines) and walking path. This property is commonly used for small events.

Pattison Park

Pattison Park is located along US 50 in the central portion of Clermont County adjacent to Clingman Park and west of Owensville. The 45-acre park was donated to CCPD by Aletheia Pattison. The park includes the following amenities and facilities: lodge, gazebo, playground, yearround fishing pond, picnic shelter, restroom facilities, sugar shack, paved walking trail and multiple hiking trails. Pattison is a popular location for weddings, the fishing pond and is home to many seasonal events, such as the Maple Sugar Festival and Fishing Derby.

Shor Park

Shor Park is located along Tealtown Rd. in the central portion of Clermont County west of Batavia and south of the Cincinnati Nature Center. The 56-acre property was donated in 2003 in honor of S. David Shor, who used the property for raising and training horses. Multiple deed restrictions restrict the available uses for the property, most significantly the site development restrictions. The park includes the following amenities and facilities: walking trails, open fields, picnic shelters, restroom facilities, CCPD storage, wind turbine, inclusive playground and wetlands. Shor features a wetland restoration project that includes stream restoration, invasive plant removal and the installation of three wetlands.

Maintenance Facility

The maintenance facility is located between ST RT 222 and the East Fork of the Little Miami River just north of Batavia within the central portion of Clermont County. This property was previously owned by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and used as a rest area but has since been converted into maintenance facility for CCPD. The property also includes: a water access put-in water point to the East Fork of the Little Miami River.

Sycamore Park

Sycamore Park is located within the central portion of Clermont County along OH-222 and OH-132 just south of Batavia and north of Wilson Nature Preserve. The 50-acre park includes the following amenities and facilities: picnic shelters, restroom facilities, playgrounds, walking path, tennis courts, pickleball, water access, hiking trails and scenic views points. Sycamore hosts many seasonal events and is home to a large concentration of active recreation opportunities.

Wilson Nature Preserve

Wilson Nature Preserve is located within the central portion of Clermont County along OH-222 south of Batavia and Sycamore Park. This property was acquired through Clean Ohio Funds and is restricted to only allow trail development. The preserve includes the following amenities: 25-acre island, hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. Wilson Nature Preserve extends over 145 acres and hosts an assortment of passive recreation opportunities.

Williamsburg to Batavia Hike/Bike Trail

The Williamsburg to Batavia Hike/Bike Trail is located in central Clermont County set within East Fork State Park west of Williamsburg and east of Batavia. It extends along the northern most bounds of East Fork State Park, looping adjacent to the campground. The existing multi-use, paved trail spans six (6) miles (13 miles are planned) and connects to multiple scenic viewpoints and overlooks. It includes four (4) trail connections including the Williamsburg Trailhead, East Fork Campground, East Fork Wildlife Area and Zagar Road Parking Area. The trail is a collaborative effort of over 10 agencies and jurisdictions.

Ten Mile Creek Preserve

Ten Mile Creek Preserve is located along the southwestern boundary of Clermont County, north of New Richmond and the Ohio River. This 31acre preserve was a former golf course acquired by CCPD in 2014. CCPD is working toward habitat restoration at this preserve. The preserve includes the following amenities and facilities: gravel trails, parking and scenic viewpoints.

Chilo

Chilo Lock 34 Park & Crooked Run Nature Preserve is located in southern Clermont County between the Ohio River and OH-52, directly east Chilo. This 39-acre property is home to the former Ohio River Lock and Dam #34 operations building (decommissioned in 1964). The 77-acre Crooked Run Nature Preserve is owned by Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The former operations building was renovated in 2005 by CCPD into an interpretive visitor center and museum. Chilo Lock and preserve property includes the following amenities and facilities: parking, hiking trails, visitor center & museum, yurts, playground, picnic shelters, observation tower, wetland, water access and wildlife viewing blinds.

Lock 34 Park & Crooked Run Nature Preserve

Stakeholder and Community Engagement Summary

How the Clermont County community shaped the Comprehensive Master Plan.

Throughout the planning process, residents across Clermont County played an important role in guiding this Comprehensive Master Plan. Through a community open house, a stakeholder roundtable, and online and in-person engagement activities, more than 700 total community voices were engaged in this process. The Engagement Tools used in this master planning effort included:

• 1 Community Open House

• 1 Stakeholder Roundtable

• 3 Steering Committee Meetings

• 1 Online Survey

• Online Activities

• Paper Comment Cards at Community Events

• Clermont County Park District Staff Attendance at Community Events

This section summarizes the planning team’s impressions and findings from these tools, and the key take-aways from hundreds of people engaged in this process.

The planning process was guided by a 17-member steering committee composed of key community leaders and stakeholders. Meeting three times through the planning process at project milestones, this group acted as a representative voice for Clermont County residents, businesses, institutions, and advocacy organizations. The group supported the master planning and community engagement process, in addition to providing local knowledge and identifying community priorities.

The planning team also engaged the greater Clermont County community through a series of online tools to allow for a wide range of community voices. These engagement opportunities included a project website, online surveys, and online activities in the form of an Ideas Wall that served as an online message board.

Held in the summer of 2022, a Community Open House at Clingman Park introduced community members to the master planning process and collected feedback on park visitation, activities, and

opportunities. The event was supplemented by CCPD Staff’s attendance at various community events throughout the county. At these events, CCPD staff engaged residents with paper surveys and informational displays.

Lastly, a virtual stakeholder roundtable was hosted in Mid-August 2022 to engage community leaders. Attended by more than 25 stakeholders from the region, this meeting provided insight into how various organizations and institutions perceive the Park District, and the opportunities they envision for its future.

700+ Total Clermont County community voices engaged through this process

45+ Community members attended the open house

224 Community members responded to the online survey

230 Community members participated in the online activities

77 Community members filled out comment cards

27 Stakeholders engaged during the roundtable

17 Steering committee members Engagement Tools

32 Comments through online ideas wall on the project website

65 Comments on meeting activities and boards

• Project Website

• Online Survey

• Online Ideas Wall

• Paper Comment Cards

• Attendance at Community Events

Steering Committee

A 17-member Steering Committee acted as a representative voice for the Clermont County community. This group helped identify and refine key ideas and findings that later became the recommendations outlined in this planning document.

Meeting three (3) times with the project team throughout the planning process at key milestones, the Steering Committee helped guide the process, identify priorities, validate findings, and support the plan’s engagement efforts.

During the engagement process, steering committee members assisted the planning team with local knowledge and context. Steering committee members helped amplify CCPD’s engagement messaging, and supported efforts to spread the word on upcoming events and online activities.

Steering Committee were also invaluable in connecting the planning team with key stakeholders, leaders, and other community organizations. These connections were instrumental in reaching out to key leaders for a stakeholder roundtable, the findings of which are outlined on the following page.

As a group that represented various interests, this steering committee helped align efforts from local jurisdictions and leaders, fellow parks and recreation groups, and other partner organizations as the planning team sought to develop recommendations. Lastly, this group helped confirm and refine key findings from the plan’s engagement process and analysis. These key findings later became themes that helped organize recommendations. Meeting three times throughout

the process, the Steering Committee supported the planning process in the following ways:

• Meeting 1: The group was introduced to the planning process, and provided insight into priorities and desired outcomes for this process.

• Meeting 2: The planning team shared findings from the plan’s engagement and analysis, after which members validated and confirmed the plan’s direction.

• Meeting 3: The planning team introduced Plan recommendations and an outline for this planning document, for the group’s feedback and review.

Stakeholder Roundtable

At a virtual stakeholder roundtable held in August of 2022, the project team gathered a group of 27 stakeholders representing the Clermont County community. At this meeting, the planning team introduced the planning process and discussed the Park District’s assets, issues and opportunities. During this roundtable, the following key findings were developed:

• The county has the backbone for an amazing trail network, where regional trail systems are connected to the community and to parks.

• Parks within the county should have a baseline of basic amenities including trails, playgrounds, ample parking and shelters. Additionally, they should have 1-2 items that are unique to that park.

• Concert Venues, large event spaces and programming would be helpful within the county, since there is a lack of venues that allow for 300+ people to attend an event.

• Water access points should include more information, such as water flow and safety. These enhancements will help with the regulation, safety and use of water access locations.

• Additional Marketing materials would help amplify information about CCPD and spread knowledge of offerings at CCPD parks.

• More events should be hosted at CCPD Parks.

• The Park District should partner with education entities to expand activities and programming aimed at children and teens.

Stakeholders Engaged Through this Process

5 Community Events attended by CCPD Staff Trails Day

June in Olde Williamsburg

Paddlefest Outdoor Expo

New Richmond River Days

Clermont County Fair

Engagement Tools and Methods

To reach as many residents as possible, the planning team prioritized engaging the community outside the realm of traditional public meetings. As such, a variety of online and in-person activities were used to understand how Clermont County residents used the park district, and what types of improvements they would like to see. These tools included:

Online Engagement

An online website launched at the end of June 2022 with a variety of online activities and tools. With over 2,200+ total visits during the life of this project, the community engaged with the planning process through the following online tools:

• Project Website: A project website page was created to serve as the online home base for information about the planning process, schedule, engagement opportunities and contact information. CCPD shared the project website on their social media and main website to help spread the word on where information on the planning process could be found.

• Online Survey: An online survey was launched at the end of June 2022 and continued through to Mid-August 2022. This survey gathered over 200+ responses from interested community members on park visitation and conditions, programs attendance and conditions, favorite recreation activities, feedback on future opportunities, and survey respondent demographics.

• Online Activities: The project website featured an ideas wall to use as an interactive message board where residents could share ideas, and react and comment back on the ideas posed by other residents. The ideas wall was categorized into 4 sections: Park District Strengths, Park District Challenges, Future Opportunities and General Comments.

Attendance at Community Events

Early in the process, the project team recognized that many residents are unable to attend a public meeting, or are unlikely to visit a project website. As such, CCPD staff attended a variety of local events in the summer of 2022. At these events, staff distributed paper copies of the online survey, in the form of a comment card. This received over 70 responses, gathering information from key groups that may have not been reached through online engagement.

Community Open House

Held at Clingman Park, CCPD Staff and the planning team hosted a community open house attended by more than 45 community members in the summer of 2022. This meeting introduced the community to the planning process and gave those in attendance an opportunity to help craft a vision for the park district. The event included interactive and informational displays, themed stations with activities, guided tours of Clingman Park, and fun experiences for the many children in attendance, such as a raptors station and coloring exercises.

Through crafts, interactive activities and conversations with community members, the open house helped provide insight on how residents currently use the park system, which parks they like to visit and why, and what types of improvements they would support and like to see happen. At various activity stations scattered throughout Clingman Park, meeting attendees were able to engage with maps, answer prompted questions, and share their feedback with members of the planning team through one-on-one conversations.

In addition to providing a pivotal engagement opportunity during the first phase of engagement, this open house helped showcase CCPD’s newest addition with the community - Clingman Park. Guided tours of the property’s existing trails and storage barn served as context for meeting attendees to helped share what they would like to see happen at this property.

Community Engagement Results

Through the various engagement opportunities earlier in this chapter, the planning team heard hundreds of voices representing a wide spectrum of the Clermont County community. The hundreds of residents, business owners, activists, and community leaders we engaged provided valuable feedback leading to the recommendations outlined later in this plan.

The following pages summarize what we heard through attendance at community events, hundreds of one-onone conversations, as well as key insights from stakeholder conversations, online surveys, and the community open house.

This addresses six key topics:

1. How Clermont County Residents use the Park System

2. Visitor Experience: Facilities

3. Visitor Experience: Programs

4. Park Visitation

5. Park & Recreation Opportunities

6. Clingman Park Opportunities

Through these key topics the project team developed a set of key take-aways and findings, which are introduced in the recommendations chapter of this document.

How Clermont County Residents use the Park System

When asked which activities they like to engage in when visiting a CCPD Park, those who answered this question overwhelmingly singled out hiking (16%), trail walking/jogging (14%) and nature observations (9%). This finding is consistent with CCPD’s overall mission, and the facilities found at most CCPD Parks, which in most instances feature walking trails and focus on highlighting the park’s natural features.

These three things to do at CCPD Parks are interrelated. Walking trails at CCPD Parks are often unpaved nature trails suitable for hiking, and in most cases, lead visitors to areas where they can observe nature and wildlife. Other popular things to do at CCPD Parks include biking (8%), canoeing and kayaking (8%), and using playgrounds (8%). These responses mirror other results, which highlight community support for more trail connections, additional playgrounds, and improved access to rivers for kayaking and canoeing.

What are your favorite things to do at a Clermont County Park District Park?

Other Favorite Activities We Heard:

Visitor Experience: Facilities

At various settings, both online and in-person, the planning team asked members of Clermont County whether they had visited a CCPD Park in the past year. Overwhelmingly, a clear majority of responses indicated that those engaging in this process had visited a CCPD Park (96%), whereas a small number had not visited a park (4%). This is not a surprising number, considering that those who engage in this process are likely already familiar with CCPD and its parks.

When asked how they would rate the condition of the parks they visited, 90% of those surveyed indicated that CCPD Parks were either in excellent (32%) or good (58%) condition.

Additionally, a plurality of those who had visited a park indicated that they had done so 20 or more times (37%), illustrating that those who engaged in this process are likely CCPD “power users” - or those who are frequent park visitors.

Have you or a member of your household visited any parks or recreation facilities offered by Clermont County Parks District in the past year? Yes

If “Yes”, how would you rate their condition?

If “Yes”, how often did you or any member of your household visit during the PAST YEAR?

Visitor Experience: Programs

Clermont County residents were similarly asked whether they had participated in a CCPD recreational program in the last year. Unlike responses to whether those engaged had visited a CCPD Parks, 77% of responses indicated that they had not attended a program, with only 23% having participated.

Nonetheless, those who had attended a CCPD Program in the last year gave these very high marks, with 98% of responses rated programs as excellent (57%), and good (41%).

Have you or a member of your household attended any programs offered by Clermont County Park District in the PAST YEAR?

If “Yes”, how would you rate the quality of these programs?

Park Visitation

When asked which CCPD Parks they have visited in the past year, those surveyed gave a variety of answers, with no single park obtaining a majority or attracting more than a quarter of survey respondents.

The CCPD Park with the most visits was Sycamore Park (23%), followed by Pattison Park (16%), and Kathryn Stagge-Marr Park (15%). These three parks are located in the center and northern portion of the county, and include walking trails, playgrounds, and parking. The most popular park, Sycamore Park, is one of the more amenitized properties in the CCPD system, including tennis courts, and water access to the East Fork of the Little Miami River.

The CCPD Parks with the least amount of self-accounted visits tended to be nature preserves, such as Crooked Run and Wilson Nature Preserves, or facilities specifically for events, such as Pattison Lodge and Hartman Log Cabin.

Outside of CCPD Parks, we also asked which regional facilities survey respondents have visited in the last year. The results from this question are shown on the following page, with East Fork State Park (24%) and the Cincinnati Nature Center (21%) having the most visits.

Please CHECK ALL parks and recreation facilities in Clermont County you or a member of your household visited in the PAST YEAR.Clermont County Park District Parks

Please CHECK ALL parks and recreation facilities in Clermont County you or a member of your household visited in the PAST YEAR. - Other Parks in Clermont County

24% 17%

East Fork State Park

21%

Cincinnati Nature Center

Stonelick State Park

Little Miami Bike Trail

Miami Meadows 13%

Valley View Nature Preserve 4%

Washington Township Park 1%

Other: 2%

• Veterans Memorial Park

• Batavia Twp. Park

• Miami Twp. Community Park

East Fork State Park

Cincinnati Nature Center

Stonelick State Park

Little Miami Bike Trail

Miami Meadows

Valley View Nature Preserve

Washington Township Park

Veteran’s Memorial Park

Batavia Twp. Park

Miami Twp. Community Park

Park & Recreation Opportunities

Meeting attendees and survey respondents were asked which activities or programs would encourage them to visit a CCPD Park more often.

From those surveyed, the top response was Outdoor Sports (16%), which included facilities like disc golf, pickleball, and bocce ball. With the exception of disc golf, most activities referenced by the responses are not currently found in CCPD Parks.

The second most requested activity was New Trails/Trail Improvements (12%), which mirrored the results of the activities that people currently like to engage in when visiting a CCPD Park.

Other enhancements to the park system included the addition of Nature Education and Workshops (10%), Kids Programming/ Activities (8%), and Events (8%).

Top 5 activities or programs that would cause you to visit a Clermont County Park District Park more often 16%

Clingman Park Opportunities

Located just north of Pattison Park, Clingman Park is a new 132acre addition to the park system and is currently home to CCPD’s Administrative offices, a storage barn, a fishing pond, and nature trails through a wooded area. A former agricultural property, CCPD is in the process of restoring the previous farm fields back to a naturalized state.

As a newer facility without many public-facing uses, Clingman Park is a blank canvas of opportunity for future park development and preservation. This process provided the Clermont Community a venue to provide direction on how to develop this large asset with communityserving amenities.

When asked what they would like to see at Clingman Park, those surveyed noted an amphitheater (18%) and a nature playscape (18%) as the top answer, followed by hiking trails (17%) and nature observations (12%). These priorities echo the results of the types of improvements people would like to see happen at CCPD Parks. See pages 108-109 for a set of recommendations regarding the future of Clingman Park.

What recreation components would you like to see at this park?

03 Analysis

Introduction to Analysis

The analysis section of this document establishes a baseline understanding of Clermont County and CCPD to support the plan’s recommendations.

About this Section

This section provides an overview of the various analyses conducted by the planning team in order to understand CCPD’s local, regional, and national context. The findings from the items in this section provide a the foundation for the plan’s recommendations, and augment the results of the community engagement process summarized in the previous section. This section includes the following:

A Demographic Analysis that describes Clermont County’s population makeup, growth trends, and income patterns, providing national and state benchmarks for reference.

The results of a Statistically Valid Survey conducted in April of 2022 and answered by 721 households in Clermont County. Mirroring the questions asked in the engagement process, these survey results are weighed to reflect the county’s demographics and geographic distribution. As a result, survey results have a 95% level of confidence with a precision rate of at least +/-3.6%.

An overview of local, regional, and national Recreational Participatory Trends looking at 118 different sports and activities. These are grouped by various categories, such as outdoor activities and aquatics, and give the planning team an understanding of which sports are growing, stagnant, or in decline.

A Program Assessment resulting from interviews with CCPD Staff and a review of programrelated materials provided to the planning team. This assessment identifies core programs currently offered, highlights program gaps within the community, and establishes areas for improvement.

Lastly, this section includes with a Benchmark Analysis from metrics of five similar park districts, as chosen by CCPD leadership. This analysis provides a useful reference point for CCPD to understand how other districts operate, and thus how these data align with CCPD’s own metrics.

The Analysis section includes...

Demographic Analysis

Statistically Valid Survey

Recreational Participatory Trends

Program Assessment Benchmark Analysis

Demographic Analysis

Introduction

The Demographic Analysis describes Clermont County’s total population and its key characteristics, such as age segments, race, ethnicity, and income levels. This understanding helps provide context on how CCPD and the programs and facilities it offers, can best serve Clermont County’s population.

Methodology

Demographic data used for the analysis was obtained from U.S. Census Bureau and from Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI). All data was acquired in April 2022 and reflects actual numbers as reported in the 2010 Census. ESRI then estimates the current population (2021) as well as a 5-year projection (2026). the planning team then utilized straight line linear regression to forecast demographic characteristics for 10 and 15-year projections (2031 and 2036). It is important to note that future projections are based on historical patterns and unforeseen circumstances during or after the time of the analysis could have a significant bearing on the validity of these data.

Population

From 2010 to 2022, Clermont County added just over 13,000 new residents for an annual increase of 0.55%, just below the national average growth rate of 0.74%. The current population estimate is 210,461 in 2022 and is estimated to steadily increase by 2037 for an estimated population projection of 223,475. Much of the county population is situated along the westernmost boundary, near the major Cincinnati metropolitan area and Hamilton County.

Households

From 2010 to 2022, Clermont County increased household growth by just over 8,000 households for an annual increase of 0.92% over the 12-year span. The household growth within the county at 0.92% is slightly above the national household growth average of 0.76%. The current households within the county are estimated at 83,944 households in 2022 and is estimated to increase 0.68% by 2037 for a household projection of 91,466 households in 2037.

This analysis provides insight and context into the general makeup of the population served by CCPD’s Parks and Programs.

Key Findings

• The County’s recent population annual growth rate (0.45%) is lower than the U.S.’s (0.74%) annual growth rate, whereas the household annual growth rate (0.70%) is the same as the national average (0.76%).

Race/Ethnicity

Income

Age & Gender

Clermont County exhibits a steady older population growth, with 32% of all residents older than 55. The county current median age in 2022 is estimated at 40.1 years old, showing a slightly older median age than the U.S. national median age of 38.8. Over the next 15 years, the population trend is estimated to continue steadily aging and is expected to grow to 38% of the total population at 55+. As residents continue to age in place and life expectancies increase the population age segments within the county skew toward the 55+ age segments.

Within the County population, 50.6% identify as Female, 49% identify as Male and 0.1% of the population identify as non-Binary.

• When assessing age segments, the County exhibits an older population than the national age segment distribution.

• The County’s racial distribution is notably less diverse than the national population distribution, with a much greater White Alone population percentage.

Race/Ethnicity

Clermont county’s racial distribution is notably less diverse than the national population, with a greater amount of White Alone population. The estimated 2022 population shows 90% of the population is with the White Alone category, 2% in the Black or African American Alone and 6% in the two or more races category. Other race segments such as Pacific Islander, American Indian and other making up the smallest segments at less than 1% In the next 15 years, the population is estimated to become more diverse as the White Alone segment decreases and all other race segments increase.

The estimated Hispanic/Latino population in Clermont County in 2022 is estimated to be about 2% of the total county population, below the national average of 19%. This population is expected to grow to about 3% of the population by 2037.

• Clermont’s percentage of Hispanic/Latino population (2.4%) is well below the national average (18.9%).

• The County’s per capita income ($41,156) and median house income ($75,004) are both higher than the state and national averages.

Income

The County’s per capita income ($41,156) and median household income ($75,004) are both higher than the state ($32,465 and $58,116) and national ($35,672 and $65,712) scores. The per capita income is that earned by an individual while the median household income is based on the total income of everyone over the age of 16 living under the same roof.

These above average income characteristics should be taken into consideration when CCPD is pricing out programs and calculating cost recovery goals. However, the District should also consider the negative economic impact that Covid-19 has had on Clermont County’s residents as this could be a significant factor in the amount of disposable income within the County.

Statistically Valid Survey

The planning team conducted a statisticallyvalid survey during the summer of 2022 reaching 721 Clermont County Households to identify needs and establish priorities.

Introduction

The statistically-valid survey augments the results from this plan’s community engagement process, providing an objective reflection of the priorities of Clermont County households. The goal was to obtain completed surveys from at least 700 residents. This goal was met, with a total of 721 households completing the survey, which when added with the 700 voices engaged through this plan’s community engagement, bring the total number of voices reflected in the plan to more than 1,400 Clermont County residents. While this section focuses on key take-aways from this survey, the full survey results can be reviewed in an appendix to this report.

Methodology

The five-page survey, cover letter and postage-paid return envelope were mailed to a random sample of households in Clermont County. The cover letter explained the purpose of the survey and encouraged residents to either return their survey by mail or complete the survey online. Ten days after the surveys were mailed, the planning team sent emails and text messages to the households that received the survey to encourage participation. The emails and texts contained a link to the online version of the survey to make it easy for residents to complete the survey. The results for the sample of 721 households have a 95% level of confidence with a precision rate of at least +/-3.6%.

Survey Respondent Demographics

Survey Respondent demographics mirror those of Clermont County as a whole, reflecting age composition, gender, income levels, and race/ethnicity. Survey responses were targeted to also reflect the county’s population density and geographic distribution of households. As seen in the map on the following page, survey respondent households are clustered in portions of the county where a higher concentration of the population resides.

Usage and Ratings of Parks And Facilities

Eighty-nine percent (89%) of households surveyed indicated their household visited Clermont County parks or recreation facilities in the past year.

Have you or a member of your household visited any parks or recreation facilities offered by Clermont County Park District in the past year? By Percentage of Respondents

Of those who had visited parks or facilities, 42% who provided a response indicated they had made 11 visits or more in the past year; 25% had visited 6 to 10 times, and 33% had visited 1 to 5 times.

How often did you or any member of your household visit during the past year? By percentage of respondents who visited Clermont County Parks or Facilities during the past year? (Excluding “don’t know”)

Overall, 24% of respondents who visited parks or facilities in the past year and who had an opinion rated the physical condition as “excellent;” 68% rated the parks and facilities as “good,” 7% gave a rating of “fair,” and only 1% of those who visited parks or facilities rated the condition as “poor.”

How would you rate their condition? By percentage of respondents who visited Clermont County parks or facilities during the past year (excluding “not provided”)

Parks and Recreation Facilities that Households Have Visited

Residents were asked to indicate which of the 19 parks and recreation facilities listed on the survey their household had visited in the past year. The top responses were: East Fork State Park (67%), Cincinnati Nature Center (52%), Sycamore Park (46%), Miami Meadows Miami Township (41%), and Little Miami Bike Trail (41%).

Based on the sum of their top three choices, the Clermont County Park District Parks and recreation facilities that households visited most were: 1) Sycamore Park, 2) Shor Park, and 3) Pattison Park.

Parks and Recreation Facilities in Clermont County that Households have Visited in the PAST YEAR

By Percentage of Respondents (multiple selections could be made)

Cincinnati Nature Center

Sycamore Park

Miami Meadows Miami Township

Little Miami Bike Trail

Stonelick State Park

Pattison Park

Shor Park

Chilo Lock 34 Park

Williamsburg to Batavia Hike/Bike Trail

Kelley Nature Preserve

Kathryn Stagge-Marr Park

Valley View Nature Preserve

Pattison Lodge

Washington Township Park

Wilson Nature Preserve

Crooked Run Nature Preserve

East Fork State Park CCPD

Hartman Log Cabin Other

Priorities for Parks and Recreation Facility Investments

The Priority Investment Rating (PIR) was developed by ETC Institute to provide governments with an objective tool for evaluating the priority that should be placed on parks and recreation investments. The Priority Investment Rating was developed by ETC Institute to identify the facilities and programs residents think should receive the highest priority for investment.

The Priority Investment Rating reflects the importance residents place on items (sum of top 4 choices) and the unmet needs (needs that are only being partly met or not met) for each facility/ program relative to the facility/ program that rated the highest overall. Since decisions related to future investments should consider both the level of unmet need and the importance of facilities and programs, the PIR weights each of these components equally.

The PIR reflects the sum of the Unmet Needs Rating and the Importance Rating as shown in the equation: PIR = UNR + IR

For example, suppose the Unmet Needs Rating for playgrounds is 26.5 (out of 100) and the Importance Rating for playgrounds is 52 (out of 100), the Priority Investment Rating for playgrounds would be 78.5 (out of 200).

Nonetheless, the results do not suggest that all facilities or programs with a PIR of 100+ (High Importance) will be considered for improvements, nor does it imply that facilities or programs with lower PIRs will

be excluded. For instance, some facilities with high PIRs, such as splash pads, may be best provided by partner park districts. The PIR provides a guide that needs to be aligned with the mission and abilities of CCPD.

High Priority Areas are those with a PIR of at least 100. A rating of 100 or above generally indicates there is a relatively high level of unmet need and residents generally think it is important to fund improvements in these areas. Improvements in this area are likely to have a positive impact on the greatest number of households.

Medium Priority Areas are those with a PIR of 50-99. A rating in this range generally indicates there is a medium to high level of unmet need or a significant percentage of residents generally think it is important to fund improvements in these areas.

Low Priority Areas are those with a PIR below 50. A rating in this range generally indicates there is a relatively low level of unmet need and residents do not think it is important to fund improvements in these areas. Improvements may be warranted if the needs of very specialized populations are being targeted.

Top Priorities for Investments: Facilities

Walking and Hiking Trails

Natural Areas/Nature Parks

Spray grounds/Splash Pads

Fishing Lakes, Ponds and Streams

Paved Bike Trails

Boat Launch Ramp/Canoe-Kayak Access

Small Neighborhood Parks

Parks (Off-Leash)

High Priority (100+)

Areas Sensory Garden/Park

Parks

Stage or Amphitheater (Outdoor)

Pickleball Courts

Fitness Equipment/Par Course (Outdoor)

Disc Golf Courses

Mountain Bike Trails

Gymnasium Space/Game Courts (Indoor)

Basketball Courts (Outdoor)

Volleyball Courts Tennis Courts

Skateboarding Area

Bocce Courts

Baseball and Softball Diamonds

Equestrian Trails and Facilities

Multipurpose Fields (Soccer/Lacrosse/etc.)

Medium Priority (50-99)

Lower Priority (0-49)

The PIR reflects the sum of the Unmet Needs Rating and the Importance Rating

Participation in/Ratings of Parks and Recreation Programs

Fourteen percent (14%) of households surveyed indicated their household attended programs offered by the Clermont County Park District in the past year.

Have you or a member of your household attended programs offered by Clermont County Park District in the past year?

By percentage of respondents

Of those who had participated in programs, 42% of respondents who had an opinion rated the quality as “excellent;” 48% rated the quality of programs as “good,” 8% gave a rating of “fair,” and only 1% rated the quality of programs as “poor.”

No 86%

Have you or a member of your household attended programs offered by Clermont County Park District in the past year?

By percentage of respondents

Yes 14% Good 48%

Fair 8%

Poor - 1%

Excellent 42%

Participation in Recreation Programs

Of those who had participated in programs, the programs with the most participation were nature programs, concerts/art performances, special events, and fitness and wellness programs.

Program categories that households currently participate in most often. By percentage of respondents who selected the item as one of their top four choices

Nature Programs

Concerts/Art Performances

Special Events

Fitness & Wellness Programs (Adult)

Movies (Outdoor)

Programs for Person Ages 50+

Pet Exercise Programs

Sports Programs (Youth)

Art, Dance, Performing Arts (Adult)

Water Fitness Programs

Preschool Programs

Paddle Sports Programs

Sports Programs (Adult)

Swim Lessons

Summer Camp Programs (Youth)

Art, Dance, Performing Arts (Youth)

Before & After School Programs

Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Programs

Learn How to Catch Fish

Fitness & Wellness Programs (Youth)

Special Needs /Therapeutic Rec. Programs

Martial Arts Programs

Teen Programs

Sources of Information about Programs and Activities

Fifty-seven percent (57%) of respondents indicated they learn about Clermont County programs and activities through word of mouth. Other sources of information include: social networking (Facebook/Twitter) (51%), Clermont County website (39%), email notifications (31%), and parks and recreation newsletter (25%).

Ways that households learn about programs or activities By percentage of respondents (multiple selections could be made)

Word of Mouth

Social Networking

Clermont County Website

Email Notifications

Parks & Recreation Newsletter

Park Kiosk/Bulletin Board

Ratio/Television

Park & Recreation Flyer’s/Banners

Newspaper Churches

School Communications

Youth Sports Organization

Visit or Call a City Office Other

Top Priorities for Investment for Programs

Based on the priority investment rating (PIR), which was described in an earlier page within this section, the following six programs were rated as “high priorities” for investment:

1. Concerts/art performances (PIR=197)

2. Nature programs (PIR=184)

3. Fitness and wellness programs (adult) (PIR=173)

4. Programs for persons ages 50+ (PIR=166)

5. Movies (outdoor) (PIR=148)

6. Special events (PIR=100)

Top Priorities for Investments: Programs

Special Events

Water Fitness Programs

Swim Lessons

Paddle Sports Programs

Pet Exercise Programs

Art, Dance, Performing Arts (Adult)

Summer Camp Programs (Youth)

Sports Programs (Youth)

Sports Programs (Adult)

Fitness and Wellness Programs (Youth)

Before and After School Programs

Art, Dance, Performing Arts (Youth)

Teen Programs

Learn How to Catch Fish

Preschool Programs

Martial Arts Programs

Special Needs/Therapeutic Rec. Programs

Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Programs Other

The chart below shows the Priority Investment Rating (PIR) for each of the programs that were rated.

High Priority (100+)

Medium Priority (50-99)

Lower Priority (0-49)

Reasons Preventing Usage of Parks, Facilities, Trails and Programs

Forty-nine percent (49%) of respondents indicated the lack of knowledge of what is offered prevented them from using parks, recreation facilities, trails and programs more often. Other reasons include: do not have the time (27%), too far from home (27%), fees are too high (9%), and program times are not convenient (9%).

Reasons preventing households from using parks, recreation facilities, trails and programs of clermont county park district more often. By percentage of respondents (excluding “none” - multiple selections could be made)

Do Not Know What is Offered Do Not Have Time

Too Far from our Home

Fees are too High Program Times are not Convenient

Availability of Parking Security or Safety Concerns

Use Other Agencies’ Facilities Facility or Program not Offered Personal Disability Not Interested Poor Condition of Facilities Class Full Not Comfortable/Not Meeting Needs No Transportation Poor Customer Service by Staff Other

Changes in Perception Of The Value Of Parks And Recreation Since COVID-19

Respondents were asked how their perception of the value of parks, trails, open spaces and recreation has changed since COVID-19. Thirty-six percent (36%) who had an opinion believe the value has “significantly increased;” 23% feel the value has “somewhat increased,” 38% believe there has been no change, and 3% believe the value has decreased since COVID-19.

1%

How the perception of the value of parks, trails, open spaces and recreation has changed since COVID-19? By percentage of respondents (excluding “not provided”)

Future Funding for Parks, Recreation, Trails And Open Space Needs

Respondents were asked how the County should fund future parks, recreation, trails and open space needs. Nearly half (48%) of the respondents who had an opinion believe the County should increase funding; 34% feel the County should maintain existing funding levels, 1% would like to see a reduction in funding, and 16% are not sure.

How Respondents Would Allocate Funds For Improvements

Residents were asked how they would allocate $100 on various parks and recreation improvements in Clermont County. The results were: upgrading existing parks and

How the county should fund future parks, recreation trails and open space needs. By percentage of respondents (excluding “not provided”)

facilities ($30.24), building new walking and biking trails ($21.03), building new parks (including acquiring land) ($18.21), river access/paddling sports ($11.85), expanding program offerings

($11.37), and other improvements ($7.31). As shown in the graphic below, these priorities mirror those identified in the Priority Investment Rating (PIR) results for both facilities and programs.

Recreational Participatory Trends

Introduction

The purpose of the section is to establish levels of activity and identify key participatory trends in recreation across the U.S. The findings from this section were applied by the planning team while making recommendations for the future of CCPD parks and facilities.

This analysis looked at 118 different sports/activities and subdivided them into various categories including: sports, fitness, outdoor activities, aquatics, etc. Nonetheless, the inclusion of these 118 sports into this analysis does not imply that these align with CCPD’s core mission, nor that they are appropriate for CCPD Parks and facilities.

While this section focuses on key take-aways from this analysis, the full participatory trends analysis can be reviewed in an appendix to this report.

Methodology

The Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s (SFIA) Sports, Fitness & Leisure Activities Topline Participation Report 2022 was utilized in evaluating National Recreation Participatory Trends, and Core vs. Casual Participation Trends. The study is based on findings from surveys carried out in 2021 by the Physical Activity Council (PAC), resulting in a total of 18,000 online interviews. Surveys were administered to all genders, ages, income levels, regions, and ethnicities to allow for statistical accuracy of the national population.

A sample size of 18,000 completed interviews is considered by SFIA to result in a high degree of statistical accuracy. A sport with a participation rate of five percent has a confidence interval of plus or minus 0.32 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level. Using a weighting technique, survey results are applied to the total U.S. population figure of 304,745,039 people (ages six and older).

National Trends in Outdoor Recreation

Results from the SFIA report demonstrate strong growth in participation regarding outdoor/adventure recreation activities. Much like the general fitness activities, these activities encourage an active lifestyle, can be performed individually or with proper social distancing in a group, and are not as limited by time constraints. In 2020, the most popular activities, in terms of total participants, from the outdoor/adventure recreation category include: Day Hiking (58.6 million), Road Bicycling (42.7 million), Freshwater Fishing (40.8 million), Camping within ¼ mile of Vehicle/Home (35.9 million), and Recreational Vehicle Camping (16.3 million).

This trends analysis provides an understanding of national, regional, and local recreational data as well recreational interest by age segments.

Five-Year Trend

From 2016-2021, Day Hiking (55.3%), BMX Bicycling (44.2%), Skateboarding (37.8%), Camping within ¼ mile of Vehicle/Home (30.1%), and Fly Fishing (27.3%) have undergone the largest increases in participation. The five-year trend also shows activities such as Adventure Racing (-31.4%), In-Line Roller Skating (-18.8%), Archery (-13.5%), and Traditional Climbing (-4.5%) to be the only activities with decreases in participation.

One-Year Trend

The one-year trend shows almost all activities growing in participation from the previous year. The most rapid growth being in Skateboarding (34.2%), Camping within ¼ mile of Vehicle/Home (28.0%), Birdwatching (18.8%), and Day Hiking (16.3%). Over the last year, the only activities that underwent decreases in participation were Adventure Racing (-8.3%) and Archery (-2.7%).

National Participatory Trends - Outdoor/Adventure Recreation

NOTE: Participation figures are in the 000s for the US Population Ages 6 and Over

National Trends in Water Sports/Activities

The most popular water sports / activities based on total participants in 2021 were Recreational Kayaking (13.3 million), Canoeing (9.2 million), and Snorkeling (7.3 million). It should be noted that water activity participation tends to vary based on regional, seasonal, and environmental factors. A region with more water access and a warmer climate is more likely to have a higher participation rate in water activities than a region that has a long winter season or limited water access. Therefore, when assessing trends

in water sports and activities, it is important to understand that fluctuations may be the result of environmental barriers which can greatly influence water activity participation.

Five-Year Trend

Over the last five years, Recreational Kayaking (33.3%), Surfing (24%), and Stand-Up Paddling (16.1%) were the fastest growing water activities. White Water Kayaking (1.4%) was the only other activity with an increase in participation. From 2016-2021, activities declining in participation most rapidly were Boardsailing/Windsurfing (-25.3%), Scuba Diving (-20.4%), Water Skiing (-17.4%), Sea Kayaking

(-17.2%) Snorkeling (-16.1%), and Sailing (-15.4%).

One-Year Trend

Recreational Kayaking (2.7%) and Stand-Up Paddling (1.7%) were the activities to grow both over 5 years and in the last one year. Activities which experienced the largest decreases in participation in the most recent year include Surfing (-8.9%), Snorkeling (-5.3%), Scuba Diving (-4.3%), and Canoeing (-4.1%).

National Participatory Trends - Water Sports/Activities

Most Probable Index

Most Probable Index (MPI) measures a combined score of what is needed most by the community and what is most important. The national average is 100; therefore, numbers below 100 would represent lower than average rates, and numbers above 100 would represent higher than average rates. Nonetheless, the MPI does not imply that CCPD is best suited or able to provide the facilities or activities in the chart to the right, since some of these are more suitable for partner organizations or park systems. The Outdoor Activity MPI chart reflects that Clermont County is above the national average in several activities. Those being Freshwater Fishing (124), Archery (115), Canoeing/Kayaking and Horseback riding (113), Mountain Biking (103), along with Backpacking and Hiking (102). Two activities are slightly below the national average, both Rock Climbing (93) and Road Bicycling (98), with Backpacking, Hiking, and Mountain Bicycling being slightly above the national average.

Program Assessment

Introduction

This program assessment assists in identifying core programs, program gaps within the community, key system-wide issues, areas of improvement, and future programs and services for residents and visitors. These findings became the basis for various recommendations later in this plan as outlined in the marketing and programming sections of such chapter.

The planning team based these program findings and comments from a review of information provided by the Park District including program descriptions, financial data, website content, and discussions with staff. This section addresses the program offerings from a systems perspective for the entire portfolio of programs. A full inventory of this analysis and its findings is available as an appendix to this report.

Core Program Areas

To help achieve the Park District’s mission, it is important to identify Core Program Areas based on current and future needs to create a sense of focus around specific program areas of greatest importance to the community. Public recreation is challenged by the premise of being all things to all people. The philosophy of the Core Program Area is to assist staff, policy makers, and the public to focus on what is most important to the community. Program areas are considered as Core if they meet a majority of the following criteria:

• The program area has been provided for a long period of time (over 4-5 years) and/or is expected by the community.

• The program area consumes a relatively large portion (5% or more) of the agency’s overall budget.

• The program area is offered 3-4 seasons per year.

• The program area has wide demographic appeal.

• There is a tiered level of skill development available within the program area’s offerings.

• There is full-time staff responsible for the program area.

• There are facilities designed specifically to support the program area.

• The agency controls a significant percentage (20% or more) of the local market.

The recreation program assessment offers an in-depth perspective of program and service offerings to help identify strengths, challenges, and opportunities.

Existing Core Program Areas

In discussions with the Park District staff, seven Core Program Areas were identified that are currently being offered.

Core Program Area Descriptions, Goals, & Example Programs

Core Program Area Description

Special Events

Events that provide community and opportunities to connect.

Goals Example Programs

Education and Awareness (nature and park). Cover costs or break even financially.

Pancake Breakfast

Fishing Derby

Winter Solstice

Nature Education

Programming and outreach to engage community in naturebased activities.

Offering it to increase awareness and education.

Knee High Naturalist Scout Programs

Astronomy Programs

Fitness Activities Promoting health and wellness

Getting the community into the parks and active at no cost to the community.

Yoga in the Park

Rentals Shelters and facilities open for rental

Covering costs of maintenance (mowing, utilities, cleaning) and keeping rental an affordable resource

Shelters

Cabin/Barn

Yurts

Historical Programs

Programs to enrich historical knowledge to park events

Special Interest Specific crafts and hobby-based events.

Attracting people to the parks and education about the history of the area.

Engaging the community in the parks through specialized activities. Covering costs.

Passive Museum Visits

Museum Programming

Volunteer Programs

Engaging the community in mission-based park improvements through service

Creating extended park community/buyin, increasing output, providing a sense of community.

Nature Crafts

Painting Classes

Heritage Crafts

East Fork River Sweep

Community Service Days

Corporate Volunteer Days

Age Segment Analysis

The table below depicts each Core Program Area and the most prominent age segments they serve. Recognizing that many Core Program Areas serve multiple age segments, Primary (noted with a ‘P’) and Secondary (noted with an ‘S’) markets are identified. For this report, an Age

Program Lifecycle

A Program Lifecycle Analysis involves reviewing each program offered by the Park District to determine the stage of growth or decline for each. This provides a way of informing strategic decisions about the overall mix of programs managed by the agency to ensure that an appropriate number of programs are “fresh” and that relatively few programs, if any, need to be discontinued.

This analysis is not based on strict quantitative data, but rather, is based on staff members’ knowledge of their programs. The following table shows the percentage distribution of the various lifecycle categories of the County’s programs. These percentages were obtained

Segment Analysis was completed by Core Program Area, exhibiting an over-arching view of the age segments served by different program areas, and displaying any gaps in segments served. It is also useful to perform an Age Segment Analysis by individual

programs, in order to gain a more nuanced view of the data.

Based on the age demographics of the county, current programs seem to be well-aligned with the community’s age profile, which represents a notable segment of adults and seniors.

by comparing the number of programs in each individual stage with the total number of programs listed by staff members. Approximately 55% of all programs fall within the beginning stages (Introduction,

Take-Off, & Growth). It is recommended to have 50-60% of all programs within these beginning stages because it provides the Park District an avenue to energize its programmatic offerings. These

stages ensure the pipeline for new programs is there prior to programs transitioning into the Mature stage.

According to staff, 34% of all program offerings fall into the Mature Stage. This stage anchors a program portfolio and it is recommended to have roughly 40% of programs within the Mature category in order to achieve a stable foundation. Additionally, 11% of programs are identified as Saturated or Declining.

Overall Key Findings

Based on this program assessment, the planning team has made the following key findings and observations. These observations were pivotal in developing the recommendations outlined in later sections of this report.

• The Core Program Areas are diverse and meet many community needs.

• There is a high unmet need and value of importance among the community for concerts/art events, nature programs, adult fitness and wellness programs, programs for individuals over 50, outdoor movies, and special events.

• Program descriptions/goals effectively communicate the key benefits and desired outcomes of each Core Program Area.

• Current programs seem to be aligned with the community’s age profile. The overall program portfolio has offerings for all ages, including many Core Program Areas that primarily serve adult and senior audiences.

• Consider monitoring and adding programs that are targeted to teens.

• The Program Lifecycle Analysis depicts a distribution that aligns generally well with the recommended distribution. This should be monitored over time, as it is expected that some programs will begin to decline in the next several years.

• Staff have developed a good foundation for expanding cost recovery management. Specific cost recovery targets are provided for consideration by staff.

• Several different pricing strategies are used, but opportunities exist to broaden the use of these strategies.

• A more strategic approach

for marketing and communication may benefit the agency. A “mini” marketing plan would be useful to identify target markets, key messages, and strategic communication methods.

• There is opportunity to improve volunteer tracking and better integrate metrics into resource planning. Also, the Park District should consider developing a formal volunteer policy or handbook.

• The Park District utilizes numerous partnerships, but the identification and documentation of outcomes could be improved and memorialized in partnership agreements.

Benchmark Analysis

This analysis is to be a reference point for CCPD staff of what other park districts are doing and to evaluate them collectively. This reference point is not for them to make a comparison of how they should be operating their park system against the benchmark park districts or in an attempt to duplicate what other systems are doing. The benchmark process in this analysis is the basis for inhouse assessment, and to provide criterion to understand how data about peer agencies aligns with their own.

The metrics were chosen by CCPD staff as what was important to the operations and performance of their system. No best practice or key performance indicators were used in this report to examine the benchmark park districts’ performance or to critique them. Since unknown variables exist in regard to how data is calculated within each benchmark park district and the data was not audited, no information about the other agencies will be used in this plan’s recommendations.

Methodology

Utilizing a benchmark process, the Clermont County Park District chose five peer park districts to obtain a general perspective by using nine metrics/data points.

The benchmark park districts were contacted to participate in the benchmark analysis, and a data gathering request form was sent to each park district to be completed and returned for the consultants to evaluate and chart results. The Clermont County Park District had their data listed on the forms sent to each benchmark park district as an example of how cells should be filled. It should be noted that data provided by the park districts is considered to be an accurate representation of their park

district and the data is used as it was received on all data request forms. Metrics of similar topics were organized in charts with narrative indicating various levels of information of benchmark park districts that have information pertinent to CCPD.

Data from the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) is included in the narratives where metrics of the benchmark park districts are also measured by the NRPA. The association highlights critical metrics that are published in their yearly NRPA Agency Performance Review. Nearly 1,000 agencies provide their information to assist NRPA in providing information for all parks to use as they serve their communities.

The purpose of this analysis is to obtain data about how other park districts operate, the programs and functions they offer, their staffing levels, the physical aspects of their parks, and their financial data.

Erie County MetroParks

5 Benchmark Agencies

MetroParks of Butler County

Geauga Park District Preservation Parks of Delaware County Miami County Park District

Park District Demographic, Staff, and Budget Data

Park District Demographics

The population of the park districts where parks are used in this analysis range from 74,000 to 390,357, with the Clermont County Park District’s population at 210,461. Clermont County’s population is over halfway in the range between the benchmark park districts’ populations and related to additional information above and below the county’s population.

Regarding acres of parkland in the benchmark park districts, the Geauga Park District exceeds all agencies with 10,198 acres, and yet it has the next to lowest population. The benchmark park districts all have parkland acres near 2,000 acres and above.

At 18 miles of trails, CCPD has the least miles of trails among other park districts and a correlation exists with the top three park districts that have the most acres also have the most miles of trails. NRPA data indicates that nationally, agencies have 13 miles of trails in similar size park systems.

Staff

The chart above shows both the number of full-time employees (FTE’s*), and the staffing budget in benchmark park districts. CCPD has 17 FTEs and they have the least number of staff members. Park districts with populations closest to the Clermont County Park District, (Delaware County 214,124 and Miami County 109,264) both have a higher number of FTEs in their park districts. Relating to park size in acres for the number of FTEs of staff, Geauga Park District has the most acres but does not have the most FTEs. These benchmark park districts’ data indicates that the park district with the most population (MetroParks of Butler County) has the most FTEs in their park district. NRPA has 72 FTE’s listed as best practice for parks in the lower quartile in the population category of 100K to 250K population. The lower number of FTE’s levels for all the park districts listed below are all lower in the county population versus a city population and is due in part to park districts having

limited active recreation facilities and programs. Most of these park districts focus on protecting open space and promoting outdoor recreation and education as their primary focus instead of organized recreation built around sports fields, community centers and aquatic operations.

Budget

Benchmark park districts were asked to provide metrics about their financials as shown in the chart above. Gauging budgets with park acres, the Geauga Park District has the most acres (10,198 acres) and also has the largest budget. Considering CCPD’s size by population, MetroParks of Butler County has the largest population and the second highest operational budget.

($7,974,899) The park district with the largest budget is Geauga Park District with $10,605,887, and they have the second to smallest population. The Clermont County Park District has a total operational budget of $2,800,000 (fourth of all 6 park districts).

Core Programs

All benchmark park districts listed a total of 39 programs / functions they provide or are a part of their system, including educational, environmental, marketing, outdoor, interpretive, parks, seniors and youth programs. The park districts in the benchmark study average 7.8 programs / functions from the list. The list of totals for each park district are shown below:

• Miami County Park District: 16 programs/functions

• Geauga Park District: 12 programs/functions

• Clermont County Park District: 7 programs/functions

• Preservation Parks of Delaware County: 5 programs/functions

• Erie County MetroParks: 3 programs / functions

• MetroParks of Butler County: 3 programs / functions

MetroParks of Butler County has the largest population of the benchmark park districts and they offer the least number of programs / functions (3). The Miami County Park District is mid-range in population of the benchmark park districts and they provide the most programs. (16 programs / functions)

CCPD provides seven programs/ functions (Health and Wellness, Historical, Nature Programming, School Programs, Senior Programs, Special Event Programs and Volunteer Engagement) to residents and they have 17 employees on their staff. MetroParks of Butler County has 61 FTEs and they provide the least number of programs / functions (3) to the highest population of all benchmark park districts.

Administration

For the purpose of this benchmark analysis, programs / functions of all benchmark park districts have been separated into six categories. The most administration functions performed by the park districts involved are listed in Business with 12 programs / functions:

Functions performed relating to business

• Administrative Services

• Business Opportunities / Finances

• Construction

• Facility Reservations

• Finance

• Grants

• Human Resources

• Information Technology (IT)

• Interpretive Programming

• Marketing / Social Media

• Marketing and Communication

• Planning and Design

Programs relating to sports, fitness and recreation

• Archery

• Health and Wellness

• Hiking

• Paddling

• Passive Outdoor Recreation (trails and water access)

• Senior Programs

• Youth Programs

Programs relating to community development and engagement

• Community Outreach

• Law Enforcement

Functions of all 5 Benchmark Agencies

• Public Programming

• Special Events

• Sponsor Development / Fundraising

• Volunteer Engagement

Programs relating to nature, land and outdoors

• Conservation

• Interpretive Services (Naturalists)

• Land Management

• Land Stewardship

• Natural Resources Management

• Nature Programming

Programs relating to education

• Nature Education Programs

• Environmental Education

• Historical Programs

• School Programs

Functions performed that relate to parks

• Grounds and Facilities

• Facility Reservations

• Park Operations and Maintenance

• Park Rangers (Law Enforcement)

• Volunteer Management

Conclusions

As mentioned in the introduction of this report, data is presumed to be accurate and information the park districts provide may be obtained and calculated in by them in various ways that cannot be used for exact comparison. It is recognizable that some general points of reference were found from data organized into the charts. Not all park districts that have the most acres or largest population that may use the parks have a larger staff to operate their parks. The park district with the most acres does have the most trails throughout their parks.

Logically, the larger the staff, the larger the staffing budget. Financials of the park districts is most likely the metric that has the largest opportunity for inconsistency due to many variable beyond park size in acres, staffing, and how their financial funding is recorded as revenue and expenses ultimately affect funding in the park districts. As for programming/functions in the park districts, the five benchmark park districts provide a wide variety for residents, and those relating to business are the most predominant. Park districts

in the most populated counties provide the most programs / functions. The largest parks in acres require the most FTEs to operate and maintain their park district.

Clermont County Park District data shows they are in the mid to lower area of most metrics that were evaluated.

04 Recommendations

Recommendations

The recommendations for the Clermont County Park District’s Comprehensive Master Plan were informed by a combination of data analysis and engagement results.

The planning team, working with park staff and leadership and the project Steering Committee, distilled these recommendations from community and stakeholder conversations, the statistically valid survey, site visits and observations, analysis of demographic and participatory trends, and an assessment of current programs and activities. Taken together, these points of information and community priorities led to eight themes to explore as recommendations for the future of the park system were developed.

Recommendation Themes

The themes of Preserve, Evolve, Connect, Float, Market, Program, Gather, Grow reflect community values and aspirations and will be the guiding force behind the continued improvement and evolution of the Clermont County Park District.

• Preserve: Continue to preserve open spaces and connect people to nature and history.

• Evolve: Enhance, improve and add features in every park.

• Connect: Focus on park-topark, park-to-neighborhood, and regional connections.

• Float: Invest in additional water access and create/participate in regional blueways.

• Experience: Increase program opportunities for diversity of park users.

• Gather: Become a destination for community events.

• Grow: Explore opportunities for continued expansion of the park system.

• Market: Market CCPD parks and programs to the community.

Turning Input and Engagement into Action

Engagement and analysis have brought us to this point, now is the time to turn these community needs and desires into actions that can be implemented and measured. This section addresses each theme in detail, providing insights from community engagement, survey results and trend data and connecting this information to recommendations for park and program improvements. These recommendations range from system wide improvements, to specific park ideas, to strategic policies to guide the park system. Each recommendation is implementation focused, whether it is something that can be accomplished by CCPD or whether it will require partners and collaboration. An implementation section follows this portion of the Comprehensive Master Plan that will discuss prioritization, timing and partners in greater detail.

Continue to preserve open spaces and connect people to nature and history.

Increase program opportunities for diversity of park users.

Enhance, improve and add features in every park.

Become a destination for community events.

Focus on park-to-park, parkto-neighborhood, and regional connections.

Explore opportunities for continued expansion of the park system.

8 | MARKET

Invest in additional water access and create/participate in regional blueways.

Market CCPD parks and programs to the community.

1. PRESERVE

Continue to preserve open spaces and connect people to nature and history.

Protect and invest in existing parks, restore natural areas, and create new education and outdoor experiences.

There is a clear connection between the mission of the Clermont County Parks District and the vision that the Clermont County community has for the future of the park system. Survey findings, stakeholder engagement and community conversations showed that residents value the role that CCPD plays in preserving the county’s open spaces and connecting people to nature and history.

Protect, preserve, and invest in current parks.

As the planning team assessed engagement findings and community priorities, there is a strong desire to spend improvement dollars on upgrading existing parks and facilities. In addition to protecting and improving existing parks, natural areas, and properties, the community also showed that they value natural areas within parks, ranking investments in this area second in terms of overall priorities for investment. Finally, nature observation was ranked as a top three favorite thing to do at a CCPD park.

Maintain a system-wide goal to have 10% of the land holdings developed for park uses and 90% preserved as natural areas.

Currently, CCPD land holdings are 10% developed and 90% preserved natural areas. Developed areas are defined as paved areas, building sites, and manicured landscapes. Recognizing that there will be parts of parks that provide needed access, activities, and amenities, the vast majority of CCPD parks are intended to be passive, natural areas.

Focus on restoring natural environments within parks.

Recent improvements illustrate the ability of CCPD to invest in the restoration of natural environments with parks. Investments at Shor Park and Sycamore Park have created prairies and wetlands to provide needed habitat and restore landscapes. Other such opportunities exist across the park district whether it is

forest management, farmland conversions, stream restoration and other improvements.

Create interactive educational opportunities and outdoor experiences for all ages to create nature enthusiasts and environmental stewards.

As CCPD works to fulfill the community’s vision, there is an opportunity to merge the mission of preservation and conservation with educational programming and outdoor experiences. Doing so will allow CCPD to play an important role in the lives of Clermont County residents and create the nature enthusiasts and environmental stewards that will support future investments in park improvements and experiences.

Key Takeaways

• Protect, preserve, and invest in current parks.

• Maintain a system-wide goal to have 10% of the land holdings developed for park uses and 90% preserved as natural areas.

• Focus on restoring natural environments within parks.

• Create interactive educational opportunities and outdoor experiences for all ages to create nature enthusiasts and environmental stewards.

Shor Park

Clingman Park

Sycamore Park

2. EVOLVE

Enhance, improve and add features in every park. Focus plans for improvements on features that park visitors use and value the most.

Through community engagement, survey analysis and examination of national and regional trends, the planning team has developed a set of potential park improvements that enhance existing experiences and identify future improvements that will attract existing and potential park users. These recommendations combine multiple data points to guide investments in park facilities and amenities.

For example, hiking, trail walking/ jogging, and nature observation are the top favorite things for people to do in a Clermont County Park District park. Likewise, hiking, walking, and nature observation (along with fishing and river and stream access) are activities that scored highly in terms of priority investments. Hiking, walking, biking and river access also score highly in regard to funding future improvements with tax dollars. Outdoor sports activities, trails, and nature education and observation were at the top of the list of activities that would bring people back to CCPD Parks more often. These same activities

also some of the fastest growing activities nationally (along with the addition of camping). Regionally, these activities (with the addition of mountain biking) also rank highly in terms of importance and likelihood of participation.

This data has been combined with planning team observations, the mission and direction of CCPD, and the ability to implement improvements across parks, to shape recommendations around investments in current facilities and the provision of new experiences for the residents of Clermont County.

This section explores nine broad categories of park improvements and park features that address current needs, elevate existing park facilities, and create new park experiences.

Key Takeaways

Improve

• Walking & Hiking Trails

• Nature Observation

• Pond & Stream Access

• Camping

• Mountain Biking Skills Opportunity

• Active Recreation

• Play Experiences

• Shade & Comfort

• Signage

• Wayfinding & Education

Walking & Hiking Trails

As the highest-ranking existing park feature and the highest ranking priority investment category, CCPD should maintain existing walking and hiking trails and build additional walking and hiking trails. This would also serve to connect park users with park facilities, features, and amenities and the natural environment. Improvements should consider natural surface, boardwalks, and aggregate trails.

WHERE could this happen?

• Sycamore Park

• Wilson Nature Preserve

• Clingman Park

• Shor Park

• Grailville

• 10 Mile Nature Preserve

• Wachs Property

• Kelley Nature Preserve

• Kathryn Stagge-Marr

Nature Observation

To enhance the knowledge and enjoyment of the natural areas and habitats in CCPD parks, create moments to contemplate and enjoy nature, such as observation decks, overlooks, bird blinds, and wildlife viewing.

WHERE could this happen?

• Sycamore Park

• Kelley Nature Preserve

• Maintenance Facility

• Clingman Park

• Chilo Lock 34 Park

• Shor Park

• Wilson Nature Preserve

Pond & Stream Access

As one of the priority investments identified in the community survey, CCPD should enhance the fishing experience at parks with pond features or stream access. This could include better defined shoreline access, docks and platforms.

WHERE could this happen?

• Pattison Park

• Clingman Park

• Kathryn Stagge-Marr

• Chilo Lock 34 Park

• Kelley Nature Preserve

• Wilson Nature Preserve

Camping

Camping is growing nationally and is currently offered only in Chilo Lock 34 Park. Brought up by stakeholders and the plan steering committee, CCPD should market the existing yurts at Chilo Lock 34 Park and explore new camping opportunities from primitive/ back country tent camping to a potential treehouse system that would be a distinctive option.

WHERE could this happen?

• Chilo Lock 34 Park – Yurt and potential tent camping

• Kelley Nature Preserve – tent camping or treehouse

• Wilson Nature Preserve – tent camping along an extended trail system connected to Sycamore Park

Mountain Biking Skill Park Opportunities

Mountain biking is a growing sport nationally and regionally it is a sport that is highly sought after locally. While none of the parks or properties in the CCPD park system offer the length of trail or geography necessary for a mountain bike trail, it is possible to play a role in the education and skill development for riders in Clermont County. Many park districts are investing in skills parks that allow new riders to learn the sport and give experienced riders a place to practice. With the trails at East Fork State Park nearby, a skills park could be a good opportunity to add a recreation activity to CCPD that would be popular and well used.

WHERE could mountain biking skills park be?

• Clingman Park

Active Recreation

As one of the additions to parks that the community identified as improvements that would bring them to CCPD Parks more often, active recreation facilities was one of the top items. While this is not a core offering or strength of CCPD, the district should consider adding and improving active recreation offerings, such as disc golf courses, pickleball courts, and tennis courts at select parks where these activities already exist.

WHERE could this happen?

• Sycamore Park – Additional tennis courts and potential pickleball court striping on current tennis courts

• Kathryn Stagge-Marr –Improve existing disc golf course (tee pads, baskets, signage, etc.)

Play Experiences

CCPD has invested in traditional playground equipment, but should add nature play experiences to promote family engagement and outdoor activities. These nature-based playgrounds could be along a trail system or in wooded settings to allow greater exposure to natural settings and encourage walking and hiking.

WHERE could this happen?

• Sycamore Park

• Clingman Park

• Kathryn Stagge-Marr

• Kelley Nature Preserve

• Pattison Park

Shade and Comfort

New restrooms and pavilions have been added in many parks throughout CCPD Parks. However, restrooms are needed at several parks and pavilions should be added in select parks to enable daily use and accommodate event rentals. Shade is lacking in all parks, especially in playground areas.

WHERE could this happen?

• Shade: All Parks

• Restrooms: Clingman Park (Public), Kelley Nature Preserve, Wilson Nature Preserve, Chilo Lock 34 Park

• Pavilions: Kathryn Stagge-Marr Park

Signage, Wayfinding and Education

CCPD should develop a park signage system to update and improve wayfinding. Educational and interpretive signage should be added to inform park users about nature, history, and culture.

WHERE could this happen?

• Improve overall signage: All Parks

• Educational and Interpretive Signage: Chilo Lock 34 Park, Hartman Cabin, Sycamore Park, Wilson Nature Preserve, Shor Park, Clingman Park

3. CONNECT

Focus

on park-to-park, park-to-neighborhood, and regional connections. Connect Clermont County Park District parks to each other and with nearby destinations through an improved and expanded regional trail network that builds on existing and potential regional partnerships.

Trails, both paved and natural, both walking and multi-use, are in high demand across the region. Trails are also a priority for continued community investment. CCPD has an opportunity to better connect its parks and to partner in a collaborative community effort to expand regional trail access across Clermont County.

• Park to Park – CCPD should prioritize opportunities to connect its parks to each other and extend the length of available continuous trail mileage.

• Parks to Neighborhoods and Destinations –CCPD should focus on connecting existing parks to surrounding neighborhoods and destinations to enable nearby residents to access parks and attractions on foot or on bike.

• Regional Connections – Partnering with others, CCPD should continue to advocate for and participate in the planning and construction of regional trails throughout Clermont County that link people, places and parks across a broader geography.

Key Takeaways

• Connect Clermont County Park District Parks with other CCPD parks and properties

• Connect parks to a regional trail system, and extend and improve the existing regional trail system

• Improve connectivity between parks and neighborhoods

Park to Park

Clingman Park to Pattison Park

CCPDs newest park, Clingman Park has the potential to have multiple miles of natural surface trails. These trails should link up with the existing trails at Pattison Park, extending the length of available hiking trails. Pattison Park is divided into two halves by US 50, with the bulk of the park activities (playground, shelter, restrooms, fishing pond,

paved path, etc.) located on the south side of the park. A new crossing of US 50, complete with a crosswalk and a Rapid Flashing Beacon, would improve pedestrian safety and encourage people to use both sides of the park. With this linkage between Clingman Park, Pattison Park and the crossing improvements, +/- 3.25 trail miles would be connected and the offerings of both parks would be available to users no matter where they start their visit.

Clingman Park to Pattison Park Trail Connection

Parks to Neighborhoods and Destinations

Several CCPD parks are located adjacent to or are close to residential neighborhoods. In a number of instances the roads connecting parks and neighborhoods lack sidewalks or multi-use paths that could enable residents to walk or ride a bike to a park and increase recreational activity as part of their daily lives. There is an opportunity for CCPD improve access along existing park frontages and to partner with local municipalities to improve access. This could take the form of crosswalk improvements, the addition of sidewalks and/or multi-use paths.

WHERE could this happen?

• Pattison Park: Safe crossing on Route 50

• Pattison Park: Connect to Owensville

• Shor Park: Connect to neighborhoods

• Kathryn Stagge-Marr: Connect to neighborhoods & schools

• Kelley Nature Preserve: Connect to Miamiville

• Wachs Property: Connect to neighborhoods

• Sycamore: Connect to Batavia

Path Connection from Neighborhood to Parks

Safe Crossings

Prioritize Paths at Park Exits

Regional Trails

The regional trail network in Clermont and Hamilton counties is extensive, with plans for more trail miles in the works. In Clermont County, the primary trail network that CCPD has been working on with other partners is the Williamsburg to Batavia Trail. There is a planned extension of this trail to eventually connect all the way to Batavia, passing by Sycamore Park.

Other nearby trails are the Little Miami Scenic Trail and the Ohio River Trail. The Little Miami Trail is close to Kelley Nature Preserve but not directly connected to it. Likewise the Ohio River Trail extends west into Clermont County, but does yet reach Chilo Lock 34 Park.

The following trail connections and potential trail extensions should be considered by CCPD in collaboration with other community partners:

• Complete the Williamsburg to Batavia Trail and connect the trail to Sycamore Park

• Connect to Kelley Nature Preserve and Sycamore/ Wilson Nature Preserve to regional trail network

• Advocate for the extension of the Ohio River Trail East to Chilo Lock 34 Park, and improve connectivity to 10 Mile Preserve

• Advocate for the extension of the Williamsburg to Batavia Trail to the Little Miami Trail

• Advocate for the extension of the Williamsburg to Batavia Trail to Mt Orab and connect to Brown County

Existing Trails & Proposed Trails

Clermont County

Little Miami Scenic Trail

Sycamore Park to Williamsburg-Batavia Trail Extension

Sycamore Park is on the opposite side of the East Fork of the Little Miami River from the planned Williamsburg to Batavia Trail extension. As trail expansion plans are finalized, CCPD should also be planning on building a connection to this regional trail to give both trail users and Batavia residents easy access to Sycamore Park. This would

allow more people to enjoy this park and have access to activities, hiking, and canoe/kayak access points on the East Fork of the Little Miami River. Initial conversations with CCPD staff indicate that a pedestrian bridge crossing would be best suited to the northern part of the park, providing the shortest distance to connect and the least amount of private property to traverse to link up with the Williamsburg to Batavia Trail.

Sycamore Park Trail Connection

Kelley Nature Preserve to Little Miami Scenic Trail

Kelley Nature Preserve is .15 mile away from the Little Miami Scenic Trail, one of the busiest multi-use trails in the region. Located on the western edge of the county, this connection from the trail to Kelley Nature Preserve represents an opportunity to make more people aware of CCPD and expand access to those looking to paddle on the Little Miami River. Creating this linkage would give more people an opportunity to “pedal and paddle” along the Little Miami River and Scenic Trail, giving another access point that brings bikes and kayaks/

canoes together. This also opens up additional programmatic opportunities and activities that could take place at Kelley Nature Preserve, from camping that might appeal to trail and river users, to picnicking and hiking for those visiting for just a few hours. To connect the park with the trail, CCPD will need to work with surrounding jurisdictions to consider design options, path types, road treatments and right-of-way issues. On OH 126 there appears to be room for a multi-use path on one side of the roadway. As the connector trail turns north toward the Little Miami Scenic Trail, there are two options. Center Street has lower traffic volumes, but has

truck traffic. The road is not wide enough for a multi-use path, so it would need to be an on-street facility. Another option would be to use Perry Lane, which has low traffic volumes as well, less potential for truck traffic and would be better suited for this connection. OH-126

LITTLE MIAMI RIVER

Center Street Connection

Perry Lane Connection

Glendale-Milford Shared Use Path

Little Miami Scenic Trail

Kelley Nature Preserve Trail Connection

4. FLOAT

Invest in additional water access and create/ participate in regional blueways. Expand the offerings of kayak and canoe put-ins, recreational river access, and blueways at existing and future Clermont County Park District parks.

CCPD has the opportunity to expand river access along the Ohio River, the East Fork of the Little Miami River and the Little Miami River. Doing so will create the opportunity for additional activities and programming, the ability for individuals to run their own river trips, and the potential of partnerships with outfitters that would be able to conduct river trips for groups of people.

Upgrade existing access points to a baseline standard

Each of these corridors presents different opportunities and experiences. The Ohio River is a large river with several access points, the East Fork is a smaller river with few existing access points, and the Little Miami River is an popular, established blueway corridor. Regardless of location, CCPD should upgrade access points to provide a consistent baseline standard in terms of ease of access and quality of facility. The recent improvements to Kelley Nature Preserve is a good example of a baseline standard that should be applied to existing access points at the Park

Maintenance Facility, Sycamore Park, and Chilo Lock 34 Park.

Establish, market, and program blueway trails

CCPD should establish, market and program blueway trails along each of these three main waterways. Beyond access point improvements, this involves providing blueway trail information both on site and online. This information would relate to the quality of experience and the safety of conditions based on the current weather and water levels. Signage and wayfinding should exist both in parks and along the blueway trail itself to guide users to put in and take out locations and provide information along the way. Development of trail maps with mileage markers and experiences along the way would also help people to plan their trips and enable CCPD to promote and market parks and park experiences along the way.

Key Takeaways

• Upgrade existing access points to a baseline standard

• Establish, market, and program blueway trails

C. Roger Nisbet Park

Bishop City Park

Lake Isabella

Fletcher Road Access Kelley Nature Preserve

Terrell Park

Kroger Hills

Bass Island (Little Miami Golf Center) Otto Armleder Memorial Park

OHIO

East Fork Little Miami River

Existing Blueways & Access Points

KENTUCKY

Woodland Mound Boat Ramp

The Landing Augusta Street Public Boat Launch Point Pleasant Rest Area

Moscow Boat Ramp Neville Boat Ramp Launch

Tailwater

Sycamore Park & Wilson Nature Preserve

Clermont County

WILLIAM H HARSHA LAKE

Little Miami River Corridor

The Little Miami River is one of the most popular places in the Cincinnati area to paddle. Making the trail connection to the Little Miami Scenic Trail to Kelley Park would open up the opportunity for CCPD to be a bigger part of the greenway and blueway trail system. Offering trail and river access at Kelley Nature Preserve would enable a number of different recreational opportunities, from bicyclists or paddlers stopping off for a picnic or hike, or to potentially camp overnight if those facilities are added in the future. This also opens up paddle and pedal opportunities at this park, making it a more popular destination for trail and river users. Located

toward the middle of the Little Miami River in Hamilton County, there are number of trip distances that could start our end at Kelley Nature Preserve that are half day or full day options.

C. Roger Nisbet Park

East Fork Little Miami River Corridor

The East Fork of the Little Miami River is a bit more challenging as a blueway corridor because it currently has very few access points. At either end there is the Valley View and Tailwater access points, which are owned by other entities. CCPD provides two access points at Sycamore Park and the Park Maintenance Facility, but they are both very close to one another. Therefore, today the trip opportunities are limited to longer journeys of more than five miles or approximately 11 miles. It would be beneficial to explore other access point opportunities either through partnerships or land purchase, especially as you head down river from the Park

Maintenance Facility. This would provide another option of trip length as you head west. This blueway trail also lacks access to a greenway trail, however the Williamsburg to Batavia Trail extension should address this as it relates to Sycamore Park in the future. Longer term, this would be another reason to advocate

for another extension of the Williamsburg to Batavia Trail so that it connected all the way to the west to meet the Little Miami Scenic Trail. Although this would require additional partners, it would create a fully connected set of blueway and greenway trails in Clermont County providing ample access and recreational opportunities.

Clermont

Ohio River Corridor

The Ohio River corridor offers a larger river experience. Improving the access at Chilo Lock 34 Park would help make this park a bigger part of the Ohio River Blueway and enable individuals and outfitters to make greater use of this park and put-in/take-out location. Further, CCPD should advocate for the extension of the Ohio River Trail east along US 52 to continue all the way to Chilo Lock 34 Park. River trips from this location range in length from a few hours to all day or overnight. With camping already an option at Chilo Lock 34 Park, the upgraded access point facilities and extension of the Ohio River Trail would make this location more attractive for a variety of river and park users.

Establish, Market, and Program Blueway Trails

CCPD should establish, market and program blueway trails along each of these three main waterways. Beyond access point improvements, this involves providing blueway trail information both on site and online. This information would relate to the quality of experience and the safety of conditions based on the current weather and water levels. Signage and wayfinding should exist both in parks and along the blueway trail itself to

guide users to put in and take out locations and provide information along the way. Development of trail maps with mileage markers and experiences along the way would also help people to plan their trips and enable CCPD to promote and market parks and park experiences along the way.

Information Signage and Wayfinding Program and Partner

Blueway

5. EXPERIENCE

Increase

Combined with the results from the engagement efforts, the program analysis conducted as part of this process revealed a need to continue to evaluate CCPD’s current program offerings to better serve the County’s population. This analysis illustrated that CCPD’s core programs are well suited for the demographics of the county, and are operating at an adequate lifecycle. Nonetheless, the statistically valid survey found an unmet need for additional programming serving teens and adults, in addition to new special events offerings.

CCPD has an opportunity to leverage these findings into expanding its program offerings, and focusing future programs on those that both serve a wide range of ages and highlight the park system’s unique properties. In order to continue to provide quality programming that is well suited for the county, it is recommended that CCPD continue to monitor its offerings and keep track of partner districts or institutions to avoid duplicating these services.

Key Takeaways

• Create new programming aimed at a wider range of ages.

• Create programs around each park’s unique experiences.

• Focus programming around priority activities.

• Establish a program evaluation cycle (with lifecycle stages).

• Track similar providers in the area to avoid duplication of services

program opportunities for diversity of park users. Community members would like additional nature programs, and adult fitness and wellness programs at all age levels.

Provide Programming for All Ages

Based on the age demographics of the county, current programs seem to be well-aligned with the community’s age profile, which represents a notable segment of adults and seniors.

Moving forward, it is recommended that the Park District continues to introduce new programs in order to address any potential unmet needs. Particularly, dedicated teen programs, as this age segment makes up a percentage of the community and is typically the hardest segment from which to acquire participation.

Staff should continue to monitor demographic shifts and program offerings to ensure that the needs of each age group are being met. It would be best practice to establish a plan including what age segment to target, establish the message, which marketing method(s) to use, create the social media campaign, and determine what to measure for success before allocating resources towards a particular effort.

Expand Park Experiences

CCPD’s greatest assets are the distinctive natural landscapes found in each of the park districts parks, open spaces, and nature preserves. These properties connect Clermont residents with nature, providing an environment where one can contemplate, observe, and learn from nature. The distinctiveness of these properties, from the creeks and ravines running through them, to rich the histories in their past, present a programming opportunity.

Future programs should be conceived around each park’s unique experiences, highlighting what make these properties a destination. Programs that showcase the properties’ more unique features have the opportunity to introduce and inspire new users, and in turn increase participation.

Outdoor Skills

CCPD’s future programs have an opportunity to reflect the district’s clear mission to preserve natural landscapes and connect people with nature.

As new programs are developed, special consideration should be given to those that highlight opportunities for people of all ages to connect with nature, and thus become stewards of these environments. Programs aimed at children, teens, and young adults are especially important, as they help shape the naturalists of tomorrow, and thus advance the park district’s mission.

These programs may include wildlife experiences, outdoor nature experiences, paddle sports, nature programs & events, fishing, rock climbing, nature fitness programs and biking opportunities.

Paddle Sports

Rock Climbing Fishing

Outdoor Nature Experiences

Children Nature Programs

Biking Opportunities

Wildlife Experiences

Nature Fitness Programs

Evaluate Program Evaluation Cycle

As introduced in the analysis section on pages 66-69, a Program Lifecycle Analysis involves reviewing each program offered by the Park District to determine the stage of growth or decline for each.

As noted in the graphic above, the Lifecycle Analysis depicts a current healthy program distribution when compared to the recommended distribution.

Nonetheless, 11% of programs are identified as Saturated or Declining. While it is a natural progression for programs to eventually evolve into saturation and decline stages, if programs reach these stages rapidly, it could be an indication that the quality of the programs does not meet expectations, or there is not as much of a demand for the

programs. As programs enter into the Decline Stage, they must be closely reviewed and evaluated for repositioning or elimination. When this occurs, the Park District should modify these programs to begin a new lifecycle within the Introductory Stage or replace the existing programs with new programs based upon community needs and trends.

Staff should complete a Program Lifecycle Analysis on an annual basis and ensure that the percentage distribution closely aligns with desired performance. Furthermore, the Park District could include annual performance measures for each Core Program Area to track participation growth, customer retention, and percentage of new programs as an incentive for innovation and alignment with community trends.

Track Similar Providers

CCPD Parks are part of a network of county-wide parks, open spaces, and recreational facilities. The nature and conservationfocused services and facilities offered by CCPD complement the more active recreational facilities offered by nearby park districts and musicalities or townships in Clermont County. Despite differences in their core mission, there is potential for overlap between CCPD’s offerings and those of these other providers. It is recommended that the Park District continue to forge partnerships with these providers, and track their facilities and programs offered, to avoid a duplication of services. A list of similar providers is shown in the graphic to the right.

WHO are the similar providers within the county?

Tracking these providers will support decision-making on which recreational programs or facilities the Park District should prioritize, or provide context on programming currently in mature to declining stages as revealed by a Programing Evaluation Cycle. Additionally, a number of the recreational facilities and programs highlighted as desired by the community in the engagement findings, and in the results of the Priority Investment Rating (PIR) of the statisticallyvalid survey, do not align with CCPD’s core mission or services. For instance, both of these metrics showed a community need and desire for splash pads, athletic fields, and small neighborhood parks. These types of facilities are best suited for park systems of nearby municipalities and partner institutions.

• Loveland

• Milford

• East Fork State Park

• Stonelick State Park

• YMCA

• Cincinnati Nature Center

• Miami Township

• Batavia Township

• Pierce Township

• Libraries

• Valley View

• State Parks

East Fork State Park

6. GATHER

Become a destination for community events. Community members would like more arts events, concerts, and community gatherings at CCPD parks and facilities. Park facilities may need to be expanded or new facilities may need to be added to accommodate this unmet need.

As destinations within the county, CCPD Parks already function as spaces where the Clermont County residents and visitors come together to gather as a community. CCPD parks and open spaces are already home to various venues that allow for these gatherings of various sizes, from weddings and special events at the Lodge at Pattison Park, to small meetings and banquets at the Hartman Log Cabin, and the informal gatherings at the four shelters at Sycamore Park. There are various opportunities to continue to build on CCPD’s strength in providing a home to these gatherings, and continue to expand the types of events that are possible at these parks. To accomplish this, CCPD has to continue to leverage partnerships, build flexible facilities of various sizes at existing parks, and have a year-round strategy on how to best activate these spaces. This section provides a road map for how to build on these successes.

Key Takeaways

• Establish Community Partnerships to promote use of CCPD parks and facilities for community events.

• Expand and create new facilities, including larger pavilions, an amphitheater or concert venue, and additional nature programming/classroom.

• Consider a stand-alone nature center as a long term opportunity.

• Establish four major events one in the spring, summer, fall and winter.

• Collaborate with local groups and school districts to promote use of CCPD parks and facilities for cross country events.

Community Partnerships

As a means of serving Clermont County residents, it is understood that CCPD will continue to partner with several agencies, organizations, and corporations throughout the community. These partnerships will support the facilitation of programs and sponsorships of community events throughout the county. The following recommended partnership principles will promote fairness and equity within these partnerships while helping staff to manage against potential conflicts:

• Partnerships require a working agreement with measurable outcomes and will be evaluated on a regular basis.

• Partnerships should track costs associated with the partnership investment to demonstrate a shared level of equity.

• Partnerships should maintain a culture that focuses on collaborative planning on a regular basis, regular communications, and annual reporting on performance and outcomes.

New Facilities

Larger Pavilions

Enable large community gatherings by adding larger pavilions with capacity for 100200 people. These structures should be designed with flexibility in mind, and be suitable to provide a setting for daily use, small group gatherings, and larger community events. The shelter under construction at Kathryn Stagge-Marr Park is recommended to be used as a standard for these structures.

Amphitheater and Concert Venue

To accommodate events, such as concerts or movie nights, there is an opportunity to create an amphitheater or concert venue space in a CCPD Park. Given the nature of these parks as natural environments, it is recommended that this space be designed to integrate with the topography and landscape of the park, and avoid visually disrupting natural vistas by focusing on a stage with space for temporary tent use.

Nature Programming/ Classroom

A core aspect of CCPD’s programming is inspiring and shaping future naturalists. To enhance the district’s nature programming and events, additional or improved classrooms or exhibit space should be included at parks with existing indoor facilities. These classroom spaces should allow for outdoor access, and be designed to flow into outdoor classroom spaces and natural play areas.

Expand and create new facilities to allow for larger gatherings, increased event capacity and increased variety of facility types.

WHERE could spaces be offered?

Kathryn Stagge-Marr Park: 100 person shelter currently being constructed

Clingman Park: Potential for a larger 100+ person pavilion

WHERE could spaces be offered?

Clingman Park

WHERE could spaces be offered?

Chilo Lock 34 Park

Hartman Cabin

Pattison Park

Clingman Park

Nature Center Opportunity

While improving nature programming through existing classroom space is a shorter term solution, a longer term strategy involves an opportunity for a nature center at an existing CCPD park as a stand-alone and dedicated building. This opportunity, not to duplicate the services or offerings of parter institutions like the Cincinnati Nature Center, can showcase CCPD’s commitment to conservation and preservation, while strengthening existing nature programming that shapes future naturalists.

WHERE could a nature center be located?

• Bellar Property

• Grailville

Special Events

A need and desire for additional concerts and events was a key finding in both the engagement results and statistically-valid survey. Leveraging existing and potential partnerships, CCPD should focus on a year-round strategy to activate parks around major events.

There is thus an opportunity to establish four major events at different CCPD parks, one in the spring, summer, fall and winter. These events should highlight the parks they are held in, and include an outdoor recreation component as a core element. Events should showcase outdoor recreation opportunities for youth and adults, either by highlighting a special occasion at the park, or building the event around a yearly natural occurrence like solstice. Events should include food, music and nature art as part of the program and last 4-6 hours in length.

Cross Country Course

Collaborate with local groups and school districts to promote use of CCPD parks and facilities for cross country events.

WHO could CCPD collaborate with?

• Local Running Groups

• School Districts

• Local Recreation Shops

WHERE could spaces be offered?

• Clingman Park

• Kathryn Stagge-Marr Park

7. GROW

Explore opportunities for continued expansion of the park system. Continue to expand Clermont County Park District’s parks, open spaces, and nature preserves through acquisition or development of existing properties.

In addition to maintaining and enhancing current parks, CCPD has plans to continue to acquire property and add parks to the system over time. As these new parks come on line they have the opportunity to both protect and conserve important natural areas, but also to add new park experiences that meet the needs of county residents.

Key Takeaways

• Establish land acquisition guidelines to support the decision making process for new properties.

• Plan for Future Parks and Properties for the following:

» Clingman Park

» The Grailville Property

» The Wachs Property

» The Bellar Property

Land Acquisition Guidelines

As new properties are considered, the following land acquisition guidelines should be used:

• Acquire land that is environmentally sensitive: CCPD should prioritize properties that are along major waterways, contain sensitive habitats or protect natural features.

• Acquire land that is next to existing parks: Consider land adjacent to existing parks to either add park space or provide connections to regional trails.

• Acquire land for a specific purpose: CCPD should target properties that enable them to add needed park features and amenities including trail connections, water access points, historic sites, etc.

• Acquire land to preserve open space: CCPD should prioritize high value sites close to major population centers that are not currently served by the park system.

• Acquire land to support partnerships: Land acquisition should also be guided by partnership needs, working with school districts, conservancies, other park districts, etc. to explore additional park spaces.

Future Parks Development

This section will review the potential features and amenities for each of the future parks planned for the Clermont County Park District. This includes:

• Clingman Park along US 50, adjacent to Pattison Park

• The Grailville Property outside of Loveland

• The Wachs Property overlooking the Little Miami River north of Milford

• The Bellar Property located along Stonelick Creek south of SR 131

Sycamore Park Wilson Nature Preserve East Fork State Park

Clingman Park

Bellar Property

Grailville

Wachs Property

Clingman Park

Clingman Park is the newest property to be added to CCPD. Home to the park district’s Administration Building, the park also has a large barn that currently serves as storage for programming and maintenance equipment. The park district already has plans to add hiking trails to the property and make connections to Pattison Park. Approximately 3 miles of trails have been planned. Other parts of the park were formerly farm fields that are slated for restoration. The property also has a small fishing pond and a nature education room in the basement level of the Administration Building.

As part of the Comprehensive Master Planning process, the planning team asked the community to identify future potential uses in Clingman Park. The July 2022 community workshop was also held in the this park to give attendees an opportunity to walk through the site and experience it. The top ideas for this park were adding an amphitheater, nature playground and hiking trails.

Working together with stakeholders, park staff and the steering committee, the planning team has developed a list of potential park features that should be considered going forward. These potential features have been shown in possible locations within the park, but a conceptual plan for Clingman Park should be done to more fully study plan alternatives and options.

Clingman Park

Storage Barn

Administration Building

Farm Fields

Farm Fields

Pattison Park Lodge

Pattison Park

US 50

Field Restoration

Field Restoration/Event Lawn

New Trails

Existing Trails

Mountain Bike Skills Course

Potential park program includes:

A. Hiking Trails: +/- 2.25 miles of hiking trails around Clingman Park and connecting to Pattison Park.

B. Nature Education: Formalize the nature education space in the basement of the Administration Building and convert the adjacent parking lot area into a shaded outdoor classroom.

C. Nature Playground: Adjacent to the outdoor classroom, add a nature playground.

D. Fishing Pond: Formalize access to the fishing pond with a platform/pier.

E. Mountain Bike Skills Course: Consider adding a mountain bike skills course to allow users to learn the sport and practice on constructed features.

F. Flexible Pavilion & Event Lawn: Add a flexible pavilion along the east side of the barn to host day to day gatherings and special events.

Could double as a stage for an event lawn where concerts and movie nights could take place.

G. Parking: Formalize parking around the barn area and potentially add parking along the access drive

H. Field Restoration: Restore farm fields to improve the natural habitat.

B. Nature Education and outdoor classroom.

C. Nature Playground

Nature Playground

A. Hiking Trails

Hiking Trails

Mountain Biking Skills

H. Field Restoration

H. Field Restoration

D. Fishing Pond Platform/Pier

F. Flexible Pavilion & Event Lawn

E. Mountain Bike Skills Course

The Grailville Property

The Grailville Property is located east of the City of Loveland and is adjacent to the Children’s Meeting House Montessori School and The Grail. Bifurcated by O’Bannonville Road, the 115-acre property is a mix of grasslands and woodlands and provides access to O’Bannon Creek. Opportunities for park features on this site include hiking, stream access, nature observation and view overlooks. Programming opportunities for education and history abound from the natural environment to the history of The Grail. The Grail and the Montessori School could be potential partners in educational and history programming in this park.

There is the potential to connect this property to the East Loveland Nature Preserve over time to provide a continuous protected

park space along O’Bannon Creek and enable a connection to the City of Loveland and the Little Miami Scenic Trail.

East Loveland Nature Preserve (City of Loveland)

Children’s Meeting House Montessori School

St. Columban

The Grail

Grailville Property

The Wachs Property

The Wachs Property is located along Price Road adjacent to the Little Miami River. It is located just down river from Kelley Nature Preserve and north of the Town of Milford. Surrounded by residential, the site is limited by the lack of automobile access and the lack of direct access to the Little Miami River. Price Road is a two lane road with no sidewalks. With these constraints in place, it is likely that this future park would be limited in its activities with conservation as the major focus. A hiking trail with overlook(s) is possible, but access would be limited. The property has a utility corridor running through it and this is a potential location for an access point and parking area.

HOBBYHORSELN

Wachs Property

The Bellar Property

The Bellar Property is located east of Milford south of SR 131 along Stonelick Creek. The farm property is located to the north side of the site, and offers commanding views of the valley below. This portion of the site could be used for access, but it is down a very small rural road. Another access point potential is at the southern end of the site along Belfast-Owensville Road. This site offers opportunities for hiking trails, stream access and nature observation and overlooks. From a programming standpoint, this site is rich with geology and fossils, offering the opportunity to for nature and history education. The site is a mix of woodlands, fields and farm fields. Some of

the farm fields could be used to demonstrate best management practices for agriculture and conservation practices for farms.

Potential Access Point

Bellar Property

Kathyrn Stagge-Marr Park

SR 131

BERGER DR

MANILA RD

STONELICK CREEK

BELFAST-OWENSVILLERD

Bellar Property

8. MARKET

Market CCPD parks and programs to the community. There is a lack of information and marketing materials available about parks, programming, events and activities. A more strategic approach will identify target markets and key messages.

As noted in the statisticallyvalid survey results, Clermont County residents largely rely on word of mouth to learn about CCPD’s programs or activities. Similarly, through the community engagement process and in conversations with stakeholders, many expressed a lack of awareness on the types of facilities found at CCPD Parks and the breadth of programs offered. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity to improve how the District communicates with Clermont County residents. Effective communication and engagement strategies require striking an appropriate balance between the content with the volume of messaging, while utilizing the “right” methods of delivery. A strategic marketing approach should be used to build upon and integrate with supporting plans and directly coordinate with CCPD’s priorities. This section provides best practices for the methods of communication that can build awareness, while strengthening community partnerships.

Key Takeaways

• Grow newsletter with new content and improvements.

• Highlight trail and park availability, offerings and features through consistent signage and content.

• Utilize website and social media platforms to provide cohesive information on parks and events

• Highlight the distinctive experiences found within each park.

• Create a content release calendar to assist with publishing information, promote events and increase community visibility.

• Connect with local groups and organizations to promote use of parks and facilities.

Ways that households learn about programs or activities By (Top 4 responses only)

Word of Mouth 57% Social Networking 51%

County Website 39% Email Notifications 31%

Newsletter/Booklet

The current CCPD newsletter is an invaluable tool in sharing the park district’s events and destinations. Already accessible online, creating additional and improved content based around what makes CCPD Parks and programs unique will support building awareness of CCPD’s facilities and programs.

WHAT are the possible content opportunities?

• Programming Offerings

• Park District Improvements

• Park Features

• Nature Content

• Park Information

Trail

& Parks Signage

Despite having an extensive trail system, the CCPD trail network lacks consistent and informative trail signage or wayfinding. New signage should highlight trail and park availability, provide wayfinding directing trail users toward nearby park offerings and features, and reflect consistent signage and content.

WHAT are the possible signage and content opportunities?

• Trail Maps

• Park Specific Pamphlet

• Cohesive Trail/Park Signage throughout Park District Parks

Website and Social Media

The Park District’s new website already has several features making it easy to navigate and user friendly. The site includes facility and program information, along with links to CCPD’s social media accounts, which provide event information and compelling park imagery about recent events and happenings. These are already good tools that can help increase program/event awareness and enhance users experience when utilizing the website.

There is an opportunity to continue to utilize website and social media platforms to provide cohesive information on parks and events, focusing on showcasing and disseminating the various tools discussed in this section.

Park Experiences

As noted in this plan’s engagement section, many residents and park users are unaware of the many experiences available at CCPD’s parks and facilities. To raise awareness about the park district’s offerings, there is an opportunity to showcase CCPD’s distinctive park experiences through social media, brochures, and signage or wayfinding.

WHAT are the possible experience offerings?

• Off Trail Hike Series

• Suspension Bridges

• Critter Walks/Watch

• Woodcock Watch

• Salamander Migration

• Firefly Walk

Content Calendar

While additional events and programs provide a greater opportunity for community awareness of the park system, these require an organized and consistent marketing strategy to disseminate information.

As a result, CCPD should create a content release calendar to assist with publishing information, promote events and increase community visibility. There is an opportunity to create content templates that enable CCPD staff to release content frequently and with cohesive language and graphics.

HOW can CCPD release content on a schedule?

• Content Scheduler

• Content Calendar

• Template or Format for Content Release

Community Partnerships

As CCPD’s events, programs, and facilities continue to evolve and expand, partnerships are critical to ensure the success of this growth. CCPD staff should connect with local groups and organizations to promote the use of parks and facilities, and leverage these partnerships to market the Park District’s facilities, events, and programs through other partners’ websites.

WHO could CCPD partner with?

• Soil and Water Conservation District

• Office of Environmental Quality

• Solid Waste District

• Cardinal

• Cincinnati Nature Center

• Green Umbrella

• Tristate Trails

• Ohio River Way

• Ohio River Scenic Byway

• Townships and Villages

• Schools

• Scout Troops and Districts

• Grassy Run Historical Arts Committee

• Log Cabin Herb Society

• Clermont County Convention and Visitors Bureau

• Historical Societies

• Valley View Foundation

05 Implementation & Next Steps

Implementation Matrix

The Implementation Matrix catalogs all of the plan recommendations in this report and organizes them by themes. For each recommendation, the park recommended for action (if appropriate) is listed, the timeline is noted to guide prioritization, and any potential partners are identified.

The timeline tool will help to shape next steps:

Timeline 1 recommendations are early action items that are of a) utmost important to the mission of CCPD or a key community priority, b) easy to implement, or c) necessary first steps to enable other recommendations.

Timeline 2 recommendations are ones that might a) take more time to implement, b) represent a new program or experience, or c) might require outside partnerships to be successful.

Timeline 3 recommendations are generally a) longer term in nature or b) will require property acquisition or fundraising to implement.

This dynamic tool will help park staff, leadership, the Board, community members and partners to work together on implementation. This matrix is intended to be updated over time as projects are completed, opportunities arise, or new ideas emerge.

This implementation section serves as a guide for CCPD as it plans for the future of the park system over the next 10 years.

1 Preserve | Continue to preserve open spaces and connect people to nature and history.

1.1 Protect, preserve and invest in current parks.

1.2

Maintain a system-wide goal to have 10% of the land holdings developed for park uses and 90% preserved natural areas.

1.3 Focus on restoring natural environments within parks.

1.4

2

2.1

Create interactive educational opportunities and outdoor experiences for all ages to create nature enthusiasts and environmental stewards.

Evolve

| Enhance, improve and add features in every park.

Walking and Hiking Trails: Build and maintain walking and hiking trails within parks to connect park features with the natural environment

Sycamore, Wilson Nature Preserve, Clingman Park, Shor Park, Grailville, 10 Mile Nature Preserve, Wachs Property, Kelley Nature Preserve, Kathryn Stagge-Marr

Magnolia, OEQ, Cardinal, Volunteers, Cincinnati Nature Center, ODNR

2.2

Nature Observation: Create moments to contemplate and enjoy nature, such as observation decks, overlooks, bird blinds, and wildlife viewing.

Kelley Nature Preserve, Maintenance Facility, Sycamore, Clingman Park, Chilo Lock 34 Park, Shor Park, Wilson Nature Preserve

2.3

Pond and Stream Fishing Access: Enhance the fishing experience at parks with pond features or stream access.

Pattison, Clingman Park, Kathryn Stagge-Marr, Chilo Lock 34 Park, Kelley Nature Preserve, Wilson Nature Preserve

2.4

2.5

Camping: Market existing camping offerings and explore new distinctive camping options.

Chilo Lock 34 Park, Kelley Nature Preserve, Wilson Nature Preserve

Mountain Biking Skills Park Opportunities: Clingman Park

2.6

Active Recreation: Add and improve active recreation offerings, such as disc golf courses, pickleball courts, and tennis courts.

Sycamore, Kathryn Stagge-Marr

2.7

Play Experiences: Increase nature play experiences to promote family engagement, outdoor activities, playgrounds.

Sycamore, Clingman Park, Kathryn Stagge-Marr, Kelley Nature Preserve, Pattison Park

East Fork

2.8

Shade and Comfort: Add shade and comfort elements to enhance the visitor experience, such as pavilions and restrooms.

Everywhere (Shade), Kathryn Stagge-Marr (Shelters/ Pavilions), Clingman Park (Public - Restrooms), Kelley Nature Preserve (Restrooms), Wilson Nature Preserve (Restrooms), Chilo Lock 34 Park (Restrooms)

2.9

Signage, Wayfinding, and Education: Add educational elements to parks through interpretive signage around nature, history, and culture.

All Parks (Signage & Wayfinding), Chilo Lock 34 Park, Hartman Cabin, Sycamore Park, Wilson Nature Preserve, Shor Park, Clingman Park

3 Connect | Focus on park-to-park, park-to-neighborhood, and regional connections.

3.1 Connect Pattison Park with the Administrative Property

Connect and extend the regional trail system, and extend and improve the existing regional trail system.

Complete the Williamsburg to Batavia Trail and connect the Trail to Sycamore Park

Connect to Kelley Nature Preserve and Sycamore/Wilson Nature Preserve to regional trail network

Williamsburg to Batavia Trail, Sycamore Park

Kelley Nature Preserve, Sycamore Park, Wilson Nature Preserve

TriState Trails, TID, Ohio River Way, Ohio River Scenic Byway, Great Parks, ODOT

Twp, Villages, Clermont Co, ODOT, TriState Trails

3.2

Advocate for the extension of the Williamsburg to Batavia Trail to Mt Orab and connect to Brown County.

Advocate for the extension of the Williamsburg to Batavia Trail to the Little Miami Trail

Advocate for the extension of the Ohio River Trail East to Chilo Lock 34 Park, and improve connectivity to 10 Mile Preserve

Chilo Lock 34 Park, 10 Mile Preserve

Twp, Villages, Clermont Co, ODOT, TriState Trails, Little Miami Conservancy, Miami Township

Williamsburg, TriState Trails,Clermont Co, ODOT, Brown Co

Union Twp, Miami Twp, ODOT, TriState Trails, Clermont Co, Batavia

Ohio River Way, ODOT, TriState Trails, New Richmond, Twps

Improve connectivity between parks and neighborhoods

Pattison Park  ODOT

Shor Park  County Engineer, Union Twp

Kelley Nature Preserve: Connect to Miamiville

Wachs

Property: Connect to

3.3

4 Float | Invest in additional water access and create/participate in regional blueways.

Little Miami River Corridor, East Fork Little Miami River Corridor, Ohio River Corridor  Ohio River Way Blueway Information (Water Level, Access Points, Safety etc.) -  Ohio River Way Signage and Wayfinding -  Program (Internal/External) -  Blueway Trail Map (East Fork, Little Miami, Ohio River) Little Miami River Corridor, East Fork Little Miami River Corridor, Ohio River Corridor  Great Parks, Warren Co Park District

5 Experience | Increase program opportunities and diversity of park users.

5.1

Programming for All Ages: Create new programming options that introduce new programming levels aimed at a wider range of ages.

5.2

Programming Around Park Experiences: Create programs around each park’s unique experiences to introduce and inspire new users, and drive participation.

5.3

Outdoor Skills: Focus programming around priority activities, including wildlife experiences, outdoor nature experiences, paddle sports, children nature programs & events, fishing, rock climbing, nature fitness programs and biking opportunities.

5.4

5.5

Program Evaluation Cycle: Establish a program evaluation cycle (with life-cycle stages)

Track Similar Providers: Track similar providers in the area to avoid duplication of services

6 Gather | Become a destination for community events.

6.1

Establish Community Partnerships: Collaborate with local and regional groups and organization to promote use of CCPD parks and facilities for community events.

6.2

New Facilities: Expand and create new facilities to allow for larger gatherings, increased event capacity and increased variety of facility types.

6.3

Larger Pavilions: Enable large community gatherings by adding larger pavilions with capacity for 100-200 people.

Clingman Park, Kathryn Stagge-Marr Park

6.4

Amphitheater and Concert Venue: Allow for larger community gatherings, such as movie nights and concerts, by creating an amphitheater or concert venue space.

Clingman Park

6.5

Nature Programming/Classroom: Improve nature programming and events through classrooms/exhibit space.

Clingman Park, Chilo Lock 34 Park, Hartman Cabin, Pattison Park

CORA, BUFF, SWCD, WTF, RRT, Local Recreation Stores

CVB, Twps, Chamber of Commerce, Loveland, Milford

6.6

Nature Center Opportunity: Improve nature programming and events through creating a nature center.

6.7

Special Events: Establish 4 major events one in the spring, summer, fall and winter that highlights the parks and outdoor recreation. Events should show case all the outdoor recreation opportunities in the parks for youth and adults. Include food, music and nature art as part of the program. 4-6 hours in length.

6.8

7

Cross Country Course: Collaborate with local groups and school districts to promote use of CCPD parks and facilities for cross country events.

Grow | Explore opportunities for continued expansion of the park system.

7.1

Establish Land Acquisition Guidelines: Acquire land that is environmentally sensitive, next to existing parks, for a specific purpose, to preserve, and to support partnerships.

Plan for Future Parks and Properties

Clingman Park: Hiking Trails, Nature Education, Nature Playground, Fishing Pond, Mountain Bike Skills Course, Flexible Pavilion, Parking Improvements, Field Restoration.

7.2

Bellar Property: Hiking, Stream Programming/Access (Observation, Overlook), Nature Center/Education Opportunity (Geology/Fossils, Site History), Farm Field Restoration

Grailville: Hiking, Stream Programming/Access (Observation, Overlook), Education (History of The Grail), Programming (Church, Montessori School), Connect to East Loveland Nature Preserve and LMST

Wachs Property: Views/Overlooks, Hiking, Conservation

Bellar Property, Grailville

Cardinal at Grail, SWCD at Bellar

East Fork Bass Anglers, Kiwanias, SWCD

Clingman Park, Kathryn Stagge-Marr Park

CNE, Goshen High School

Bellar Property

SWCD

The Grail, Loveland

8 Market | Market CCPD parks and programs to the community.

8.1

Grow and Improve Newsletter/ Booklet: Grow newsletter with new content and improvements.

8.2

Trail & Park Signage and Content: Highlight the trail and park availability, offerings and features through consistent signage and content, such as pamphlets and maps.

8.3

Website and Social Media Strategy: Utilize website and social media platforms to provide cohesive information on parks and events.

8.4

Highlight Distinctive Park Experiences: Highlight the experiences within each park to raise awareness about the park district’s offerings.

8.5

Content Release Calendar and Templates: Create a content release calendar to assist with publishing information, promote events and increase community visibility. Create content template to promote frequent and cohesive content release.

8.6

Promote Community Partnerships: Connect with local groups and organizations to promote use of parks and facilities. Market through other partnerships websites.

Public Health, Twps, SWCD, Cardinal, Local Non-Profits, Like-Minded ForProfits (RRT)