Cincinnati residents gathered on Saturday to celebrate the completion of the latest expansion of Smale Riverfront Park, a milestone that turns a once‑underdeveloped stretch of riverfront into a premier public space. The project, which surrounds the Andrew J. Brady Music Center, concludes a seven‑year effort to create a continuous sandstone corridor from the Cincinnati Lager House to Paycor Stadium.
Vice Mayor Jan‑Michele Kearney highlighted the park’s origins, recalling a $20 million donation from the Smale family that turned “what was a mud pit” into a vibrant park. “Vibrant cities are created by vibrant parks,” Kearney said, echoing the family’s vision.
Cincinnati Parks Director Jason Baron described the new sandstone wall along the southern edge as completing “Mehring Way” and giving the riverfront a cohesive, attractive look. The expansion adds extensive granite and greenery, enhancing both aesthetics and pedestrian connectivity.
The development was funded largely by private generosity. More than $4.5 million was raised from over 50 local families and corporations, according to WLWT. For the Smale family, the project holds personal significance. Lisa Diedrichs, daughter of Cathy and John Smale, said the expansion honors her mother’s commitment to the legacy of her parents, describing it as “a labor of love.”
Economic analysts estimate that Smale Riverfront Park and its surrounding area generate about $2.5 billion in direct and indirect impact for Cincinnati, underscoring the park’s role as an engine of growth and tourism.
City officials emphasized that the park is now fully open to the public, offering residents and visitors new opportunities for recreation, concerts, and community gatherings. The completion marks the final chapter of the multi‑year riverfront revitalization, positioning the area as a centerpiece of Cincinnati’s cultural and economic life.
What’s next? The city will continue to monitor park usage and its economic contributions while planning additional riverfront programming and events to keep the space active and vibrant for all Cincinnati families.
