Celebrating the Future of Downtown

Five Rivers MetroParks is excited to announce the commencement of Phase III of RiverScape MetroPark, a project that will offer more amenities for visitor comfort and accommodate the needs of RiverScape’s continuing success. Known for breathtaking landscapes, interactive fountains and free entertainment along the banks of the Great Miami River, RiverScape MetroPark has become a favorite outdoor gathering place in downtown Dayton. For almost nine years, this downtown hotspot has offered a cool getaway right in the middle of the city with free concerts, educational programming and the community’s favorite festivals amid the scene of floral landscapes, hanging baskets and relaxing swings.

Plans for RiverScape Phase III include:

• A pavilion with a stage and covered seating for festivals, community events, free entertainment or just a relaxing lunch with friends. In the winter, the pavilion will house the ice rink, allowing for expanded hours.
• A new bike hub with secure bike storage, showers and lockers will provide a central location for downtown commuters going to work or play.

“MetroParks is excited about the plans for RiverScape MetroPark Phase III. We really believe that this will increase downtown Dayton’s vitality, offering an even more welcoming place for the community to enjoy,” says Charlie Shoemaker, Executive Director of Five Rivers MetroParks. MetroParks is stretching local tax dollars with grants and sponsorships to help fund the project. Federal and state grants partially fund the bike hub and plaza while MetroParks is currently pursuing sponsorships for the performance pavilion. “Phase III shows how MetroParks is able to build partnerships, which is a direct reflection of RiverScape’s success and potential,” says Jackie McArdle, Director of Park Services for Five Rivers MetroParks. “Our partners see this project, and RiverScape MetroPark as a whole, as a crucial component of downtown Dayton’s attraction for new business and residents.” In addition to grants and sponsorship assistance, the project is also a result of the lease expansion and partnership commitment between the Five Rivers MetroParks and the City of Dayton.

Pavilion
RiverScape MetroPark’s center of activity will revolve around the new pavilion, a contemporary-style permanent structure that will house everything from festivals to free concerts to ice skating. Without a cover from the elements, rain, snow and mild temperatures frequently put the ice rink out of business and a damper on popular community events such as free concerts. Festivals, events and concerts have previously been held in temporary tents and accommodations which require a large amount of time, money and energy for set up and tear down. The creation of a permanent pavilion not only provides protection from the elements but also creates an iconic community gathering place and focal point for the riverfront. In the winter months(starting 11/26/2010), the ice rink will be relocated beneath the pavilion and updated to increase the operation season and quality of the region’s largest outdoor ice rink.

The Bike Hub
With over 270 miles of recreation trails connecting the entire region, biking has become an important source of transportation and recreation in our region. To promote biking as a transportation alternative and a healthy lifestyle choice, MetroParks is creating a central downtown resource for riders to make commuting to work, traveling to city locations and recreational riding even easier. “We have one of the most outstanding recreation trail systems in the country but we have never had a central hub,” says Carrie Scarff, Deputy Director of Five Rivers MetroParks. Partially paid for by state and federal grants, the 5,000 sq. ft. bike hub building, located in the corner of RiverScape MetroPark close to the Patterson Bridge, will allow riders a secure place to store their bikes, locker rooms for belongings and showers. The building will include restricted entrances for the storage areas and locker rooms to provide riders with a safe and secure location. Outside of the secured area, restrooms, food vendors and RiverScape Rentals will be open to the public. “People are becoming increasingly concerned about the energy crisis which will lead to even more people searching for alternative transportation,” says Scarff. “The creation of a bike hub offers residents access to alternative options. It’s another great way MetroParks is creating opportunities to go green and get healthy.”

Looking Towards the Future
RiverScape MetroPark will still be open and programming and events will continue during construction, which is expected to finish in late Spring 2010. MetroParks will be offering more detailed information on amenities, programming, and entertainment as schedules become finalized in the future. Five Rivers MetroParks is excited to offer the community an expanded and improved RiverScape MetroPark and hopes that residents of the Miami Valley will continue to embrace the beautiful scenery, outstanding community celebrations and limitless recreation opportunities that truly make our city unique.

***This story was originally published in the Summer 2009 edition of Metro Parkways