Photograph by Sarah McCosham
Sharon Woods is a tried-and-true Cincinnati classic that’s been a go-to for families since before I was born (a.k.a., prehistoric times). The park’s old-school features were always part of its appeal; in a world of nature playscapes and sleek, technicolor jungle gyms, the playgrounds at Sharon Woods have always been refreshingly no-frills and reliable.
But it’s 2024 (almost 2025), and Sharon Woods has entered a new era.
This fall, the Great Park debuted a brand-new, 10,000-square-foot playground, a space over twice the size of the former playground at Sharon Centre. The new playground offers an inclusive, accessible play experience for children with a wide range of abilities, a newfangled experience that’s balanced with the kind of “playscape” features aimed at encouraging imaginative play and interaction with nature.
Photograph by Sarah McCosham
In a nod to its roots, the new playground reflects the unique character and landscape of Sharon Woods, drawing inspiration from the rocky outcrops, waterfalls of Sharon Creek Gorge, and native wildlife. Somehow, the design masterminds of this project managed to integrate nature into the bones of this new playground; bird nest play structures, a crayfish-inspired climber, and dragonfly wobble boards beckon busy kids and stoke curiosity. (You know what else stokes their curiosity? The indoor nature displays at the Sharon Center! My kids always get a kick out of the live animals inside this cozy ranger station.)
Sharon Woods is just a couple of miles down the road from us, but if it’s not your go-to Great Park, hold tight! Great Parks is also planning future improvements for play spaces at Miami Whitewater Forest, Sharon Woods Harbor, Winton Woods, and Woodland Mound.
Photograph by Sarah McCosham
My kids might be getting older, but they’re still up for a trip to the playground, especially a new playground. With this revamp—a $3 million project—Sharon Woods has successfully entered its 2025 era.
Sharon Woods, 11450 Lebanon Rd., Sharonville
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