Cincinnati's Lytle Park Renovation Project Breaks Ground

The Cincinnati Board of Park Commissioners is excited to announce that the long-planned renovation of Lytle Park is set to break ground on November 7, 2022. This restoration project will bring new life to the underutilized park at the southeast corner of Downtown.  

Earlier this year, Cincinnati Parks re-bid the project within the City’s procurement guidelines and regulations. The impact of rapidly rising construction costs added $2 Million to the project since it was originally bid in 2018-2019.  

Western & Southern Financial Fund, which originally provided $1.6 Million toward the project, has agreed to provide additional contributions of almost $1.6 Million, for a total of $3.2 Million. The Board of Park Commissioners also agreed to use $400,000 in Park Board funding to help bridge the gap. The total cost of the project is expected to be $4.7 million. 

“As frustrating as the project delays have been, we want to express our deep appreciation for the lasting commitment and funding Western & Southern has given to ensure this public park will be completely renovated for the enjoyment of generations of park neighbors, residents and visitors. They never wavered, and on behalf of all those who use and rely on our parks, we remain grateful to have their continued support,” said Jim Goetz, President of the Cincinnati Board of Park Commissioners.  

”We are honored to be involved and appreciate the Park Board’s commitment to the Lytle Park neighborhood,” said Paul Silva, President of Eagle Realty Group, Western & Southern’s real estate investment subsidiary. “It is one of the best green spaces in the city, and we look forward to seeing more area residents, businesses and visitors re-discover the space.” 

Cincinnati Parks Director Jason Barron added, “Restoring the highway tunnel has left Lytle Park a little bland. Well, that is about to change in a big way. We are excited to bring Lytle Park back to life and create an amazing public space where generations of Cincinnatians will get to have fun. The restoration of Lytle Park is another example of how Cincinnati is fortunate to have corporate partners like Western & Southern to help make big things happen.” 

Completion is slated for fall 2023. Visit www.cincinnatiparks.com or @cincyparks on social media platforms for project updates.  

About the Project 

In January 2019, after a community engagement effort and collaboration with the project funding partner Western & Southern, the Board of Park Commissioners approved plans for the renovation and restoration of Lytle Park originally established as a Cincinnati Park in 1905. This renovation project became necessary due to the Ohio Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) Lytle Tunnel ventilation project completed in 2017. The project includes new hardscape with several plazas and brick walkways, a decorative fountain, a running track, new landscape, lighting, a bocce ball court and benches (see images below for project rendering and site picture).  

The new park is made possible thanks to the generosity of Western & Southern Financial Group who, in addition to donating funds to renovate the park, have committed $40,000 annually to support ongoing maintenance. An additional $1.1 Million in funds received from ODOT as a result of the 2017 tunnel project will also be used.