Cincinnati leaders celebrate Smale Park expansion as project marks final chapter

Cincinnati leaders celebrate Smale Park expansion as project marks final chapter Advertisement Updated: 6:21 PM EST Nov 10, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Ashley Kirklen Anchor/Reporter Cincinnati leaders celebrate Smale Park expansion as project marks final chapter Updated: 6:21 PM EST Nov 10, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Ashley Kirklen Anchor/Reporter CINCINNATI — Cincinnati celebrated the completion of Smale Riverfront Park's latest expansion, a milestone in the transformation of the city's riverfront. What was once an underdeveloped stretch of land is now one of Cincinnati's most recognizable public spaces, thanks to years of planning, millions in private donations and the Smale family's commitment to enhancing the city. Advertisement "He donated $20 million to make whatever this was here, and I asked Rocky, what was it here? He's like, I think it was a mud pit, but whatever this, whatever we had here, he said, let's create a park because vibrant cities are created by vibrant parks," Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Kearney said. The latest expansion surrounds the Andrew J. Brady Music Center and marks the completion of a seven-year project. "We've got beautiful sandstone along the southern wall. That completes kind of that Mehring Way from the Cincinnati Lager House all the way down to Paycor Stadium is all now clad in that sandstone to really give it that amazing corridor look," Cincinnati Parks Director Jason Baron said. Behind the granite and greenery is a story of generosity and family legacy. More than $4.5 million was raised from over 50 local families and corporations. For the Smale family, the project carries special meaning, honoring Cathy Smale Caldemeyer, who helped champion the expansion before her death in 2022. "This phase was a labor of love for my mother, who saw this as her commitment to the legacy of her parents," Lisa Diedrichs, Cathy and John Smale's daughter, said. Smale Riverfront Park and the surrounding area generate an estimated $2.5 billion in direct and indirect economic impact for Cincinnati. Make WLWT a preferred source on Google Add Preferred Source Share Infinite Scroll Enabled Top Picks Ole Miss student apologizes after video showing women making racist gestures sparks backlash Video: Drone delivers food to ape stranded during Florida flooding Public health alert issued for three frozen meat products, USDA warns Paul McCartney achieves billionaire status, becomes world’s third-richest musician