CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Parks has announced the firm it has selected to build a replacement playground to replace the 1,000 Hands Playground in Sawyer Point Park, which was destroyed in a fire. 

Midstates Recreation was selected as it specializes in play spaces for children of all ages and abilities. The firm is an exclusive provider of Earthscape, which creates natural playgrounds with creative play opportunities.

What You Need To Know

  • Midstates Recreation was selected, as it specializes in play spaces for children of all ages and abilities

  • Sawyer Point is one of the most heavily trafficked parks in Cincinnati, according to Cincinnati Parks

  • The 1000 Hands Playground was originally constructed in 2003

According to a release, Sawyer Point is one of the most heavily trafficked parks in Cincinnati, hosting several major events each year including Oktoberfest, the Black Family Reunion and the Pride Festival, among others. The goal of Cincinnati Parks is to create a new park for children in the region to enjoy.

“This is about resiliency. We intend to bring a truly iconic playground back to Sawyer Point that will be home to countless future adventures for Cincinnati kids,” said Jason Barron, Cincinnati Parks director. “There’s no doubt the fire was a gut punch. But now we have an amazing opportunity to build something truly iconic that kids will be begging their parents to visit again and again.”

Cincinnati Parks said the plan is to build quickly, but quality will not be sacrificed. The department said updates on the overall timeline for the project will be revealed in the coming months.

The department said the project is estimated to cost between $1.9 million and $2.1 million, and funding will need to be identified between both public and private money.

A new park will be constructed in the area east of the 471 bridge, south of the volleyball courts and pickleball/tennis courts. The area offers 11,000 and 14,000 square feet and is near the center of Sawyer Point. 

Before the formal process begins, Cincinnati Parks is seeking feedback to weigh in on themes and features through an online survey.

The original 1000 Hands Playground was constructed in 2003 and measured 10,500 square feet and offered ADA considerations and certain components targeted toward the visually and hearing impaired.