Vote for Smale Riverfront Park as One of the Nation's Best Riverwalks

Once again, a Cincinnati hallmark is getting national recognition — but it could use a little help from locals.

"10 Best," USA Today’s travel information hub that frequently relies on reader input, has included Smale Riverfront Park among its nominees for best river walk in its latest readers’ choice poll.

"Over the last several years, many cities in the United States have reworked their riverfront areas, transforming them into vibrant spaces for outdoor recreation, nightlife, cultural activity, and scenic views," USA Today says on its voting site.

Smale Riverfront Park connects downtown from Paul Brown Stadium to Great American Ball Park with 45 acres of greenway. Operated by the Cincinnati Park Board, the park opened in 2012 and features public art, interactive fountains, playgrounds and a giant swing set that gives a hell of a view of the Ohio River.

"At Smale Riverfront Park in Cincinnati, visitors can watch the river traffic float by, cycle along the Ohio River Trail, buy fresh produce at the Castellini Esplanade farmers market, cool off in the Fath Fountain or stop to smell the flowers in the Gardner Family Grove and Rose Garden," USA Today says.

Smale is one of 20 parks vying for USA Today readers’ votes for best river walk. Competition includes the Charles River Esplanade in Boston, Hudson River Park in New York City, San Antonio River Walk in San Antonio, and Bricktown in Oklahoma City.

Readers can vote for Smale once per day until noon April 11. USA Today will announce the top ten on April 22. Vote for Cincinnati’s Smale Riverfront Park here.

In USA Today's 2021 contest, Smale Riverfront Park landed in fifth place, with Detroit International RiverWalk taking home the prize.

A number of other Cincinnati landmarks nabbed honors from USA Today last year, including Fountain Square, ArtWorks murals, Cincinnati Art Museum and Cincinnati Zoo.


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