Firm Selected to Build the New Sawyer Point Playground - We Want Your Feedback

Cincinnati Parks has chosen Midstates Recreation, a firm specializing in signature play spaces for children of all ages and abilities, as the contractor to design and build the replacement for the iconic 1,000 Hands Playground in Sawyer Point Park, which was suddenly and tragically lost to a massive fire late last year. The project represents a generational opportunity to create a uniquely Cincinnati, dynamic amenity for park users of all ages and a wide range of abilities to enjoy for many years to come. Midstates was chosen in part because they are the exclusive provider of Earthscape, who create inspiring natural playgrounds offering creative play opportunities fostering engaging social interactions.

Sawyer Point is one of the most heavily trafficked parks in Cincinnati, playing host to many signature events every year, such as Oktoberfest, the Black Family Reunion, and the Pride Festival, among others. Cincinnati Parks plans to replace the destroyed playground with a new playground that is equally iconic and exciting for children throughout the region to enjoy.

• Timeline. While the plan is to build as quickly as possible, quality will not be sacrificed. The goal is to open the new playground as soon as possible. However, the design process and custom, hand-built pieces take longer to create. Updates on the timeline will be provided as the project comes into clearer focus in the coming months.
• Cost. Based upon recent playground projects, market analysis, and the unique components envisioned, the project is estimated to cost between $1.9 and $2.1 Million. A combination of public and private dollars will need to be identified. Anyone interested in making a donation to support the new playground should contact the official philanthropic partner of Cincinnati Parks, the Cincinnati Parks Foundation, today.
• Location. Parks staff conducted a location study of Sawyer Point to determine the best location and selected the area east of the 471 bridge to the south of the volleyball courts and pickleball/tennis courts. This location offers between 11,000 and 14,000 sq ft and is centrally located within Sawyer Point with close connectivity to the Kroger Promenade, the P&G stage, the volleyball courts, the tennis and pickleball courts, the Schott Amphitheater, and the skating rink.
• Themes, Features & Your Feedback. Before the formal design process gets underway, ideas from the community are being sought about how best to create something fantastic, serving as a distinctive source of lasting pride for all of Cincinnati. The public is invited to take a few minutes to share ideas about project themes and elements via this brief survey.

“This is about resiliency. We intend to bring a truly iconic playground back to Sawyer Point that will be home to countless future adventures for Cincinnati kids.” Said Jason Barron Cincinnati Parks Director. He continued, “There’s no doubt the fire was a gut punch. But now we have an amazing opportunity to build something truly iconic that kids will be begging their parents to visit again and again.”

About the Destroyed Playground

Constructed in 2003, the 1000 Hands Playground was the premier playground for one of Cincinnati’s premier parks. The 10,500 sq. ft. space offered extensive ADA considerations, including ramps for mobility impaired children, and enrichment components designed specifically for the visually and hearing impaired. The custom amenity featured a river theme with distinctive slides, tunnels, paddlewheel and tall stacks, as well as a rock-climbing wall, mazes, swings, and a small finger park inviting children to bring their own toys to the miniature town of “Playville.” The project was the result of donations by several Cincinnati families, companies, and philanthropic partners. The 21-year-old playground remained popular until its destruction and was a staple in the countless regionwide events taking place along Cincinnati’s riverfront.