APD History
2024
- The first APD capital tax levy passed in 2023. The 1.0 mill, 25-year tax levy is dedicated to improvement projects in the parks focused on the 6 Ps: Paths, Potties, Parking, Playgrounds, Pickleball, and Playability. The following capital levy projects were completed in 2024:
- Riverside All Weather Fields #1 & 2 were replaced and a new All Weather Field (#3) with lights was constructed as well as a new trail extension around AWF #3.
- The Veterans Park parking lot was expanded and renovated along with a trail extension.
- The six cottages were removed from the previous Beech Acres Parenting Center property and the maintenance and recreation garages were renovated.
- A trail extension was completed to link the existing walking trail to the newly acquired property at Beech Acres Park.
- The Marty Brennaman Field at Juilfs Park was converted from a dirt infield to a synthetic turf material.
- AEDs are accessible in 7 Anderson Parks:
- Beech Acres Park, restroom building
- Clear Creek Park:
- Oasis by the shelter
- Building by the driving range/pickleball courts
- Juilfs Park, on the building by the restrooms
- Kellogg Park, restroom building
- Riverside Park:
- All Weather Field press box
- Restroom building
- All Weather Field #3
- Veterans Park, restroom building
- W. M. Johnson Hills Park, MariMac Manor (house)
- Updates made to the tees at the Disc Golf course at W. M Johnson Hills Park.
- “Anderson Parks is a Home Run” was the Anderson Park District’s float theme in the Anderson Township’s 4th of July Parade.
- 2024 welcomed three new Board of Park Commissioner: Amy Broghamer (replaced Colin Ramsey who served 7 years), Richard Shelley and Jeff Rosa (replaced Dominic Wolfer who served 8 years and Tom Turchiano who served 12 years).
- Anderson Park District participation numbers:
- Kellogg Park Dog Field: 292 permit holders and 361 dogs
- Rentals: 394 shelter reservations and 590 Riverside Park All Weather Fields reservations
- Adult and youth athletic field users (reserved by 247 groups): 18,260
- Volunteers: 404 people volunteered 3,109 hours!
- Adult programs and leagues: 1,379
- Youth programs and leagues: 3,364
- Adult and family events: 11,146
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 4th 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
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 4th 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
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 4th 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
- RecPlex underwent renovations through the partnership with Anderson Township government and Forest Hills School District. The office and classrooms in the RecPlex were closed as of January 1, 2020. Gym use continued in January and February. Leagues were made possible by renting gym space at Parkside Christian Church and Forest Hills School District.
- COVID-19 hit in March. In response to Governor DeWine’s emergency order and the Ohio Department of Health recommendations to limit social contact, Anderson Park District closed offices, canceled programs and events, and suspended shelter and field reservations.
- While playgrounds closed and volleyball nets and basketball hoops were taken down, trail use increased and was even encouraged so long as physical distancing was maintained.
- Considering the health and well-being of all event participants, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, partners and musicians, the difficult decision was made to cancel what would have been the 22nd annual Greater Anderson Days celebration.
- Updates in the park core at W. M. Johnson Hills Park included the completion of the MariMac Outdoor Classroom Project and Shelter, and the installation of 5 interpretive boards and 2 rain gardens.
- New wildlife habitats at Juilfs Park and W. M. Johnson Hills Park were certified through The National Wildlife Federation’s Garden for Wildlife
- Due to the importance of physical distancing, weekly staff meetings and monthly Board of Park Commissioner meetings were held virtually/telephonically.
- New Self-Guided activities were introduced: Adventure Labs, Backyard Packets, Crafts to Go Kits, Geocache Trails, I Spy Trails, Photo Scavenger Hunts, StoryWalk®, and activity pages on the website.
- The COVID meeting circle was installed at Juilfs Park, made possible by the Juilfs Foundation.
- The 1st annual and COVID-conscious MariMac Pumpkin Patch entertained 181 participants.
- The 18-hole disc golf course was established at W. M. Johnson Hills Park with the back 9 holes constructed and opened in late 2020.
- Anderson Park District participation numbers:
- Kellogg Park Dog Field: 375 permit holders and 469 dogs
- Rentals: 135 shelter reservations, 527 Riverside Park All Weather Fields reservations
- Adult and youth athletic field users (reserved by 113 groups): 7,665
- Rob Herking concluded his tenure as a Park Commissioner on August 4, 2020, after serving on the Board of Park Commissioners since February of 2014.
- 2020 welcomed two new Board of Park Commissioners: Julie Bissinger (replaced Angie Stocker) and Matt Delaney (replaced Rob Herking).
- A special thanks to the many sponsors, partners, and community organizations for your continued support of Anderson Parks!
- 2020 Year in Review (pdf)
2019
- Ongoing construction continued at W. M. Johnson Hills Park in the park core, shelter and outdoor classroom.
- Upgrades were made to the driving range building next to Clear Creek Park.
- Kellogg Park and Riverside Park: the concession buildings were converted into an Operations/Maintenance support facility.
- Laverty Park: staff removed the grass infield on the ball diamond and replaced it with a traditional dirt infield, invasive honeysuckle was removed and several trees were planted.
- Ball diamonds #1 and #2 at Riverside Park spent a lot of 2019 under water due to flooding which caused turf damage.
- State and Nagel Park was opened in 2019 as a walk-in mini park featuring a paved trail, benches, plantings, and trees.
- Park Board established “Gelter Grove” at W. M. Johnson Hills Park in honor of Nadine E. Gelter who served on the Park Board from 1997-2016.
- Anderson Park district won “Best Neighborhood or Organization” in Anderson Township’s 4th of July Parade.
- 191 trees were planted throughout the Anderson Parks.
- Anderson Park District participation numbers:
- Kellogg Park Dog Field: 393 permit holders and 484 dogs
- Rentals: 466 shelter reservations and 903 Riverside Park All Weather Fields reservations
- Adult and youth athletic field users (reserved by 197 groups): 17,699
- Volunteers: 410 people volunteered 3,734 hours!
- Teen programs: 519
- Adult programs and leagues: 1,090
- Youth programs and leagues: 2,713
- Adult and family events: 12,514
- Angie Stocker concluded her tenure as a Park Commissioner on September 10, 2019, after serving on the Board of Park Commissioners since May of 2010.
- Becky Erickson received the Anderson Park District’s 24th “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 Michelle Donovan received the 2018/2019 “Chip Rosser Coaches Award.” The award is given annually to coaches in Anderson 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 Anderson Parks!
- 2019 Year in Review (pdf)
2018
- Multiple floods in February, March and September affected three Anderson Parks: Clear Creek, Kellogg Park and Riverside Park.
- The synthetic turf fields at Riverside Park were paid off.
- The new park entrance sign was installed at W. M. Johnson Hills Park.
- Anderson Park District was awarded a $73,000 grant from the NatureWorks grant program, administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for the MariMac Outdoor Classroom Project at W. M. Johnson Hills Park.
- The APD’s entry, “Boaty McFlatboat”, won “Best Float”. The flatboat replica from 1793 was in honor of Anderson Township’s 225 years of existence being celebrated in 2018.
- Anderson Parks partnered with 9United to promote the Bottlecaps to Benches program. 9United is a student-led organization of committed citizens from all nine Forest Hills schools providing authentic service opportunities throughout the community. The “Bottlecaps to Benches” project collects plastic caps and lids to be recycled into benches, which 9United then donates to local parks for the public to enjoy. The first bench was dedicated on Saturday, October 13th at Juilfs Park.
- Anderson Township government purchased the RecPlex and approximately 6.5 surrounding acres from the Beech Acres Parenting Center. The Anderson Park District leases the facility from Anderson Township government.
- 20th annual Greater Anderson Days celebration with event sponsors: Anderson Park District, Anderson Foundation for Parks and Recreation, Anderson Township government and Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce.
- 356 trees were planted throughout the Anderson Parks.
- Anderson Park District participation numbers:
- Kellogg Park Dog Field: 333 permit holders and 414 dogs
- Rentals: 510 shelter reservations and 812 Riverside Park All Weather Fields reservations
- Adult and youth athletic field users (reserved by 195 groups): 13,974
- Volunteers: 511 people volunteered 4,446 hours!
- Teen programs: 826
- Adult programs and leagues: 1,003
- Youth programs and leagues: 4,328
- Adult and family events: 13,627
- Monica Friedl received the Anderson Park District’s 23rd “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 Doug Doster received the 2017/2018 “Chip Rosser Coaches Award.” The award is given annually to coaches in Anderson 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 Anderson Parks!
- 2018 Year in Review (pdf)
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
- The APD celebrates its 40th Anniversary.
- 690 trees were planted throughout the park district.
- Construction of the Little Miami Scenic trail took place at Clear Creek Park. The trail will extend from the Ohio River to Lake Erie. Project partners include Anderson Township, Great Parks of Hamilton County and Ohio Department of Transportation.
- Six Pickleball courts were installed at Clear Creek Park.
- Kellogg Park received its first playground, thanks to a Land and Water Conservation Fund matching grant administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources,
- Riverside Park playground received new play equipment.
- Park district participation numbers:
- Kellogg Park Dog Field: 313 permit holders and 379 dogs
- Volunteers: 385 volunteered 5,850 hours!
- Teen programs: 1,436
- Adult programs: 2,041
- Youth programs: 8,044
- Adult and youth athletic field users (reserved by 249 groups): 15,344
- Adult and family events: 15,759
- Facility reservations: 453 rentals served 24,056 patrons!
- New programs:
- Adult Basketball Group
- Adult Open Gym
- Beginner Lacrosse Camp
- Boys recreational volleyball league, grades 3-6
- Chemistry Camp
- Co-Rec basketball league, ages 5-6
- Crochet 101
- Owl Babies
- Tennis Leagues: Men and Women singles
- Violin Classes
- Volleyball Open Gym
- Brad Bibus was the recipient of the park district’s 20th “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 Emily Mengel and volunteer basketball Coach Ed Donohoe, were the winners of the 2014/2015 “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!
- 2015 Year in Review (pdf)
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
- 90 trees were planted throughout the park district.
- Juilfs Park improvements:
- Phases one and two of the Juilfs Park Playground were completed.
- Shelter #1 (next to the playground) was renovated.
- Juilfs Park Playground “Apple of Your Eye” Tribute Tree fundraising: 30 small leaves, 12 small apples, 2 medium apples, 4 large apples, 2 adopt-a-play pieces, 2 misc. donations, and 1 major sponsor structure sold!
- Completed Eagle Scout projects included a flag pole at Kellogg Park by Colton Haller, and adopt-a-tree inventory at Juilfs Park by Ryan Collins.
- 10th Annual Run to Remember 5K Run/Walk honored the lives of 35 individuals. The event raised over $14,586 for the Anderson Foundation for Parks and Recreation Playground fund.
- APD’s Facebook page reached 1,000 likes and has grown to 1,194 fans.
- Once again, the park district wins “Best Float” in the Anderson Township 4th of July Parade. The Park District has held this title four out of the last five years!
- Park District participation numbers:
- Kellogg Park Dog Field Permits: 319
- Volunteers: 541 volunteered 7,334 hours!
- Teen activities: 1,412
- Adult activities: 1,331
- Youth activities: 5,560
- Adult and youth athletic field users (reserved by 242 groups): 13,696
- Facility reservations: 283 rentals served 28,145 patrons!
- Adult and family events: 17,020
- New activities and program updates:
- Art of All Sorts
- Children’s Guitar Class
- Easter Egg Hunts get “cracked” into two events for youth and adults
- Mini Kicks
- Zoo Visit
- After four years of volunteering, Josh Gerth resigns from the Board of Park Commissioners.
- Lorin Smith was the 18th recipient of the park district’s “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.
- Coach Sara Schmidt was the 14th recipient of the “Chip Rosser Coaches Award”. Coach Schmidt is the park district’s first volleyball coach, as well as the first female, to receive the award. The award is in memory of Chip (Alan) Rosser for his exemplary character and passion for coaching youth sports. It is given annually to volunteer coaches in park district youth basketball and volleyball leagues who have demonstrated, by example, their “big picture” understanding of youth sports.
- A special thanks to the many sponsors, partners, and community organizations for your continued support of the park district!
- 2013 Year in Review (pdf)
2012
- 2012 Year in Review presentation (pdf)
- The Anderson Parks RecPlex finally received a new gym floor!
- Renovations on the Juilfs Park Playground started in November.
- Juilfs Park Playground “Apple of Your Eye” Donor Tree fundraising: 10 small leaves, 18 small apples, 8 medium apples, 6 misc. donations, 2 large apples, 1 adopt-a-play piece, and 1 major sponsor structure sold!
- Kellogg Park Dog Field updates:
- New electronic entrance
- New signage and fencing
- Grand re-opening in May
- Special thanks to Claudia Cline and the talented ArtWorks artists for creating the colorful tribute mural!
- Kellogg Park: A new shelter was built and new playground plans were developed.
- Johnson Hills Park increased by 3 acres.
- Completed Eagle Scout projects included a bridge at Johnson Hills Park by Evan Cornuelle, landscaping at Veterans Park by Stuart Macaulay, and trail clearing and bridge repair at Laverty Park by Jonathan Rohleder.
- Park District returns management to the Township. The Park District appreciates the opportunity to have managed this special property from 1995 until July 2012.
- 9th Annual Run to Remember 5K Run/Walk honored the lives of Rick Alfieri, Rachel Barnett, Erin B. Bates, Jordan Bonne, Kevin S. Brown, Tonya Brown, Marty D. Carr, Patrick Fox, Vicki M. Gray, George Hayward, Nancy Horn, Darrin Huston, Rosanne Martin, Jack McQuery, Gerry Meisman, David P. Moore, John Naish Jr., Robin A. Nance, Janet Nemann, Ashley Oehler, Kathy Padjen, Bill Parchman, David & Millie Pavlik, Chris Rowswell, Bob Rumke, Jeremy Shipley, Sammy Sovilla, Julie Stautberg, Jill Sutphin, Peter Tekulve, Meagan Toothman, Nina Volz, and Bob Wirth. The event raised over $12,500 for the Anderson Foundation for Parks and Recreation Playground fund.
- Social media growth: APD’s facebook page has grown to 869 fans and 5,999 email blast subscribers.
- Once again, the Park District wins “Best Float” in the Anderson Township 4th of July Parade. The Park District has held this title 3 out of the last 4 years!
- After a 5 year partnership, Leap Beyond Therapy expands from the Anderson Parks RecPlex to a facility in Milford.
- APD and Anderson Pickleball Club partner together at Clear Creek Park.
- Park District participation numbers:
- Kellogg Park Dog Field Permits: 314
- Volunteers: 777 volunteered 7,334 hours!
- Teen activities: 1,590
- Adult activities: 1,281
- Youth activities: 3,447
- Athletic field users (reserved by 215 groups): 14,155 (youth and adult)
- Facility reservations: 347 rentals served 16,867 patrons!
- Adult and family events: 17,929
- NEW programs:
- Basketball Club
- Cincinnati Circus Camp
- Magic Show
- Nature Explorers
- Pre-School Spanish
- After 19 years of volunteering, Duffy Beischel retires from the Board of Park Commissioners.
- The Park District welcomed new board member, Tom Turchiano.
- Lorin Smith was the 17th recipient of the Park District’s “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.”
- Coach Dan Keefe was the 13th recipient of the “Chip Rosser Coaches Award” for his dedication to the APD’s basketball league. The award is in memory of Chip (Alan) Rosser for his exemplary character and passion for coaching youth sports. It is given annually to volunteer coaches in the APD Youth Basketball Leagues who have demonstrated, by example, their “big picture” understanding of youth sports.
- A special thanks to the many sponsors, partners, and community organizations for your continued support of the Park District!
2011
- Preliminary plans for the Juilfs Park Playground were developed.
Beech Acres Park improvements included trail enhancements and renovations to the skatepark. - Clear Creak Park increased by 27 acres! The Park District purchased the Anderson Township Practice Range.
- Completed Eagle Scout projects included a new flag pole at Riverside Park by Adam Brail and new pavestones installed at Clear Creek Park by Daniel Prather.
- The Park District wins “Best Float” at the Anderson Township 4th of July Parade!
- 8th Annual Run to Remember 5K Run/Walk honored the lives of Rick Alfieri, Erin Borchers Bates, Jordan Bonne, Kevin S. Brown, Tonya Brown, Marty Demmerle Carr, Patrick Fox, Vicki Moore Gray, George Hayward, Nancy Horn, Darrin Huston, Rosanne Martin, Gerry Meisman, John Naish, Jr., Robin A. Nance, Bill Parchman, David and Millie Pavlik, Christopher Rowswell, Bob Rumke, Julie Stautberg, Jill Sutphin, Peter Tekulve, Nina Volz, and Bob Wirth. The event raised over $11,300 for the Anderson Foundation for Parks and Recreation Playground fund.
- Since its debut in early 2010, the Park District’s facebook page has grown to 660 fans!
- Park District participation numbers:
- Kellogg Park Dog Field Permits: 242
- Volunteers: 761 volunteered 5,898 hours!
- Teen activities: 1,141
- Adult activities: 1,579
- Youth activities: 4,532
- Athletic field users (reserved by 59 groups): 14,842 (youth and adult)
- Facility reservations: 484 rentals served 17,410 patrons!
- Adult and family events: 19,765
- NEW programs:
- Summer Shazaam Series
- Adult Co-rec 7v7 soccer
- Let it Rot
- Boot camp
- Little Nature Nuts
- Rookie Volleyball
- Sand Volleyball
- Leagues for 1st & 2nd grade boys and girls were added to youth basketball
- Summer Camp Counselors were awarded the 16th recipients of the Park District’s “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.”
- Coach David Hooper was the 2011 recipient of the “Chip Rosser Coaches Award” for his dedication to the APD’s basketball league. The award is in memory of Chip (Alan) Rosser for his exemplary character and passion for coaching youth sports. It is given annually to volunteer coaches in the APD Youth Basketball Leagues who have demonstrated, by example, their “big picture” understanding of youth sports.
- A special thanks to the many sponsors, partners, and community organizations for your continued support of the Park District!
2010
- The APD celebrates its 35th Anniversary.
- The 10th Annual Daddy Daughter Dance hosts 1,178 fathers and their little girls at NKU’s Student Union Ballroom.
- Over 3,800 people braved the high winds and rain to attend the 24th Annual Easter Egg Hunt & 7th Annual Adult Egg Scramble on April 3 at Beech Acres Park.
- 26 young athletes showed off their skills in the annual Aquafina® MLB® Pitch, Hit & Run™
- 250 participants dined with us at Pancakes in the Parks! The event featured Chris Cakes “Flying Flapjacks”, the fastest pancake maker in the world (Guinness Book of World Records).
- A special thanks goes out to the 134 people at the Great American Cleanup and the 40 people at Make A Difference Day who volunteered their time to make our parks cleaner and greener!
- Despite the scorching heat, 261 children attended the 10th Annual Farmer in the Dell.
- 3,775 people joined us for lunch at Grilled Cheese Wednesdays by the Beech Acres Park Playground.
- Greater Anderson Days turns 12!
- The APD gets “social” with a facebook page.
- 4,760 patrons were entertained at the children’s concerts and summer series of concerts and movies in the park.
- 701 runners and walkers participated in the 7th Annual Run to Remember 5K Run/Walk to raise funds for the Anderson Foundation for Parks & Recreation Playground Fund. This year, the event honored the lives of Rick Alfieri, Erin Borchers Bates, Tommy Bodenstein, Jordan Bonne, Kevin S. Brown, Tonya Brown, Marty Demmerle Carr, Bradley Gebhart, George Hayward, Nancy Horn, Darrin Huston, Rosanne Martin, Gerry Meisman, John Naish, Jr., Robin A. Nance, David and Millie Pavlik, Chris Rowswell, Jill Sutphin, Bob Rumke, Peter Tekulve, and Nina Volz.
- 51 artists displayed their work at the 10th Annual A Fair of the Arts at Beech Acres Park.
- 30 classic car owners and 381 children with their family members participated at the 2nd Annual Trunk ‘R Treat & Classic Car Show.
- 188 ‘mummies’ and their little goblins attended the 7th annual Mother-Son Halloween Dance.
- The Park District is proud to announce the Laverty Park playground will be getting a facelift, thanks to a NatureWorks grant through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
- Installation of the All Weather Fields at Riverside Park. These fields include 2 full sized synthetic turf field areas lined for 2 football fields, or 2 full sized soccer fields, or 4 smaller soccer fields (comp 6v6).
- Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA) awarded the Park District with a 1st place Award of Excellence in the Health and Wellness
- Programming category for the annual Run to Remember 5K Run/Walk, and a 3rd place Award of Excellence in the Marketing: Print Publications or Materials category for the 2010 Greater Anderson Days Event Poster. The awards were judged in a two-tiered process, which included a panel of parks and recreation professionals from around Ohio, as well as, the association’s Board of Directors. OPRA is a non-profit organization representing over 1300 professionals and citizen board members involved in providing leisure facilities and opportunities to all Ohioans.
- 37 teams of 2 took a “shot” at winning their Thanksgiving dinner at the 3rd Annual Basketball Turkey Shoot. 165 spectators.
- 176 children came to visit Santa at the 5th Annual Santa’s Workshop.
- 680 individuals volunteered over 4,535 hours to the APD!
- Eagle Scouts completed the following projects: 5 Parcourse FitCircuit fitness stations at Veterans Park, new bulletin board at Juilfs Park, Gazebo at Beech Acres Park, and steps at Laverty Park.
- Jessica Fall is the 15th recipient of the 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.”
- NEW programs:
- Snow Tubing Trip
- Children’s Concerts at Grilled Cheese Wednesdays
- Princess Tea Party
- Superhero Quest
- Youth Volleyball League
- Kid Super Self-Defense
- Teen Self-Defense
- Women’s Self-Defense
- Adult Lawn Bowling League
- Zumba
- Joy of Painting – Landscape painting method
- Social Ballroom Dancing – Tango & Swing
2009
- The Daddy-Daughter Dance hosts 1,145 fathers and their little girls.
- Over 4,000 people attended the 23rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt for ages 0 – 17 and the Adult Egg Scramble.
- Pancakes in the Park returned with 222 participants! The event featured Chris Cakes “Flying Flapjacks”, the fastest pancake maker in the world (Guinness Book of World Records). Chris Cakes has made over 25,000,000 pancakes and served three presidents and more than a dozen governors.
- 366 children attended the annual Farmer in the Dell program.
- Greater Anderson Days celebrates its 11th anniversary!
- The APD gives Dave Rose the tenth Chip Rosser Coaches Award for his dedication to the APD’s basketball league and his focus on fun and learning. The award is in memory of Chip (Alan) Rosser for his exemplary character and passion for coaching youth sports. It is given annually to volunteer coaches in the APD Youth Basketball Leagues who have demonstrated, by example, their “big picture” understanding of youth sports.
- 3,000 patrons had lunch with us this summer at the 5 Grilled Cheese Wednesdays held by the Beech Acres Park Playground. Over 2,400 sandwiches were made!
- 3,526 patrons were entertained at the summer series of concerts and movies in the park.
- The final phases of the Beech Acres Park All Children’s Playground are completed.
- 462 runners and walkers participated in the 6th annual Run to Remember 5K Run/Walk to raise funds for the Anderson Park District Playground Fund. This year, the event honored Rick Alfieri, Scott Barkley, Erin Marie Borchers Bates, Jordan Bonne, Tonya Brown, Marty Demmerle Carr, Nancy Horn, Darrin Huston, Gerry Meisman, John Naish, Jr., David & Millie Pavlik, Chris Rowswell, Bob Rumke, Jill Sutphin, and Peter Tekulve.
- 67 artists had unique creations on display and for sale to the 700 patrons who attended the Fair of the Arts at Beech Acres Park. Low attendance due to rain.
- 176 ‘mummies’ and their little goblins attended the 6th annual Mother-Son Halloween Dance.
- 37 teams of 2 took a “shot” at winning their Thanksgiving dinner at the 2nd Annual Basketball Turkey Shoot. 175 spectators.
- 3,173 baseball and softball players, 10,469 soccer players, 217 lacrosse players, and 540 football players used APD fields; 865 basketball players and 61 cornhole teams’ games took place in the Anderson Parks RecPlex.
- Don Bennett is the 14th recipient of the 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.”
- 188 children and their families came to visit Santa at the 4th Annual Santa’s Workshop.
- Lasting Gift Program: 16 Adopt-A-Trees, 12 bricks, and 1 Adopt-A-Bench sold in 2009!
- W. M. Johnson Hills Park preliminary site plans are developed.
Clear Creek Park Hike/Bike Trail – A 2,250 foot link of the Ohio River to Lake Erie Trail made possible by a matching grant from the Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources. - Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA) awarded Riverside Park Riverbank Restoration with the Meritorious Award, and Grilled Cheese Wednesdays with an Honorable Mention.
- 580 individuals volunteered over 3,979 hours to the APD!
- NEW programs:
- Trunk ‘R Treat ~ 280 children with their family members and 34 classic car owners
- Adult Beginner Golf Lessons
- Adult Beginner Tennis Lessons
- Mad Science Programs
- Youth Dance Crew
- Track & Field Club
- Youth Golf Lessons
- Youth Volleyball Club
- Lil’ All-Stars
- Rookie All-Stars
2008
- The Daddy-Daughter Dance hosts 1,113 fathers and their little girls.
- The APD’s annual Easter Egg Hunt had 872 child participants; 288 adults participated in the Adult Egg Scramble.
- 3,220 patrons were entertained at the Outdoor Summer Concerts & Movies in the Park.
- 285 children attended the annual Farmer in the Dell program.
- Riverbank restoration project at Riverside Park is complete! Grants and in-kind labor funding provided by Anderson Park District, Anderson Township, Horizon Community Church, and the Clean Ohio Fund.
- The final phase of the Beech Acres Park All Children’s Playground is underway.
- 1275 campers participated in the APD’s Summer Camps.
- Greater Anderson Days celebrates its 10th anniversary!
- 459 tweens attended the APD’s summer 6th Grade Park Parties; 1520 teens and tweens attended the APD’s summer Jr. High Park Parties.
31 players competed in the Aquafina MLB Pitch, Hit & Run. - The Marty Brennaman Field debuted at Juilfs Park in the summer of 2008.
- The field hosts Little League baseball games in Anderson Township, and includes a press box, bleachers, and new dugouts.
- The APD gives Dave Knuth the ninth Chip Rosser Coaches Award for his dedication to the APD’s basketball league and his focus on fun and learning. The award is in memory of Chip (Alan) Rosser for his exemplary character and passion for coaching youth sports. It is given annually to volunteer coaches in the APD Youth Basketball Leagues who have demonstrated, by example, their “big picture” understanding of youth sports.
- Pancakes in the Park returned with 189 participants! The event featured Chris Cakes “Flying Flapjacks”, the fastest pancake maker in the world (Guinness Book of World Records). Chris Cakes has made over 25,000,000 pancakes and served three presidents and more than a dozen governors.
- Grilled Cheese Wednesdays debuted at Beech Acres Park. 625 patrons attended the 3 Wednesdays.
- 465 students from Mercer, Maddux, Summit and Wilson Elementary Schools participated in the 6th Grade Leadership Training Course at the Anderson Parks RecPlex.
- 453 runners and walkers participated in the 5th annual Run to Remember 2.5 Mile Run/Walk at Beech Acres Park to raise funds for the Beech Acres Park All Children’s Playground. This year, the event honored Rick Alfieri, Scott Barkley, Erin Marie Borchers Bates, Jordan Bonne, Tonya Brown, Nancy Horn, Gerry Meisman, John Naish, Jr., Chris Rowswell, Jill Sutphin, and Peter Tekulve. $5,993 was raised for the playground (Total funds raised through the Run to Remember since 2004 = $24,293).
- 59 artists had unique creations on display and for sale to the 2000 patrons who attended the Fair of the Arts event at Beech Acres Park.
- 202 ‘mummies’ and their little goblins attended the 5th annual Mother-Son Halloween Dance.
- The APD’s Operating Levy passes! With the new Operating Levy in place, the Anderson Park District will continue to operate and maintain your parks for the next ten years. We will also begin the development planning phase for our newest park, Wm. McNeilan Johnson Hills Park.
- 28 teams of 2 took a “shot” at winning their Thanksgiving dinner at the 1st Annual Basketball Turkey Shoot.
- 176 children came to visit Santa at the 3rd Annual Santa’s Workshop.
- 13 children attended the 1st Annual Kid Drop-Parent Shop.
- Lasting Gift Program: 19 Adopt-A-Trees, 9 engraved bricks, and 2 Adopt-A-Benches were sold in 2008!
- 489 individuals volunteered over 2,259 hours to the APD!
- 3,740 baseball and softball players, 11,078 soccer players, 309 lacrosse players, and 278 football players used APD fields; 865 basketball players and 54 cornhole teams’ games took place in the Anderson Parks RecPlex.
- Allison Cottrill (’01 – current) is the 13th recipient of the 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.”
2007
- Best of the City 2007: Juilfs Park – Best Playgrounds: Sand Castles, Cincinnati Magazine
- Phase 2 (Marcus Fiesel Memorial Area) and Phase 3 (Riverboat Shelter and Water Play area) of the Beech Acres Park All Children’s Playground completed.
- 300% increase in park attendance at the newly renovated “Lucky Lanier All Children’s Playground” at Veterans Park.
- The Daddy-Daughter Dance hosts 1031 fathers and their little girls.
- The APD’s annual Easter Egg Hunt had 588 child participants; 206 adults participated in the Adult Egg Scramble.
- 2250 patrons were entertained at the Outdoor Summer Concerts in the Park.
- 982 campers participated in the APD’s Summer Camps.
- 199 children attended the annual Farmer in the Dell program.
- 72 artists were on site at the A Fair of the Arts to display and sell their unique creations to the 2500 attendees.
- The 4th annual Mother-Son Halloween Dance attracted 186 mothers and their little goblins.
- Skyhawk Sports Camps had a total of 237 participants. Camps included multi-sport, golf, tennis, lacrosse, flag football, volleyball, and t-ball.
- The 9th annual Greater Anderson Days celebration took place once again at Beech Acres Park.
- The 4th annual Run to Remember 2.5 Mile Run/Walk took place at Beech Acres Park to raise funds for the Beech Acres Park All Children’s Playground. This year, the event honored Tonya Brown, John Naish Jr, Jordan Bonne, Chris Rowswell, Peter Tekulve, Nancy Horn, Lonnie Bettle, Gerry Meisman, and Scott Barkley. $2,300 was raised for the playground.
- 255 students from Wilson, Maddux, and Summit Elementary Schools participated in the 6th Grade Leadership Training Course at the Jason William Hunt Outdoor Leadership Training Center.
- 547 tweens attended the APD’s summer 6th Grade Park Parties; 2149 teens and tweens attended the APD’s summer Jr. High Park Parties.
802 individuals volunteered over 10,500 hours to the APD! - Announcement that a Juilfs Park baseball field will be named after Marty Brennaman. The Marty Brennaman Field will debut in the spring of 2008, hosting Little League baseball games in Anderson Township.
- Riverbank restoration project at Riverside Park: Major construction completed in the fall of 2007; expected date of completion set for spring 2008. Grants and in-kind labor funding provided by Anderson Park District, Anderson Township, Horizon Community Church, and the Clean Ohio Fund.
- Lasting Gift Program: 21 Adopt-A-Trees, 14 engraved bricks, 1 Adopt-A-Bench, and 1 engraved amphitheater seat sold in 2007!
- 3,306 baseball and softball players, 9,460 soccer players, 289 lacrosse players, and 135 football players used APD fields; 927 basketball players and 42 cornhole teams’ games took place in the Anderson Parks RecPlex.
- 12 “exemplary” employees, both past and present, received the Lonnie Bettle Service Award. The following people received the award: Dick Combs (’90 – ’05), Amy Bleimund (’97 – current), Richard Haas (’90 – current), Dave Reynolds (’97 – current), Jimmy Longhauser (’93 – ’06), Leah Moyer (’01 – current), Brian Jordan (’94 – current), Kristen Schmidt (’02 – current), John Von Wahlde (’94 – current), Rick George (’04 – current), Sheila Fehn (’95 – current), Don Green (’01 – current) and Denny Sutter (’03 – current). 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.”
- 160 children attended the 2nd Annual Santa’s Workshop.
2006
- The Anderson Park District partners with Leap Beyond Therapy, LLC, at the Anderson Parks RecPlex. Leap Beyond Therapy – a brand new company started by two parents of children with cerebral palsy – is a new place for kids with special needs to be active and reach their potential.
- The Daddy-Daughter Dance hosts 999 fathers and their little girls.
- The APD’s annual Easter Egg Hunt had 826 child participants; 186 adults participated in the Adult Egg Scramble.
- 3055 patrons were entertained at the Outdoor Summer Series of Concerts and Movies in the Park.
- 450 tweens attend the APD’s summer 6th Grade Park Parties; 3824 teens and tweens attend the APD’s summer Jr. High Park Parties.
- 903 campers participated in the APD’s Summer Camps.
- 199 children attended the annual Farmer in the Dell program.
- The 8th annual Greater Anderson Days celebration took place once again at Beech Acres Park.
- Jazzin’ in JulyTM 5K at Greater Anderson Days had over 230 runners and walkers; $2430 raised for the JWH Outdoor Leadership Training Center.
- 3,359 baseball and softball players, 10,434 soccer players, 265 lacrosse players, and 111 football players used APD fields; 1,046 basketball players and 38 cornhole teams’ games took place in the Anderson Parks RecPlex.
- The 3rd annual Run to Remember 2.5 Mile Run/Walk took place at Beech Acres Park to raise funds for the Beech Acres Park All Children’s Playground. This year, the event honored Jordan Bonne, Chris Rowswell, Peter Tekulve, Nancy Horn, Lonnie Bettle, Gerry Meisman, and Scott Barkley. $9,500 was raised for the playground.
- 62 artists were on site at the A Fair of the Arts to display and sell their unique creations to the 1500 attendees.
- The Jason William Hunt Outdoor Leadership Training Center (JWHOLTC) receives the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association’s “Meritorious Award” for Teen Programs and Events.
- 275 students from Wilson, Maddux, and Summit Elementary Schools, and 20 participants from Lighthouse Youth Services participated in the 6th Grade Leadership Training Course at the Jason William Hunt Outdoor Leadership Training Center.
- The 3rd annual Mother-Son Halloween Dance attracted 123 mothers and their little men.
- Skyhawk Sports Camps had a total of 142 participants. Camps included multi-sport, golf, tennis, cheerleading, and flag football.
- For it’s second year in operation, the Dog Field at Kellogg Park had over 340 annual permit holders.
- Renovation of the “Lucky Lanier All Children’s Playground” at Veterans Park. Fundraising spearheaded by Kiwanis Club of Anderson Hills.
- Phase 1 – Swingset – of the Beech Acres Park All Children’s Playground is complete.
- Firefighters Memorial at Beech Acres Park: Fundraising for Phase 2 completed.
- Lasting Gift Program: 22 Adopt-A-Trees, 98 engraved bricks, 1 Adopt-A-Bench, and 1 engraved amphitheater seat sold in 2006!
- Additional programming at the Anderson Parks RecPlex included: Birthday Parties, Friday Mini Camp, Tot Time, Ceramics, Joy of Painting, and Young Rembrandts.
- The Marcus Fiesel Memorial Fund: WLWT- TV Channel 5, Darryl Parks & 700 WLW- The Big One, with Jim Scott leading the charge, organized a fundraiser in the name of Marcus Fiesel, which raised a combined $77,945. This included donations from over 1,100 businesses and individuals around the greater Cincinnati area.
- 594 individuals volunteered over 10,000 hours to the APD!
- The following Eagle Scout Projects were completed in 2006: Johnson Park trail clearing and marking by Justin Skinner (Troop 222). Kellogg Park Dog Field extension and fence installation by Alex Clark (Troop 867). 2 Bulletin Boards at Clear Creek Park by Curtis Baker (Troop 867)
- 118 children attended the 1st Annual Santa’s Workshop- formerly known as “Breakfast with Santa.”
2005
- Beech Acres Park receives the “Award of Excellence” from the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association.
- Firefighters Memorial at Beech Acres Park is dedicated on June 11.
- Groundbreaking for the GAPP Peace Pole at Beech Acres Park took place on August 25. Construction is completed and the Peace Pole is dedicated at the A Fair of the Arts event on September 24.
- The design concept for the Beech Acres Park All-Inclusive Playground is completed.
- The Daddy-Daughter Dance hosts 995 fathers and their little girls.
- The APD’s annual Easter Egg Hunt has 960 egg hunters.
- 4956 Teens and Tweens attend the APD’s summer Jr. High Park Parties.
- 1970 patrons were entertained at the summer series of concerts and movies in the park.
- 1005 campers participated in the APD’s Summer Camps.
- 199 children attended the annual Farmer in the Dell program.
- 3541 baseball and softball players, 9972 soccer players, 302 lacrosse players, and 31 football players used APD fields.
- The 7th annual Greater Anderson Days celebration takes place once again at Beech Acres Park.
- The 2nd annual Run To Remember takes place at Beech Acres Park to raise funds for the Beech Acres Park All-Inclusive Playground. This year, the event honored Nancy Horn, Lonnie Bettle, Gerry Meisman, and Scott Barkley. $1800 was raised for the playground.
- 72 artists were on site at the A Fair of the Arts to display and sell their unique creations to the 2500 attendees.
- An assortment of new activities were added to the list of APD offerings including the 6th Grade Leadership Training Course, Science Camps, StrollerFit, Yoga, Howl at the Moon dog event, Pottery and art classes, Mini Hawk Sport Camps, and more.
- On October 10, the Board of Park Commissioners voted to discontinue the services of the APD Ranger Department, effective November 18, and contract with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office for patrol services.
- The following Eagle Scout Projects were completed in 2005: Informational kiosks by Tyler Braasch, Will Schwartz, Jason Senko, Luke Keller. Juilfs shelter repair by Matt Brown. Picnic tables & benches by Jordan Meyer. Drinking fountain at Dog Field by Jeff Halpin. Barn door at Johnson by Noah Finney. Bridge at Johnson by Danny Rasfeld. Bench pads by Brian Vonderhaar. Shed door & picnic tables by Corey Downing.
- Pocketful of Puppets had 225 children & adults.
- Wine, Dine & Discover had 30 participants.
- Skyhawk Camps had a total of 116 participants.
- For it’s first full year in operation, the dog field had 390 annual permit holders.
- The APD began the 6th Grade Leadership Training Course at the Jason William Hunt Outdoor Leadership Training Center. 275 students from Wilson, Maddux, and Summit Elementary participated.
- The 2nd annual Mother-Son event attracted 143 mothers and their little men.
2004
- APD enters into a partnership with Beech Acres to lease the building on the northwest section of the Park. The building, referred to as the Arts & RecPlex contains a gym and classrooms. It allows the APD to add 34 additional programs to its annual activity offerings.
- Phase 1 of the Skatepark at Beech Acres Park, consisting of 12,000 square feet is completed in May.
- As part of the redevelopment of Beech Acres Park, the soccer and ball diamonds are completed in the spring.
- The Hike/Bike trail is completed in late spring, thanks to a generous contribution from Anderson Township Government.
- The Jason William Hunt Outdoor Leadership Training Center opens at Beech Acres Park.
- Construction for the Fireman’s Memorial at Beech Acres Park begins in December.
- The Kellogg Dog Field opens on August 14, 2004 in conjunction with the APD’s 2nd Annual Hotdog Parade.
- The 4th Annual Daddy-Daughter Dance hosts 995 fathers and their little girls.
- 685 egg hunters participated in the annual Easter Egg Hunt
- 4131 tweens & teens participated in 6 Jr. High Park Parties.
- The summer concert & movie series entertained a combined total of 1846 patrons.
- Summer Day Camp had 723 campers.
- The APD had 46 spring & fall co-rec soccer teams.
- 16 teams competed in the APD’s first Cornhole League.
- The APD basketball leagues had 371 players in grades 3-6 and 380 players in grades 7-12.
- 36 children participated in the APD’s Volleyball League. 57 children enrolled in Instructional Volleyball.
- 3541 baseball and softball players, 9972 soccer players, 302 lacrosse players, and 31 football players used APD fields.
- The Grand Opening of Beech Acres Park takes place during the annual Greater Anderson Days celebration in July.
- 52 artists had unique creations on display and for sale to the 2000 patrons who attended the Fair of the Arts event at Beech Acres Park.
- $4.500 was raised at the 1st annual Run to Remember for the Beech Acres Park Playground. The 5K honored Nancy Horn.
- The 20th annual Haunted Hike took place at Kellogg Park. 2004 was the final year for this long-standing terror tradition.
- Kellogg Dog Field wins the Award of Excellence from the Ohio Park and Recreation Association.
2003
- The APD offered 464.22 acres of parkland and facilities in addition to a variety of amenities, events, programs, sport leagues, and classes that enhance the lives of Anderson residents.
- 19,804 players from 65 sport organizations used APD fields.
- 149 people volunteered 1,364 hours of their time in 2003.
- 162 trees have been adopted since the program began in 1992.
- 12 teams participated in the Girls Fast Pitch Softball Leagues.
- 728 dads and daughters attended the Daddy-Daughter Dance.
- 617 egg hunters filled the fields at the Easter Egg Hunt.
- 123 participants improved their skills during the Tennis Lessons offered by the APD at Juilfs Park.
- 53 teams competed in the APD’s Adult Soccer Leagues.
- 121 children had weeks of fun in the Summer Camps.
- 930 participants spent relaxing evening as they enjoyed the Summer Outdoor Concert & Movie Series.
- 2629 teens danced with their friends at the Jr. High Park Parties.
- 840 children of all ages had a great time at the Big Back Yard Program.
- An estimated 85,000 people enjoyed a weekend of fantastic fun at Greater Anderson Days.
- 238 canines with their caregivers strutted their stuff at the Hot Dog Parade.
- 553 people viewed and/or purchased original creations by over 60 artists at the Affair of the Arts.
- Affair of the Arts Winners: Best of Show – Heather Mingo; People’s Choice – Edward Dunn; Greater Anderson Promotes Peace Award for Community Harmony – Sharon Kabbas.
- Over 1,000 patrons spent a fun-filled Day at the Beech.
- 113 participants learned new skills in Instructional Youth Volleyball.
- 1,203 players signed up for Recreational Youth Basketball.
- 698 families participated in the Parents Association for Youth Sports.
- The APD gives Ken Glassmeyer the third Chip Rosser Coaches Award for his dedication to the APD’s basketball league and his focus on fun and learning. The award is in memory of Chip (Alan) Rosser for his exemplary character and passion for coaching youth sports. It is given annually to volunteer coaches in the APD Youth Basketball Leagues who have demonstrated, by example, their “big picture” understanding of youth sports.
- 122 children visited with the Big Man in Red at the Breakfast with Santa.
- Beech Acres redevelopment progresses as the 26 acres are prepared to house a variety of amenities. Construction begins on the hike/bike trail, the amphitheater, the ball diamonds, parking lots, restroom/concession building, skate park and more.
- Laverty Park receives a face-lift! Improvements include a walking trail, new playground, basketball court, and paved walkways.
- Designs are reviewed to solve the erosion problem at Riverside Park.
- Residents begin fundraising for a dog facility at Kellogg Park. By the end of the summer 2003, the committee had raised $8,000 toward the construction. The Board of Park Commissioners agreed to lend $4,000 to the committee so construction could start immediately. Construction began in the fall of 2003. In the meantime, a temporary off-leash dog area was opened in one of the ball diamonds at Riverside Park. The temporary area proved to extremely popular and well-used by both the dogs and their human companions. The Dog Park Committee continues initiating a variety of fundraisers to cover the remaining costs of the park.
- The Kiwanis Club of Anderson Hills continues fundraising for the re-development of the Lucky Lanier All-Children’s Playground at Veterans Park. Kiwanis and other local organizations, begin a Community Challenge to match any funds donated by the public up to $10,000.
- Greater Anderson Promotes Peace continues fundraising for the Peace Pole intended to be built at Beech Acres Park.
- The Skate Park Committee also continues fundraising for phase 2 of the Skate Park at Beech Acres Park. Construction for phase 1 began in the fall of 2003.
- Fundraising also continues by the Fireman’s Association to establish a Firefighters’ Memorial at Beech Acres Park.
2002
- Re-development of Beech Acres Park continues as infrastructure work begins, the design plan is modified, and details are decided regarding the construction of amenities.
- The SkatePark Committee conducts several fundraisers to try to raise $100,000 to match the $200,000 earmarked by the APD Park Board for the creation of a skate facility at Beech Acres Park.
- Board of Park Commissioners agrees to move the location of the GAPP (Greater Anderson Promotes Peace) Peace Pole to Beech Acres Park. GAPP continues fundraising for its construction.
- Upon the request of the Anderson Township Fireman’s Association and the Memorial Committee, the APD Board of Park Commissioners approves Beech Acres Park as the site for the future Fireman’s Memorial.
- 1.5 acres are added to Beech Acres Park in July, increasing the size of the park to 26.9 acres. The land was sold to the APD by Earl Bedel, a neighbor of the park and a long-time Anderson Resident who felt the land would be of greater use to the community as a part of the park.
- Riverside Park gains an additional 0.88 acres after the APD purchases the land from park neighbor, Rick Powell. A NatureWorks grant awarded to the APD in 2001 financed part of the cost of this land acquisition.
- The APD gains over 68 acres of land to manage through a long term lease with the Hamilton County Park District. The parcel has been named Broadwell Woods.
- The APD receives a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ division of Recycling and Litter Prevention that will go toward the purchase of park benches and message centers made from recycled materials. The benches and message centers are scheduled for installation in June 2003.
- The APD signs an easement with Anderson Township for a section of the Anderson Trails Forest Road Project to accommodate a sidewalk on the eastern front portion of Veterans Park.
- Greater Anderson Days is moved to the Anderson Towne Center due to the re-development of Beech Acres Park. The event records its largest crowd ever at approximately 80,000 patrons.
- The APD introduces the PAYS Program (Parents Association for Youth Sports) to parents of its Youth Basketball Leagues. The program is a required 30-minute session with policies and procedures designed to promote the enjoyment of the sport for children.
- The APD gives Bret Furtwengler the second Chip Rosser Coaches Award for his dedication to the APD’s basketball league and his focus on fun and learning. The award is in memory of Chip (Alan) Rosser for his exemplary character and passion for coaching youth sports. It is given annually to volunteer coaches in the APD Youth Basketball Leagues who have demonstrated, by example, their “big picture” understanding of youth sports.
- The APD receives two awards for its website: ParksNRec.com gives the site five stars in the category of Best Parks and Recreation Website and the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association recognizes the APD’s website by giving it the distinction of Meritorious in the category of Tech-Marketing.
- The first Annual “A Day to Remember” ceremony commemorating the September 11th tragedy is held at Veterans Park coordinated by the American Legion Post 318.
2001
- Public planning meetings begin to discuss preliminary design concepts for the development of Johnson Hills Park; design firms are hired to create a visual representation of these discussions and to assist in the master planning of the park.
- Beech Acres Park Development:
- Public planning meetings are conducted and committees formed to plan the construction of Beech Acres Park.
- A design concept is completed for Beech Acres Park and approved by the Board of Park Commissioners.
- The APD and the Mt. Washington Church of Christ partner once again to build an extension to the existing parking lot on the east side of Beech Acres Park. The 17,000 cubic yards of excavation was completed totally by APD staff; the largest excavation project the APD staff has undertaken to date.
- APD receives an ODNR NatureWorks Grant of $16,777 for Riverside Park. Work must be completed by 12/31/02.
- Juilfs Park trail and basketball court repaved.
- In cooperation with the Mt. Washington Church of Christ and the Calvary Chapel of Northern Kentucky, the APD launches Skate Fest, a weekly session for skateboarders, bladers, and bikers to practice their sport on a portable skate facility at Beech Acres Park.
- The APD and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers begin preparing design alternatives for the riverbank erosion section 14 project at Riverside Park.
- The APD Recreation Department adds four new programs to the year-round activity calendar: Daddy Daughter Dance, Earth in Art, Big Back Yard, and Fall Art Fair. Each is extremely well attended for a first-year program.
- The APD’s website receives four stars in the category of Best Parks and Recreation Website from ParksNRec.com.
- The APD, Township Government and other community entities in begin discussions for a Family Center in the Anderson area.
- Members of the APD staff participate in a renovation project of Hillcrest Cemetery as part of Make A Difference Day.
- APD receives program awards for SkateFest and Greater Anderson Days from the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association.
2000
- The APD celebrates its 25th Anniversary.
- The Township conveys the Hahn parcel, 34+ acres at the north end of Clear Creek Park, to the APD making Clear Creek Park at total of 101.5 acres.
Greater Anderson Promotes Peace receives approval from the Board of Park Commissioners to construct a peace pole at Veterans Park. - Greater Anderson Days, one of Anderson Township’s largest community events, moves to Beech Acres Park for its second year and the APD becomes the Greater Anderson Days event coordinator.
- Anderson area parks receive a perfect score in Cincinnati Magazine’s survey of the Best Places to Live in Cincinnati – the only park system of 92 neighborhoods to receive a perfect score.
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers accept the failure of Riverside Park’s riverbank as a section 14 project which will enable the APD to receive funding for 65% of the repair costs.
- The APD adds free concerts to the Movies in the Park series.
- The park district’s mascot is renamed “Buddy.”
- The APD and the Mt. Washington Church of Christ combine resources to construct a shared parking lot on the east side of Beech Acres Park to create 107 paved spaces.
- The APD Sports Alliance, a group made up of members from each APD field user group, forms to improve communication between field user groups as well as discuss and cooperatively resolve field issues as they arise.
ORT Blaze (formerly the ORBiTeR) is discontinued after a 6 year run, having raised awareness for the need of a multi-use trail along the Ohio River. - The APD’s Operating Levy passes, allowing the APD to continue operations for the next 7-10 years and providing some funding for the development of Beech Acres and Johnson Hills Park.
- APD proudly announces the winners of the first Chip Rosser Coaches Award: Ron Doss and Ken Martinez. The award is in memory of Chip (Alan) Rosser for his exemplary character and passion for coaching youth sports. It is given annually to volunteer coaches in the APD Youth Basketball Leagues who have demonstrated, by example, their “big picture” understanding of youth sports.
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.