This program is a follow up to our forum, “The Cincinnati Park Board: Time for a Refresh?” held on February 24. The first program presented the history of the Park Board, which has operated as an independent commission for 115 years, and recent concerns about how it functions. Aside from several abrupt changes in personnel, there have been proposals for development in parks that have met with strong community opposition.

These issues raise questions about the structure, function and priorities of the five-member Park Board. Why and how does the mayor determine who should serve on the Park Board? How much authority should lay board members have over professional parks employees? What accountability should the Park Board have to the public it serves? Finally, what would be the ideal administrative system for the management of Cincinnati parks?

Our returning panelists are:

• Dr. David Stradling, Zane L. Miller Professor of History, University of Cincinnati

• Dr. Alyssa McClanahan, author of a history of the Cincinnati Park Board

• Frank Russell, Director of the UC Community Design Center and the Niehoff Urban Studio and former Park Board member

• Steve Schuckman, Superintendent and Manager of the Division of Planning and Design, Cincinnati Park Board

Q &A will follow.

Part 2 will offer the audience an opportunity for further discussion with the panelists and participation in polling on recommendations for refreshing the Park Board.