Hamilton County park satisfaction reaches 89 percent; Winton most popular

For 20 years, the Hamilton County Park District has contracted with the University of Cincinnati's Institute for Policy Research to conduct phone-based Greater Cincinnati Surveys (GCS) in an effort to gather information concerning public use and perception of all of the county's parks.

2008 produced the highest marks ever received, with overall satisfaction rates reaching 89.2 percent and 76 percent of respondents saying that they, or a member of their family, have visited a county park within the past year.

Nearly 93 percent of respondents somewhat or strongly agreed that Park District programs and services make Hamilton County a better place to live.

"I believe the value offered by the Hamilton County Park District during these difficult economic times was a definite factor in our strong visitation," says Jim Rahtz, deputy director of the Hamilton County Park District.  "The high gas prices this summer also had people considering close to home family vacations, or staycations and the Park District offers many activities of interest to families."

The most popular park remained Winton Woods, with 39 percent naming it as the location of their most recent visit.

A project to improve the park's facilities continues with the addition of eight deluxe cabins, improved RV hookups, and a new campground office and store with an indoor snack bar.

"We are planning to have all improvements available to the public by Memorial Day weekend," Rahtz says.  "Once complete, there will be 123 cabins or campsites available for rent, an increase from 100. It is our hope that the new options, such as deluxe cabins and pull through, full hook up campsites will be popular and increase overall visitation to the campground and the park."

Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Source: Jim Rahtz, deputy director, Hamilton County Park District
Photography provided by Hamilton County Park District