Washington Park: Revitalized

Washington Park, by Justin Reina

Washington Park reopens today with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10am. Free popsicles from Streetpops, free waffles and iced tea from Taste of Belgium, a performance by the Japanese Children’s Choir, and more. At 5pm, a free Friendship Concert will be presented by the World Choir Games.

Local media has taken note.

“Washington Park Makeover Complete: ‘Every Neighborhood Needs A Center‘” by Lisa Bernard-Kuhn at the Enquirer:

The ribbon cutting marks the end of a nearly 20-month-long construction project that has expanded the park from 6 to 8 acres and added a full menu of amenities including a dog park, interactive water fountains, refreshed public restrooms, a concession building and 450-car underground parking garage.

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“This project could not have happened without the individuals and organizations who believed in it,” said Stephen Leeper, president and CEO of 3CDC. “Every neighborhood needs a center – a civic space where its residents and visitors can come together, enjoy well-maintained amenities and feel safe.”

“New Washington Park designed to support community” by Brian Yocono at WCPO:

One of the first events in the park — which is located at 1230 Elm Street in Over-the-Rhine — is a free World Choir Games concert at 5:30 p.m. on what is called Civic Lawn.  Organizers with 3CDC say the space is the size of a football field and will feature weekly music events and movie nights on a large screen.

At the other end of the park you’ll find benches to enjoy the shade, a kid’s section and a dog park along with a large fountain display with water shooting out of jets in the ground.

The OTR community is excited for the park to open. Though the park has been a construction site and closed to the public, many people have tried to get a sneak peek (at risk of getting kicked out). Last night, however one couple was not caught and kicked out of the park. The couple, Andy and Janice, were engaged at the park! Gordon Bombay, who runs the great photography blog Queen City Discovery, was invited to snap some candid shots of the engagement. His photos are stunning and last night there wasn’t a more beautiful place in the city to be engaged. Congratulations, Andy and Janice!

Read the whole “OTR Love Story” and see all the photos at Queen City Discovery. Here are few pics:

Scott Palamar, the creator of the park’s fountain’s musical program, was also on hand and can be seen here with his creation:

Here are some more recent photos of the park. Hover your cursor over a picture to see photo credits.

OTR resident and photographer James Jenkins took the following photos:

And here are few photos from the Washington Park facebook page:

The Washington Park of a century ago:

Here is a gallery of Washington Park photos. Hover your cursor over each to see photo credits.