It includes three life-size bronze figures, relief panels, and the names of all soldiers in the Black Brigade. On September 9, 2012, during the 150th anniversary of the 1862 defense of Cincinnati, the monument was dedicated in the park’s East Tree Grove. John Hebenstreit is also the sculptor for the Ezzard Charles statue in Laurel Park. John, the former Chairman of Proctor and Gamble, presented a 20 million dollar gift to the Cincinnati Parks Foundation for the construction of a park in memory of his late wife, who spent decades trying to raise funds for the city’s green spaces. established the concept and design approach for the monument and worked with diverse team of local artists including sculptors John Hebenstreit and Carolyn Manto, creative writer Tyrone Williams, and graphic designer Erik Brown. Smale Riverfront Park was named in honor of John G. Then, after a public outcry, 718 African-American men volunteered for the service and formed The Black Brigade-which, alongside many other local soldiers, successfully built the critical fortifications in Northern Kentucky. Initially, members of the Black Brigade were forced into service. The Black Brigade was formed in 1862 to construct barricades to defend Cincinnati from Confederate attack. Did you know that Cincinnati Parks has over 90 pieces of public art throughout the city?ĭuring Black History Month, we couldn’t think of a better collection of public art pieces to highlight, than those at the Black Brigade Monument in the John G. Smale Riverfront Park, 166 W.Every month we will be highlighting a piece of public art within YOUR Cincinnati Parks system to celebrate the newest edition, the Ezzard Charles statue, which will be erected in Laurel Park this October.

It’s a Cincinnati icon a place my kids will surely return with their own kids someday. Smale Riverfront Park is every Cincinnati kid’s dream come true: part water park, part playground, with a carousel thrown in for good measure.

Of course, on a hot summer day in the Queen City, there’s nothing better than a good, old-fashioned splash park, and the various water features, giant interactive auger, and fountains at Smale never disappoint. This piano is huge, and kids will absolutely love running up and down the keys…though they probably won’t get the film reference. You know that scene in Big where Tom Hanks crushes it with the toe tap piano? You can totally reenact that scene at Smale Park.

The larger-than-life fun continues with Smale’s massive, playable piano. Speaking of which, this span covers a larger-than-life checkers board, a game my kids always (mysteriously) seem to win. Must-visit spots at this waterfront park include the rope bridge at the Adventure Playground and really, the entire Adventure Playground, which boasts an Insta-perfect photo op of the iconic Roebling Suspension Bridge. The Real Taco Fest is returning to Cincinnati's Smale Park in May The Real Taco Fest brings taco vendors and more to Smale Park in Cincinnati. CINCINNATI Smale Riverfront Park is known as the gateway to Cincinnati’s downtown with an indoor carousel, splash pads and porch swings along 45 acres between Great American Ball Park. Smale has been a regular on our summer parks rotation for years now a destination that’s always met with an enthusiastic chorus of approval. It’s easy to see why between the different playgrounds (P&G go Vibrantscape, River Play, Heekin Family/PNC Grow up Great Adventure Playground, Fath Fountain), always-happening events, and endless green spaces perfect for eating and relaxing, this is a Cincinnati park that just oozes Cincy kid appeal. Located right on the river in downtown Cincinnati, Smale has become a presence in the Queen City’s iconic riverfront since opening a decade ago.

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