Cincinnati Parks and the Cincinnati Parks Foundation, together with donors to Smale Park, marked the completion of the latest improvements at Smale Riverfront Park, the department said. The project concludes work on a key section of the riverfront park around the Icon Music Center.
According to Cincinnati Parks, the foundation and the Smale family led the fundraising effort that supported the project. The department said the improvements were delivered through a public-private partnership and added planting beds, granite promenade seat walls, a sandstone and granite donor wall, and architectural cladding around the Andrew J. Brady Music Center.
Cincinnati Parks described the completion as the final stage in realizing the park’s vision. The department said the additions are intended to improve the visitor experience, recognize philanthropic support and make the space more welcoming.
The 21-acre park opened in 2012 and links downtown Cincinnati with the Ohio River and nearby Sawyer Point, Yeaman’s Cove and International Friendship Park, according to the department. It lists water play features, giant swings, a riverwalk, an interactive foot piano, a concert venue, a children’s play area, pollinator gardens and Carol Ann’s Carousel. Monuments include the Black Brigade Monument and the Marian Spencer Statue. Cincinnati Parks said Smale is designated a level II arboretum.