In March 2023, to launch the first phase of the plan to revitalize Loveland’s Nisbet Park, the city installed a new gazebo and the start of a walking path. A grant from the Clermont County Park District will allow the city to install another section of the walking path this spring. Photo courtesy the City of Loveland.

In March 2023, to launch the first phase of the plan to revitalize Loveland’s Nisbet Park, the city installed a new gazebo and the start of a walking path. A grant from the Clermont County Park District will allow the city to install another section of the walking path this spring. Photo courtesy the City of Loveland.

<p>Nisbet Park Rendering. Photo courtesy the City of Loveland.</p>

Nisbet Park Rendering. Photo courtesy the City of Loveland.
<p>Three outdoor dining areas — similar to the one located in front of Loveland City Hall — will be built in Nisbet Park. Construction will begin on the first seating area this spring, thanks to a grant from the Hamilton County Board of Health. Photo courtesy the City of Loveland.</p>

Three outdoor dining areas — similar to the one located in front of Loveland City Hall — will be built in Nisbet Park. Construction will begin on the first seating area this spring, thanks to a grant from the Hamilton County Board of Health. Photo courtesy the City of Loveland.
<p>The Clermont County Park District has awarded the city a $9,775 grant to expand the new walking trail from the gazebo to the park’s southern perimeter at North Karl Brown Way. Plans call for a future gateway entrance to be built in this vicinity. Photo courtesy the City of Loveland.</p>

The Clermont County Park District has awarded the city a $9,775 grant to expand the new walking trail from the gazebo to the park’s southern perimeter at North Karl Brown Way. Plans call for a future gateway entrance to be built in this vicinity. Photo courtesy the City of Loveland.

The City of Loveland has been awarded two grants to further the revitalization of Nisbet Park.

Nisbet Park runs through the heart of Historic Downtown Loveland and is located just off the Little Miami Scenic Trail. According to a 2020 study by the Friends of the Little Miami State Park, the park averages more than 125k trail users a year — not to mention regular park visitors.

In 2021, the city’s Recreation Board surveyed the public and drafted a plan to revitalize the park.

As the first step in carrying out the plan, an ADA-accessible gazebo and pathway were installed in March 2023, thanks in part to a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ NatureWorks Program. The 24-foot diameter gazebo can accommodate small concerts, family parties, and weddings. The pathway will eventually become part of a walking trail, leading to a river overlook, reoriented amphitheater, and new seating areas just to name some of the coming improvements.

“These grants allow us to keep moving forward on the improvements to Nisbet Park. It will take a few years to accomplish everything in the park plan, but little projects are all part of the big picture. When it’s done, the park will offer amenities for all ages and abilities,” explained David Kennedy, Loveland City Manager.

With the two new grants, construction will begin this spring on the next phase of projects:

  • The Clermont County Park District has awarded the city a $9,775 grant to expand the new walking trail from the gazebo to the park’s southern perimeter at North Karl Brown Way. Plans call for a future gateway entrance to be built in this vicinity.
  • The Hamilton County Board of Health has awarded the city a $15,000 grant to install an outdoor dining area with picnic tables — similar to the dining space installed in front of City Hall. This will be the first of three dining areas to be built in the park along the Little Miami Scenic Trail, beneath the park’s mature, shady tree canopy. “Building these seating areas shows the city is supporting downtown businesses by adding more outdoor dining spaces,” Kennedy said.

The grants require local matching funds from the city, Kennedy added.

In August, an infrastructure project will take place through a portion of Nisbet Park and its immediate access streets. Harrison Avenue between Karl Brown Way and Railroad Avenue will be widened. Sidewalks, curbs, storm sewer, and drainage improvements will be made. Once this project is completed, the city will be able to proceed with further implementing the Nisbet Park Master Plan. Tentative plans for 2024 are to install the rest of the walking trail, improve river access, and install swing benches.

To view the Nisbet Park Master Plan, please visit https://www.lovelandoh.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2476/Nisbet-Park-Master-Plan-8-22?bidId=.