CINCINNATI — The Overlook at Eden Park is reopened to cars for the first time in months.
Cincinnati Parks closed the space to traffic in response to the crowds it drew during the coronavirus pandemic, but decided to make the closure permanent in May. The announcement to permanently close the Overlook drew disapproval from community members, who formed Citizens United Against the Closure of the Overlook at Eden Park to fight the decision.
"This is a place that we all should be able to partake in," said June Hill-Cable, a member of the organization.
The group said that by closing the road and parking lot to cars, Cincinnati Parks limited access to the park for many families across the city.
"This needs to remain open," said Reverend Damon Lynch III, with New Prospect Baptist Church. "This is not a neighborhood park. This is an urban park that is for everybody."
Hill-Cable and Lynch began speaking out about the closure after Cincinnati Parks decided the temporary closure would become permanent.
Their voices were heard by the Park Board of Commissioners. Cincinnati Parks reopened the parking lot to traffic Saturday and said it would stay that way to allow more people to access the Overlook.
"We want to create a sense where everyone feels that they belong, because we all belong," said Hill-Cable. "This is all of our park. This is a public park meant for everyone to enjoy."
