The 45-acre greenspace located at The Banks has been known as Smale Riverfront Park since 2012. Named in honor of long-time Cincinnati Parks supporters John G. Smale and Phyllis W. Smale, this award-winning park is a year-round attraction for its gardens, its views, its rolling lawns dotted with playgrounds and playscapes, and its special events produced by Cincinnati Parks and the Cincinnati Parks Foundation.

Former Procter & Gamble CEO, John Smale, and his family are responsible for securing the future of Smale Riverfront Park for generations to enjoy this gem in the crown of Cincinnati’s Parks. Yet “Smale” is not the only name you’ll find as you explore this Riverfront Park (Yeatman’s Cove, Sawyer Point, and Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park complete the City of Cincinnati Riverfront Parks along the Ohio River).

Entering Smale Park at the far eastern perimeter (at Mehring Way and Main Street), visitors will encounter five named parks-within-Smale Park, in this order:

• Duke Energy Garden, made possible by the Duke Energy Foundation
• Cathy’s Garden, honoring Cathy Smale Caldemeyer
• Women’s Committee Garden, recognizing
  The Women’s Committee of Cincinnati Parks
• Memory Garden, supported by Omnicare a CVS Health Company and Alzheimer’s Association
• Gardner Family Grove & Rose Garden, established by The James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Foundation

Juneteenth celebrations at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center combined education, remembrance, and community with Opal’s Walk for Freedom and the Freedom Center’s Juneteenth Jubilee. This year, Cincinnati was among one of only 10 cities nationwide selected to host Opal’s Walk for Freedom, a national initiative inspired by the legacy of Dr. Opal Lee, widely known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” for her tireless advocacy for recognizing June 19 as a federal holiday.

Opal’s Walk for Freedom brought communities together through simultaneous 2.5-mile walks in Washington, D.C. (the flagship city), Fort Worth (the original home of the Freedom Walk), Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Birmingham, Honolulu, Evanston, Detroit, St. Paul, and Grants Pass, Oregon. The 2.5-mile distance symbolizes the two and a half years between the Emancipation Proclamation and the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free.

In addition to rallying the hundreds participating in the local Opal’s Walk, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center hosted its Juneteenth Jubilee, featuring live entertainment, food trucks, music, an outdoor market, performances by Skate Downtown Cincy and the Ijo Ugo Drummers, and a panel discussion with The Lion King cast.

Freedom Center President and COO Woody Keown welcomed visitors, walkers, and volunteers before introducing Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus, who shared the history of Opal’s Walk and encouraged attendees to reflect on the enduring significance of Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

Photo credits: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

The highlight of the second quarter 2026 was Cincinnati City Council approval of an ordinance and zoning amendment on June 10, confirming the vision articulated in The Banks Urban Design Plan Update developed with the help of consultants, city and county staff, and key stakeholders of The Banks. The consulting team, led by Perkins&Will, included MKSK, HR&A Advisors, and Kolar Design. Support of the Steering Committee and Advisory Group was key to the quality and timeliness of the Plan Update. While consultant and stakeholder involvement was essential, the Plan Update would not have met its goal without those who engaged in the Public Input process by offering opinions across two polls.

Adoption of recommendations on development of the remaining five lots in The Banks footprint underscores the need and the desire to invest in The Banks for increased economic impact. In addition to identifying a Master Developer, securing funding for capping Fort Washington Way between Walnut and Vine Streets between Second and Third Streets remains a priority. Officials from Hamilton County and the City of Cincinnati meet regularly to fashion an effective and efficient process of dialogue and decision-making to ensure not only clarity of vision, but also maintaining focus on operational safety, inclusive opportunity, within-budget operation, and community engagement.