Riverscape MetroPark | Dayton

RiverScape MetroPark, often considered the "crown jewel" of Dayton, Ohio's Five Rivers MetroPark system, is a prime example of successful urban revitalization and a vibrant public space. It beautifully integrates natural elements with urban amenities, making it a beloved gathering spot for residents and visitors alike.

History and Development

Originally known as Van Cleve Park, the site underwent a transformative development as part of a bold new riverfront plan by Five Rivers MetroParks, which took over administration of the park in 1998. The vision was to create a lively downtown hub that connected people with the Great Miami River.

The park's grand opening in May 2001, along with the unveiling of the Five Rivers Fountain of Lights, was celebrated as the "rebirth of downtown" Dayton. This master plan, nearly 20 years in the making, aimed to bring people not just to the river's edge but onto and into the river itself. Key developments that followed the initial opening, like the RiverScape River Run, further solidified this connection.

Unique Features and Experiences

RiverScape MetroPark distinguishes itself with a blend of recreational, educational, and artistic elements:

• Five Rivers Fountain of Lights: This iconic fountain is one of the largest in the world. Five powerful water jets, housed in concrete towers straddling the confluence of the Great Miami and Mad Rivers, shoot 2,500 gallons of water per minute towards the center of the river. The central geyser can reach a majestic 200 feet in the air, creating a breathtaking spectacle across an 800-foot diameter. It operates for 10-minute intervals at the top of each hour, Memorial Day through Labor Day.
• Dayton Inventors River Walk: This unique feature celebrates Dayton's rich history of innovation. Along the river walk, visitors can find "invention stations" that spotlight local inventors like Charles Kettering, Joe Desch, and Ermal Cleon Fraze, and their significant contributions.
• RiverScape River Run: This $4 million project, completed as the "grand finale" of the park's master plan, transformed hazardous low dams into a recreational paradise. It features a seven-mile paddle route from Eastwood MetroPark through downtown, with both smooth-water passageways for novice paddlers and whitewater play spots for experienced kayakers. Kayak rentals are available seasonally. A colorful mural along the northern floodwall depicts vibrant outdoor scenes, including bicyclists, kayakers, and wildlife, providing a scenic backdrop to the River Run.
• MetroParks Ice Rink: During the winter months (typically from the Friday after Thanksgiving through February), the park's pavilion transforms into a large outdoor ice skating rink, offering a unique seasonal activity in the heart of downtown. It's also used for broomball, a team sport played with shoes and a "broom" on the ice.
• Interactive Fountains and Splash Pad: In warmer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day), children can enjoy water play in the interactive fountains, which shoot water up to 20 feet in the air, choreographed to music.
• RiverScape Bike Hub: Located at the junction of the Great Miami River and Mad River Trail, part of the nation's largest paved trail network, the Bike Hub is a cyclist's dream. It offers secure bike lockers, showers, and restrooms for commuters, along with bike rentals on weekends and holidays during the warmer season.
• Gardens and Landscaping: The park features beautifully landscaped gardens with flowering pots, hanging baskets, and reflecting pools. The diverse plantings, often labeled with botanical and common names, inspire visitors for their own home gardens and create a tranquil urban oasis.
• Founders Point: This decorative five-sided pavilion pays tribute to the Miami Valley's five rivers and marks the location where Dayton's first settlers arrived by boat in 1796.
• Paul Laurence Dunbar Walk: RiverScape honors native Daytonian poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, with several of his poems etched in stone at the top of a staircase at the west end of the park.
• Deeds Point MetroPark Connection: A pedestrian bridge connects RiverScape to Deeds Point MetroPark, where visitors can find a bronze statue of Wilbur and Orville Wright and an aviation timeline exhibit, further emphasizing Dayton's pivotal role in aviation history.

Events and Programs

RiverScape MetroPark is a popular venue for a wide array of annual events and ongoing programs:

• Summer Music Series: The Pavilion hosts free concerts with diverse genres like R&B, bluegrass, big band, reggae, rock/Americana, and funk/R&B throughout the summer.
• Fitness in the Park: Free fitness classes, including yoga, Sculpt, BootyMix, Bootcamp, Tai Chi & Qigong, and Swerk, are offered on most weeknights from May through July.
• National Bike to Work Day Pancake Breakfast: An annual event celebrating National Bike Month, featuring live music, cycling-related exhibitors, and a free pancake breakfast for cyclists.
• Passport to MetroParks: This event kicks off Memorial Day weekend, often with various activities and a preview of Dayton's largest cultural festivals.
• Major Festivals: RiverScape is a frequent host for significant community festivals, including the Dayton Celtic Festival, Hispanic Heritage Festival, and the Dayton African American Cultural Festival. These events bring live music, cultural exhibits, food vendors, and more to the park.
• "Out on 5th" (Nearby): While not directly in RiverScape, the "Out on 5th" initiative in the adjacent Oregon District complements the park's vibrant atmosphere by closing parts of East 5th Street to vehicular traffic on weekends, creating a pedestrian zone with expanded outdoor dining and entertainment.

RiverScape MetroPark is more than just a park; it's a dynamic public space that serves as Dayton's "front porch," connecting people to the river, their city's history, and a wide array of recreational and cultural experiences.