About the Project
The new outdoor playground at Sharon Woods offers an upgraded and welcoming play experience for all users. Located next to Sharon Centre, the new playground features adjacent parking and indoor restrooms, as well as nearby picnic areas and creek access.
Project Scope & Impact
At about 10,000 square feet, the new playground is over twice the size of the former playground at Sharon Centre and offers an inclusive, accessible play experience for children with a wide range of abilities. The playground reflects the unique character and landscape of Sharon Woods, drawing inspiration from the rocky outcrops, waterfalls of Sharon Creek Gorge and local wildlife such as birds and crayfish.
Project Timeline
| Activity | Date |
| Project Discovery | Summer 2022 |
| Schematic Design | Fall 2022 |
| Design Development | Fall/Winter 2022-23 |
| Final Design & Documentation | Spring/Summer 2023 |
| Custom Playground Equipment Fabrication | Fall/Winter 2023-24 |
| Construction | Spring-Fall 2024 |
Public Input
Great Parks received fantastic feedback from community members regarding the playground project. An initial public survey was launched in May 2020 to solicit feedback on desired features for the playground, such as slides, swings, shaded spaces, rest areas and places to climb and play. An interactive, in-person workshop was held at Sharon Woods on June 15 and 18, 2022, where kids were provided with materials to design and describe their ideal playground. From these surveys and workshops, several design concepts were developed. An online public survey in September 2022 helped determine the final playground design.
June 2022 Interactive Workshop Summary
Costs & Funding
The project was partially funded by a levy passed by Hamilton County residents in 2021. It is one of $101 million in critical infrastructure needs and $124 million in park improvement projects identified through a public master plan process. Levy funds will be leveraged with supplementary support from federal, state and local grant funding sources.