RiverScape MetroPark Rentals

Pricing and Restrictions

Pavilion Small Event Permit (Starting at $517.50)

• Date: Sunday-Friday only, available May through Mid-October while the stage is set under the pavilion.
• Time: Between 8am-10pm for a minimum of three hours. Three additional hours are available for an additional fee (not to exceed six total hours).
• Food: Food carts or vendors with precooked foods are permitted inside the park with MetroParks approval. Maximum of one food truck at the southeast entrance for an additional fee. Permit applicants are responsible for verifying food licenses.
• Tents/Booths: Number is limited depending upon event type. Potential tents/booths must be proposed and approved by the RiverScape Program Coordinator. There is no staking allowed in the grass areas and all tents must be secured with weights.
• NO ALCOHOL SALES OR ROAD CLOSURES PERMITTED.
• SUBJECT TO APPROVAL.

Pavilion Standard Event Permit (Starting at $1245.00)

• Date: Any day of the week, available May through Mid-October while the stage is set under the pavilion.
• Time: Between 8am-10pm for a minimum of six hours. Additional hours (including premium hours) are available for an additional fee.
• Food: Food carts or vendors with precooked foods are permitted inside the park with MetroParks approval. One food truck is permitted at the southeast entrance for an additional fee with MetroParks approval. Permit applicants are responsible for verifying food licenses. More space may be available for food trucks if a road closure is approved.
• Tents/Booths: Tents and booths may be set up under the pavilion (an approximately 150’ x 70’ space) and/or the surrounding area. There is no staking allowed in the grass areas and all tents must be secured with weights.
• Alcohol: Application must be approved from the Division of Liquor Control. Subject to DOLC approval, deadline restrictions and additional fee.
• Road Closures: Subject to MetroParks and City of Dayton approval, deadline restrictions and additional fee.
• SUBJECT TO APPROVAL.

Festival Grounds Standard Event Permit (Starting at $1,245.00)

• Date: Any day of the week, available May through Mid-October while the stage is set under the pavilion.
• Time: Between 8am-10pm for a minimum of six hours. Additional hours (including premium hours) are available for an additional fee.
• Food: Food carts or vendors with precooked foods are permitted inside the park with MetroParks approval. One food truck is permitted at the southeast entrance for an additional fee with MetroParks approval. Permit applicants are responsible for verifying food licenses. More space may be available for food trucks if a road closure is approved.
• Tents/Booths: Unlimited, as space allows. There is no staking allowed in the grass areas and all tents must be secured with weights.
• Alcohol: Application must be approved from the Division of Liquor Control. Subject to DOLC approval, deadline restrictions and additional fee.
• Road Closures: Subject to MetroParks and City of Dayton approval, deadline restrictions and additional fee.
• SUBJECT TO APPROVAL.

Deadlines

Applications for Event Permits may be submitted up to 365 days prior to your requested event date. Deadlines for applications are as follows:

• Small Event Permit: 60 days prior to event date
• Standard Event Permit: 120 days prior to event date for events with more than 500 people, 60 days prior to event date for events with 500 people or less
• Standard Event Permit with alcohol: 180 days prior to event date

Established Annual Deadlines

• March 1: ALL road closure requests for the same calendar year
• July 1: Last day to receive event permit applications for the same calendar year. Small Event Permits must be submitted 60 days prior to the event date OR July 1, whichever comes first.

Fluctuating Deadlines Based on Event Date

• At Time of Application: Route map due (if the event requires use of trails or surrounding areas that are outside of the Pavilion area)*
• Within 30 Days upon Posting of Permit Fees: Nonrefundable deposit and signed addendum due
• 180 Days before Event: Last day to apply for an alcohol permit (if the event plans to serve/sell alcohol)*
• 90 Days before Event: Submit F-Permit application for FRMP signature (if the event plans to serve/sell alcohol)*
• 45 Days before Event: Balance, proof of liability insurance and site layout map due
• 30 Days before Event: Event permit is approved, Finalized event permit, trail map and liability insurance sent from MetroParks to the Miami Conservancy District and City of Dayton*

*Deadlines are optional based on additions that the event may wish to include.

Requests for food, beverages and road closures should be noted when applying for your permit and will affect the type of permit you can obtain. Below are some Frequently Asked Questions.

What do the permit fees include? The permit fee includes access to the Pavilion and surrounding area. Keep in mind that RiverScape MetroPark is open to the public; so, you will not have exclusive use of the requested area.

What food options can I host? Small Event Permits include the ability to host one food truck (or vendor that provides warmed or frozen food) at the southeast entrance. Standard Event Permits may include multiple food trucks/vendors with the addition of a road closure.

We ask that all food trucks/vendors: (1) be responsible for their own disposal of gray water, and (2) align with MetroParks Green Event guidelines when applicable. See the Public & Private Event Permit FAQs for more information. Additionally, food vendors stationed outside of a truck are required to fully line their cooking, prep, and supply areas with tar paper, and are subject to approval.

How many food trucks do I need? Most events of up to roughly 500 guests do well with only one food truck. If you are expecting more than 500 guests or would like more options for them to choose from, then we would encourage you to inquire with small vendors such as a hot dog, pizza or popsicle/ice cream cart that may be allowed entrance into the park. You may also consider checking the RiverScape Café hours and hosting your event during normal operation. If your event is well established with records of past attendance, then your event may warrant further discussion of a potential road closure which would allow multiple food truck options.

Do you allow alcohol? Yes. RiverScape MetroPark is DORA-friendly, and alcohol is sold and served onsite at the RiverScape Café. Please check our website for current business hours for the Café, which includes alcohol sales. Additionally, you may apply for a temporary liquor permit with the Ohio Division of Liquor Control if you intend to sell alcoholic beverages at your event. There is a $250 Alcohol Administration Fee required from RiverScape MetroPark plus any additional fees that may be required for filing through the Ohio Division of Liquor Control.

Can I provide my own playlist for you to through your speakers? Our playlist is limited to a permanent set contracted through our music provider. If you want to make a custom playlist, you will need to bring your own speakers; we cannot plug in or add a custom playlist to our speakers.

If I contract my own musicians, what can they expect? If you are hiring musicians, they will generally ask to work directly with a sound contractor unless they are able to provide their own equipment. A sound contractor is not provided by RiverScape and you may need to hire one depending on your needs. All equipment must be able to operate from a standard 110v outlet. If additional assistance is needed, the sound contractor must schedule a walk-through with the RiverScape Program Coordinator to discuss potential options.

Do you offer internet or Wi-Fi access for guests? Yes. “MetroParks Public” is broadcasted as a guest network for public use; however, signal strength and connectivity are not guaranteed. If your event relies heavily on a secure Wi-Fi signal, then we suggest alternate methods of connection.

Can merchants access the internet or Wi-Fi for processing transactions? No. Our guest Wi-Fi, “MetroParks Public,” is an unsecured public signal. It is not available for merchant processing.

Can I use the Pavilion for my wedding reception? No. We do not allow wedding events at RiverScape. Please refer to our Recommended Wedding Locations list if you are interested in having a wedding at one of the Five Rivers MetroParks.

When do I need a road closure? If your event will host more than one food truck and you expect over 500 guests, we recommend you apply for a road closure. Our standard road closure shuts down Monument Avenue from Patterson Boulevard to Harries Street (in front of the CareSource building). Barricades and signage will be posted at both ends of the closure and parked MetroParks vehicles to prevent entry. Park Technicians and Rangers will also be onsite during the closing and reopening of the road. If your event is well established with records of past attendance, then other options may be available to you as needed.

Where is parking near the event? Immediately prior to an upcoming event, we are able to requisition parking meters along Harries Street directly south of RiverScape. This gives access to 14 free parking spots for use by the event hosts and any outside vendors.

During your event, free parking is available at any parking meter after 6pm on weekdays and all day on weekends. There is also a paid parking garage and a paid car lot within a block located just off Water Street on Monument Avenue. You can view parking options (PDF) in Downtown Dayton near RiverScape MetroPark.

Are there nearby hotels? Yes. The closest hotel is The Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott at 305 East Monument Avenue, directly across the street on the park’s east side.

Are there any additional options that I can choose to add to my permit? Yes. See the list below.

• Yard game package (2 cornhole sets, giant Jenga and giant connect four: $40
• White folding chairs, max 175 (unavailable if other chairs are rented): $1/unit
• Green event fencing, max 14: $25/unit
• Cable ramps, max 10: $5/unit
• Water hookup: $25
• Electric for Food Truck, max 1 (required as a conservation measure): $75

After you have applied, the RiverScape Program Coordinator will reach out to provide a more customized quote.

What does the rental fee cover? The rental fee of $400 gives you exclusive use of the MetroParks Ice Rink and comfort tent. Rentals include the use of 50 pairs of skates and coupons for 50 cups of hot cocoa from the RiverScape Café.

What size skates are available? Ice skates are available in whole sizes only, beginning with children’s size 8 and running through women’s size 11 and men’s size 15. We cannot guarantee that we will have enough of every size to accommodate your group. For an inventory of available sizes and quantities, please call the rink office at (937) 278-2607.

Is there a heated area at the rink? The MetroParks Ice Rink is an outdoor facility. There are outdoor heaters onsite, and a heated comfort tent available for use.

I’m throwing a birthday party at the rink. Can I bring cake and decorations? Renters may bring cake for their birthday celebrations. All other food items should be purchased from the RiverScape Café, which will be open during your rental. Please call the coordinator responsible for the Café at (937) 277-4359 for further information or if you would like to make special arrangements regarding food and refreshments.

Renters are permitted to bring decorations. However, no signs or other items may be attached or fastened to any structure, tree or other element of the park. Tape, glue, nails, tacks, screws, staples or other fasteners that may scratch or otherwise damage surfaces are prohibited. Keep in mind that the rink is along the river and the area may experience a significant amount of wind. Any decorations used must be removed and the area cleaned and restored to its original condition immediately following the rental. No items may be placed on the ice outside of equipment available at the Ice Rink, nor are balloons allowed underneath the pavilion structure.

Can I bring my own music/speakers to play at the rental? Our playlist is limited to a permanent set contracted through our music provider. If you want to make a custom playlist, you will need to bring your own speakers; we cannot plug in or add a custom playlist to our speakers.

When will I have access to the site on the day of my rental? The Supervisor on duty will open the MetroParks Ice Rink no sooner than 30 minutes prior to your rental time.

What is your cancellation policy? MetroParks Ice Rink is an outdoor rink and inclement weather is always a factor in usage. Please be aware that Five Rivers MetroParks reserves the right to change or cancel a scheduled rental if deemed necessary (for weather, safety, public health or equipment reasons). If the forecast is predicting a weather-related rink closure (temperatures above rink threshold, severe winter weather advisory, etc.), you will be notified 24 hours in advance of your rental and given an opportunity to cancel or reschedule your rental. If your scheduled rental is cancelled by Five Rivers MetroParks you will be given the opportunity to either reschedule the rental to another available date or receive a full refund.

If you want to cancel your rental prior to the rental date, you have up to 21 days prior to your rental to cancel and still receive a partial refund. Cancellations and refunds are subject to a $25 processing fee. Refunds will not be given within 21 days of the reservation date. Your rental fee, less the $25 processing charge, will be reimbursed. Failure to cancel your rental reservation within 21 days of your scheduled date will result in forfeiture of your entire rental fee.