Hillside Park will be closed for the 2026 season beginning in mid-March to accommodate construction of a significant stormwater improvement project along Caldwell Drive. The project, developed in partnership with Strand Associates, Inc. and Stauffer Site Services, will restore approximately 1,000 linear feet of floodplain and rehabilitate portions of Cilley Creek and Congress Run between Cross County Highway and Caldwell Drive. Construction is expected to wrap up by the end of October 2026.
Protecting Jobs and Businesses in Springfield Township
The Caldwell Drive corridor is home to approximately 12 industrial businesses. For years, those businesses have faced a serious and recurring stormwater problem. Heavy rainfall events in 2017, 2020, and 2021 caused significant flooding of parking lots, roadways, and in several cases, the interiors of buildings themselves, resulting in major property damage. The situation became so severe that one business ultimately relocated out of the Township due to repeated water damage. 
Springfield Township recognized that protecting this industrial corridor from the stormwater issues is an economic development imperative. By restoring the natural floodplain and rehabilitating the creek channels, the Township aims to keep businesses thriving, protect jobs, and ensure that Caldwell Drive remains a viable home for industry in our community.
"This project represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking investment Springfield Township is committed to making," said Trustee Sara Braun. "We're not just fixing a flooding problem — we're protecting the businesses and livelihoods that make our community strong, and we're doing it in a financially responsible way that our residents can be proud of."
Strategic Use of Public Funds
The total construction cost for the project is $1.29 million. Thanks to the Township's diligent pursuit of grant funding, every dollar of construction costs, engineering studies, designs, and permits has been covered by grants.
Funding for the project has been secured from three sources: an $850,000 Hamilton County Stormwater Infrastructure Grant, a $600,000 Hamilton County Economic Impact Program Grant, and a $140,000 Ohio EMA Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant secured in partnership with Hamilton County.
The Township is also realizing additional savings by utilizing the northern portion of Hillside Park — closest to Cross County Highway — as a spoils site for soil excavated during construction. This decision alone saves approximately $600,000 in hauling and disposal costs, keeping the overall project budget lean without sacrificing quality.
Park Improvements for the Neighborhood
While the park is closed, Springfield Township is taking the opportunity to make meaningful improvements to Hillside Park as well. Residents can look forward to a reconfigured and repaved parking lot and improvements to the park shelter when the park reopens in fall 2026. The temporary closure is an opportunity to return the park to the community in better shape than before.
The Township thanks residents for their patience during this important project and looks forward to sharing progress updates as construction moves forward. For questions, please contact the Springfield Township Administrative Office at 513-522-1410.