Great Parks outlines Sharon Woods lake, wetlands and harbor plans; council questions tunnel and crossing safety
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Summary
Great Parks presented progress on Sharon Woods' lake dredging, constructed wetlands made from dredged sediment, accessibility improvements and a redesigned harbor due in early 2028. Council members pressed the presenter on a dilapidated East Tunnel and the safety of a new at-grade crossing at Kemper Road.
A representative from Great Parks briefed Sharonville City Council on extensive improvements at Sharon Woods, describing a multi-year lake dredging effort that repurposed removed sediment to create constructed wetlands and berms intended to simplify future targeted dredging and improve water quality.
The presenter highlighted new amenities added while the lake was lowered, including an accessible Sheeran Center playground, an accessible canoe and kayak launch, rebuilt trail sections and a widened, more-accessible parking lot. Project photos shown to council illustrated the north wetland and channels cut to create a unique paddling and boardwalk experience; the presenter said, "This will be a really unique amenity that I think, will be highly attractive for people to come and experience."
Great Parks staff explained that a historic Crease Dam received masonry and training wall repairs and that the Lakeside Lodge will be repurposed temporarily as a boathouse while harbor renovations proceed. The presenter said the harbor refresh aims for construction completion in early 2028, re-centering the lake as the focal amenity.
Council members asked detailed questions about an East Tunnel that formerly carried the trail under Kemper Road. Great Parks said the tunnel is on county right-of-way and not under the parks agency’s maintenance authority, that the tunnel has structural deterioration and that the tunnel’s slope and narrow width make ADA compliance impractical. As a result, staff explained they realigned the trail to an at-grade crossing at Kemper Road using rectangular rapid-flashing beacons, additional lighting and vegetation clearing to improve sight-lines. The presenter said a natural-surface trail option through the tunnel might be explored if the tunnel’s owner (the county) repaired it.
Council members suggested additional traffic-calming and speed-feedback signage at Kemper Road to improve safety for families and children crossing at the new location. Great Parks agreed the suggestions were useful and noted the agency’s coordination with the city on lighting and sight-lines.
The presentation and Q&A did not result in council action; the update was accepted as part of the evening’s reports.
