Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation

Building a Greener Dayton

About-Foundations-FRMPFoundationlarge Since September 2014, the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation has been helping invest in your Five Rivers MetroParks. We partner with businesses, foundations and individuals to help fund projects at your parks, conservation areas and 2nd Street Market located throughout Montgomery County. Tax dollars play a critical role in our parks, but they alone cannot provide all of the funds needed. The levy that currently funds our parks pays for 87% of its operating and more help is needed. You can help be the force behind a city with vibrant parks, trails, green spaces and recreation for every Daytonian.

Mission: To build strong community relationships and secure philanthropic funding to support the mission of Five Rivers MetroParks

Ways to Support Us

Individual Donations
You can support this mission and your favorite MetroPark by making a donation to Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation. Donations to the Foundation are tax-deductible. Donations are accepted online, and checks may be made out to Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation to the following address:
Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation
Attn: Philanthropy Department,
409 E. Monument Ave, Third Floor
Dayton, OH 45402
Champions Program
The Champions Program is the easiest way to support the Foundation. Your gift continues automatically from month-to-month with an online recurring donation.
Tribute Program
Honor a special person in your life by making a donation to the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation. This option makes a perfect holiday gift or a way to commemorate a wedding, anniversary, birthday, graduation, retirement, or other special event. We will send an acknowledgment of your gift to you as well as to the honoree or designated contact person.
Adopt-an-Animal Program
The adopt-an-animal program was created to help secure funding for the care and home of the animals at the Carriage Hill Riding Center and Historic Farm.
Planned Giving
Leave a lasting legacy with a planned gift. Your gift will provide Five Rivers MetroParks long-term financial stability, ensuring great parks for future generations. By including us in your long-range charitable plans, you may find that the tax advantages increase the value of your estate, enabling you to do more than you ever dreamed possible. We encourage you to speak to your financial adviser or estate attorney about planned giving options. If you have included us in your long-range plans, please let us know so that we can personally thank you and better plan for the future.
Land Endowment
Donation of land and real estate has supported Five Rivers MetroParks conservation mission since the beginning. Your donation will allow MetroParks to protect and share the lands you cherish with the public.
Create a Fundraiser
It’s easy to fund raise for our parks, trails and green spaces. Choose your own fundraiser and encourage your networks to participate. From hosting a birthday BBQ to throwing an Earth Day party, there are countless ways to fund raise for Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation in support of our parks. If you are interested in creating a fundraiser in support of the foundation please reach out to Alexis Larsen, Chief of Philanthropy for one-on-one support, to understand the foundation’s mission and have materials you may need to help make your fundraiser a success.
Access to Nature financial assistance
The Access to Nature financial assistance program provides assistance for qualified children and adults who want to participate in fee-based MetroParks’ programs and camps.

We are grateful for the support of:

The James M. Cox, Jr. Arboretum Foundation

The James M. Cox, Jr. Arboretum Foundation was created in 1963 by a small group of community activists who were passionate about preserving the Dayton area’s undeveloped land. Today, the foundation supports educational, scientific, civic, and cultural programs and activities relating to the advancement of arboriculture, horticulture and related fields by providing support for the Cox Arboretum as a free arboretum/museum for the benefit of the general public. You can donate to the foundation on their website.

Board of Trustees

Executive Committee

Jason Eckert (President), Kathy Sperry (Vice President), Valerie White (Secretary), Anthony Pyle (Treasurer)

Members-at-Large

Alan Brown, Lisa Japs, Barbara Kedziora, Paul Schlottman, Senay Semere, Kim Spurgeon, Katie Wahl

Ex-Officio

Karen Hesser, Alexis Larsen

Wegerzyn Gardens Foundation

The Wegerzyn Gardens Foundation, created in 1973, is dedicated to supporting the educational and horticultural programs at and continued development of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. They do this primarily by conducting fundraising activities and offering a membership program, in addition to other sources of income. You can donate to the foundation on their website.

Wegerzyn Gardens Foundation Board of Trustees