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. The park was originally a part of the Report on Proposed Park Systems done for the City of Dayton. The report was submitted by the Olmsted Brothers landscape architecture firm; world renowned and famous for enhancing the natural beauty of urban sites with their designs. It’s noteworthy that the whole report stems from the urging of John Patterson (co-founder of the National Cash Register Company). In 1995, MetroParks started a rehabilitation of the park to protect the character set forth by Patterson & the Olmsted’s; and now offers amenities needed for today’s active and healthy lifestyles. They include:

Paved Bikeways/Recreation Trails
The park has over 2 miles of trails for walking, skating, running and bike riding.

Green Space & Playgrounds
The landscape beds of Island that border walkways; the playground area; and the Bandshell is beautifully manicured to provide an urban oasis. The sycamore and maple trees throughout the park provide a canopy for great picnic opportunities. The willow trees that border the lagoon area makes for a serene passage down a small waterway. The playground structure’s along with an interactive waterplay system provides an active recreation opportunity that supports healthy lifestyles for kids.

Picnic Areas
Four reservable shelters are available: Stillwater, Willow Wood, Red Bud and Bald Cypress. Chestnut Shelter is non-reservable, available on a first-come basis. A $50 deposit is required to reserve a shelter; call (937) 275-PARK (7275).

Historic Features
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. 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. There were enhancements to the park after the Great Flood in 1913. On July 13, 1913, the Dayton Canoe Club held is first regatta. On June 20, 1914, the park formally opened as Island Park. The park became an ideal location in the coming years for programming that included bathing, picnicking, canoeing, boating, dancing, ice skating, water carnivals, evening band concerts, and general recreation. In 1940, a Bandshell was erected, and opened under the name of the Leslie L. Diehl Bandshell where programmed concert attendance totaled 80,000 in 1943.