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Island MetroPark

101 E. Helena Street Dayton, Ohio 45405
(937) 275-PARK (7275)

Spring Update
Island MetroPark is an urban oasis that starts to come to life in late April. View blooming shrubs like red dogwood and hydrangea. Check out perennial plantings that include day lilies and hostas. Mixed flower pots and baskets arrive in May. Take advantage of river access for rowing, kayaking and canoeing fun, or bring your bike for a spin on the paved bikeway. Want to reserve a shelter for your next get-together? Visit our reservations page for details on shelter reservations, and call (937) 275-PARK (7275) to book your shelter. Don't forget to look up to enjoy the tall Sycamore trees as you ride your bike or rollerblade on the Great Miami River Bikeway.

About The Park

Just a few miles north of RiverScape, where the Stillwater River flows into the Great Miami, is an urban oasis with a long Dayton history. Its roots as a park were planted in the 19th century. Now beautifully restored, people from all over the area gather for community events, picnics and family fun in the water play area.

History

Island MetroPark was formerly known as the White City Amusement Park in the late 19th century. The park had a dance pavilion, amusement rides, canoe lockers, refreshment stand, and other recreation features. By 1907 the park had become run down and not well maintained. In 1910, Dayton started leasing the park land for $3,000 a year, and in 1911, a recommendation to buy the land was proposed in the report submitted by the Olmsted Brothers.

Accessibility

The restrooms, picnic shelters, playground area, and bandshell are all accessible.
There are two disabled parking spots in the parking lot area. Two of the public restrooms have an accessible stall. There is one drinking fountain that works well for accessibility and two other that have dog watering capabilities.

Directions & Public Transportation

Directions
From I-75 take Stanley Ave. west until it dead ends at Helena St. Turn right and continue to Island MetroPark, which is on right side of the street near Riverside Drive. There is an overflow parking lot to the east of the park.

City of Dayton Bike Route Map
Bike/Walk Dayton! Get around town easily with this downloadable Bike Route Map.

Public Transportation
RTA Bus Route 16
Take route 16 north on Main through downtown to Riverside Drive and Helena Street. Cross Helena Street at the light and then travel over the bridge to the park.

• Plan a Bus Trip!
• Learn about RTA's Bike Rack Program

Conservation

Island MetroPark contains outstanding specimen trees of floodplain forests such as sycamore, cottonwood, burr, oak, American Elm and many others. Many migratory birds and animals such as Beavers and softshell turtles are commonly seen here.

Visitor Information

GPS Coordinates:
Latitude: 39.778519
Longitude: -84.196624

Park Hours:

April - Oct., 10:00am - 10:00pm
Nov. - March 31, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Closed Christmas and New Year's Day

Water Play Area Hours:
Regular hours - Memorial Day through August 14:
11a-7:50p Monday thru Sat; 1p-7:50p on Sunday

Late summer hours - August 15 through Labor Day:
Monday-Friday 4-7:50pm, Saturdays 11am-7:50pm, and Sundays 1-7:50pm.

Facility Rental:
There are four reservable shelters. Accommodations will be provided per approved shelter agreement. Patrons need to be reminded that vehicles are not allowed inside the park. Loading/unloading must occur in the parking lot. No shelters are equipped with interior lighting. Call 937-275-PARK (7275) for more info.

Parking: Free parking is available.

School Group Tours:
View a list of Field Trips.

Pet Policy:
Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed and under control at all times.

Park Features/Amenities

The 33-acre Island MetroPark is an urban oasis conveniently located in downtown Dayton filled with picturesque landscape and mature tree growth; a rich cultural heritage; recreation amenities and opportunities abound; and a waterway that borders both sides of the park.