The acquisition would support the current Westwood strategic plan goals related to infrastructure, facilities and public spaces, safety and services, schools and historic preservation. Once the acquisition is complete, expected in late summer 2021, Great Parks will engage Westwood residents, community organizations, and local schools to develop a final plan for the site. ”Greenacres looked at several concepts for the future of this property and recognized that supporting Great Parks to make this property a permanent park would be consistent with the wishes of our Founder, Louis Nippert, who was a Park Commissioner,” says Greenacres president, Carter Randolph. “We hope that the Westwood Community supports the Great Parks plan and engages with Great Parks as they develop this park and urban ecology center.“ To ensure the long-term success of the property, philanthropic partner Great Parks Forever is developing an ongoing support strategy through grants, private donors and conservation-based organizations. This will allow the property to be acquired at no cost to the park district. Great Parks has successfully applied for and been awarded funding through the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Fund with the local match being provided in-kind by the Greenacres Foundation.

“We are very excited about the opportunity to directly serve a thriving and diverse community within the city of Cincinnati,” says Great Parks CEO Todd Palmeter. “This urban preserve aligns with our master plan priority to expand park access to all users by providing nature-based resources in areas that are currently underserved.”Ĭardinal Land Conservancy, a regional land trust, collaborated with Great Parks to develop an innovative proposal for connecting Westwood and surrounding neighborhoods to this natural asset.

Cardinal land trust