Established in 1927, the Cincinnati Recreation Commission (CRC) provides recreational, cultural, leisure and educational activities for Cincinnatians of all ages and abilities. CRC improves the quality of life in Cincinnati, makes city neighborhoods more attractive to prospective residents and is vital for Cincinnati’s continuing growth and competitiveness.
Cincinnati is one of just a few United States cities with separate and independently operated parks and recreation facilities. Most major U.S. cities combine park and recreation facilities under one department.
At CRC, we believe enhancing personal health and wellness enriches the lives of our citizens and builds a spirit of community in our city.
We offer athletic leagues, dedicated programs for seniors, youth and aquatics, therapeutic and inclusive programs for persons with disabilities, before- and after-school programs, summer day camps, special public events and volunteer opportunities.
CRC boasts a network of citywide recreation centers which complement CRC’s variety of aquatic facilities, 2,500+ acres of CRC outdoor athletic and playground facilities. Each year, millions of people visit CRC's recreational facilities and enjoy many programs at indoor recreation centers and outdoor play areas. In addition, tennis attractions and premier public golf courses make CRC a top-notch organization.
We are proud to be an award-winning organization. CRC has won two National Recreation and Park Association Gold Medal awards and certifications from the parks and recreation industry. In addition to national recognition, CRC has also been recognized statewide with multiple Ohio Parks and Recreation Association awards for CRC outdoor spaces, parks and programs.
CRC is the first large urban recreation department in the State of Ohio to receive accreditation by the national Commission on Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). CAPRA accreditation is a self-assessment and peer review process that evaluates a public agency’s operations and offerings based on a set of national standards for quality
