Cincinnati Tops Ohio Cities in National Park Rankings, Cleveland and Toledo Also Make Top 100
By Nexio News | June 26, 2025
Cincinnati has once again proven itself as a leader in urban green spaces, securing the No. 5 spot in the annual ParkScore rankings by the Trust for Public Land (TPL). The city’s parks system outperformed nearly every major U.S. city, marking its 11th consecutive year in the top 10. Meanwhile, Cleveland and Toledo also earned recognition, ranking 31st and 59th, respectively, in the nationwide evaluation of park quality and accessibility.
The study assessed the 100 largest U.S. cities across five key categories: park access, acreage, public investment, amenities, and equity in distribution based on income and race. For Ohioans, the results highlight both strengths and areas for improvement in the state’s urban parks.
Cincinnati: A National Standout
Cincinnati’s parks system is a model for the nation, with 91% of residents living within a 10-minute walk of green space—far above the national average of 76%. The city dedicates 17.1% of its total land to parks, spanning over 8,300 acres.
“This ranking validates what we already know: Cincinnati’s parks are a vital part of our community,” said a spokesperson for Cincinnati Parks. The city scored a near-perfect 99 out of 100 for amenities, which include hiking trails, playgrounds, and nature centers.
Investment also plays a crucial role. Cincinnati spends $259 per resident on parks—well above the national average of $154—resulting in a total annual budget of $81.3 million. The system includes eight regional parks, 70 neighborhood parks, and 65 miles of trails, managed by multiple agencies to ensure broad accessibility.
Cleveland Holds Steady Despite Competition
Cleveland slipped slightly to No. 31 this year, but officials say the change reflects shifts in other cities’ rankings rather than a decline in local park quality. The city still boasts strong marks for access and equity, with 83% of residents near a park.
“We’re proud of our progress, but we know there’s more work to do,” said Alexandria Nichols, Director of Cleveland’s Department of Parks & Recreation. Recent expansions, like the Euclid Creek Greenway, helped improve the city’s access score from 75 to 80 out of 100.
However, Cleveland’s parks are smaller than average—just 3.9 acres compared to the national median of 5.4. Despite this, the city invests $165 per resident, slightly above the U.S. average.
Toledo Shows Room for Growth
Toledo ranked 59th, with 83% of residents near a park but only 7% of city land dedicated to green spaces. The city’s per-capita spending of $75 falls short of the national benchmark, though its 165 parks provide ample recreational opportunities.
Why Parks Matter
“Parks are more than just open spaces—they’re economic engines and public health assets,” said Carrie Besnette Hauser, CEO of Trust for Public Land. Research shows every $1 invested in parks generates $3 in economic benefits, from tourism to improved property values.
For Ohio’s cities, maintaining high-quality parks is critical for equity, wellness, and community cohesion. Cincinnati’s consistent top-tier performance sets a high bar, while Cleveland and Toledo continue refining their systems.
Explore the full rankings: Trust for Public Land’s ParkScore
— Reported by Nexio News
