CINCINNATI – City leaders joined Westwood residents on Thursday, June 28 to celebrate the start of the transformative Westwood Town Hall project.

Mayor Cranley, Acting City Manager Patrick Duhaney, members of City Council, community members, the Board of Park Commissioners and the Cincinnati Recreation Commission (CRC) took part in the formal groundbreaking for the development project in the heart of Westwood. The renovation of the Westwood Town Hall Park is part of a larger project including the construction of a new home for the Madcap Puppet Theater.

This project will provide a unique new playground, a plaza and community gathering space, new landscape, the addition of terraced seating, and a dog park. The recreation center in the park is operated by the CRC while the park is maintained by the Cincinnati Park Board.

Construction is planned for completion in April 2019.

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"I am thrilled to see the continued revitalization of Westwood. " said Mayor Cranley. "Westwood Town Hall will be the centerpiece for this neighborhood that all families can access and enjoy. Westwood is on the rise and its growth is a testament to all the work this community has put into their neighborhood."

“I am very pleased with how this has come together. Using our park spaces to build better lives and better communities is what we are all about. I want to thank the various project partners who have come together to make these community improvements possible,” said Wade Walcutt, Director, Cincinnati Parks.

This project will enhance the Westwood business district and was widely supported by the Westwood community. “After years of community input, the neighborhood of Westwood is excited for the revitalization of our Town Hall grounds to begin," said Henry Frondorf, Westwood Coalition.

The Westwood Townhall project also represents a strong collaboration between CRC and the Cincinnati Board of Park Commissioners.

“CRC is excited to be partnering with our sister agency the ‘Park Board,’ said Daniel Betts, Director, Cincinnati Recreation Commission. He continued, “this renovation leverages and compliments the recreational programming offered through one of CRC's most historic community recreation facilities. CRC, the Cincinnati Park Board and our local partners will continue to work together to make sure the new amenities are accessible and used to enhance citizens quality of life.”

Project Partners

• City of Cincinnati
• Cincinnati Board of Park Commissioners
• Cincinnati Recreation Commission
• Westwood Coalition
• Westwood Works
• Westwood Community Redevelopment Corporation
• Cincinnati Landmark Productions and Madcap Puppets
• US Bank
• Cincinnati Development Fund

Programming During Construction

Programming is planned to continue, however, during construction there will be some temporary disruptions and program postponements, which staff are working to minimize. During construction the Sunday Spins at the Brewery program will be postponed as there is not a safe way to transport the spin bikes. Other programs being postponed during construction include Deck the Hall and Madcap Puppet Show performances.

During construction, the site will be fenced off from the public, but pedestrians will be able to access the recreation center from both the Montana Avenue side of the site and from Harrison Avenue. There will be short-term, on-street parking and drop-off space available on Harrison Avenue, and parking for recreation center patrons will be provided at a parking lot at the corner of Urwiler Harrison avenues.

For programming updates feel free to call 513.352.4000, or visit the Cincinnati Recreation Commission website.