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| Highland Park |
 Tower Park always has been and continues to be a park of
special significance. Not only
does it have historic merit, being a frontier and Civil War fort, it continues
to be an active military base and even more active playground for children
through adult. I grew up playing
at that park; the swings may be different and the seesaw may be gone but the
laughter lingers and the activity abides.
And in a sweeping move to ensure that the parks remain
relevant, safe, clean, and fun, the city of Fort Thomas undertook a wholesale
makeover of the entire park system, including Tower. I reviewed Rossford last week, the below is Knox’s review of
Tower and Highland Park.
Tower Park is the favorite. Not only is it 0.64 miles from the house, a distance Knox
can (and does) easily run, but it has the most options of all the parks. The renovation installed an all-new
water drainage system on the baseball field, built a new amphitheatre, three
new picnic shelters, two new playground areas (new equipment was installed
prior to the rest of the renovations), volleyball courts moved over by the
basketball and tennis courts so all of these games were in the same area, and
resurfaced sidewalks and pavement. Some of the work continues, including the
grading of the seating and some pavement work.
The play area really is a lot of fun for children of various
ages. It would be nice if they had
a bit more separation of play areas between those designated for toddlers and
those elements for older children.Â
Also, it does lack some elements I fondly remember such as the seesaw, climbing
dome, and merry-go-round (likely intentional exclusions for safety). But, in all, a great playground, tennis
courts, baseball/softball diamond, and family fun area.
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| Highland Park Restrooms |
Highland Park was also completely renovated. Much work had previously been done at
this park on the baseball field and installing one of the best dog parks in the
area. The focus, then, was on the
entry of the park and the former tennis courts. The basketball court was removed, playground shifted to the
other side of the street, bathrooms rebuilt, and a new picnic shelter
installed. Also, the playground and shelter up by the baseball field were
replaced. The former tennis courts
are still being rebuilt to create a sand volleyball court.
This park is definitely smaller and the playground area is
quite a bit less thrilling, but it has a quaint feeling (at the end of a nice
neighborhood street), is secluded and has a different variety of elements (i.e.
dog park and Frisbee golf course).Â
The renovations are definitely a vast improvement.
The improvements at all parks really have been well received
by Knox. Additionally, it is great
to see the continued commitment to family and recreation in the city.
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| Highland Park Pavilion |
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| Highland Park Swings |
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