During the 2009-2010 fall and winter seasons, RiverScape MetroPark is being expanded to offer an even better downtown gathering place!

The center of activity will revolve around the new pavilion, a contemporary-style, permanent, tensile structure that will not only house everything from festivals to free concerts, but will be a great gathering space for a casual hang-out with friends. The pavilion is slated to open summer of 2010. Beginning in November 2010, a new and expanded outdoor ice rink will be the centerpiece of wintertime activity in downtown Dayton. Almost 50 percent larger in size, the new outdoor rink will continue to be home to a wide variety of affordable family-friendly programs, including skating on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

To make this new phase at RiverScape MetroPark possible, the rink that has been located on Festival Plaza for the past nine years will not open during the 2009-2010 winter season. But to sweeten the anticipation of the bigger rink with a longer open season, Five Rivers MetroParks invites individuals to register to win a season pass at the ice rink, complete with skate rentals, rink time and hats and mittens. The scheduled re-open date for the ice rink at RiverScape MetroPark is Friday, Nov. 26, 2010.

Five Rivers MetroParks asks the public to remember the other great winter activities and amenities offered at other locations of your Five Rivers MetroParks. Carriage Hill, Englewood, Germantown and Taylorsville MetroParks have hills perfect for sledding. Cross-country skiing, ice fishing and hiking also are other ways families can enjoy the outdoors when the mercury drops. Visit www.metroparks.org/winter for more ideas.