Resident questions Sycamore Park mini pitch; city says installation complies with grant, construction set for November

Resident Walter Acres told council during public comment that he understood the park had been acquired with grant money and that, in his view, the grant required the parcel be retained only as open space. He said the mini pitch and associated signage would "take away from the open spaces" and expressed concern about placement near homes and a perceived loss of green area.

The city manager replied that the city had "responded to the state regarding that grant" and that "despite what was said, it's totally inaccurate," adding that "everything that we are doing is in compliance with the grant." He described the mini pitch as "a donation by FC Cincinnati Foundation" and said the amenity is "still a public amenity" comparable to the playground or pavilion, and that "the fields will be open to anybody to use." The city manager also told the resident the mini pitch construction was expected to begin the week of Nov. 10, 2025.

The resident asked how to review prior meeting minutes related to acceptance of the grant; staff said the minutes are available via a public records request or on the city website and that the clerk could provide them. The city did not identify any change to the underlying grant terms during the meeting or provide documents in the session; staff said they had already responded to state inquiries about the project.

Because residents raised questions about the grant and prior council discussion, staff advised that the public-records process can be used to review the minutes and any grant documents. The city manager characterized the installation as a public amenity and stressed that the city believes the project complies with the grant’s conditions.