PS: I'm not saying nobody's going to do it. I'm just saying I'm not.

Well, even the Gilbert lanes are terrible. Going SB, the lanes begin just at the I-71 overpass and end immediately afterwards, and force you to merge with fast moving traffic from I-71 SB. Going NB, the lanes appear at the ramp to I-71 NB, and end at the top of the small hill. A cyclepath or the tapering of the merge lanes into a full stop (by doing a 45-degree approach to Gilbert) would be much safer.

 

On this topic, Reading is somewhat terrifying to begin, as you have to go up the on ramp for 71 North/Reading, get in the middle, and then make your way down, where you will again be faced with merging traffic coming of 71 North on  your right. It feels like you are riding a freeway. Adding to that a rough ride up Reading and I can't see how anyone not being forced to take such a route would do so.  And why/how would anyone "take Reading to Mt. Adams"? That doesn't make any sense. I think it's a typo or something. The suggestion should be Gilbert to Eden Park and then up via the regular route.

 

I took that once - and it was awful. I think it was about a month after I moved here. I then discovered that there was a much easier ascent to the top - Gilbert.

I was told they consulted with queen city bike for those routes. I don't believe it.

Maybe the cost/benefit didn't make sense considering the potential ridership, but I would think that a significantly scaled down bike sharing program like those in DC and Boston (and soon to be NYC) would have been a better way to go about this.  The only places where a bike sharing model like the one being implemented really make sense are where long, secured (separated bike lane or trail) bike routes are readily available (NYC's Central Park and Hudson River Trail are perfect examples) for touring.  As already noted, a tourist or suburbanite isn't going to ride the routes listed.  I could see them riding around downtown/OTR/Covington/Newport, but that's where again a DC/Boston style system would be much more appropriate.

Well eventually (hopefully) there will be a trail from the riverfront all the way to the little miami trail and then to Cleveland.  Maybe I'm just dreaming that it actually gets completed in my lifetime.

I could see a bikeshare working with bikes available at some parking garages (e.g. Washington Park), Fountain & Government Squares, the Banks, and a couple spots in Covington/Newport (e.g. Main Strasse, NPotL). Businesses on Vine and Main in OTR may want to sponsor outlets there, too.

I like how mature the trees in the section by the river.  They really give it a vibe that they have been there for a few years.

I haven't seen the trees in person yet but after watching the last update it occurred to me that the last time that land had trees on it was in the late 1700s. 

In the video it says that after they're finished with the current portion or the park this summer, they plan to move east. I assume this means addressing the fenced-off strip of land between the river and Mehring Way. Any idea how they plan to do this? It looks like that narrow bit of land slopes down sharply toward the river and has the old Riverfront Stadium concrete wall all the way down to the river.

 

The transition from Smale Park to the public landing doesn't seem like an obvious one.

I believe early and mid date park plans showed this area with a walkway dividing the strip East to West (and if I recall correctly the elevation of the walkway was below sidewalk elevation but above top of wall elevation along the river). 

To the South of the walkway were large fountains (at top of wall elevation) shooting into the river, to the North was green-space/vegetation.

 

 

Maybe the cost/benefit didn't make sense considering the potential ridership, but I would think that a significantly scaled down bike sharing program like those in DC and Boston (and soon to be NYC) would have been a better way to go about this.  The only places where a bike sharing model like the one being implemented really make sense are where long, secured (separated bike lane or trail) bike routes are readily available (NYC's Central Park and Hudson River Trail are perfect examples) for touring.  As already noted, a tourist or suburbanite isn't going to ride the routes listed.  I could see them riding around downtown/OTR/Covington/Newport, but that's where again a DC/Boston style system would be much more appropriate.

 

I agree the the quantity of trails currently might not support the business, but if they stay around a few years the riverfront could potentially have some killer biking trails, and a more regional embrace of the river.  To explain my reasoning: you need to look at the riverfront in two sections from the Big Mac to the Roebling and from the Roebling to the Brent Spence Bridge...

 

Calling the Big Mac to Roebling Phase 1: The Cincinnati side of the river will be connected with a continuous parkscape from the Purple People to the Roebling by the end of the year.  The Southbank Partnership looks to be gearing up for a river trail from Dayton to Ludlow and should treat the area of Phase 1 as more of a linear parkscape than just a simple trail.  This could provide a continuous park loop.  The greater "River Park" encircled by this loop would be 250+/- acres of water recreation, trails, trees, fountains, sculpture, and memorials to view on one's ride. Not to mention the changing skyline backdrop.  With a ramped connection on either side and some pedestrian friendly planning the Big Mac could be brought into the trail but that is a bit complicated for this post.

 

Phase 2: If/when the BSB is replaced as a two highway bridge, lanes will be/should be opened up for multi-modal transportation use (dedicated bus lane, Streetcar/Light-Rail lane, Bike & pedestrian lanes).  This would provide the "River-Park," framed by the developments of 4 cities to really become the region's Central Park! The overall bike loop would be roughly 4 miles long, it would cross the Ohio twice and the Licking via a new pedestrian bridge at the river's mouth.  The "River Park" would be 400 acres.

 

All of this is dependent on planning, policy, politicians, and developers; to preserve regional thinking, institute ordinances, laws, & programs that clean the river, and provide money.

But for my part I have been working on some graphics for a while now.

I believe early and mid date park plans showed this area with a walkway dividing the strip East to West (and if I recall correctly the elevation of the walkway was below sidewalk elevation but above top of wall elevation along the river). 

To the South of the walkway were large fountains (at top of wall elevation) shooting into the river, to the North was green-space/vegetation.

 

Here is the phase map which might help.

 

 

Combine that with this and you should have a good idea of when they are going to do what (not embedded due to screen stretching):

http://mysmaleriverfrontpark.org/images/tour6-large.jpg

Re the map above, if you walk on the Roebling and look at the park, particularly the area south of the Black Brigade and Main Street fountain, you get a much better idea of how it will play out.  They have it graded down to the seawall for the most part, and there are actually new steps built that head down from the Main Street fountain.  I did not really realize this, as I have always been looking at things from the North side.

I believe early and mid date park plans showed this area with a walkway dividing the strip East to West (and if I recall correctly the elevation of the walkway was below sidewalk elevation but above top of wall elevation along the river). 

To the South of the walkway were large fountains (at top of wall elevation) shooting into the river, to the North was green-space/vegetation.

 

Here is the phase map which might help.

 

 

Combine that with this and you should have a good idea of when they are going to do what (not embedded due to screen stretching):

http://mysmaleriverfrontpark.org/images/tour6-large.jpg

 

The Lager House is on the wrong side in the link.

So about the Lager House... what is going on with carry-out window and the Event Lawn's alcohol rules?

 

When the lawn opened St. Patrick's day weekend, one was able to purchase a beer from the window and roam the lawn. Other beer vendors were also set-up around the lawn. A couple weeks ago I was there for a Reds game and suddenly you couldn't take a carry-out beer over to the Event Lawn, instead you were confined to a small space by the window and over to the Moerlein hops garden. Again, beer vendors were set-up around the lawn. Yesterday there was a metal barrier set-up in the middle of the lawn so you could roam half of the lawn but not not the area by the stage and Walnut Street fountain.

 

Any thoughts?

A picture of Banks & Smale Riverfront Park from the top of Carew Tower yesterday. 

<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7137/6996698572_c2d3d8a14c_c.jpg">

 

 

^Nothing is showing up for me... is there a link that I'm missing?

So about the Lager House... what is going on with carry-out window and the Event Lawn's alcohol rules?

 

When the lawn opened St. Patrick's day weekend, one was able to purchase a beer from the window and roam the lawn. Other beer vendors were also set-up around the lawn. A couple weeks ago I was there for a Reds game and suddenly you couldn't take a carry-out beer over to the Event Lawn, instead you were confined to a small space by the window and over to the Moerlein hops garden. Again, beer vendors were set-up around the lawn. Yesterday there was a metal barrier set-up in the middle of the lawn so you could roam half of the lawn but not not the area by the stage and Walnut Street fountain.

 

Any thoughts?

 

I noticed that also on Wednesday night. There are enough barricades and fences around The Banks, we really don't need any more. Maybe they're working on the other side of the event lawn ... I did see someone with a hose washing it down the other night. Maybe they're trying to protect the grass? I really have no idea but I hope those barricades aren't a regular thing.

^That's a shame to hear about more barricades. The park looks even more beautiful with every passing week. My parents took me out to eat for my birthday and we went to the Lager Haus before walking around the park. Luckily, the fountains were on they loved it. They couldn't believe how much had changed downtown. Their exposure had been limited to Reds games where they'd park in a garage and then leave and a few Rod Stewart Concerts at the crappy arena.

 

Speaking of barricades, are the fountains and steps still blocked off with chain link fence? Been wanting to make a picture there for weeks, but decided not to go around the fences for once.

^ I believe they aren't coming down until the grand opening on May 18.

Here is the phase map which might help.

 

 

Sorry Gordon Bombay.  I guess I misspoke.  The carousel won't be until Phase 3.  :-(

 

So about the Lager House... what is going on with carry-out window and the Event Lawn's alcohol rules?

 

When the lawn opened St. Patrick's day weekend, one was able to purchase a beer from the window and roam the lawn. Other beer vendors were also set-up around the lawn. A couple weeks ago I was there for a Reds game and suddenly you couldn't take a carry-out beer over to the Event Lawn, instead you were confined to a small space by the window and over to the Moerlein hops garden. Again, beer vendors were set-up around the lawn. Yesterday there was a metal barrier set-up in the middle of the lawn so you could roam half of the lawn but not not the area by the stage and Walnut Street fountain.

 

Any thoughts?

 

The use of the lawn varies depending on special events, both by the Lager House and the Park Board.  It is not permanently part of the permit area for the Lager House.

Speaking of Phases-

 

You can see that they've already changed the plan a little bit.  The Main Street fountain will be completed in a few weeks yet it was originally going to be part of Phase 3.  Hopefully Phase 2 starts soon!

 

 

Speaking of Phases-

 

You can see that they've already changed the plan a little bit.  The Main Street fountain will be completed in a few weeks yet it was originally going to be part of Phase 3.  Hopefully Phase 2 starts soon!

 

 

 

Good point. I hope they take some of the river wall in Phase 2 too.  Addressing the river would really get people excited and provide a good mockup for future phases of construction.  Crossing my fingers for a summer Phase 2 start!

^ I believe they aren't coming down until the grand opening on May 18.

 

They've been down since yesterday and the rest of the area on the south side of Mehring is open as well.  I walked through it and overall I'm very impressed.  When it's all completed it's going to be very, very nice.

a collection of pics: http://overtherhine.wordpress.com/2012/05/18/otr-update-see-cincinnati-with-new-eyes/

Incredible turnout tonight!  The crowd exceeded my expectations 10 fold.  It was amazing how people mingled way past the band shutting down for the evening.

It was indeed a great turnout last night. Was down there this afternoon and all areas of the park were packed. A lot of bike rentals too.

Smale Park compliments The Banks well:

 

http://over-the-rhine.tumblr.com/post/23365115140/smale-riverfront-park-and-the-banks-pic-via

I went there last night with two other forumers and it was a fantastic first phase. 

Was down there both Friday night for the opening and again last night for Asian Food Fest - the atmosphere was nothing short of electric! I had to pinch myself as a reminder that I was still in Cincinnati!

 

The fountains are amazing..lots of kids playing in them and dogs running around. Great atmosphere. This weekend the Riverfront probably had some of its largest crowds all year without a Reds or Bengals game taking place.

 

I will say, however, that the lack of trees and other greenery around the Banks and particularly outside TKILTBAG is one area that improvement is needed. The place kind of feels like a concrete maze without anything to break up and soften the all the concrete and asphalt.

I've had a few friends ask me if the fountains will remain on 24/7.  Also, people seem to be curious about how much energy is being "wasted" on the fountains.  I know there are solar panels in the park, but I cant find a source explaining how much is used within the park.

Was down there both Friday night for the opening and again last night for Asian Food Fest - the atmosphere was nothing short of electric! I had to pinch myself as a reminder that I was still in Cincinnati!

 

The fountains are amazing..lots of kids playing in them and dogs running around. Great atmosphere. This weekend the Riverfront probably had some of its largest crowds all year without a Reds or Bengals game taking place.

 

I will say, however, that the lack of trees and other greenery around the Banks and particularly outside TKILTBAG is one area that improvement is needed. The place kind of feels like a concrete maze without anything to break up and soften the all the concrete and asphalt.

 

I think some greenery and trees will be added as construction contines.  I alluded to how sterile and uninviting TKILTBAG seems.  Clearly there can be some kind of trees or greeneryplanters used on the sidewalks but also many of the restaurants can add there own smaller planters to green thinsg up.  As the trees grow, it will get better; will probably be a few years before it ruly fels warmed up. 

Pretty sure the only thing that can be added outside of Toby Kieths are flower pots.  2nd street and it's sidewalk are a bridge. No dirt there!

Already a hit with the children.

 

I like the quality of phase one of the Smale Riverfront Park, but it contrasts so much with the poor choice of materials for The Banks. The use of materials at the park is on par with the quality seen inside and out of the Lager House, and compliment each other nicely.

Every pic I have seen of those jets makes me feel like they are low/wimpy and need to shoot at least twice the height they do currently. Maybe the aim is to make it kid-sized, or maybe it's an energy/water conservation thing. I don't know, but it would feel more grand with more height.

 

Nice pic of the shadow creatures in the glistening water, BTW.

^I imagine they don't want to drown the kids or launch them into the river.  Judging by the amount of kids I've seen interacting through it this weekend, I personally believe it's perfect and is what the designers set out to accomplish.  It's a human scale, not one that can or needs to be seen from Covington.

I think the splash park at Sawyer Point has higher jets. Haven't been there in a few years, though, so that might be different now, or my memory might be wrong (pretty sure it's not!).

Not sure about SP.  I recommend checking this out in person though.  Not one person this weekend ever mentioned the need for more water pressure.  It was almost surreal to hear the positive conversations and hopes of people young and old.  We found ourselves entertained for hours watching the kids having such a good time.  I have a feeling you'll like it as is once viewed in person.

I took a brief look at Smale Park and the Asian festival yesterday, and still have mixed impressions.  First, I agree with oakiehigh on the height of the water jets; they seem to be safely aimed at protecting the hundreds of playful children (and some parents) who were enjoying running through them, rather than launching them all into orbit.  Second, the Lager House was absolutely jammed early in the afternoon; it's truly a showplace and a riverfront magnet.  Third, the lower park can be seen as either a water glass half-full or half-empty--the development has come so far, but yet so much needs to be done. And the 'little things" count--like the fact that there are few drinking fountains on either level; I guess we're all supposed to rush into the Lager House to quench our thirsts, eh?  Lastly, my observations of The Banks/Phase I needn't be elaborated on--mainly because so many other disappointed people have already expressed similar feelings.  The entire place resembles a Potemkin Village, cheaply done, and unreal. And the lack of shade or trees or public benches is greatly felt--although I realize that, in several years, these issues will no doubt be corrected.

I've had a few friends ask me if the fountains will remain on 24/7.  Also, people seem to be curious about how much energy is being "wasted" on the fountains.  I know there are solar panels in the park, but I cant find a source explaining how much is used within the park.

 

The fountains probably use a lot less energy than all the lights in the park, or the streetlights on any given street. 

 

Also, the water is likely recycled like it is in most fountains, unlike at Fountain Square where the water is always fresh, potable drinking water - which was part of the agreement with the city when the fountain was gifted by Henry Probasco.  As far as fountains go, I'm sure these are far more efficient than Cincy's most famous fountain.

I've had a few friends ask me if the fountains will remain on 24/7.  Also, people seem to be curious about how much energy is being "wasted" on the fountains.  I know there are solar panels in the park, but I cant find a source explaining how much is used within the park.

 

The fountains probably use a lot less energy than all the lights in the park, or the streetlights on any given street. 

 

Also, the water is likely recycled like it is in most fountains, unlike at Fountain Square where the water is always fresh, potable drinking water - which was part of the agreement with the city when the fountain was gifted by Henry Probasco.  As far as fountains go, I'm sure these are far more efficient than Cincy's most famous fountain.

 

 

Did I read that right, that is fresh water that constantly runs in the fountain square fountain? I did not know that. I guess now when i see people drinking out of it, or putting the water on their face I won't think it is as bad.

I've had a few friends ask me if the fountains will remain on 24/7.  Also, people seem to be curious about how much energy is being "wasted" on the fountains.  I know there are solar panels in the park, but I cant find a source explaining how much is used within the park.

 

The fountains probably use a lot less energy than all the lights in the park, or the streetlights on any given street. 

 

Also, the water is likely recycled like it is in most fountains, unlike at Fountain Square where the water is always fresh, potable drinking water - which was part of the agreement with the city when the fountain was gifted by Henry Probasco.  As far as fountains go, I'm sure these are far more efficient than Cincy's most famous fountain.

 

 

Did I read that right, that is fresh water that constantly runs in the fountain square fountain? I did not know that. I guess now when i see people drinking out of it, or putting the water on their face I won't think it is as bad.

 

It's all fresh water.  It uses almost 500 gallons per minute if I remember correctly. When they moved it in 2006 they briefly considered getting rid of the constant fresh water supply, but decided it was too far removed from the original intent of the fountain. 

 

So compared to the new fountains at Smale, the energy/water use is only a drop in the bucket compared to Fountain Square.

I've had a few friends ask me if the fountains will remain on 24/7.  Also, people seem to be curious about how much energy is being "wasted" on the fountains.  I know there are solar panels in the park, but I cant find a source explaining how much is used within the park.

 

The fountains probably use a lot less energy than all the lights in the park, or the streetlights on any given street. 

 

Also, the water is likely recycled like it is in most fountains, unlike at Fountain Square where the water is always fresh, potable drinking water - which was part of the agreement with the city when the fountain was gifted by Henry Probasco.  As far as fountains go, I'm sure these are far more efficient than Cincy's most famous fountain.

 

I wouldn't be so sure.  There's been a lot of advances in lighting as of late, and from what I saw a lot of the lighting around the park is LED.  At the very least, all the uplighting in the fountains themselves are LED, and those use a tiny amount of power.  Pumps on the other hand always have used a lot of electricity, and unless there's some revolutionary breakthrough in motor technology (which there hasn't been in nearly a century), then they probably always will.  Pumps also require a lot more maintenance.  Electricity and maintenance are the reason the many fountains at the Palace of Versailles are only run for two or three days a week, and they charge extra admission on top of it. 

 

Regarding the Tyler Davidson Fountain, the whole point is that the four little fountains at each "corner" are drinking fountains.  I think the main pool of the fountain was more for horses originally.  Anyway, there's a pretty complex plumbing infrastructure for the whole thing, but if it's just passing city water through and draining it away then you wouldn't technically need any pumps at all, just some pressure regulators and shutoff valves.  The many elaborate fountains in Rome are mostly gravity fed straight from aqueducts.  That's about as simple and elegant as it gets, no electricity needed.

Bike center was packed Sunday around 10:30am.  All the fun stuff was rented out by families. 

 

Each fountain has a sign that says don't drink the water because it is recycled.  Upper fountain was packed with families.  Lower fountain was empty which will probably always be the case since there is no seating and no shade down there (yet?). 

 

The quality and attention to detail is amazing.  I love how the gutter for the roof covering the stage is kind of a work of art on its own.

I've had a few friends ask me if the fountains will remain on 24/7.  Also, people seem to be curious about how much energy is being "wasted" on the fountains.  I know there are solar panels in the park, but I cant find a source explaining how much is used within the park.

 

The fountains probably use a lot less energy than all the lights in the park, or the streetlights on any given street. 

 

Also, the water is likely recycled like it is in most fountains, unlike at Fountain Square where the water is always fresh, potable drinking water - which was part of the agreement with the city when the fountain was gifted by Henry Probasco.  As far as fountains go, I'm sure these are far more efficient than Cincy's most famous fountain.

 

I wouldn't be so sure.  There's been a lot of advances in lighting as of late, and from what I saw a lot of the lighting around the park is LED.  At the very least, all the uplighting in the fountains themselves are LED, and those use a tiny amount of power.  Pumps on the other hand always have used a lot of electricity, and unless there's some revolutionary breakthrough in motor technology (which there hasn't been in nearly a century), then they probably always will.  Pumps also require a lot more maintenance.  Electricity and maintenance are the reason the many fountains at the Palace of Versailles are only run for two or three days a week, and they charge extra admission on top of it. 

 

Regarding the Tyler Davidson Fountain, the whole point is that the four little fountains at each "corner" are drinking fountains.  I think the main pool of the fountain was more for horses originally.  Anyway, there's a pretty complex plumbing infrastructure for the whole thing, but if it's just passing city water through and draining it away then you wouldn't technically need any pumps at all, just some pressure regulators and shutoff valves.  The many elaborate fountains in Rome are mostly gravity fed straight from aqueducts.  That's about as simple and elegant as it gets, no electricity needed.

 

I wish there was a sign explaining that on the Tyler Davidson.  I drink from the fountain almost daily and I can't count the number of times I've had to explain to people that it's safe...and the vast majority of the time they don't believe me. 

 

So...are you all saying that the fountains at Smale will remain on 24/7?

Also, there should really be a sign at the entrance to the labyrinth explaining that it's a place of meditation.  I keep seeing kids run all over the place on it and it ruins the experience.  I had to school a few parents today. 

Also, there should really be a sign at the entrance to the labyrinth explaining that it's a place of meditation.  I keep seeing kids run all over the place on it and it ruins the experience.  I had to school a few parents today. 

Yes, I noticed that yesterday--i.e., a ton of kids running the labyrinth and ruining it for adults.  But try explaining the idea of a labyrinth to any of those parents...

Each fountain has a sign that says don't drink the water because it is recycled.  Upper fountain was packed with families.  Lower fountain was empty which will probably always be the case since there is no seating and no shade down there (yet?).

 

A lot of families down there both Saturday & Sunday afternoon. There is some seating on the granite with a few trees to provide shade.

 

Also, I was there Friday night and at least the Main Street Fountain lighting went off at 11 p.m. (park closing time?). Was leaving the area and couldn't see if Walnut Street's also went off.

Also, there should really be a sign at the entrance to the labyrinth explaining that it's a place of meditation.  I keep seeing kids run all over the place on it and it ruins the experience.  I had to school a few parents today.

 

I'm not sure if that's such a big problem though... it's always interesting to see how different people, especially little kids, use public pieces such as the labyrinth. Perhaps meditation in the labyrinth is best early in the morning when the families aren't around? The best public pieces, in my opinion, are the ones that serve more uses, throughout the day, than intended.

 

Does anyone know anything about that chunk of land directly east of the bridge? I thought that was part of phase 1... it's sort of an awkward gap between Roebling Bridge and the park.

 

(btw, it's my first post! I've been lurking for awhile...)