About Great Parks
Great Parks of Hamilton County was created in 1930 with the mission to preserve and protect natural resources and to provide outdoor recreation and education in order to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations. Great Parks manages 22 parks and conservation areas spanning over 18,000 acres across Hamilton County. It is a political subdivision of the State of Ohio, governed by a Board of Park Commissioners. The five board members serve without compensation and are appointed by the Judge of Probate Court of Hamilton County.
About the Levies
In 2016 and 2021, Hamilton County residents voted to approve 10-year levies. The effective period of these levies ranges from 2017 – 2026 and from 2022 – 2031.
The 2016 1 mill replacement levy provides approximately $2.58 million per year for capital projects. Outside funding through our recreational revenue streams, Motor Vehicle Permit sales, State and Federal grants, and philanthropic support through private donations offset the gap in funding.
The 2021 0.95 mill levy funds approximately 76% of the $101 million in critical infrastructure needs and approximately 56% of the $124 million in park improvements identified through the master plan process. Outside funding through our recreational revenue streams, Motor Vehicle Permit sales, State and Federal grants, and our philanthropic support through donations, including the Go Big! $50 million capital campaign launched in 2022 to help offset the gap in funding.
Why did Great Parks need additional funding? This step forward was part of a multi-year vision and master plan process that addresses the needs of Hamilton County residents, including preserving greenspaces, protecting natural resources, resolving critical infrastructure issues, and improving parks and facilities.
What does the 2016 levy funding support? The 1 mill levy allows Great Parks to continue operating park activities, services, and programs and consistent staffing levels. It also addressed critical infrastructure and capital asset needs such as:
- Upgrade, improve, enhance existing facilities and increase accessibility
- Protect, preserve and restore natural resources and wildlife habitat
- Improve the water quality and enhance the recreational use of Sharon Lake
- Upgrades and improvements to paved and natural surface trails
- Continue to lead the region in planning for current and future shared-use trails
- Playground upgrades and enhancements
- Upgrading nature education and interpretive exhibits
- Improvement and upgrades to infrastructure including roadways, parking lots, bridges, dams, building and park utilities
What does the additional funding of the 2021 levy support? Approximately 76% of existing critical infrastructure needs including:
- Natural resource management and restoration
- Building repairs and renovations
- Paved roads, trails, golf cart paths, and parking lots
- Dam and bridge maintenance
- Playground improvements
- Recreational facilities
- Property boundary surveys
- Nature center exhibits
- Signage improvements
- Utilities – water, electric, technology, wastewater treatment, and stormwater
Approximately 56% of new park and facility master plan priorities including:
- New trails
- New regional trails
- Blueways
- Revitalized harbors
- New camping experiences
- Improved disc golf courses
- Improved play experiences
- New major buildings
- Restored habitat
- Green stormwater retrofits
- Mature forests management
- Werk Road Property improvements
The master plan priorities represent one-third of the total projects that resulted from the public input process.
2024 Budget
How much do the levies cost? Homeowners in Hamilton County pay $35.00 per year ($2.92 per month) based on the market value of a $100,000 residential property for the 2016 1 mill replacement levy and $33.25 per year ($2.77 per month) based on the market value of a $100,000 residential property for the 2021 .95 mill levy. Levy rates do not increase as property rates increase.