Washington, DC— The American Planning Association (APA) has named RiversEdge at Marcum Park in
Hamilton, Ohio, as one of five Great Public Spaces on APA’s annual Great Places in America list, which starts the countdown to National Community Planning Month in October.
APA’s Great Places in America program recognizes the streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces in the United States demonstrating exceptional character, quality, and planning—attributes that enrich
communities, facilitate economic growth, and inspire others around the country. The Great
Neighborhoods, Great Streets, and Great Public Spaces of 2018 are places that are unique and
exemplary in their amenities and infrastructure, cultural identity, and use of sustainable and innovative
practices.
“Public spaces serve a number of functions within a community, from gathering places to recreational
venues, and to satisfy these varied community needs requires thoughtful collaboration and planning,”
said Cynthia Bowen, FAICP, president of APA. “Hamilton’s RiversEdge is a national example of how
public spaces effectively create a sense of place that creates access and opportunity for all.”
When Mercy Hospital, an anchor institution and a major employer, left Hamilton, Ohio in 2006, the city
faced a brownfield site in the heart of downtown. Just over 10 years later and with the help of countless
community partners, the city of Hamilton has successfully reinvented the space as a premier park and
community gathering center. In 2013, construction completed on RiversEdge Amphitheater and
Overlook, an outdoor concert venue on the Great Miami Riverway that attracts thousands of visitors
every year to Hamilton. The remainder of Marcum Park, completed in 2017 as a gift to the community
from the Marcum family, provides more green space for recreation and events, a children’s playscape,
seating and an interactive fountain. It also accommodates food trucks and vendors. Marcum Park has
become a central gathering place for the community and has spurred investment in the urban core.
“Hamilton’s RiversEdge is a national example of how public spaces effectively create a sense of place that creates access and opportunity for all.”
In addition to RiversEdge, APA recognizes the following Great Public Spaces in 2018:
● The Plaza – Orange, California
● Aspen Pedestrian Mall – Aspen, Colorado
● Mill River Park – Stamford, Connecticut
“RiversEdge at Marcum Park has been one of the top reasons for Hamilton’s resurgence, attracting
thousands of visitors to our urban core every year,” said Hamilton City Manager Joshua Smith. “The
amphitheater is second-to-none, having twice been named the top concert venue in Greater Cincinnati.
Because of incredible volunteers, donations, the Hamilton Parks Conservancy, and dedicated music fans,
RiversEdge is able to bring top talent to our community. The atmosphere is stunning.”
Since launching the Great Places in America program in 2007, APA has recognized 290 neighborhoods,
streets, and public spaces around the country. Designees are selected annually and represent the gold
standard for a true sense of place, cultural and historical interest, community involvement, and a vision
for the future.
For the fifth year, members of the public can suggest their favorite public space, neighborhood, or street
to earn a “People’s Choice” designation. Throughout October, individuals can offer suggestions via APA’s
social media channels using the hashtag #APAgreatplaces. APA will select five finalists that the public
can vote on via APA’s website. The “People’s Choice” winner is announced in early November 2018.
For more information about these public spaces, as well as APA’s Great Neighborhoods and Great
Streets for 2018 and previous years, visit www.planning.org/greatplaces.
Learn about APA’s National Community Planning Month at www.planning.org/ncpm.