Carousel and other Smale Park openings announced

You may have heard talk about a carousel and a giant foot piano coming to Smale Riverfront Park in downtown Cincinnati.

Now, if you like, you can mark your calendar for their openings.

The $120 million park – popular already for its interactive water features and large swings along the Ohio River – will host a series of ribbon-cuttings and special events in May and June, marking the opening of seven new park features, including an adventure playground, event space, rose garden and more.

All of the events in the 40-acre park, which stretches between Cincinnati's professional baseball and football stadiums, are free and open to the public.

Planning for the park began in 1997. The first big phase opened in May 2012, in time for the World Choir Games.

The additions this spring precede another big event: the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in mid-July.

The park has been constructed with a blend of funding: $34.9 million from the city of Cincinnati; $15 million from the federal government; $8 million from the Moerlein Lager House; $3.5 million from the state of Ohio; $550,000 from Hamilton County; and more than $43 million in private donations, according to park officials.

Once the features open this spring, 28 of the 40 acres will be operational.

The next construction phase will include a dog park area, new restaurant complex and a boat marina where people can temporarily dock, get out, and enjoy the park and the city.

Here are details about the various openings this spring:

Heekin Family/PNC Grow up Great Adventure Playground

Ribbon cutting and opening: May 9

Fully accessible playground next to the Roebling Suspension Bridge featuring a rock climbing area, twin racing slides, a fog-mist feature for cooling off during hot summer days and more.

Sue & Joe Pichler Family Fountains

Ribbon cutting and opening: May 12

Steps parallel to Vine Street are flanked by water cascades and other lighted water features, including fountains where kids and adults can splash and play.

Annie W. & Elizabeth M. Anderson Pavilion

Ribbon cutting and opening: May 14

Banquet center beneath the carousel can be a setting for parties, weddings and corporate functions.

Carol Ann's Carousel

Ribbon cutting and opening: May 16

Hand-carved carousel filled with whimsical characters related to Cincinnati life, history or culture. The opening will be held on the late Carol Ann Haile's birthday, and the park will celebrate with an all-day festival with street performers, food trucks, music and strolling bands throughout the entire park.

Watch all the work that went into the carousel in Cincinnati Park's video:

P&G Go VibrantScape

Ribbon cutting and opening: June 4

Series of play and exercise features for people of all ages, including the giant foot piano, a flying pig and water pumps and channels.

Gardner Family Grove & Rose Garden

Ribbon cutting and opening: June 17

A tree grove containing paths and rose gardens.

Castellini Esplanade

Ribbon cutting and opening: June 20

An open area that can be a setting for farmers' markets and other community activities. Includes a picnic terrace with moveable picnic tables on wheels, set on rails. Designed to reflect the historic character of the produce industry that used to be housed there.