History - Anderson Park District

2024

2024 Year in Review Presentation

2023

In October 2023, after relocating their headquarters, Beech Acres Parenting Center sold the remaining 17 acres of their campus at 6881 Beechmont Avenue to the Anderson Park District. This property is adjacent to the current Beech Acres Park and brings the total acreage of Beech Acres Park to 44.5 acres for Anderson Township residents to recreate.
The last, new entrance signs installed at Kellogg Park and Laverty Park which marks new, matching signs at every park entrance.
Baseball dugout structures installed at the ball diamonds at Beech Acres Park and Riverside Park.
The first outdoor Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in Anderson Parks was installed at Riverside Park.
Pickleball courts at Clear Creek Park and tennis courts at Juilfs Park were renovated.
Eagle Scout Nolan Leist from Troop 694 installed fit course components at State & Nagel Park.
A third shelter, the Red Barn Shelter, was installed at Juilfs Park.
Veterans Park received new play units and new play pods.
Anderson Park District passed it’s first Capital levy on November 7 to fund park improvement projects.
“Anderson is the Place to Nest” was the Anderson Park District’s float theme in the Anderson Township’s 4^th of July Parade and won “Best Float.”
Colin Ramsey concluded his tenure as a Park Commissioner this year after serving on the Board of Park Commissioners since 2016.
Anderson Park District participation numbers:
- Kellogg Park Dog Field: 329 permit holders and 402 dogs
- Rentals: 414 shelter reservations and 590 Riverside Park All Weather Fields reservations
- Adult and youth athletic field users (reserved by 223 groups): 17,600
- Volunteers: 380 people volunteered 2,512 hours!
- Adult programs and leagues: 1,371
- Youth programs and leagues: 3,314
- Adult and family events: 10,879

2023 Year in Review Presentation

2022

New entrance signs were installed at Juilfs Park (electronic) and Beech Acres Park at the Salem entrance.
The RecPlex parking lot project (increased number of spots, better traffic flow, lights in the parking lot and landscaping) was completed.
The Beech Acres Playground resurfacing was completed.
Anderson Day Festival returned with a rejuvenated Anderson Foundation for Parks and Recreation Board of Directors.
A pedestrian access was constructed from Velvet Lane to enter Juilfs Park.
Eagle Scout Matthew Carpenter from Troop 694 installed the second hole locations to the front 9-hole disc golf course at W. M. Johnson Hills Park.
The landscaping on the W. M. Johnson Hills Park parking lot expansion was completed.
We bid fond farewell to the Bottlecaps to Benches program which resulted in 12 recycled benches in the Anderson Parks (1 at Juilfs Park, 3 at State & Nagel Park, and 8 at W. M. Johnson Hills Park).
Won “Best Float” in Anderson Township’s 4^th of July Parade promoting MariMac Pumpkin Patch as “Anderson is Batty for Parks.”
Anderson Park District participation numbers:
- Kellogg Park Dog Field: 368 permit holders and 463 dogs
- Rentals: 368 shelter reservations and 827 Riverside Park All Weather Fields reservations
- Adult and youth athletic field users (reserved by 201 groups): 19,021
- Volunteers: 259 people volunteered 2,494 hours!
- Adult programs and leagues: 919
- Youth programs and leagues: 2,159
- Adult and family events: 7,939

2022 Year in Review Presentation

2021

Ballfield dugout shade structures were installed at Veterans Park Ball Diamond and Juilfs Park Ball Diamonds #2 and #3 thanks to generous donations from the Anderson Foundation for Parks and Recreation and The Juilfs Foundation.
The parking lot in the park core at W. M. Johnson Hills Park was expanded to accommodate the increased daily visitors.
The basketball court at Veterans Park was renovated.
Replacement of the retaining wall behind Marty Brennaman Field at Juilfs Park.
Main office consolidation took place in May. The Juilfs Park office continues to be the APD’s Administrative Office. The RecPlex office serves as the main office.
The official ribbon cutting of the MariMac Outdoor Classroom at W. M. Johnson Hills Park took place in the fall. The MariMac Outdoor Classroom is the main hub for the APD’s nature programs.
Bike trail was extended at Clear Creek Park, connecting the driving range to the main trail. The trail project was a collaborative effort between Anderson Parks and Anderson Township through a Housing and Urban Development grant.
Eagle Scout Sameer Verma from Troop 112 installed a flagpole at State and Nagel Park. All Anderson Parks now have a flagpole.
“Pollinators Play in the Anderson Parks” was the Anderson Park District’s float theme in the Anderson Township’s 4^th of July Parade.
Anderson Park District participation numbers:
- Kellogg Park Dog Field: 451 permit holders and 538 dogs
- Rentals: 425 shelter reservations and 776 Riverside Park All Weather Fields reservations
- Adult and youth athletic field users (reserved by 185 groups): 23,699
- Volunteers: 185 people volunteered 2,037 hours!
- Adult programs and leagues: 1,090
- Youth programs and leagues: 1,990
- Adult and family events: 5,757
- Trees planted: 292
A special thanks to the many sponsors, partners, and community organizations for your continued support of Anderson Parks!
2021 Year in Review Presentation

2020

2019

2018

2017

Anderson Parks celebrates 42 years.
Park wins award for small government cash basis reports.
Johnson Hills Park Disc Golf Course Ribbon Cutting Celebration for the first 9 holes.
As part of the Phase I Plan, a major infrastructure improvement at Johnson Hills Park included a new vehicular access/entrance and driveway to the park off of Bridle Road. This new driveway leads to an ADA accessible main parking area.
Johnson Hills Park picnic grove project started.
Beech Acres Park ball diamonds were renovated.
Anderson Parks participated in the Google Trekker program to map park trails.
A family swing and new picnic table pods installed at Juilfs Park.
Park district wins “Best Float” again in Anderson Township’s 4th of July parade.
456 trees were planted throughout the park district; 46 trees were donated and planted at Johnson Hills Parks courtesy of Bruce Berno’s “Trees in Gratitude” program.
Park district participation numbers:
- Kellogg Park Dog Field: 372 permit holders and 448 dogs
- Rentals: 439 shelter reservations, 690 Riverside Park All Weather Fields reservations, and 313 Anderson Parks RecPlex reservations
- Adult and youth athletic field users (reserved by 223 groups): 13,776
- Volunteers: 392 people volunteered 4,538 hours!
- Teen programs: 874
- Adult programs and leagues: 1,023
- Youth programs and leagues: 4,677
- Adult and family events: 15,439

Sheila Fehn received the park district’s 22nd “Lonnie Bettle Service Award.” The award is named after former employee Lonnie Bettle, who worked with the district from 1988 to 1999 and was an exemplary employee, and performed his job diligently and admirably.
Volunteer volleyball Coach Jennifer Hamilton received the 2016/2017 “Chip Rosser Coaches Award.” The award is given annually to coaches in park district youth basketball and volleyball leagues in honor of the late Anderson Township resident Chip (Alan) Rosser, for his exemplary character and passion for youth sports.
A special thanks to the many sponsors, partners, and community organizations for your continued support of the park district!
2017 Year in Review (pdf)

2016

Park district’s operating levy passes! This levy allows Anderson Parks to continue to operate and maintain your parks for the next 10 years.
Park district turns 41.
Park district gets a new website! Site design is refreshed and is now mobile-friendly.
601 trees were planted throughout the park district; 33 donated trees were planted at Beech Acres and Johnson Hills Parks courtesy of Bruce Berno’s “Trees in Gratitude” program.
Little Miami Scenic Trail extension at Clear Creek Park is completed. The trail connects to the Beechmont Levee and the Little Miami Golf Center. Project partners include Anderson Township, Great Parks of Hamilton County and Ohio Department of Transportation.
Nine-hole disc golf course installed at Johnson Hills Park. Greater Cincinnati Flying Disc Association volunteered 250+ hours in the installation.
Eagle Scout Sebastien Castonguay of Troop 112 planned, fundraised, and installed a flag pole and bench pad at Laverty Park.
Park district wins “Best Float” in Anderson Township’s 4th of July parade.
Juilfs Park Playground Water Play area is finished! Funding made possible thanks to:
ODNR NatureWorks Grant, Anderson Foundation for Parks and Recreation and Juilfs Foundation.
Basketball Court at Juilfs Park gets a facelift thanks to funding from the Juilfs Foundation.
Park district participation numbers:
- Kellogg Park Dog Field: 332 permit holders and 406 dogs
- Rentals: 375 shelter reservations, 699 Riverside Park All Weather Fields reservations, and 424 Anderson Parks RecPlex reservations
- Adult and youth athletic field users (reserved by 236 groups): 15,785
- Volunteers: 474 people volunteered 5,103 hours!
- Teen programs: 1,046
- Adult programs and leagues: 1,724
- Youth programs and leagues: 4,833
- Adult and family events: 12,129

Assistant Director received the park district’s 21st “Lonnie Bettle Service Award.” The award is named after former employee Lonnie Bettle, who worked with the district from 1988 to 1999 and was an exemplary employee, and performed his job diligently and admirably.
Volunteer basketball Coach Steve Withers received the 2015/2016 “Chip Rosser Coaches Award.” The award is given annually to coaches in park district youth basketball and volleyball leagues in honor of the late Anderson Township resident Chip (Alan) Rosser, for his exemplary character and passion for youth sports.
Special acknowledgement to park staff member Elsa Basler, who was recognized as a Honorary Park Advocate.
Park district bid farewell to long-time Board members Nadine Gelter and Dale Bartholomew, and welcomed new board members Dominic Wolfer and Colin Ramsey.
A special thanks to the many sponsors, partners, and community organizations for your continued support of the park district!
2016 Year in Review (pdf)

2015

2014

2,035 trees were planted throughout the park district.
A permeable paver parking lot was installed at Clear Creek Park. This project was financed in part or totally through a grant from the State of Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Environmental Protection Agency, under the provisions of Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act.
Completed Eagle Scout project included a flag pole at Clear Creek Park by Anthony Perkins.
Park district wins “Best Neighborhood or Organization” float in the Anderson Township 4th of July Parade. The park district has held this title five out of the last six years!
Park district participation numbers:
- Kellogg Park Dog Field Permits: 383
- Volunteers: 437 volunteered 5,668 hours!
- Teen activities: 1,503
- Adult activities: 1,454
- Youth activities: 4,714
- Adult and youth athletic field users (reserved by 249 groups): 14,324
- Facility reservations: 418 rentals served 21,335 patrons!
- Adult and family events: 14,978
- New activities and program updates:
  - Better Babysitters
  - Celebration to Remember (formerly Run to Remember 5k)
  - Geocaching
  - Mini Sluggers
  - Rookie Lacrosse
  - Stories and S’mores
The Board of Park Commissioners were the recipients of the park district’s 19th “Lonnie Bettle Service Award”. The award is named after former employee Lonnie Bettle, who worked with the district from 1988 to 1999 and was an exemplary employee, and performed his job diligently and admirably.
A special thanks to the many sponsors, partners, and community organizations for your continued support of the park district!
2014 Year in Review (pdf)

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

The APD works with the Ohio River Trail Committee on the feasibility study for the proposed, multi-use trail.
The APD fulfills obligations to Anderson Township Administration for the development of Riverside & Clear Creek Parks, the Bicentennial Legacies deemed by the Township Trustees to be substantially complete & serviceable according to the agreement for the land donation.
The APD is notified of the bequest of William McNeilan Johnson Hills Park, a gem of 137 acres consisting of rolling hills & wooded terrain. The land is due to change hands early in 2000 and will not be immediately accessible to visitors until a future, to be determined date.
The APD begins the Strategic Planning Process; community input is gathered through focus groups, a public hearing & a random written survey.
The APD works with Job Corps for the reconstruction of a green house installed at the Operations Center.
Volunteers contributed 6,500 service hours to the various APD programs, events, maintenance & projects.
The APD achieves another year of successful programs & events, including some of the following highlights:
- The APD serves as a major partner by providing leadership & coordination for the 1st annual, community-wide event – Anderson Days…It’s a Blast!
- 5,090 local teens participate in seven Jr. High Park Parties.
- The ORBiTeR becomes the Ohio River Trail Blaze, expanding to include running, in-line skating and bicycling, in an effort to raise awareness for the proposed, multi-use trail.
- The APD establishes a partnership with Anderson Youth Softball (AYS) in order to provide area girls with an opportunity to play Fast Pitch Softball – 5 teams participate.
- The first Concerts in the Park take place at Clear Creek Park.
- The popular Easter Egg Hunt is attended by over 2,500 people at a new site, Riverside Park, under extreme adverse weather conditions.
- The APD participates in the Great American Cleanup.

1998

The APD wins the ‘Special Project / Management Innovation Award’ from the Ohio Parks & Recreation Association for ‘The Oasis’ project at Clear Creek Park.
The APD is awarded a grant from the Anderson Foundation for Parks and Recreation and the Juilfs Foundation to construct 3 tennis courts at Juilfs Park, providing the first courts in the Anderson Park System.
The APD is awarded a grant for Kellogg Park from the Anderson Foundation for Parks & Recreation.

1997

Goodbye old friend… August 31 marks the expiration of the Nagel Park lease; construction on the FHSD Nagel Middle School begins shortly after.
Forest Park gets a new name, Veterans Park, and a face lift with the assistance of a Natureworks Grant.
The APD purchases 25 acres for Beech Acres Park, which it had previously leased & maintained for four years.

1994

Development begins at Clear Creek & Riverside Parks.
Juilfs Park undergoes a significant expansion project which includes updating the playground, enlarging the parking lots, increasing meeting and summer camp capacity & the addition of public restrooms.

1993

Anderson Township Bicentennial Celebration provides the initiative for the acquisition & development of additional park land. The APD, with early assistance from the Greater Anderson Bicentennial Commission and the Anderson Township trustees, was afforded the opportunity to expand the park facilities by adding Clear Creek Park & Riverside Park.
The APD purchases 11 acres, called ROCE, for the headquarters for the District’s Operations facility.
The APD begins to maintain & manage the Firehouse Fields, which is owned by the Anderson Township Government.
The APD begins to maintain & manage the Beech Acres fields, owned by Beech Acres – The General Protestant Orphans Home.

1992

A replacement tax levy is passed for current operation and to allow for future development.

1989

Kellogg Park opens; the Anderson Township Trustees donated the 13 acres.

1986

Anderson Township celebrates the grand opening of Juilfs Park on July 19.
The APD wins the ‘Facility Award, $0-& 75,000’ category for the Juilfs Park Playground.

1983

The remaining 18 acres of Juilfs Park are purchased from the Juilfs Foundation.

1980

Elizabeth Juilfs donates the south 8 acres of Juilfs Park.

1978

Nagel Park is dedicated, marking the APD’s first park building venture.
11 acres are purchased for Forest Park (later renamed Veterans Park).
By court order, 2 parcels of land totaling 15 acres are acquired for Laverty Park.

1977

An agreement is signed by the APD & the Forest Hills School District (FHSD) to allow the residents of Anderson to enjoy the 39 acres of school property as Nagel Park until the FHSD needed the land to build a school.

1976

Operations begin.

1975

The APD is created by the passage of a referendum.