Cincinnati Restarts Efforts for Smale Park Boat Dock
The city is renewing permitting efforts to build a riverfront dock following the receipt of a new state grant.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Remote Work
Live Poll
Do you support prioritizing public funds for recreational waterfront developments in your area?
Cincinnati parks officials have contacted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to restart the permitting process for a new boat dock at Smale Park. The move follows the city receiving a $1.5 million grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in June 2026.
Why it matters
City leadership aims to activate the riverfront to draw more visitors and boost recreational economic activity in the area. The project replaces a previous initiative that failed to move forward under a prior developer.
The project is backed by a $1.5 million state grant, a figure identical to the funding the city returned after an initial attempt in 2015. Historical estimates for previous iterations of the marina project reached costs of up to $3.6 million.
The players
Cincinnati Parks
This local municipal department is responsible for managing city-owned recreational spaces and infrastructure, including the ongoing riverfront development initiatives.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
This federal agency is responsible for regulating construction projects in the nation's waterways, including the permitting process for all riverfront docks.
H. Hafner & Sons Inc.
This organization was previously contracted by the city to develop the riverfront project before the partnership was terminated due to insufficient progress.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
This state agency manages the natural and recreational resources of Ohio and provides grant funding for municipal infrastructure and conservation projects.
The details
After terminating its partnership with H. Hafner & Sons Inc. due to a lack of progress, the city is now working directly with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to navigate a full application and review process. The new proposal for a dock at Smale Park requires a formal public notice as part of the regulatory requirements.
Timeline
2015: The city was initially awarded a $1.5 million state grant for a boat dock project but returned the funds.
September 2024: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers withdrew the previous permit application for the dock.
May 2026: The city submitted new dock plans to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
June 2026: The city was awarded a $1.5 million state grant for the boat dock.
Market Landscape
This development reflects a broader strategy among municipalities to reclaim industrial riverfronts for public recreation. Such projects often face complex regulatory hurdles, mirroring challenges seen in similar waterfront revitalization efforts across the country.
Residents can expect future public notices regarding the development as the city moves through the formal permitting process. Once the design is finalized, the city intends to share specific details on how this infrastructure will change river access at Smale Park.
The takeaway
Large-scale infrastructure projects frequently involve lengthy regulatory reviews that can lead to significant delays. Cities often shift strategies, such as changing developers, to ensure that public grant money is utilized effectively for local improvements.
Further reading
Find more local economic updates on the Cincinnati Remote Work page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WCPO.
Live Poll
Do you support prioritizing public funds for recreational waterfront developments in your area?
