Cincinnati Parks has revealed preliminary designs for the new Sawyer Point playground, aiming to replace the cherished 1,000 Hands Playground that was lost to a fire last year, according to an announcement on the Cincinnati Parks' official website. Working with Midstates Recreation and Earthscape, known for their natural and imaginative playgrounds, this project hopes to embody Cincinnati's spirit and meet public expectations based on earlier community feedback gathered from nearly 500 responses.
Key feedback themes highlighted by the community include the desire for a strong connection to the Riverfront like the riverwalk and scenic views, and a focus on park activities ranging from events and music to school field trips, among others, Cincinnati Parks received a multitude of suggestions for the playground’s design, including riverboats, local wildlife, and nods to the city's industrial past; people also expressed a need for features such as swings and slides, as well as safety considerations like shade and weather protections. “We have a generational opportunity, and we for sure want to get it right. We are looking to build something that kids will love playing on, and is a cherished, marquee asset that is genuinely Cincinnati,” Parks Director Jason Barron told Cincinnati Parks.
The new playground strives for inclusivity and accessibility, prompting efforts to consult with landscape architects for accessible routes and general improvement in park accessibility. Cincinnati Parks invites the public to review the initial sketches and share their input on the proposed designs and features before the survey closes on December 14. The input is to ensure that the new playground is reflective of the community's vision and serves as a source of pride for Cincinnati.
Funding for the $2.1 million project will come from a combination of public and private sources, the Cincinnati Parks Foundation is heading the fundraising efforts and those interested in contributing can find more information on Cincinnati Parks website, with a goal to complete the design by early 2026 and a tentative opening of spring 2027, the timeline is contingent on securing the necessary funds for the build and installation, which entails a fabrication period of custom equipment spanning 6-8 months followed by the construction phase.
Sawyer Point Park, a hub for numerous notable Cincinnati events, including Oktoberfest, the Black Family Reunion, and the Pride Festival, was home to the original 1,000 Hands Playground until its destruction in 2024. The lost playground was a defining feature of the park, offering a unique play experience with its river theme and a blend of imaginative structures such as paddlewheels, climbing walls, and Playville, a space for children to bring toys to a miniature town setting.
