CSO String Players  Answer ‘What’s Your Favorite Cincinnati-Area Park or Outdoor Space?’

In the cold, wintery months of January and February, we all dream of the spring sunshine and to once again walk around in the area’s best outdoor spaces. For a little bit of spring in the winter, we asked our string players about their favorite parks or outdoor spaces. 

Caterina Longhi
Viola

Pioneer Park in Montgomery
I walk to this neighborhood park every day with my dog, and we both love seeing all the different trees and wildflowers and listening to the sound of the creek. In the fall it’s a beautiful place to see the leaves change, and we always love sitting on the swings by the pond! 

Joanne Wojtowicz
Viola

Lebanon Bike Park
The Lebanon Bike Park is a car-free zone to ride mountain bike trails, a large pump track and a tiny one for beginner riders. There are features to test your balance and a rock garden to test your bravery. An easy gravel track circles the park while tougher cyclocross trails crisscross through. The wildflowers and crickets can be enjoyed from the picnic shelter while the kids explore the dirt jumps. We love this park! 

Rachel Charbel
Second Violin
Ida Ringling North Chair

Bender Mountain
I love the trail system and the spectacular views of the Ohio River (especially during fall). 

Rose Brown
Second Violin 

Ault Park
Ault Park is a great park for a picnic or to lie on a blanket in the grass and read a book for a while. 

Philip Marten
First Assistant Concertmaster
James M. Ewell Chair 

Ault Park
I love to get lost on the trails here, because, somehow, I always find my way back without having to worry about getting too far into the woods. 

Rick Vizachero
Bass 

Stanbery Park in Mt. Washington
Stanbery is a beautiful park with walking trails, walking track and areas for children and adults to picnic and play. 

Hyesun Park
Second Violin 

Ault Park
I love Ault Park for many different reasons—the view from the top of the pavilion, the hiking trails, the flower gardens, the workout area and, last but not least, the beautiful cherry blossom trees that bloom every spring. 

Felicity James
Associate Concertmaster
Tom & Dee Stegman Chair 

Eden Park
Eden Park is just beautiful. I take my dog for walks there every day and we love looking at all the trees, plants, wildlife and the gorgeous views. As a bonus, in the winter you can even ice skate on Mirror Lake!