A Bridge Between Thuringia and Ohio

On April 29, 2002, the sister city partnership between the Goethe and University City of Ilmenau in Thuringia and the City of Blue Ash in the U.S. state of Ohio was officially established. What began with contacts between Blue Ash citizens and the Technical University of Ilmenau has grown into a vibrant partnership, sustained by regular mutual visits, professional exchanges, and genuine friendships.

The German-American Friends Association Ilmenau e.V. works together with the City of Ilmenau to bring this transatlantic connection to life and to develop it further.

Milestones of the Partnership

2002 — Official Founding
On April 29, 2002, the sister city partnership between Ilmenau and Blue Ash is officially sealed. The partnership traces back to contacts between Blue Ash citizens and TU Ilmenau.

2014 — Information Panels at the Train Station
Glass panels featuring the coats of arms of all partner cities — including Blue Ash — are installed at Ilmenau’s train station to inform arriving visitors about the city’s international connections.

2015 — Inauguration of Blue Ash Park
On October 3, 2015, the area around Ilmenau’s train station is ceremonially renamed “Blue-Ash-Park” — a visible symbol of the transatlantic friendship. A delegation from Blue Ash attends the ceremony.

2022 — Fire Department Exchange
Fire Captain Louis Ernstes from Blue Ash visits fire stations in Ilmenau. Technical discussions take place about equipment and organization of emergency services on both sides of the Atlantic.

2025 — Delegation in Blue Ash
An Ilmenau delegation visits Blue Ash, touring cultural and sports facilities, city administration, police, fire departments, educational institutions, and businesses. A return visit from Blue Ash is planned for 2026.

Blue Ash, Ohio — Our Sister City

📍 Location & Size
Blue Ash is a small city in Hamilton County, Ohio, located as an inner suburb northeast of Cincinnati. The city covers an area of approximately 20 km² (8 sq mi) and is excellently connected via Interstates 71 and 275.

👥 Population & Economy
With around 13,400 residents, Blue Ash is a manageable community — yet during the day, the population swells to approximately 55,000, as some 2,000 businesses provide employment here. Major names like Kroger Technology, Ethicon Endo-Surgery, and Procter & Gamble have locations in Blue Ash.

🌳 The Name
The name “Blue Ash” derives from the Blue Ash tree (Fraxinus quadrangulata), which was widespread in the region. The first settlers built the Carpenter’s Run Baptist Church from this wood in 1797 — and thus gave the community its name.

🏛️ History
The area was first settled by European settlers in 1791. In 1955, it was incorporated as a village, and in 1961, Blue Ash received city status. The city was long home to the Cincinnati–Blue Ash Airport, which closed in 2012.

🌿 Summit Park
On the site of the former airport, the 130+ hectare (320-acre) Summit Park was created — the heart of the city featuring an observation tower, amphitheater, hiking trails, restaurants, playgrounds, and year-round events. It is considered one of the best city parks in the region.

🎓 Education & Culture
Blue Ash is served by the Sycamore Community School District, which has repeatedly been rated “Excellent” and has produced the most National Merit Scholars of any public school system in Ohio. UC Blue Ash, a campus of the University of Cincinnati, is also located here.

🎆 Events & Festivals
Highlights include the annual “Red, White & Blue Ash” on July 4th with spectacular fireworks and live concerts — an event that attracts up to 150,000 visitors — as well as “Taste of Blue Ash” and a summer concert series at Summit Park.

🏠 Quality of Life
Blue Ash offers a high quality of life with over 280 hectares (700 acres) of parks and green spaces, a modern recreation center, golf course, and diverse leisure opportunities. The median household income is approximately $113,000 — well above the U.S. average.

Ilmenau & Blue Ash at a Glance

Useful Links

• 🌐 City of Blue Ash — Official city website
• 🏛️ Partner Cities of Ilmenau — Info on ilmenau.de
• 🌿 Summit Park — The heart of Blue Ash