Kennedy Heights Secures $150,000 for Future Improvements to June Alexander Recreation Area
Community Investment · Kennedy Heights
$150,000 Awarded for Future Improvements to June Alexander Recreation Area
Kennedy Heights has secured significant City funding for enhancements at one of our neighborhood’s most beloved — and underutilized — public spaces.
Kennedy Heights Development Corporation has received exciting news: $150,000 has been included in the City of Cincinnati’s recommended capital budget to support future improvements at June Alexander Recreation Area. The funding was awarded through the City’s Community Budget Request (CBR) process and is currently planned for allocation in 2027.
June Alexander Recreation Area is one of Kennedy Heights’ best — yet underutilized and under-highlighted — community assets. Tucked behind the Kennedy Heights Cultural Campus, the park serves neighborhood residents year-round with a walking track, playground, baseball field, soccer field, memorial garden, and open green space. It is also home to daily youth sports programming and recreational activities that bring families together from across the community.
A Community-Driven Investment
This funding didn’t come from a single request — it came from the neighborhood. The CBR was developed through resident conversations, neighborhood engagement, and close collaboration with Cincinnati Recreation Commission (CRC) staff. The goal was straightforward: identify practical improvements that would make the park safer, more welcoming, easier to access, and more enjoyable for everyone who uses it.
While final project scopes and timelines will be determined by the City and CRC, the funding is expected to support a variety of improvements:
Several other community-requested improvements — including crosswalks near park entrances and additional public parking options — remain important priorities but fall outside the scope of this particular funding request. We will continue to advocate for those needs.
“Neighborhood voices matter — and sustained community advocacy can lead to meaningful investment in public spaces.”
Honoring a Neighborhood Legacy
The Story Behind the Name
Many residents know the park as June Alexander Park or Playfield — named in honor of June Rogers Alexander, a longtime Kennedy Heights resident and tireless advocate for neighborhood children. When plans emerged decades ago to close Kennedy Heights School and redevelop surrounding properties, June fought to preserve both the neighborhood and the recreational space that residents enjoy today. She spent years caring for the park, picking up litter, and advocating for community needs. The park stands as a lasting reminder of her dedication to Kennedy Heights and future generations.
Looking Ahead
Although funding is not expected to be available until 2027, this allocation represents an important step forward for the future of the park. It demonstrates that neighborhood voices matter and that sustained community advocacy can lead to meaningful investment in public spaces.
As plans continue to develop, Kennedy Heights Development Corporation will work with community partners, residents, and the City to share updates and opportunities for public input whenever available.
We are grateful to the residents, volunteers, community organizations, and City staff who helped advance this effort. Together, we are continuing the work of making Kennedy Heights a vibrant, connected, and welcoming neighborhood for all.
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