Cincinnati Parks unveils plans for new Sawyer Point playground
Cincinnati Parks recently unveiled the initial designs for the forthcoming Sawyer Point playground, intended to replace the 1,000 Hands Playground that tragically succumbed to a fire in 2024. This new project is expected to cost $2.1 million and is slated for a grand opening in the spring of 2027. Teaming up with Midstates Recreation, a renowned company specializing in crafting natural playgrounds, Cincinnati Parks aims to create a novel and engaging play space for the community.
The blueprint for this revitalized playground was heavily influenced by the valuable input garnered from close to 500 area residents earlier this year. The feedback emphasized various crucial factors such as a strong connection to the riverfront, safety provisions like adequate shade and secure fencing, as well as a thematic focus on riverboats, nature, local wildlife, and the industrial history of Cincinnati. Eager to involve the public in the decision-making process, Parks Director Jason Barron expressed the significance of creating a beloved and distinctive asset that truly embodies the spirit of Cincinnati.
The local community has underscored the importance of accessibility and inclusivity, which are being prioritized in the new playground’s design. Collaborating with a seasoned landscape architect, Cincinnati Parks is diligently working on incorporating accessible pathways throughout the park area surrounding the playground. The preliminary sketches of the playground’s centerpiece have been unveiled, with plans to incorporate additional features in subsequent iterations. Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts and suggestions via a survey available until December 14, 2025, to help shape the final design.
To fund this ambitious $2.1 million project, the Cincinnati Parks Foundation is actively raising funds through a combination of public and private sources. With the project’s design phase expected to be completed by early 2026, the construction timeline anticipates a spring 2027 opening. Custom fabrication of play equipment is projected to take six to eight months, with construction and installation following suit once all necessary funding is secured.
The original 1,000 Hands Playground, which originally opened in 2003 at Sawyer Point Park, was a beloved community asset featuring a river theme with a plethora of engaging elements. Unfortunately, the playground fell victim to a devastating fire in 2024, leading to the arrest of four individuals implicated in the incident. Despite this setback, the community remains steadfast in its commitment to revitalizing this cherished space for future generations to enjoy.