Great Parks works to provide inclusive access to natural spaces for all, as outlined by our Master Plan priorities identified by Hamilton County community members. The plan calls for Great Parks to add programming for diverse audiences and expand access for all users. Some of the ways we support these goals is through providing community-specific programming and participating in and sponsoring diverse external organizations.
Community Access
Community Access
Celebrating and Supporting Our Community
Community Access
Motor vehicle permits are not required on the following days to support access to parks within our communities.
- Monday, Jan. 20 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Monday, Feb. 17 – Random Acts of Kindness Day
- Tuesday, April 22 – Earth Day
- Saturday, May 17 – Kids to Parks Day
- Saturday, June 7 – National Trails Day
- Thursday, June 19 – Juneteenth
- Thursday, July 17 – Great Parks' Birthday
- Saturday, Sept. 27 – National Public Lands Day
- Tuesday, Nov. 11 - Veterans Day
- Friday, Nov. 28 – Opt Outside Day.
Additionally, through various programs, armed forces veterans, library cardholders, college and university students and residents with a valid food assistance card can gain free or discounted entry into parks and facilities.
United States (U.S.) Armed Forces
Great Parks values the commitment and sacrifice of U.S. Armed Forces members.
- 20% off greens fees at all Great Parks golf courses (valid Monday-Thursday, excluding holidays)
- One (1) complimentary riding cart at all Great Parks golf courses (valid Veterans Day only)
- 20% off non-motorized boat rentals (valid Monday-Friday, excluding holidays)
- 20% off campsite rentals at Miami Whitewater Forest and Winton Woods (valid Sunday-Thursday, excluding holidays; camping cabins not eligible for discount)
- 50% off daily fishing tickets at Lake Isabella (valid Monday-Thursday, excluding holidays)
- Free Motor Vehicle Permit
Guests currently serving on active duty or in the reserves, as well as honorably or medically discharged veterans, may apply for a free Motor Vehicle Permit (MVP). Eligible applicants receive one (1) MVP by mail, valid for a two-year period.
Applications received after Oct. 1 are considered for the next two-year cycle. To apply, complete the application form and include proof of eligibility. Reapplication is required every two years.
Applicants must upload the following documentation associated with your status:
Active Duty, Reservists & National Guard: Valid military ID
Veterans: Department of Defense Form 214 (DD 214)
Providing Access For All Guests
Great Parks participates in several community programs to provide guests access to our 22 parks and conservation areas at a reduced or free cost, including:
- Cincinnati Hamilton County Public Library Discovery Pass Program
- Valid Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library cardholders 18 years of age and older can reserve a Motor Vehicle Pass on the library's website at https://chpl.org/services/discovery-pass/. The pass must be printed and displayed in the visitor's car, and it is good for the date on the pass only.
- Ohio EBT Card (Ohio Direction Card)
- Hamilton County residents with a valid food assistance card may receive a free annual Motor Vehicle Permit. Visit any location listed above and show your Ohio EBT Card (Ohio Direction Card) to a Great Parks team member. One MVP is issued per EBT Card.
- Hamilton County College & University Students
- Students currently enrolled in a Hamilton County college or university are eligible for the resident rate when purchasing a Motor Vehicle Permit. Visit any location listed above and show your student ID to a Great Parks team member. Each student ID is eligible for one discounted MVP.Hamilton County Colleges & Universities:
- Art Academy of Cincinnati
- Art Institute of Cincinnati
- Chatfield College – Findlay Market Campus
- Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science
- Cincinnati School of Medical Massage
- Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
- DeVry University
- God's Bible School and College
- Good Samaritan College of Nursing & Health Science
- Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion
- Lane Theological Seminary
- Mount St. Joseph University
- Ohio Center for Broadcasting - Cincinnati
- Southern Ohio College
- The Athenaeum of Cincinnati
- The Christ College of Nursing
- Union Institute and University
- University of Cincinnati
- Xavier University
- Students currently enrolled in a Hamilton County college or university are eligible for the resident rate when purchasing a Motor Vehicle Permit. Visit any location listed above and show your student ID to a Great Parks team member. Each student ID is eligible for one discounted MVP.Hamilton County Colleges & Universities:
- Highfield Discovery Garden
- Great Parks recognizes the cost of admission to Highfield Discovery Garden can be a barrier for some guests. To let all families enjoy this children’s garden, guests with a valid food assistance card (Ohio Direction Card or Ohio EBT card) can receive free admission to Highfield Discovery Garden on regular operating days. Stop into Cotswold Visitor Centre and show your valid food assistance card and state-issued photo ID for entry. Guests receive admission for four individuals per card, per visit. Guests can visit Highfield Discovery Garden as many times as they would like; there are no limits on daily visits throughout the year.
Senior Discounts
Senior discounts are available at golf courses, Lake Isabella and programs for the continued enjoyment of Great Parks destinations.
Golf discounts vary by course as noted below:
- Little Miami Golf Course: All Days $10-$12
- Meadow Links & Golf Academy: All Days $11.75
- Miami Whitewater Golf Course: Mon. - Thu. $14.75 - $22
- Sharon Woods Golf Course: Mon. - Thu. $15 - $22.50
- The Mill Course: Mon. - Thu. $14.75 - $22
- The Vineyard: Mon. - Thu. $16.50 - $24
Lake Isabella fishing pass:
- 12 Hour Senior Ticket: $11.25
- 12 Hour Senior Trout Ticket: $16.25
- Chart Room: Wednesdays only free use
Program discounts (per person):
- Special program fee: $7.00
- Standard program fee: $9.00
- Premium program fee: $10.00
Celebrating Our Community
Everyone Belongs in Parks
Great Parks' Master Plan priority, created in partnership with the community, calls to provide inclusive access to natural spaces for all. Some of the ways we support this goal is by hosting and participating in community programs, events and more, including:
- Hispanic Heritage Festival
- Out in the Outdoors
- Women in the Outdoors
- Employee Veterans Day Tree Planting
- Black Family Reunion
- Reds Opening Day Parade
- Japan America Society of Greater Cincinnati
- Ohio Farm Bureau
- and many more
Great Parks' commitment to inclusion promotes access to natural spaces for all people throughout the region.
