Landen-Deerfield Park set for major change with creek project
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – The Warren County Park District has announced construction will begin mid-June on the Simpson Creek Headwaters Restoration project at Landen-Deerfield Park.
The park is on U.S. 22 and 3 in Deerfield Township, near Maineville.
Warren Co. Park District said this project will improve water quality, reduce flooding risk and expand public access.
It will change the aging manmade pound into a stream and wetland system. This will transform the area and enhance habitats for native wildlife. By changing it into a stream, this will strengthen the health of the Little Miami River Watershed, and in turn reduce the flooding risk.
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There are also plans to improve the park itself – new trails, a nature play area, educational signs and a half-acre fishing pond.
The park district said the main benefits of the project will be the following:
Cleaner Water and Healthier Habitat: The wetland system will filter pollutants more effectively and support a greater variety of plants than artificial ponds.
New and Improved Recreation: Visitors will enjoy expanded trails, nature play features and a redesigned fishing pond.
Lower Maintenance and Less Flooding: It will remove the need for future dredging, reducing long-term maintenance costs and lessening the risk of downstream flooding.
Educational Value: The newly restored area will support field trips, volunteer programs and environmental learning.
The park district is hosting a temporary 'Catch and Keep' fishing opportunity at the existing pond. No license or registration is required. This is because the fish currently in the pond will not survive the transition.
The park district said turtles and other mobile wildlife will self-relocate as the conditions change.
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Crews will drain the pond and move vegetation and soil. This might cause noise and unpleasant smells. This is normal for a wetland restoration project.
The Landen-Deerfield Park will remain open throughout construction. There will be a fence placed around the construction site. Visitors will be asked to stay out of the construction zone for their safety.
'While we recognize that construction can be inconvenient in the short term, the long-term benefits for the park and the environment will be substantial,' said Matt Latham, CEO of the Warren County Park District. 'We appreciate your patience as we complete this important restoration effort.'
Illustrations of the future water system via the Warren County Park District.
This project is funded by H2Ohio initiative and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grants. It is expected to be finished by late 2025. The native plants and habitat stabilization efforts will continue into 2026.
To see project updates, plans, and FAQs, click here.
For general information on the Warren County Park District, which manages over 1,700 acres in 12 parks across the county, call (513) 695-3980, email parks@warrencountyparks.com or click here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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