Lytle Park improvements coming

Four concept plans for improvements to Lytle Park are now on the table.

A steering committee made up of residents, business owners and other stakeholders has been working since January, and the first of at least two public meetings was held last month.

"We're looking at increasing the green in the park with new lawn areas, increasing and improving the garden areas, adding water features, and also considering adding a small concession stand with moveable outdoor seating as a new service and park feature," says Steve Schuckman, superintendent of planning and design for Cincinnati Parks.  "And as with all of our planning, we are aware of the need to create a plan which is sustainable and which is 'green'."

"It will be a peaceful, urban oasis that fits the character of our neighborhood," says Kathy Brinkman, chair of the steering committee.  "One thing that the park lacks now is something that invites you in to use that space.  Now, it's more of a place to walk through.  It's disjointed.  It doesn't hang together."

Brinkman says that they hope to choose one design by the end of the year, which will be followed by the identification of implementation steps and funding sources.

She also says that the design team of the Cincinnati Park Board, Human Nature, Inc. and Champlin/Haupt Architects, Inc. are working with the steering committee to ensure that Lytle Park stays fresh long into the future.

"We're hoping to create a plan that's a 20 to 30 year vision," Brinkman says.  "One that not only meets the needs of people now, but will have staying power."

Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Source: Kathy Brinkman, chair, Lytle Park steering committee; Steve Schuckman, superintendent of planning and design, Cincinnati Parks
Photography by Scott Beseler