Mariemont has always been known for its beautifully maintained parks and public spaces. This is the reason many of us live here - and why we pay a premium to do so.

In recent years, that standard has slipped. Our parks, historic landmarks, and public spaces are central to the character and appeal of Mariemont. Maintaining them should be a fundamental Village priority.

Dogwood Park, our largest green space and a crown jewel of the Village, is one of the clearest examples. Home to the iconic Mariemont Bell Tower, the park should reflect the beauty, care, and attention to detail that define our community.

Instead, residents see:

Dead grass despite a new irrigation system, including newly seeded areas not watered.
Almost all newly planted dogwood trees are dead. Dead trees were given no water bags while other trees planted on Wooster and elsewhere in the village got them.

New chain link ball field fencing obstructs the view of the historic Bell Tower and is significantly longer and taller than before.

Rotted pavilion railings boarded over with plywood rather than properly repaired.
Playground, walking paths, and lawn buried beneath leaves for extended periods. Leaf pickup has failed for more than three years — and the village will not blow leaves out of public spaces until season's end, so parks look neglected for months while thick leaf cover kills the grass.

Above ground electrical boxes in front of the Bell Tower and playground, portable toilets, scattered deteriorated sports equipment, and numerous mismatched plastic garbage cans give a cluttered, institutional look

Overgrown weeds, trash and debris in newly installed ballfields and dugouts
Gravel paths in need of completion and a maintenance plan
Across the Village, missing and damaged street signs and recurring failures in leaf collection add to these concerns.

We Ask the Mayor and Village Council To:

1. Establish and consistently execute a regular maintenance schedule for Dogwood Park. Maintain turf, trees, landscaping, ballfields, playground, and path. Remove leaves throughout the fall from playground, paths, and turf rather than allowing accumulation until the season's end. Regularly empty all trash cans. Keep weeds, honeysuckle cleared from tree line.

2. Replace dead trees, properly water and care for new plantings to prevent further losses

3. Restore the historic Bell Tower views. Explore relocating the northeast ball field to another Village park or significantly reduce the height and length of the existing chain link fencing obstructing the historic Bell Tower.

4. Remove eyesores from the Park - unnecessary clutter and equipment, relocate exposed utility boxes, remove portable toilets, replace plastic garbage cans, and properly repair the pavilion.

5. Address Village-wide maintenance deficiencies. Replace missing or damaged street signs and restore reliable, timely leaf collection.

6. Provide accountability. Publish maintenance schedules and clear timelines for correcting these issues and provide updates to residents when there are backlogs and how they will be addressed.

We are not asking for something new. We are asking for the Mariemont we moved here for.

Please sign and share this petition to urge the Mayor and Village Council to restore the standard of care our community deserves.