Entrance to Parks and Facilities

Policies at Great Parks

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Permits
Accessibility
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A valid Motor Vehicle Permit (MVP) is required for vehicle entry at Great Parks’ parks and conservation areas across Hamilton County. Otto Armleder Memorial Park and Fernbank Park are co-managed by Great Parks, the Cincinnati Park Board, and the Cincinnati Recreation Commission and do not require a Motor Vehicle Permit.

Motor Vehicle Permit fees support ongoing conservation efforts across 18,000 acres and help guests find their wild at all Great Parks’ regional destinations.

Armed Forces

Any military veteran with a 100% service-related disability*, or former prisoners of war or Medal of Honor recipients may apply for free Motor Vehicle Permits. Eligible veterans will receive two Motor Vehicle Permits by mail, one for the current calendar year and one for the following year. Applications received after Oct. 1, 2024 will be considered for 2025 and 2026 MVPs. Reapplication is encouraged every two years. To apply, please print, complete and return the PDF form, or complete the digital form below.

* As determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

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CHPL Discovery Pass Program

Valid Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library cardholders 18 years of age and older can reserve a Motor Vehicle Pass on the library's website at https://chpl.org/services/discovery-pass/. The pass must be printed and displayed in the visitor's car, and it is good for the date on the pass only.

Ohio EBT Card (Ohio Direction Card)

Hamilton County residents with a valid food assistance card may receive a free annual Motor Vehicle Permit. Visit any location listed above and show your Ohio EBT Card (Ohio Direction Card) to a Great Parks team member. One MVP is issued per EBT Card.

Great Parks recognizes the cost of admission to Highfield Discovery Garden can be a barrier for some guests. To let all families enjoy this children’s garden, guests with a valid food assistance card (Ohio Direction Card or Ohio EBT card) can receive free admission to Highfield Discovery Garden on regular operating days. Stop into Cotswold Visitor Centre and show your valid food assistance card and state-issued photo ID for entry. Guests receive admission for four individuals per card, per visit. Guests can visit Highfield Discovery Garden as many times as they would like; there are no limits on daily visits throughout the year.

College & University Students

Students currently enrolled in a Hamilton County college or university are eligible for the resident rate when purchasing a Motor Vehicle Permit. Visit any location listed above and show your student ID to a Great Parks team member. Each student ID is eligible for one discounted MVP.

Hamilton County Colleges & Universities:

  • Art Academy of Cincinnati
  • Art Institute of Cincinnati
  • Chatfield College – Findlay Market Campus
  • Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science
  • Cincinnati School of Medical Massage
  • Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
  • DeVry University
  • God's Bible School and College
  • Good Samaritan College of Nursing & Health Science
  • Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion 
  • Lane Theological Seminary
  • Mount St. Joseph University
  • Ohio Center for Broadcasting - Cincinnati
  • Southern Ohio College
  • The Athenaeum of Cincinnati
  • The Christ College of Nursing
  • Union Institute and University
  • University of Cincinnati
  • Xavier University