Cincinnati Park Foundation Will Expand Mount Storm Park
A new 27-acre land acquisition will increase the size of the historic Cincinnati park to 100 acres by late 2026.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Cincinnati Park Foundation plans to acquire 27 acres of land adjacent to Mount Storm Park from the Singh family. The expansion, expected to finalize by the end of 2026, will bring the park to a total size of 100 acres.
Why it matters
The project aims to preserve vital green space and mitigate the urban heat-island effect in the area. This acquisition provides a permanent environmental buffer for the community following a period of financial instability for the previous landowners.
The 27-acre parcel is valued at nearly $454,000 by the Hamilton County auditor. The Cincinnati Park Foundation has secured approximately $329,000 from 215 donors to support the purchase.
The players
Cincinnati Park Foundation
This local organization focuses on the preservation and improvement of public green spaces within the city.
WesBanco Bank
This financial institution is currently pursuing legal action regarding mortgage debt tied to the target property.
Singh family
The private landowners currently own the 27-acre plot adjacent to Mount Storm Park.
The details
The foundation signed a letter of intent to purchase the land, which currently faces a $350,000 mortgage claim filed by WesBanco Bank against the Singh family. If the deal proceeds, the city will integrate the space into existing park infrastructure to protect against heat-island effects.
Timeline
1917: The city razed the original Mount Storm mansion.
March 2025: The Singh family bought the 27-acre plot.
November 2025: WesBanco Bank filed a lawsuit against the Singh family.
October 6, 2026: A hearing is scheduled regarding the lawsuit.
End of 2026: Park officials anticipate finalizing the land purchase.
Market Landscape
The acquisition follows established patterns of using the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program to secure urban land. This trend reflects a broader move by municipal foundations to prevent commercial development on transit-adjacent parcels.
Residents gain expanded public access to natural space near the highway. The project aims to improve local air quality and cooling for the Clifton neighborhood through increased tree canopy.
The takeaway
Large-scale urban land preservation often relies on a mix of private donations and state-level environmental grants. Residents should monitor local park board agendas for updates on how the new space will be utilized after the purchase is finalized.
Further reading
Learn more about local giving initiatives on the Philanthropy page.
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Should your local government prioritize expanding public parks over maintaining struggling neighborhood commercial properties?
