– Our mission –
Enrich the lives of residents of Southern Ohio by providing a gathering place for recreation and cultural opportunities for people of all ages in the historic Boneyfiddle.
Burnside Brankamp Park @ Market Square is an outdoor recreation facility and home of Friends of Portsmouth Winterfest! The facility provides a unique multi-generational and multi-functional green space for waterplay, music and outdoor activity. The park provides more than just opportunities for recreation, it revitalizes hope, wellness and opportunities to improve quality of life for visitors and the community.
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Community Gatherings, 365 Days A Year in Portsmouth Ohio
The purpose of the “Market Square Park Project” is to create a public use outdoor space in the center of the historic Boneyfiddle section of downtown Portsmouth, Ohio. This multi-use park will serve all residents of Scioto County and the surrounding area.
Burnside Brankamp Park @ Market Square is located on an approximately 1/3 acre plot of land situated at the comer of Second and Market Streets. It is at the entrance to the bustling Market Street commercial revitalization. It is within walking distance to dozens of businesses and residences. The public outdoor space includes a water feature providing both visual and interactive appeal to all ages.
North Bank Park located on the Scioto Mile in Columbus, OH, is an example of a series of “pop fountains.” Although the fountains will appeal to children, it is not a Splash Park. On warm days children can enjoy the fountain, and although they will probably get wet, they will enjoy a fun outdoor experience highlighted with synchronized music. During evening hours, the light show will provide beautiful entertainment to supplement other activities. Individuals can reserve the pavilion for weddings, small gatherings, etc.
Burnside Brankamp Park @ Market Square will be the setting for hundreds of prom, homecoming, and graduation and family photos each year. Market Square Park will increase the entertainment and recreational opportunities!
“Winterfest” has averaged 35,000 visitors annually since 2018 (not counting pandemic year.) Market Square Park will also include an outdoor stage for musical entertainment, as well as vendor village of small, areas to be utilized by local merchants. Anchored by multiple green spaces, the park will also offer a popular food truck area.
History of Market Street: The Market Street neighborhood has long been integral to both the economic and cultural aspects of the City of Portsmouth. The name “Market Street” goes back to a time when vendors would gather to sell their farm goods and other wares during the 1800’s and early 1900’s. The proximity to the Ohio and Scioto Rivers would allow merchants to deliver and sell goods on Market Street. Citizens would come to depend on the area for many of their day-to-day necessities. Today we are seeing a return to this area in multiple ways including restoration of dozens of historical buildings, a renewed interest in recreation and the revitalization of a business district.
We Visualize
We visualize community gatherings, 365 Days a year. A park with several “pop fountains” that cool and entertain in the warmer weather and transform into lightshows and ice skating during the colder months.
A park where weddings, birthday parties, hockey lessons and outdoor concerts happen every week.
A public outdoor space for all. A park where newly relocated employees of the Glockner Family of Dealerships can gather at lunchtime with a turkey crunch wrap from Market Street, a footer from the Second Street Dari Creme or a pizza from the Brew Pub. Where residents of Riverview Retirement Center can interact with young people. Where SSU students and faculty can gather during the day alongside visitors to the Children’s Museum.
A park where children and parents can practice yoga and then safely ride their bicycle one block on the newly designed bike path. A park where you feel safe and connected to infrastructure such as sidewalks and retail establishments. You can get your 10,000 steps in outside while visiting with your friends and neighbors.
Board of Directors
Dr. Michael Raies
Dr. Kelly Raies
Tom Kayser
Jeff Hamilton
Scott Craig
Terry Horner
Holly Hempill
Reece Brown
Jennifer Schackart
Our Bylaws