Sawyer Point in the News
Over the past four years, Sawyer Point has undergone a remarkable evolution: from renewed activity at the Riverfront Rink and transformed pickleball courts to expanded community programming, major events and plans for a new signature playground. Together, these developments reflect a park that continues to grow as a destination for recreation, connection and play along Cincinnati’s riverfront.
2026: A New Chapter for Play
The Cincinnati Enquirer | September 10, 2026
Sawyer Point to get unique ‘Lazarus lizard’ park
The Enquirer takes readers inside the plans for The Lizard & the Sock, the new signature playground inspired by the Cincinnati story of the Lazarus lizards. The $2 million project will replace the 1,000 Hands Playground destroyed by fire in 2024 and move the playground to a new location near the pickleball courts.
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WCPO 9 | September 10, 2026
First look: New playground coming to Sawyer Point following 2024 arson attack
WCPO gives a first look at the new playground, including its 10-foot climbable lizard, oversized sock and other imaginative features designed to create a uniquely Cincinnati destination for children and families.
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91.7 WVXU | September 10, 2026
New plans for replacement playground allow kids to scale a scaly icon
WVXU explores the Cincinnati history behind the playground design and how the Lazarus lizard became the inspiration for the new play space.
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FOX19 | September 10, 2026
New playground at Sawyer Point will pay homage to a Cincinnati urban legend
FOX19 highlights the final design and the story of the Lazarus lizards that inspired it.
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WLWT | September 10, 2026
Cincinnati’s Lazarus Lizards inspire new Sawyer Point playset after fire
WLWT shares images and details of the new playground and its connection to one of Cincinnati’s most distinctive local stories.
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2026: Community Support Helps Move the Playground Forward
The Cincinnati Enquirer | August 12, 2026
Sawyer Point playground rebuild gets major Rotary funding boost
The Enquirer covered the Rotary Foundation of Cincinnati’s $100,000 grant to Cincinnati Parks Foundation to support rebuilding the playground, following a sold-out fundraising event that brought together donors, sponsors and community supporters.
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WLWT | May 14, 2026
Fundraiser held to replace Sawyer Point playground destroyed in bridge fire
WLWT covered Rotary’s sold-out “Play It Forward” fundraiser supporting the creation of a larger, accessible playground for children of all abilities.
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2026: Sawyer Point as a Recreation and Entertainment Destination
WCPO 9 | May 7, 2026
Cincinnati summer concert series ‘Getting to the Point’ returns to Sawyer Point for third year
WCPO looked at the return of the free concert series and the broader resurgence of activity at Sawyer Point, including pickleball, roller skating, volleyball and renewed programming at the Schott Amphitheater.
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WCPO 9 | Summer 2026
Vlasic Classic brings pro pickleball to Cincinnati’s revitalized Sawyer Point courts
WCPO explored how Sawyer Point’s transformed pickleball complex has grown into a venue capable of attracting professional and amateur players from around the country.
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2025: Imagining the Next Generation of Sawyer Point
91.7 WVXU | December 4, 2025
What a new Sawyer Point playground could look like, plus how to give feedback
WVXU covered the first conceptual designs for the replacement playground, which were developed after Cincinnati Parks received nearly 500 responses during an earlier round of community engagement.
WLWT | December 4, 2025
Cincinnati Parks shares concept designs for new Sawyer Point playground
WLWT highlighted early playground concepts and the continued opportunity for the public to help shape the final design.
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FOX19 | December 4, 2025
Cincinnati Parks reveals conceptual sketches of new Sawyer Point playground
FOX19 shared the initial concepts and the community priorities informing the project, including accessibility, safety, connections to the riverfront and a distinctly Cincinnati theme.
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Spectrum News 1 | May 15, 2025
Cincinnati Parks selects firm to build new playground under Big Mac Bridge
Spectrum News covered the selection of Midstates Recreation, the regional provider of Earthscape play environments, to design and build the replacement for the 1,000 Hands Playground.
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2025: Bringing More Young People to the Riverfront
WCPO 9 | May 2025
Sawyer Point to offer free roller skating for teens every Friday this summer
WCPO highlighted the launch of Teen Skate Nights, offering free admission, skate rentals, music and activities at the Riverfront Rink throughout the summer.
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2024: A Growing Skating Community
FOX19 | May 31, 2024
Community-led Skate Downtown Cincy is ‘on a roll’ with summer programs
FOX19 profiled Skate Downtown Cincy and its programming at Sawyer Point’s Riverfront Rink, including its partnership with Cincinnati Parks Foundation and the growing community gathering around roller skating on the riverfront.
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2023: Sawyer Point Builds Its Reputation for Recreation
WCPO 9 | June 2023
Nearly 200 people enter amateur pickleball tournament at Sawyer Point
WCPO covered the Ohio Amateur Open and Sawyer Point’s growing reputation as a destination for competitive pickleball, with players citing the riverfront location and quality of the facility.
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Cincinnati CityBeat | October 13, 2023
There’s a Free Skating Festival Happening at Sawyer Point This Weekend
CityBeat highlighted the Ohio Rhythm Jam and Skater Showcase, which brought free workshops, public skating and nationally recognized skaters to the Riverfront Rink.
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2022: Renewed Investment in Sawyer Point
Spectrum News 1 | August 8, 2022
Cincinnati’s Sawyer Point Tennis Courts converted to world-class pickleball facility
Spectrum News documented the transformation of the existing tennis complex into a major pickleball destination, an investment that helped spark a new era of recreation at Sawyer Point.
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Cincinnati CityBeat | September 7, 2022
State-of-the-Art Pickleball Courts Open at Cincinnati’s Sawyer Point
CityBeat covered the grand opening of the renovated complex, which expanded the park’s capacity for pickleball and positioned the facility to attract larger tournaments and events.
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Cincinnati CityBeat | July 20, 2022
Sawyer Point to Reopen its Roller Rink with Series of Adults-Only Sunset Skate Events
CityBeat chronicled the renewed interest in Sawyer Point’s historic outdoor rink and the return of organized skating events to the riverfront.
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