Great Parks

What Great Parks does

Great Parks of Hamilton County is a public park district established in 1930 and headquartered at 10245 Winton Road, Cincinnati, Ohio. It operates as an independent government entity (Ohio law) that is Hamilton County's largest landowner, managing 23 parks and conservation areas across more than 18,000 acres — roughly one-third of the county's total open space. The district delivers outdoor recreation, conservation, and education programming to the Cincinnati metropolitan region, serving the general public alongside targeted segments such as golfers, campers, boaters, equestrians, families, children in day-camp programs, seniors, veterans and active-duty military, and underserved communities reached through library/EBT/senior discount programs.

The portfolio spans six golf courses (Little Miami Golf Center, Meadow Links & Golf Academy, Miami Whitewater Forest Golf Course, The Mill Course, Sharon Woods Golf Course, and The Vineyard), four campgrounds and multiple harbors offering rowboats, pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, SUPs, and motorboats, plus the Winton Woods Farm and Equestrian Center and disc golf, archery, mountain biking, and trail networks. Conservation is anchored by Shaker Trace Nursery — established 1992, one of Ohio's largest native seed and plant nurseries growing more than 200 prairie and wetland species — and a formalized Natural Resources Management Plan. Recent product/capital outputs (Sharon Lake Improvement Project $17M+, Shaker Trace renovations $13M+, Beechmont Bridge Connector Trail, disc-golf upgrades, Sharon Center playground, Music Garden) point to an active capital cycle funded by voter-approved levies.

Revenue is hybrid and non-commercial in character. The 2016 1-Mill Levy (~$2.58M/year for capital) and 2021 0.95-Mill Levy fund core operations and infrastructure. Earned revenue streams include required Motor Vehicle Permits for park entry, golf/camping/boat-rental usage fees, program fees for day camps and team building, and merchandise through Great Parks Gear. Grants from the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Duke Energy Foundation, Land & Water Conservation Fund, Ohio state capital funds, and ODNR/ODOT, plus philanthropy channeled through Great Parks Forever (501(c)(3), EIN 26-1559254) and its GO BIG $50M capital campaign, supplement the budget. Distribution is direct: physical access at 23 park sites, online reservations via a WebTrac system, in-person visitor centers/boathouses, and partner channels (Cincinnati Public Library Discovery Pass, EBT cardholder program).

Name

Great Parks

Legal name

Great Parks of Hamilton County

Website

https://greatparks.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1930

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Great Parks of Hamilton County is a public park district operating 23 parks and conservation areas across 18,000+ acres in the Cincinnati region, delivering outdoor recreation, conservation, and education services funded by voter-approved tax levies, user fees, grants, and philanthropy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Parks and Recreation Services

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), Zoos and Botanical Gardens (71213), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Campgrounds (721211), RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Recreational Camps (7212)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services (BPAIACAI)

Keywords

• Public park district
• Outdoor recreation services
• Municipal golf courses
• Conservation land management
• Nature education programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Cincinnati, Ohio

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Motor Vehicle Permits: Motor Vehicle Permits (MVPs) are required for vehicle entry into parks and generate revenue supporting conservation efforts across 18,000 acres.
2. Golf Operations: Revenue from five golf courses: Little Miami Golf Center, Meadow Links & Golf Academy, Miami Whitewater Forest Golf Course, The Mill Course, Sharon Woods Golf Course, and The Vineyard Golf Course. Includes greens fees, cart rentals, and lessons from PGA Professionals.
3. Camping Fees: Campground fees at Miami Whitewater Forest ($38-$47.75/night), group camping at Hidden Hollow ($117 first night, $67 additional), and Winton Woods and Lake Isabella campgrounds.
4. Boat and Equipment Rentals: Revenue from boat rentals including rowboats, pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, SUPs, motorboats, and mini-pontoon boats at various harbor locations.
5. Highfield Discovery Garden Admission: $7 per person admission or $65 season pass for 4 people to the Highfield Discovery Garden at Glenwood Gardens.
6. Tax Levies: Property tax levies approved by Hamilton County voters: 2016 1-Mill Levy (approximately $2.58 million/year for capital projects) and 2021 0.95-Mill Levy funding infrastructure and park improvements.
7. Philanthropic Donations: Great Parks Forever serves as the philanthropic partner accepting donations, planned gifts, and corporate sponsorships.
8. Program Fees: Fees for educational programs, day camps, nature programs, team building activities, and specialty programming for adults and children.
9. Merchandise Sales: Great Parks Gear online shop selling accessories, apparel, Charley Harper collection items, drinkware, golf gear, hats, park passes, and posters.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Great Parks of Hamilton County is a public park district operating 23 parks and conservation areas across more than 18,000 acres in the Cincinnati region. It provides outdoor recreation services including six public golf courses, campgrounds, boat rentals, equestrian programming, the Highfield Discovery Garden, day camps, and educational nature programs, alongside conservation land management supported by the Shaker Trace native plant nursery. Access is regulated through Motor Vehicle Permits, with revenue supplemented by user fees, voter-approved property tax levies, and philanthropy through Great Parks Forever.

Product overview

Great Parks of Hamilton County is a parks and recreation district operating 23 parks and conservation areas across more than 18,000 acres in the Cincinnati region. The organization offers a diverse portfolio of recreational services centered around outdoor activities including golf (six courses), equestrian programs, water-based recreation (boat rentals at multiple harbors), camping, and land-based activities. Conservation programming is a core component, particularly the Shaker Trace Nursery which produces native plants for ecological restoration. Educational programming includes day camps, nature programs, and skill-building courses. The portfolio includes retail operations (Great Parks Gear merchandise) and philanthropic services through Great Parks Forever. Access is managed through Motor Vehicle Permits with various community discount programs. The organization is funded through levies, recreational revenue, grants, and philanthropic support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Highfield Discovery Garden: A vibrant, interactive children's garden at Glenwood Gardens featuring themed gardens including Wizard's Garden, Butterfly Garden, and Vegetable Garden
• Great Parks Forever
• Shaker Trace Nursery

Products and services

• Golf Courses Six public golf courses operated by Great Parks: Little Miami Golf Center, Meadow Links & Golf Academy, Miami Whitewater Forest Golf Course, The Mill Course, Sharon Woods Golf Course, and The Vineyard Golf Course. PGA Professionals provide lessons and coaching; includes greens fees, cart rentals, leagues, and tournaments.
• Camping Camping facilities across multiple parks including 46 tent sites at Miami Whitewater Forest Campground ($38-$47.75/night), group camping at Hidden Hollow ($117 first night, $67 additional), Winton Woods Campground, Lake Isabella Campground, and group campgrounds at Possum Run and Pine Meadow.
• Boat Rentals Water-based recreation rentals at Miami Whitewater Forest Harbor, Winton Woods Harbor, Sharon Woods Harbor (temporary location), and Lake Isabella. Offers rowboats, pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, motorboats, and mini-pontoon boats.
• Programs and Day Camps Educational and recreational programs for children and adults including Jr. Summer Camp, Junior Mini Camp, Junior Day Camp, Survival in the Wild, Storytime on the Farm, Super Sprouts Garden Club, golf leagues and lessons, and team building programs.
• Motor Vehicle Permit Required permit for vehicle entry into Great Parks' parks and conservation areas. Supports conservation efforts across 18,000 acres. Free permits available for veterans, active military, EBT cardholders, and Hamilton County college students.
• Highfield Discovery Garden Interactive children's garden at Glenwood Gardens featuring the Discovery Tree, themed gardens (Wizard's Garden, Butterfly Garden, Vegetable Garden), and Music Garden. Admission fee: $7 per person or $65 season pass for 4 people; free for food assistance cardholders.
• Great Parks Gear (Merchandise) Online shop selling Great Parks merchandise including accessories, apparel, Charley Harper collection items, drinkware, golf gear, hats, park passes, and posters.
• Great Parks Forever (Donations and Philanthropy) Philanthropic partner of Great Parks for funding new parks projects and preserving open spaces. Accepts donations, planned giving, Trail Champions, and supports the GO BIG $50 million capital campaign.
• Shaker Trace Nursery One of Ohio's largest native seed and plant nurseries established in 1992, specializing in over 200 prairie and wetland species. Provides native plants for ecological restoration across Hamilton County. Offers public tours and educational workshops.
• Conservation Programs Natural resource stewardship including bow hunting, research and monitoring, restoration and management, sustainability initiatives, and wildlife conservation. Includes published Natural Resources Management Plan.
• Recreation Activities Wide range of outdoor recreation activities including archery, bicycling, disc golf, dog parks, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, paddling, picnicking, playgrounds, sand volleyball, soccer, softball, trails, ultimate frisbee, and winter activities.
• Winton Woods Farm and Equestrian Center Equestrian center offering western horsemanship, contesting, and natural horsemanship instruction. Provides pony rides and farm experiences for children including Lil' Farmers programs.
• Special Events Annual special events including Burgers & Brews, The Great Picnic, Hops & Hyzers, Spark in the Dark, Women in the Outdoors Series, Pollinator Festival, and Kids Outdoor Adventure Expo.
• Community Access Programs Programs providing inclusive access to parks including free/discounted entry for veterans, library cardholders, college students, and food assistance recipients. Includes senior discounts at golf courses and Lake Isabella.
• Parks and Conservation Areas 23 parks and conservation areas across Hamilton County covering more than 18,000 acres, including Campbell Lakes, Embshoff Woods Nature Preserve, Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve, Fernbank Park, Glenwood Gardens, Lake Isabella, Miami Whitewater Forest, Mitchell Memorial Forest, Sharon Woods, Winton Woods, Woodland Mound, and others.
• Sharon Center Welcome hub at Sharon Woods with natural history exhibits, nature-inspired gift shop, and staff assistance for planning park adventures. Adjacent to new outdoor playground.

Quantifiable outcome

• Great Parks generates $138 million regional economic impact according to University of Cincinnati study
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• America 250-OhiocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 June 2026Presenting sponsor of The Great Picnic celebrating America's 250th anniversary on July 18, 2026 at Miami Whitewater Forest. Part of Ohio's statewide America 250 celebrations with events across all 88 counties.
• Cincinnati MINIminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 June 2026Supporting sponsor of the Kids Outdoor Adventure Expo at Winton Woods Harbor, June 12-13, 2026.
• AmeritasminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 June 2026Collaborating sponsor of Kids Outdoor Adventure Expo.
• Cincinnati Children's HospitalminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 June 2026Collaborating sponsor of Kids Outdoor Adventure Expo.
• Cinfed Credit UnionminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 June 2026Collaborating sponsor of Kids Outdoor Adventure Expo.
• Civil & Environmental ConsultantsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 June 2026Collaborating sponsor of Kids Outdoor Adventure Expo.
• FC CincinnatiminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 June 2026Collaborating sponsor with special soccer zone at Kids Outdoor Adventure Expo.
• MetrominorGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 June 2026Collaborating sponsor of Kids Outdoor Adventure Expo.
• Tri-State Running CompanyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 June 2026Collaborating sponsor of Kids Outdoor Adventure Expo.
• VEGA AmericasminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 June 2026Collaborating sponsor of Kids Outdoor Adventure Expo.
• HighGrain Brewing Co.coreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of the Hops & Hyzers disc golf tournament at Winton Woods and Woodland Mound. Tournament name references HighGrain beer available to guests 21+ at events. Awards ceremony held at HighGrain Brewing Brentwood Brewpub.
• SPCA CincinnaticoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner constructing farm education and animal care facility adjacent to Simmonds Family Dog Park at Miami Whitewater Forest.
• PetVet 365 ColerainminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWaste station sponsor for Simmonds Family Dog Park.
• Ohio Department of Natural ResourcescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInvolved party in Sharon Lake Improvement Project permitting and environmental compliance.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agency involved in Sharon Lake Improvement Project permitting.
• U.S. Army Corps of EngineerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agency involved in Sharon Lake Improvement Project permitting and environmental review.
• Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading design of Columbia Connector Trail project with funds from Eastern Corridor Project; collaborated on Beechmont Bridge Connector Trail.
• Cincinnati Riding Or Walking Network (CROWN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreat Parks secured $300,000 from CROWN capital campaign for Columbia Connector Trail; project connects to 34-mile CROWN network.
• City of CincinnaticoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with Great Parks and ODOT on Beechmont Bridge Connector Trail ($9M project linking Little Miami Scenic Trail to downtown via Lunken Airport trail).
• Great Parks ForevercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPhilanthropic partner for Great Parks since 1930. Raises funds for new parks projects, preserves open spaces and natural resources through donations, planned giving, and GO BIG $50M capital campaign.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks: Regional metro park system in central Ohio managing 18+ parks across Franklin County with similar mix of golf, trails, nature education, and conservation programs funded through a property tax levy.
• Cleveland Metroparks: Ohio regional park district operating 18,000+ acres of parks and reservations across Cuyahoga County. Closest functional peer to Great Parks: government authority running parks, golf, trails, and conservation under a similar levy-based funding model.
• East Bay Regional Park District: California regional park district managing 73,000+ acres across two counties. Strong comp on regional scale, voter-approved funding, and a similar golf/equestrian/boat-rental recreation portfolio.
• Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission: Bi-county government entity running parks and recreation across Prince George's and Montgomery Counties. Comparable in mandate, scale, and breadth of facilities including golf, marinas, and equestrian.
• Forest Preserves of Cook County: Large urban-adjacent forest preserve district (~70,000 acres) in the Chicago region. Similar public-entity model acquiring and managing land for conservation and public recreation under a dedicated levy.
• Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority (Metroparks): Michigan regional park authority operating 13 metroparks across five counties including golf, pools, and nature-based programming. Closest peer in structure (multi-county authority) and recreation mix.

Broad incumbents

• Six Flags Entertainment: Large-scale operator of amusement parks and attractions. Compares on paid-attendance recreation economics and event-driven revenue, but differs as a commercial, multi-region operator rather than a public conservator.
• National Park Service: Federal agency managing the U.S. national park system. Broad incumbent that defines public expectations for outdoor recreation and conservation, and a key partner/funding source for state and local park districts.
• The Trust for Public Land: National nonprofit focused on creating parks and protecting land for public use. Closest peer on the conservation/land-acquisition franchise that underpins Great Parks' long-term growth model.

Regional players

• City of Cincinnati Parks (Cincinnati Recreation Commission): City-level parks operator within the same Cincinnati metro as Great Parks. Same geography but a separate municipal portfolio, providing a useful intra-region comp for share-of-visits and pricing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/greatparks
• Facebookfacebook.com/GreatParksHC
• Instagraminstagram.com/great_parks
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/greatparks

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Great Parks