Great Parks Completes Master Plan for New Westwood Park

The master plan for the park at the former Gamble estate in Westwood is now complete, says Great Parks, Hamilton County’s parks system. The master plan focuses on turning the 22-acre park at 2918 Werk Road into a highly accessible greenspace for the community with new amenities that will establish it as a local resource for nature-based education and recreation.

Great Parks acquired the former estate, which it currently calls the Werk Road Property, in 2021 and says since then, it and community members have been collaborating extensively to identify the priorities for the future of the park. Over 2,000 people, including more than 50 children ages 5-12, engaged in the planning process to establish the master plan.

“We are grateful to the community for engaging with us to design what will be an incredible neighborhood park that will enhance the quality of life for residents,” Todd Palmeter, Great Parks CEO, said in a press release. “These discussions led to a blueprint for the establishment of a treasured community asset. This is a master plan that truly reflects the outdoor space needed for Westwood.”

Organizations like the Westwood Historical Society, Westwood Community Urban Development Corporation (WestCURC), Westwood Works, Westwood Grows, Westwood School and the Cincinnati Recreation Commission have been also active in the planning process.

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Great Parks' New Proposed Trail System Would Link Hamilton County's Western Parks and Communities: The public's invited to share their input on the new trail system through an online survey or at an in-person open house July 13.

"WestCURC representatives participated in every meeting of the Great Parks advisory committee as the master plan was developed, and it is entirely consistent with the priorities of the Westwood neighborhood,” Greg Hand, WestCURC president, said in the release. “This plan will make the greenspace an even greater asset to the neighborhood and we believe it will draw more businesses to the area.”

The current plan includes amenities like an accessible trail network, boardwalks, natural playscapes, community gathering spaces and educational opportunities. You can see the full master plan here.

The parks system will be implementing the plan in four phases and has begun identifying funding for the first phase. The first phase will focus on improving pedestrian access to the park, like adding a new trail network and new pedestrian entryways. Phase one will also include repairing historical assets and installing utilities. Design work is expected to begin in late 2024.

Later phases will oversee adding vehicular access, all-season restrooms and an indoor interpretive space for visits from local school groups. There are also plans to renovate the former carriage house on the property into a unique space for small community gatherings and an additional interpretive space for education. Interpretive displays, a greenhouse pavilion and an interpretive wetland overlook are planned for later phases.

Great Parks says the entire master plan may take up to seven years to complete and will cost more than $18 million.

The Werk Road park has been open to visitors since April 2022 and currently features a mowed path and a tree canopy with a walnut grove. However, there are no restrooms or parking lots at the property right now.

Great Parks’ Werk Road Property, 2918 Werk Road. More info: greatparks.org.