With a child spraypad and captivating set of waterfalls, Cincinnati’s Smale Riverfront Park introduces visitors to the heart of the city — and reminds residents why they live there
The Walnut Street fountains and stairs, with two large, cascadin…
The Walnut Street fountains and stairs, with two large, cascading waterfeatures and more than 100 LED lights, mark the park’s entryway. The steps are anchored by three elevated glass observation stands, each with its own LED-lit water curtain to present a unique illuminated effect. The lights are programmed to sync with music and often have a theme. On Cincinnati Reds’ game days, for example, the features turn red and white.
Thadd Fiala
The interactive waterfeatures are equipped with deck-level verti…
The interactive waterfeatures are equipped with deck-level vertical spray nozzles that have LED lighting to entertain child visitors.
Thadd Fiala
Thadd Fiala
Say the designers: “The fountains had to be able to withstand …
Say the designers: “The fountains had to be able to withstand the harsh Ohio winters. They were designed to be institutional and last more than 50 years. Some of the features fall within the 100-year flood level, and this required additional coordination with the Army Core of Engineers.”
Architect: Sasaki Associates
Aquatic Designer: Aquatic Design & Engineering
General Contractor: Monarch Construction Co.
Pool/Spa/Waterfeature Contractor: Hydro Dramatics
As the main pedestrian gateway through the city, Smale Riverfront Park was designed to engage the senses, boost the city’s economic vitality and connect residents and visitors to the heart of downtown Cincinnati and the Ohio River. These goals are helped along by a backdrop that features a number of city landmarks, including the Roebling Bridge, the National Underground Freedom Railroad Center, the Paul Brown Stadium and the Great American Ballpark.
Rebecca Robledo is deputy editor of Pool & Spa News and Aquatics International. She is an award-winning trade journalist with more than 25 years experience reporting on and editing content for the pool, spa and aquatics industries. She specializes in technical, complex or detail-oriented subject matter with an emphasis in design and construction, as well as legal and regulatory issues. For this coverage and editing, she has received numerous awards, including four Jesse H. Neal Awards, considered by many to be the “Pulitzer Prize of Trade Journalism.”
