An afternoon of fun celebrating this new outdoor recreation amenity in downtown Dayton.
Event details
* this page may be updated if event is repeated in the future *
Riverscape River Run Grand Opening Celebration
UPDATE: DUE TO FRIDAY'S WEATHER FORECAST AND CURRENT RIVER CONDITIONS, THE GRAND OPENING FOR RIVERSCAPE RIVER RUN WILL BE HELD UNDER THE PAVILION AT RIVERSCAPE, RAIN OR SHINE!
Five Rivers MetroParks is wrapping up construction on this new outdoor recreation amenity in downtown Dayton. The Downtown Dayton Partnership is hosting a grand opening celebration at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 5, at the first River Run chute, located at RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave.
Following the grand opening from 6 to 10 p.m., Five Rivers MetroParks’ music series Pickin’ in the Park will be held at RiverScape MetroPark. Enjoy progressive bluegrass by Casey Campbell, Restless Leg String Band and The Tillers, along with craft beer and food trucks at this free event.
Work is nearing completion on that upstream chute at RiverScape MetroPark, and work was completed in 2016 on the downstream chute, located near the Dayton Art Institute. Work at this location included the removal of a dangerous low dam. Both of the RiverScape River Run chutes include two features: a smooth-water passageway for novice paddlers and a whitewater play spot for experienced kayakers. RiverScape River Run already is becoming a regional recreation destination.
Other work that’s being completed as part of the RiverScape River Run project includes:
- Improved access at the river’s edge along RiverScape MetroPark and along the downtown side of the chute at the Dayton Art Institute
- Improved access for liveries with a permit above the upstream chute 1 and below the downstream chute 2
- Work to provide parking near both chutes for paddlers and those accessing the river
- Construction of a take-out downstream near the Wolf Creek confluence with the Great Miami River
“RiverScape River Run is one of the most impactful projects in our region,” said Carrie Scarff, Five Rivers MetroParks chief of planning and projects. “River Run was identified as a high-priority project in the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan because of its potential to improve economic vitality and help regional businesses attract and retain top talent. Motivated by this potential, the greater Dayton community raised $4 million to fund this project, with funding coming largely from the private sector.”
It’s anticipated RiverScape River Run will experience the same success as similar projects elsewhere in the United States. Reno, Nevada; Missoula, Montana; and Golden, Colorado, have seen tremendous positive impact to their downtowns as a result of building whitewater play parks.
The RiverScape River Run partners are Five Rivers MetroParks, the Downtown Dayton Partnership, Miami Conservancy District, City of Dayton and Montgomery County. J & J Schlaegel of Urbana, Ohio, is the project contractor.
For more information about the grand opening celebration, contact the Downtown Dayton Partnership at 937-224-1518, ext. 229.
For more about RiverScape River Run, visit metroparks.org/river-run.
Riverscape MetroPark
Five Rivers MetroParks.
