Covington residents are invited to help shape the future of Goebel Park as the city develops a new master plan for the beloved urban green space.
The city will host a public open house from 6-8 p.m. July 28 at the Hellmann Creative Center, where attendees can learn about the proposed plan, ask questions, and share feedback on the park’s redevelopment.
Goebel Park is slated for significant changes due to the $3.6 billion Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project.
What's happening to Goebel Park
The project will claim about 4% of the park’s 14.7 acres, according to a 391-page supplemental environmental assessment released in January 2024.
"There is no prudent alternative that avoids the use of the Goebel Park Complex," the report said.
Key impacts to the park include:
- Removal of the outdoor pool, two basketball courts, and part of a walking trail.
- Replacement of about 2.8 flood-prone acres with 2.3 state-owned acres at higher elevation.
- Installation of transparent noise walls along the interstate to maintain views of the park’s iconic Carroll Chimes Clock Tower.
To offset the losses,
the project will provide $100,000 for Covington to create a new master plan for Goebel Park, along with $1.3 million for a new aquatic facility, $94,500 for new sports courts, and up to $75,000 for potential temporary basketball facilities, The Enquirer previously reported.
Clock tower, dog park, and trails will remain
Ben Oldiges, Covington’s Parks and Recreation manager, previously told The Enquirer the city paused earlier renovation plans for Goebel Park once the bridge project moved forward.
“We viewed it as a real opportunity,” Oldiges said of the federal funding. He added that community input will guide whether to build a new pool, as usage has declined compared to Randolph Park and the Latonia water park.
The basketball courts, now used more for street hockey and soccer, will also be evaluated based on public feedback.
The park’s popular hike-and-bike trails and the SFC Jason Bishop Memorial Dog Parkwill remain, and the Carroll Chimes Clock Tower is expected to be unaffected.
For those unable to attend the open house in person, an online engagement portal will be available after the event at www.engage.kzf.com/cov-goebel.
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This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Goebel Park changes are coming. Here's how you can weigh in
