Photograph by Sarah McCosham
Have you been to a Great Park lately? No, I’m not talking about a great park—the kind of place where you can enjoy a stroll with a friend or perhaps an ambitious jog—no, I’m talking about a Great Park. As in one of the Great Parks of Hamilton County.
We’re so lucky here in the Queen City. Not only do we have the eponymous Cincinnati Parks, but we also have a bonus park system: Great Parks of Hamilton County. Established in 1930, the system now includes 18 parks and four conservation areas across the county. In total, Great Parks manages over 18,000 acres, with more than 80 percent of that acreage designated as natural areas.
Photograph by Sarah McCosham
Winton Woods, though not the OG Great Park (that honor goes to Sharon Woods) nor the largest (Miami Whitewater, whatsup?), is easily the crown jewel of the parks system, and one my family visits time and time again. Between the golf (shout out to my MIL who’s a beast on the 9- and 18-hole courses!), variety of water recreation, fitness trails, playground, and idyllic Parky’s Farm, Winton Woods truly has something for every age, interest, and ability.
I was reacquainted with Winton Woods a few weeks ago during the annual Outdoor Adventure Expo; both Tony and Harvey enrolled in the event’s 5k race as a mid-summer training goal. In the last few years, Tony McCosham has become a regular in Cincinnati’s most iconic races—I see you, Flying Pig!—while Harvey’s been earning his badges in our local school’s “Milers” program. On a balmy summer Saturday (it’s not the heat…it’s the humidity), father and son set off on a 3.12-mile jaunt while my teen, tween, and growing-up-too-fast 6-year-old cheered from the sidelines.
The race was over in an instant (parenting metaphor?) and then we set out to explore. Disc golf was our activity of choice, followed by a fun nature walk, and, of course, quick romp on the playground. Because we were there for the Expo, Pearl and Harvey had access to a climbing wall, which was the icing on the cake.
Photograph by Sarah McCosham
All of this fun cost us just $10—the annual vehicle fee for Hamilton County residents—plus the race entry, which, just like the vehicle permit, helps fund the marvelous programs and activities this great parks system provides.
Summer’s somehow almost over and another school year is upon us. While I have no idea how that happened, what I do know is this: The memories we make with our families are what count, and Great Parks of Hamilton County are where these kinds of long-lasting, soul-imprinting memories are made.
Winton Woods, 10245 Winton Rd., Greenhills
Photograph by Sarah McCosham
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