Francis RecreAcres — Attraction in Sharonville

★☆☆☆☆ Popularity ★★☆☆☆ Size/Location ★★★★★ Terrain ★★☆☆☆ Scenery ★★★★★ Accessibility ★★★★★ Amenities ★★★★★ Condition ★★★★★ Safety Date visited: 11/04/2023 As a dedicated member of Great Parks of Hamilton, it's both my duty and privilege to explore the myriad parks and trails within this splendid network. On a crisp and sun-kissed weekend morning, I embarked on a journey to Francis RecreAcres, a hidden gem renowned for its appeal to dog enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. My arrival was met by a sprawling yet strangely vacant parking lot, sparsely punctuated by a few scattered vehicles. It became evident that this park held a special place in the hearts of locals, as I witnessed a procession of early risers, accompanied by their loyal four-legged companions, traversing sections of the trail visible from the lot. I secured a spot near one of the inviting trailheads and ventured into the embrace of the cool autumn breeze and radiant sunshine. The park welcomed its visitors with a treasure trove of amenities, including spacious sports fields, a charming children's playground, and cozy shelters, complete with restroom facilities. As I embarked on my journey, I discovered a well-paved trail that elegantly circled the park, offering the promise of diverse activities – walking, running, cycling, and even accommodating motorized vehicles. This paved pathway boasted a surface virtually devoid of cracks or imperfections. In a curious turn of events, the park suddenly unfolded as a tranquil sanctuary, and I found myself alone on this captivating journey. Save for the occasional passerby walking on the grassy expanse of one of the soccer fields, I remained undisturbed. The park stood at the nexus of residential and industrial areas, with a slender ribbon of woodland serving as a delicate buffer. Amongst the trees, some rose to towering heights, hinting at a remnant of ancient forests that had withstood the encroachment of human civilization – a poignant reminder of nature's resilience in the face of human progress. While the serenity was occasionally interrupted by the distant hum of a nearby highway, it contributed a unique and almost comforting ambient backdrop to the serene soundscape of the autumn woods. The air itself carried the promise of freshness, occasionally tinged with the scent of vehicle exhaust, a subtle reminder of the modern world. Completing my loop, I paused for a brief visit to the men's restroom, which appeared not to have escaped the diligent attention of park maintenance. The lingering aroma of air freshener hung in the air, concealing any hints of staleness, although the urinals bore traces of rust. It was only upon my attempt to wash my hands that I discovered the taps had been turned off for the season. Fortunately, I'd anticipated the need, a precaution borne out of the enduring influence of a recent pandemic, and had a trusty bottle of hand sanitizer tucked away in my car. As I concluded my visit, the park began to stir with the arrival of other visitors. Overall, the park's charm, offering tranquility that's increasingly elusive in our fast-paced world, makes it an inviting destination for individuals of all ages. I would recommend Francis RecreAcres to anyone seeking a respite from the ordinary, a place where nature's serenity takes center stage, offering an opportunity for rejuvenation...

Huge, peaceful, greenery and wonderful place to play games and spend out with family and friends outside. Some perks…

Whole playground for kids. They will enjoy for sure. The place have whole setup for them. 4 soccer fields with goal posts with grass. 4 sand volleyball courts. Net is in good condition, set to mixed gender height. Sand is leveled across and good line threads. Perfect for families to play and enjoy. Lot of greenery around. And more soccer fields or other game fields. I have seen cop car doing rounds, so safe too. School near by, so I think it was empty on weekends but don’t think so on weekdays. We went on Friday, and half occupied. There are washrooms...

You're supposed to have a Cincinnati Parks parking pass to park here. They aren't sold here. Not sure where the nearest place to get one is. The annual passes are $10/vehicle. The playground is great. Not one of the best we've been to and kind of far away from everything else. But, if you're visiting the SPCA next door, this is a great place to stop by for the kids to run around awhile. The playground has a large structure with (I think) 5 slides. The 2 year old had no problem doing almost everything there. If we're up in this part of Cincinnati again we'll be stopping...