About the Project
A new outdoor playground at Sharon Woods will offer an upgraded and welcoming play experience for all users. Located next to Sharon Centre, the new playground will have easy access to parking and indoor restrooms as well as nearby picnic areas and Sharon Creek.
Project Scope & Impact
At about 10,000 square feet, the new playground will be over twice the size of the current playground at Sharon Centre and offer an inclusive, accessible play experience for children with a wide range of abilities. The playground incorporates themes reflective of the unique character and landscape of Sharon Woods, and takes inspiration from the rocky outcrops and waterfalls found in the Sharon Creek Gorge and local wildlife including birds and crayfish.
Tentative Project Timeline
| Activity | Date |
| Project Discovery | Summer 2022 |
| Schematic Design | Fall 2022 |
| Design Development | Fall/Winter 2022-23 |
| Final Design & Documentation | Spring/Summer 2023 |
| Custom Playground Equipment Fabrication | Fall/Winter 2023-24 |
| Construction | Spring-Fall 2024 |
Note: Project schedule may be impacted by feedback received from the public and stakeholders; changes to funding; or supply chain issues. All updates to the timeline will be communicated in the table above.
Public Input
Great Parks has received fantastic feedback from the community regarding the playground project. An initial public survey was launched in May 2020 to solicit feedback on desired features for the playground, such as slides and swings, shade and rest areas and places to climb and play. An interactive, in-person workshop was held at Sharon Woods on June 15 & 18, 2022, where kids were provided with materials to design and describe their ideal playground. From these surveys and workshops, several design concepts were developed. An online public survey in September 2022 helped determine the final playground design.
June 2022 Interactive Workshop Summary
Costs & Funding
The project is partially funded by a levy passed by Hamilton County residents in 2021. It is one of $101 million in critical infrastructure needs and $124 million in park improvement projects identified through a public master plan process. Levy funds will be leveraged with supplementary support from federal, state and local grant funding sources.