Great Parks of Hamilton County joins the Riverway Coalition

Great Parks of Hamilton County has joined the Great Miami Riverway Coalition. Announced at the 2020 Great Miami Riverway Mini-Summit on Friday, Great Parks became the first organization in Hamilton County and the fourth park district to join the coalition. The coalition works to promote riverfront investment and economic development along a 99-mile section of the Great Miami River.

“Great Parks is thrilled to be a member of a growing collaboration that encourages use of recreational assets and the strengthening of river corridor communities,” says Todd Palmeter, CEO of Great Parks. “Great Parks currently protects nearly 8 miles of land along the Great Miami River that will help to connect surrounding communities with greenspace and blueways.”

The coalition includes many of the cities and entities between Hamilton and Sidney, including the Miami County Park District, the Miami Conservancy District, and the City of Hamilton.

A few of the Riverway’s recent  activities include an online trail conditions map that allows users of the bike and water trails to check conditions before they go out, digital commercials to promote the region that will air throughout Ohio and surrounding states, and installation of 150 signs highlighting key attractions and connections throughout the region.  Tourism of the Great Miami Riverway supports 9,110 jobs and represents a $773 million economic impact.

“We are tied together by a common thread - the Great Miami Riverway,” says Duane Gaier, City of Sidney, chair of the Riverway Coalition. “By bringing our communities together, we have seen a number of innovative ideas emerge over the past years to promote and improve the region and not just individual cities.”

“Our role at the Riverway is to act as a catalyst for telling our communities’ stories, and for connecting the puzzle pieces of this region to create a compelling narrative for residents, visitors, and future residents,” says Dan Foley, Great Miami Riverway director. “I am encouraged by the positive responses we are receiving from our residents, highlighted by each new partner that joins the Coalition.”

The Great Miami Riverway is building a strong, vibrant network of communities—connected by 99 miles of river—by increasing economic and community investment to attract more visitors, customers, jobs, and talented workers to southwest Ohio. www.greatmiamiriverway.com