There’s nothing quite as quintessentially “Cincinnati” as Reds Opening Day, and Tri-State Trails is proud to have the CROWN positioned front-and-center among the festivities, with the Ohio River Trail segment providing a direct connection between Great American Ball Park and the riverfront park system.

Great American Ball Park is just one of the numerous signature Cincinnati destinations that, once it’s complete, the planned 34-mile shared-use urban trail loop will connect. Thanks to a partnership between Tri-State Trails, ArtWorks, the Cincinnati Reds, and Duke Energy, visitors to the ballpark can now get a bird’s-eye view of just how much the CROWN has to offer.

CROWN Mural Showcases “Gems” of Cincinnati

Completed in October 2022, the CROWN Mural adorns 165 feet of wall wrapping around the southwest corner of the stadium (at the northeast corner of Joe Nuxhall and Mehring ways), along the Ohio River Trail and Smale Riverfront Park. Designed by local artist L.D. Nehls, the mural features nearly 20 iconic destinations and landmarks around the county, all accessible (or soon-to-be accessible) by the CROWN. Meandering throughout the mural is decorative golden linework that connects both walls – representing how the CROWN serves as a ribbon of energy connecting the people and the gems of the Queen City.

“When we talk about the CROWN, people’s eyes light up and we can almost see their wheels turning as they think about the fun and meaningful ways to activate the trail,” said Jan Portman, Chair of the CROWN Campaign Cabinet, when the mural was unveiled. “This wonderful partnership with ArtWorks and the Reds is a perfect example of the creativity inspired by a safe place to walk, run, and ride. The trail is being built thanks to the generosity of our community, and it’s with the creativity of our community that the trail will turn into a ribbon of energy connecting people and places in our region.”

Among the destinations featured in the mural are:

• Fountain Square
• Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
• John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge
• Cincinnati Museum Center
• Cincinnati Music Hall
• Lunken Airport

…and numerous others.

Get to Opening Day on the CROWN

Great American Ball Park isn’t the only Reds Opening Day destination accessible via the CROWN. In addition to direct access to the stadium, the CROWN also connects with the recently expanded Central Parkway Protected Bike Lane, which can take you to Findlay Market or any other destination along the Opening Day Parade route.

Be sure to check out Tri-State Trails’ trail map and Low-Stress Bike Map urban commuting guide when planning your Opening Day ride.