Twenty miles north of Cincinnati nestled in the heart of Mason, Ohio, Kingswood Park in Deerfield Township stands as a beacon of community-driven outdoor space transformation. Once a quiet expanse of defunct golf course, the 100-acre site has been reimagined as a vibrant public space that brings together residents and visitors of all ages. This ambitious project, envisioned by Deerfield Township and realized by MSP Design, FD Lawrence and Delta Electrical, showcases the potential of thoughtful landscape architecture to create meaningful connections between people, place and nature.
The park’s origins trace back to the Deerfield Township Board of Trustees, who recognized the untapped potential in the former golf course. Their vision was clear: to craft a signature community hub that would be a regional destination for recreation, socializing and a healthy connection to the outdoors. This vision set the stage for an extensive collaboration between township officials, local residents, and the Cincinnati-based landscape architecture firm MSP Design. The result is a park that reflects not only the physical landscape of the area but also the collective spirit of the community it serves.
MSP Design approached the project with a deep understanding of how public spaces shape communities. Through extensive collaboration with township trustees and the community, the firm listened to residents’ desires and feedback, ensuring the park’s design would resonate with those who would use it most. What emerged was a plan that seamlessly blended recreational amenities with natural beauty, offering a diverse set of spaces for relaxation, gathering, play, and engaging physical activity.
Walking into Kingswood Park today, visitors are greeted by a central plaza that invites gatherings both large and small. This space — equipped with picnic tables, a shelter structure, and a multi-use building — has become a focal point for community events, the farmers’ markets and a summer camp. Nearby, a sprawling network of walking trails winds throughout the park, connecting its various features and offering opportunities for quiet reflection amidst restored native landscape.
A standout aspect of Kingswood Park is its dedication to inclusive play and fitness. Its three distinct playgrounds are thoughtfully designed to cater to different age groups, providing safe and engaging environments for children at varying developmental stages. For the youngest visitors, there is a designated area with playful, low-to-the-ground structures and soft synthetic turf for safe landings. Older children and pre-teens are drawn to a separate playground filled with more challenging geometric climbing structures and interactive features like cargo nets, ropes, ladder steps, monkey bars and an extra wide slide. One of the most innovative additions is the FitCore™ Extreme “ninja-style” fitness course, which has become a favorite for teenagers and adults alike.
Throughout the park, lighting and site furnishings by Landscape Forms were carefully selected by MSP Design to enhance functionality and create a cohesive, modern ambiance. The parking lot is lit with 25’-high LEO area lights, and the plaza and playground areas are lit with pedestrian-scale 12’-high LEO area lights. Hawthorne path lights illuminate pathways throughout key spots in the park, like near the entrance and throughout the pavilion space. Accompanying the lighting, various Landscape Forms site furnishings were selected for their ability to help visitors relax, connect and enjoy views. Gretchen picnic tables are located in the plaza adjacent to the multi-use building, and Gretchen benches are placed around the playgrounds. Loop bike racks offer cyclists a spot to store their ride. MSP Design was drawn to the aesthetics of the site elements, and working with one manufacturer ensured a similar appearance and finish and ease of specification.
The success of Kingswood Park lies in its innovative approach to revitalization and its pluralistic spirit of inclusivity. By reimagining a former golf course, the project has turned underutilized land into a thriving public space that supports health and wellness, fosters connections, and celebrates the natural beauty of the region. Through careful planning, sustainable design, and a commitment to community input, Kingswood Park serves as a shining example of how successful landscape architecture can transform a site into something that’s so much more. And as the park continues to grow into its role as Deerfield Township’s signature public space, it stands as a reminder of the immense value of collaboration. Kingswood Park is not just a park — it’s a shared story, a communal gathering place, and a testament to the idea that the most meaningful spaces are those built with their people in mind.
Kingswood Park
Location: Mason, Ohio, USA
Designers: MSP Design
Team Members: Deerfield Township, FD Lawrence, Delta Electrical
Landscape Forms Elements: LEO Area Lights, Hawthorne Path Lights, Gretchen Benches, Gretchen Picnic Tables, Loop Bike Racks
Photography: Cory Klein Photography
Landscape Forms is a proud sponsor of World Landscape Architecture