Ivins Park To Permanently Close
Warren County, OH — December 16, 2024 — Warren County Park District has announced that Ivins Memorial Park will permanently close as of January 6, 2025. The Board of Park Commissioners has decided to remove the 4.69-acre park from its portfolio of park offerings.
"In 2018, the Board of Park Commissioners adopted land acquisition criteria that stated the minimum desired park size is 25 acres," said Matt Latham, CEO of the Park District. "Maintaining many small parks scattered all around the County is a drain on the Park District's resources, and these parks, when infrequently maintained, can create an attractive nuisance," Latham continued. "Going forward, the Park District is focusing more on providing larger, more regionally significant green space for residents and visitors to enjoy."
Ivins Memorial Park is located just south of the intersection of State Route 123 and Phillips Road, just east of Interstate 71. It consists of three parcels of land. Two of the parcels will be auctioned off, as required by state law. The largest parcel, about 3.16 acres, will be returned to the heirs of the original donor per the terms of the deed.
"Returning donated property is a decision that we don't take lightly," said Latham. "Obviously the donor intended for the property to be a park, and we work to honor donors' intent whenever possible. In this case, however, when the property was acquired, the Park District lacked a clear vision for the purpose this park would serve and how the maintenance would be funded. Now we are much more careful about what the Park District will accept, so we can be sure to honor donors' intent going forward."
Starting on December 17, interested parties can find out more about the property auction and how to bid by visiting the About>RFP/RFQ/Bid Opportunities section of the Park District website, www.warrencountyparks.com. Proceeds from the property sale will be reinvested into other Park District properties.
About Warren County Park District - Warren County Park District is a county-wide park and green space provider, managing 1,721 acres in 13 parks across the County including its flagship parks, Armco and Landen-Deerfield. Our mission is to enhance our community's well-being by preserving quality natural spaces where all are invited to discover and experience the great outdoors. For information, see www.warrencountyparks.com, email parks@co.warren.oh.us, or call 513-695-3980.
