Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Active Living

Urban Nights: Proving Downtown Dayton Is Alive and Kicking

By 1 Comment

It’s no marketing scheme: Urban Nights really is one of the best nights to be downtown.

Downtown Dayton’s biggest street party returns from 5 to 10 p.m. this Friday, May 13. More than 100 venues in downtown Dayton, the Oregon Arts District and Wright-Dunbar Business Village will host special events, offer discounts and open their doors for an insider’s look. A variety of performers will entertain crowds on stages throughout downtown, and roaming performers also will liven up the event.

Below are some highlights of the May 13 Urban Nights, but there’s more going on than can ever be featured in one article ― and nearly everything is free. Click here to download a map of participating venues and a complete performance schedule, including a listing of all participating locations’ events and specials, a schedule for all the stages, and parking deals. Follow Urban Nights on Facebook for regular updates and more information.

Urban Nights gives people a chance to get artsy. Second Street will become a huge canvas when students from Stivers School for the Arts’ painting department create a paint-by-numbers style template on the street. The public then will be able to help Stivers students complete the mural, located in front of the Schuster Performing Arts Center between Main and Ludlow streets. The Paint the Street mural is sponsored by KeyBank and will be created with environmentally friendly liquid chalk that washes away with rainfall.

Juggling duo The Dropbacks will toss and catch with the crowd during Urban Nights.

Juggling duo The Dropbacks will toss and catch with the crowd during Urban Nights.

Also on Second Street, visitors also can create a piece of whimsical public art using jelly beans and have their pictures taken in a free photo booth. At the popular Community Stage, located at the corner of Third and Jefferson streets, an eclectic mix of 10-minute performances will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., then anyone can take the mic for open karaoke from 7 to 10 p.m. The Dropbacks, a comedic juggling duo, will toss and catch with the crowd throughout Urban Nights locations. Other hands-on activities will be available at participating venues. For example, the Dayton Metro Library will offer arts-and-crafts activities for children and adults.

Art is the heart of Urban Nights, and all of downtown’s numerous galleries will host exhibit openings and an array of more unusual offerings, such as a 7 to 8:30 p.m. performance by the Dayton Mandolin Orchestra at the Dayton Visual Arts Center. Some Urban Nights newbies are the Dayton Art Institute, which will offer a mixed bag of activities ranging from guided tours of its current exhibition to eye makeovers; Real Art Design Group, featuring jousting with shopping carts as part of “Urban Knights at Urban Nights;” and Atta Girl Art and Gardens Complex, where artists will open their studios for the public to have a look-see. At K12 Gallery for Young People’s new TEJAS studio, art by Rebecca Sargent will be featured.

Vote for your fave Activated Spaces window display during Urban Nights.

Vote for your fave Activated Spaces window display during Urban Nights.

Art also happens in unusual places during Urban Nights. Activated Spaces has worked with local artists to display their work in previously vacant storefronts throughout downtown, and the public can vote for a People’s Choice award during Urban Nights. Practice Yoga will host live music by BJSR, the Dayton International Peace Museum will host an opening reception for an exhibit of Chinese brush painting, and artists will take over the Southern Belle’s second floor, where local crafters will sell their handmade wares. And the Blue Sky Project is hosting an exhibition of Mequitta Ahuja’s works on paper in the lobby of the KeyBank Tower and an exhibit of photography by Sa Schloff, as well as work by Blue Sky participants, in the former Roly Poly space on Courthouse Square. Several downtown housing options will be open for tours, and many of them will feature artists’ work, too.

Downtown retailers also get into the Urban Nights spirit. At Derailed: A Hair Salon, co-owner Austin Burkhart will try to break his record for giving free Mohawks, and Omega Music will host live music throughout the night. Pantorium Cleaners will host a party with special entertainment, and Valeria’s Beauty Center and Day Spa will offer special discounts to celebrate the launch of its new retail store, Bonito.

Scan this QR code with your smart phone to start the SCANvenger Hunt.

Scan this QR code with your smart phone to start the SCANvenger Hunt.

A fun way to get around Urban Nights is by playing Comtactics’ SCANvenger Hunt. Smart phone users are encouraged to visit participating businesses and search for two-dimensional QR codes. Players scan the codes, answer a trivia question about that business and are entered into drawings for giveaways.

A weekend-long event also will open during Urban Nights. The Dayton Circus Creative Collective will host its sixth annual multimedia arts event, Sideshow VI, at Garden Station, 509 E. Fourth St., and in the nearby Yellow Cab building, 700 E. Fourth St. This two-block arts experience will feature work by more than 32 artists and performances by 25 musical groups.

Urban Nights guests also will get a sneak peek of another weekend-long event, the FilmDayton Festival, held downtown May 20-22. Multidisciplinary artist and Springfield native Rod Hatfield has mixed a montage of silent films starring Lillian Gish, also a Springfield native. The Show will provide a live soundtrack to the projection on the east side of the Convention Center, which can be viewed from the Jefferson and Fifth street area.

In addition to the arts, cycling has become an important part of Urban Nights. The Life Enrichment Center will roll out its new Yellow Bike program, a free bike sharing program downtown, during Urban Nights. The center is providing brightly painted yellow bikes available free of charge for anyone to ride between downtown destinations. People simply grab a yellow bike, ride it to their

Urban Bikes @ Urban Nights meets at 5:30 p.m. in front of Fifth Third Field for a ride through the action.

Urban Bikes @ Urban Nights meets at 5:30 p.m. in front of Fifth Third Field for a ride through the action.

destination and park it in a bike rack for the next person to use. The center also is asking for donations of helmets in all sizes, which can be dropped off at Courthouse Square. In addition, Urban Bikes @ Urban Nights returns: Cyclists should bring their own bike and meet at Don Crawford Plaza in front of Fifth Third Field at 5:30 p.m. for this ride through the Urban Nights action.

The best way to see as much as possible during Urban Nights is to walk, and many of the destinations are just a short distance from each other. Greater Dayton RTA also will provide free event trolleys to help visitors get around.

Urban Nights takes place rain or shine. The event is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership, Culture Works, Montgomery County and the City of Dayton, with additional support from WDTN-TV2, DP&L, Greater Dayton RTA, Budweiser Select, the Downtown Priority Board, Sinclair Community College, Clear Channel and Mix 107.7-FM, KeyBank, and the Ohio Arts Council.

Call 937-224-1518 or visit www.downtowndayton.org for more information.

Five Rivers MetroParks Makes It Easy To Be Green

By Leave a Comment

Get involved in the emerald ash borer reforestation efforts and "Leaf a Legacy"! Learn more at www.metroparks.org/ash

When you work for Five Rivers MetroParks, it’s easy to forget most people celebrate Earth Day just once a year, so for today’s article, I wanted to show you, loyal reader, ways to live “green” every day.

  • Get Educated!
    • Pick a program, any program: When it comes to connecting people with the world around them, you’ll find no shortage of engaging instruction via Five Rivers MetroParks. There are lots of offerings to help you live a life more ecological, including organic gardening and landscaping, composting, recycling, wildlife basics and more. Here are a few coming up that will put you in the Earth Day spirit:
  • Get Involved!
    • Pick up trash around your neighborhood or volunteer with your favorite organization. Learn more at www.metroparks.org/volunteer

      Pick up trash around your neighborhood or volunteer with your favorite organization. Learn more at www.metroparks.org/volunteer

      Volunteer with your favorite organization: Five Rivers MetroParks has a variety of volunteer options available to fit any skill level, area of interest and available time frame. We just wrapped up our annual Adopt-A-Park event, where we welcomed more than 2,000 volunteers to pick up litter in over 30 locations throughout Montgomery County. But there are lots of ongoing opportunities.

      • If you’d like to gain specific skills, consider a service learning program. These give specialized classroom and hands-on training to volunteers, teaching them skills they can use to be volunteer team leaders at MetroParks or in their own community. Master Recyclers learn the details of reducing, reusing and recycling in this five-week course sponsored by Five Rivers MetroParks and Montgomery County Solid Waste District. Classes take place in early spring; call (937) 275-PARK (7275) if you’re interested in being placed on the waiting list for next year’s program.
      • You can also volunteer to make the Miami Valley a little greener—literally! There are still a few slots available to sign up to be a Forest Foster Family. Fosters care for a flat of propagated seedlings for a period of time, then return the flat to a designated area for replanting. These seedlings were raised to replace ash tree devastated by the effects of the invasive emerald ash borer. Call (937) 275-PARK or register online to get involved.

o   Make a difference: There are many simple ways you can make your neighborhood a better place. Grab a trash bag and take a walk around your block. Pick up any litter you encounter (donning a pair of gloves is advised). Bonus points for separating recyclable materials! Perhaps you could make a weekly habit of this. Imagine how much cleaner your neighborhood would be!

  • Get Eco-Logical!

o   Be green at home: Swap your incandescent light bulbs for a compact florescent. It uses less energy, which decreases overall consumption of fossil fuels, plus you can enjoy the perks of saving money on your bill, not to mention the fact that some companies offer homeowners terrific incentives for swapping more efficient appliances and other energy-consuming devices. You can also switch to recycled toilet paper or paper towels and eco-friendly household cleaning products. Visit A Greener You at the PNC 2nd Street Market and check out the wide variety.

o

Virginia bluebells are native plants that make for lovely garden beds. Get native plants at the upcoming sales. www.metroparks.org/plantsales

Go local: Avoid incorporating invasive species into your garden or landscape. Invasive species, such as honeysuckle, purple loosestrife or lesser celandine, are aggressive, non-native plants that are harmful to local habitat, yet are often sold commercially. Plants might seem pretty innocuous, but invasive species can take over habitats, forcing out native plants and any creatures dependent on those plants as a source of food or shelter. So buy local and do your part to preserve the environment. Get native plants or non-invasive exotic species from two plants sales taking place the last weekend in April. The Wildflower and Native Plant Sale at Cox Arboretum MetroPark takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 30; and Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark’s Mayfair 2011 is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 30, and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 1.

AIDS 5k Run/Walk/Jog Restgistration Now Open

By 1 Comment

On Sunday, April 17, 2011 students from the Boonshoft School of Medicine will be holding the AIDS 5k Run/Walk/Jog.  We invite you, your friends and family to join us to help a great cause!  All registrants will receive a race t-shirt as well as be entered into a raffle to receive some awesome prizes. Also, on race day, breakfast and snacks will be provided (bagels, juice, fruit, etc).  Top finishers for each age and gender group will receive awards.  The details of the race and how to register are as follows:

·         What:  WSU Boonshoft School of Medicine AIDS 5k Benefit

·         Where: Wegerzyn Gardens Metropark, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave, Dayton, OH, 45414

·         When:  Sunday, April 17th, Race begins at 9:30 am, registration opens at 8 am

·         Why: All proceeds go to the AIDS Resource Center of Ohio and Miami Valley Positives 4 Positives.

·         Register Online:  http://www.active.com/running/dayton-oh/aids-benefit-5k-2011

·         Register in person: On race day at the site

·         Cost: $20 before race day, $25 day of race.

We hope you’ll be able to attend!

Ryan Hamilton, Lindsey Hogle, and Scott Seider
WSU Boonshoft School of Medicine AIDS 5k Co-Chairs

A-Z The Best Food For Runners: A

By Leave a Comment

Everyone loves food. Every….some of us love running. So which foods are the best to stock up on while you pursue that illusive runner’s body? This is the first in a series going through each letter of the alphabet in which I’ll tell you what to eat during the day, what to eat before or during a workout and even throw a few healthy desserts in there. Let’s do this Sesame Street style, one letter at a time.

Big Bird. Keepin' it real since 1969.

Lunch/Dinner

Some people make guacamole just because they like saying "guac"

Most of us are searching for some new things to spice up our lunch and/or dinner menus, and don’t want to try anything too crazy. One of the simplest foods that can easily change your entire meal is the avocado.

Nutrition Facts: Avocados have 60 percent more potassium than bananas. Avocados are high in fiber, so avoid before runs. This will avoid an unnecessary trip to the bathroom! (speaking of which, if you need help in that area – try eating an apricot before a meal!)

There are so many different ways to use this versatile fruit. Making a salad? Dice up an avocado and mix it in with some olive oil. Making corn, peas or other mixed vegetables? Mix in some grilled avocado for a twist on an old favorite.  All of these are great, but the one idea that I’m seeing in more restaurants now is to top a burger with a few slices of avocado. I feel like it works best with a turkey burger, as the tastes just seem to compliment each other perfectly. Here’s a great turkey burger recipe that I found.

Snacks

Source: http://bit.ly/ho88Nv

Post-run:

Guacamole. Duh. Guacamole is made from mashing up an avocado and is relatively healthy, but eat in moderation or you’ll chock up the calories and fat. All it takes to make is to scoop out the avocado from the core, mash up in a bowl, and add things like salt and garlic to taste before blending for a few seconds. This recipe should come in under 1,000 calories, so sharing this with a few people is no big deal. Food Network recipe. Apples can also serve as a great snack after a run, or on any non-running day, especially when combined with peanut butter. Slicing up an apple and dipping it in peanut butter, the more all-natural the better, can serve as a tasty snack that won’t make your stomach churn.

Pre-run:

One of my favorite foods to snack on before a run, or during one, for some light protein are almonds. Although expensive, the almond is very tasty and easy to eat while on the run or in a hurry.

Nutrition Facts: Almonds are high in vitamin E and are relatively low in calories. (The Blue Diamond oven roasted almonds I have contain only 170 calories, while providing 6 grams of protein per serving of 24 almonds!)

Simply delicious.

Dessert

This is the section you were looking for right? I found a great way to incorporate almonds into dessert! Gross right? Well it turns out that almond biscotti tastes great! Originating in Italy, biscotti is a popular type of Italian cookie cake which my grandmother has perfected over the last 50+ years. If you don’t trust her recipe, try another great one from Runner’s World.

I hope you enjoy this series, and I hope you learn about some foods that you may have never known are healthy! Like beans? Hmm…more on that next time.

Our Bikeways Are At Risk!

By Leave a Comment

The feeling that our community is an amazing place to live, work and play is something I’m sure all most all Dayton area residents posses.  The increased quality of life provided by access to recreation facilities and programs has been proven via numerous scientific studies and survey research over the years.  Facilities such as hiking trails, multi-use paths, and rivers provide a unique character to a community supporting a vibrant and active culture.  There is an obvious correlation between the most livable cities in the United States and those that are considered “Outdoor Adventure” destinations and “Bike Friendly Communities.”

That outdoor culture and vibrancy many of us value so highly is currently at stake as proposed legislation at the state and federal level poses a threat to the funding streams communities rely on to support projects of this nature.  Over the past 30 years over 50 million dollars have been invested in our amazing regional bikeway network which has now become one of the most exstensive trail systems in the US, totally over 260 miles in the Miami Valley.

Please take a moment to review the message below from American Trails, an organization whose mission is to ensure the development and protection for trails in the future. For over 20 years, American Trails has been the collective voice for a diverse coalition of enthusiasts, professionals, land managers, conservationists, and friends of the outdoors and livable cities. For more information about American Trails, visit www.americantrails.org

Now more than ever, advocates must convince Congress that money spent on trails, bike/ped facilities, parks, and outdoor recreation is a sound investment in the country’s economy. The health of our children, as well as our cities, will depend on expanding transportation choices and preserving trails, open space, parks, and places for recreation.

As our nation looks closely at the increase in childhood obesity, the need for healthier lifestyle choices for everyone, safe routes for active transportation, and urban development, there are major issues to address. Trails, greenways, bikeways, and other routes are a critical part of the solution.

Every individual and organization concerned with trails and bike/ped facilities should tell their members of Congress why funding for these programs is important.

Please pass this message on through your networks!

Federal budget cuts will affect trails!

This week in Washington, the focus is on the federal budget, the deficit, and proposed cuts to spending on every aspect of national programs. The House of Representatives will vote on legislation (H.R. 1) that would cut current spending by at least $100 billion below the President’s FY 2011 request. Floor debate begins Tuesday. Here’s what we know so far that will affect trail funding:

Land and Water Conservation Fund: The House proposal would reduce funding for trails, parks, and land conservation by 90 percent. Funds that are appropriated to states would be virtually eliminated. See details and how you can take action…

Federal land management budgets: Major cuts are also proposed in the current House budget for a wide variety of construction, maintenance, and supporting programs on federal public lands. This includes trails and recreation areas on National Forests, Bureau of Land Management lands, US Fish & Wildlife Refuges, and the National Parks. Read more on cuts to federal land management…

ATTENTION: Devastating attack on trails, walking, and bicycling could happen this week! Though we do not know details yet, we anticipate a congressional amendment that could do away with or hobble transportation-funded programs like the Recreational Trails Program, Transportation Enhancements, (the nation’s largest funding source for trails, walking, and bicycling), and Safe Routes to School. There is strength in numbers! Therefore, we are working with many other organizations to defeat such a damaging amendment. No action is needed to protect these three programs at the moment; we just wanted to give you a heads-up that an amendment could be offered in the coming days. You can expect an action alert from us. If it comes, please do not delay in speaking up. If such an amendment is offered, we might have mere hours to respond.

Proposed House budget: Read the details of the House proposed reductions in federal programs for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2011: Table of FY 2011 Continuing Resolution reductions (pdf 53 kb)

Hearings on Federal Transportation reauthorization: The House Transportation Committee has scheduled a series of field hearings on Federal Transportation reauthorization during February 2011, starting with West Virginia on Feb. 14 and moving on to the West Coast by Feb. 21-23. Plan to attend these sessions and speak up for continuing trails and bike/ped facilities (Recreational Trails Program, Transportation Enhancements, and Safe Routes to School) in the next reauthorization bill. Please help spread the word! See current hearing schedule and locations…

TAKE ACTION!

American Trails, the League of American Bicyclists, the Rails to Trail Conservancy, and other nationwide organizations have been urging key members of Congress and Administration officials to recognize the importance of funding for trails and related facilities.

There is strength in numbers and we need to present a unified voice for trails, to tell their story, to present their endless benefits, and to make the case for funding them. Join us in contacting your Senators and Representatives to let them know why these programs are vital to your local efforts.

Contact your Representative by visiting this website: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

Contact your Senators by visiting this website: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Please pass this message on through your networks!

Completing the River – Downtown Dayton Game Changer

By 9 Comments

Riverscape Phase IV Proposal (click for larger view)

Over the past ten years, Dayton has been bringing people back to the shores of our rivers (Great Miami River, Mad River, Stillwater River, Wolf Creek and Twin Creek) with the ongoing development of Riverscape.  Phase I/II was completed in 2001/2003 and Phase III was completed last summer with the addition of a permanent covered pavilion, new ice skating rink and bike hub.  It would be easy to assume that the project is now complete but Five Rivers MetroParks is still not done, and they now have their sights set IN the river itself.

On any given summer day, one can see a paddler or two in our downtown river.  There is actually a nice river run that begins at Eastwood Lake MetroPark with Mad River and takes you to Riverscape and into the Great Miami River, but because of a treacherous low dam you really can’t go any further than the I-75 bridge.  This low dam is one of six that were installed in our various rivers after the Dayton Flood of 1913 to prevent further disasters, and along with the earthen levies they have done the job for the past 98 years (correction – the dams were added to create a pooling effect for recreational purposes).  In fact, the “hydraulic jump” dam was invented in Dayton by Arthur Morgan (is there anything that wasn’t invented here?) but decades later they are now being replaced in other cities because of their reputation as death traps.  Get stuck in the undertow at the bottom of one of these things and you’re not getting out without some major help – not exactly conducive to paddling.
In cooperation with the Miami Conservancy District, City of Dayton and Montgomery County (and as part of the ‘Rivers, Cycling & Active Lifestyle committee of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan), Five Rivers MetroParks has just announced its proposal to remove the downtown low dam and install two grade-control whitewater/bypass “canoe” channels that will make the river navigable through downtown and past Carillon Park.  A similar effort is being implemented in nearby Springfield’s Buck Creek, with two of four low dams having been converted last year.

In addition to making the river safer and navigable, the project would improve the health of the river and increase fish stock – an outcome experienced relatively quickly in other locations where low dams were similarly removed.  A pair of jetties would be constructed with rocks and boulders at each channel (see proposal above), giving visitors and spectators ways to sit and enjoy the river up-close, and planners anticipate the project would draw even more people downtown and to the river.  Recreation Engineering and Planning has completed a preliminary design, and sediment testing has been conducted and passed.  Next steps include regulatory permitting, memorandum understanding between the various stakeholder groups, fund raising and then final engineering and implementation.  The project is estimated to cost $2.9 million for the low dam removal and in-river work, with an additional $1.1 million for river bank modifications and enhancements – totaling $4 million.

A similar project was completed in Pueblo, CO – converting a larger low dam into five consecutive drops like the two proposed for Dayton.  The Pueblo Whitewater Park now attracts thousands of paddlers and spectators each year – check out the video and imagine this scene in front of our own Riverscape.  Yes this could be the next game changer for Downtown Dayton.

Search for New Executive Director Narrowed to 2 Finalists

By Leave a Comment

After 2009’s successful levy campaign and funding for the MetroParks secure for another decade, Executive Director Charlie Shoemaker announced his retirement. Charlie’s last day with the MetroParks will be Feb. 28, ending his nine-year tenure as director of the park system and a 33-year career with MetroParks.

Charlie Shoemaker will retire from his position as executive director by Feb. 28, 2011.

Some highlights of his career include overseeing the expansion MetroParks’ protected lands to over 15,000 acres, increasing the ratio of protected conservation areas to publically accessed spaces from 80:20 to 90:10. Five Rivers MetroParks is one of the few park districts in the state and even the nation to boast such numbers. In this writer’s opinion, one of the most enduring aspects of Charlie’s legacy will be his contribution to outdoor recreation. Under Charlie’s command, additional recreational facilities were created. The 22-mile Twin Valley Trail offers a backcountry backpacking experience stretched between Germantown and Twin Creek MetroParks. There’s also the popular MetroParks Mountain Biking Area (MoMBA) located at Huffman MetroPark. Both were introduced in 2008. Facilities such as these provide people with opportunities to enjoy a personal connection with nature while instilling healthy habits close to home. Active outdoor lifestyles not only promote public health, they can help attract and retain a talented workforce to the region, and the businesses who need them.

Another progressive activity MetroParks has undertaken under Charlie’s direction is the work being done on the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan. Five Rivers MetroParks is contributing to the riverfront, cycling amenities and active lifestyle features that make Dayton an attractive place to live, work and play.

Charlie is leaving some big shoes to fill, but we are fortunate to have a pair of highly qualified candidates to take his place. Rebecca A. “Becky” Benná, director of parks and recreation for the city of Glendale, Ariz., and Stephen Madewell, Lake Metroparks director in Lake County, Ohio. Both individuals have extensive backgrounds in land stewardship and advocating outdoor lifestyles, and your chance to meet them is coming up. Sign up for one of two open house sessions taking place this Friday, Jan. 28:

•          Cox Arboretum MetroPark

o   Madewell: 9 -9:40 a.m.

o   Benná: 9:50-10:30 a.m.

•          Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark

o   Madewell: 10:30- 11:10 a.m.

o   Benná: 11:20 a.m. to noon

Five Rivers MetroParks is committed to bringing families opportunities to create personal connections with nature today and for generations to come.

Change can be difficult and can leave a lot of questions. The State of Ohio continues to reel from changes after the midterm elections, but we have the advantage in this instance of knowing that regardless of who takes the helm after Charlie retires, certain aspects of Five Rivers MetroParks and its mission to the region will remain consistent:

We promise to protect our natural heritage. Five Rivers MetroParks was founded in 1963 to preserve our natural spaces. We will continue this tradition, managing wildlife and this region’s natural habitats using the most practical and ecological methods available to ensure long-term health and survival. Five Rivers MetroParks will continue to protect land and waterways, nurture partnerships for local land conservation and habitat restoration, and support conservation-based educational programs and volunteer opportunities.

We promise to connect people to nature. Whether it’s through updating park areas to improve visitor experiences, teaching you the skills you need to get out doors—to go kayaking or bird watching, mountain biking or gardening—or developing nature play areas for children, Five Rivers MetroParks is committed to creating an independent outdoor lifestyle for our fellow residents and delivering a personal, long-lasting natural experience with every park visit.

We promise to enrich this region’s vitality. Five Rivers MetroParks will continue to collaborate with community partners to promote the region and showcase outdoor opportunities that advance Greater Dayton’s image and vibrancy. We will also continue to offer rewarding volunteer opportunities that foster learning and hands on application in a variety of MetroParks’ settings and disciplines.

We promise to respect your trust and continue as a model of public fiscal responsibility and integrity, giving good return on your tax investment. Five Rivers MetroParks will, where appropriate, aggressively seek alternate funding sources to stretch local tax dollars and keep spending focused on our strategic priorities while maintaining flexibility to respond to the ever changing community environment.

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to working with our new executive director as we continue to serve this population with opportunities to make a personal connection with nature.

Speaker Series Brings Adventure to You

By Leave a Comment

Winter’s got us in its icy grips, and as cabin fever sets in, I’d like to point out you have alternatives to more extreme amusement options, such as cat fashion shows or Lifetime movie marathons. Instead, you could get inspired with the Adventure Speaker Series.

Head to WSU Feb. 8 for Allison Gannett's Global Cooling Adventure Show

Four daring presentations lead up to the apex of the series—the Global Cooling Adventure Show. World champion extreme free skier and actor Alison Gannett has dedicated her life to saving our snow, water, and ecosystems from the devastating effects of climate change. Named an Outside Magazine Green All-Star of the Year, she has designed and built a straw house, converted the world’s first solar-powered 100 MPG SUV, and has led ski expeditions to document glacial recession around the world. Now you can take part in a free presentation at 7 p.m. Feb. 8 in the Wright State University Student Union.

Part of the Presidential Lecture Series, Gannett’s presentation takes you along on her journey to save the world. From straight-lining vertical faces in Alaska to first ascents in Pakistan, Gannett has spent most of her life working on solutions to Global Warming. She has led ski expeditions to document global warming in Bolivia, Argentina, Bhutan, India, South Africa, Pakistan, France, Switzerland, Canada and the US. She also travels the world as a global cooling consultant.

Join local adventurers as they share their stories: http://www.metroparks.org/adventuresummit

Check out all the upcoming presentations, including this Wednesday’s feature of local explorer Andy Niecamp, who will share his stories of hiking the 2,200-mile-long Appalachian Trail.

The Adventure Speaker Series debuted this year as the biennial rotation with The Adventure Summit, a weekend-long outdoor exploration expo, which will return in 2012. You can learn more about the Adventure Speaker Series at www.metroparks.org/adventuresummit.

Bike Lanes Create More Jobs Than Other Transportation Projects

By 6 Comments

In the wake of a monumental policy  passed by the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission this past week, all transportation project submissions requesting federal funds will require the design to accommodate all users, not just motor vehicles.  This concept is commonly known as “Complete Streets.”  A street designed to be complete is friendlier to pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders and the disabled.

Some local examples of Complete Streets tactics used here in the Miami Valley are bike lanes, shares, audible signals, road diets, round-abouts and so on.

This philosophy isn’t necessarily accepted by planners, engineers, and community leaders across the board.  As a matter of fact, the process of reaching a “Complete Streets” policy was highly contested and took many years achieve.

The Outdoor Evangelist would like to start a movement to hault all record of referring to pedestrian, bicycle and transit infrastructure and development as “alternative,” considering our own two feet are our primary method of travel, the car, however import to our culture, is historically, the true alternative.

This new policy brings the local planning organization up to speed with the various other regional planning groups across the state,  who have adopted complete streets policies months, some years ago.

Another hot topic in the bicycle and pedestrian planning realm is a popular, and controversial research study that became public this month.  In a article posted by the League of American Bicyclists, “According to a new report by the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts Amherst says that building bike lanes/boulevards and pedestrian projects creates more jobs per million dollars spent than road repairs and road resurfacing.

Yes, they said it.  Bike lanes create more jobs than other transportation projects.  As a matter of fact, they are cited as creating twice as many jobs. The study, “Estimating the Employment Impacts of Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Road Infrastructure,” which examines the costs of engineering, construction, and materials costs for different types of projects in the city of Baltimore, concludes that, for a given amount of spending, bike lanes create about twice as many jobs as road construction. The difference lies in the varying labor intensity and the ratio of engineering costs to construction expenses across project types. Footway repairs and bike lane signing are labor intensive, meaning that a greater share of the total cost goes to pay people than in material heavy road projects. “Each $1 million spent creating on-street bike lanes directly creates 7.9 jobs and creates a total of 14.4 jobs when we include the indirect and induced effects,” the author, Heidi Garrett-Peltier, writes, “The two categories of road repairs have the lowest employment effects, with 3-4 direct jobs and approximately 7 total jobs created for each $1 million.”

More information on this exciting research and other complete streets projects can be found by visiting League of American Bicyclists website.  Interested in reviewing the MVRPC Complete Streets Policy in its entirety? Their website has not only the policy but details the process and a presentation providing a great overview of what a complete street is and how it applies to our region.

Dance It Out

By Leave a Comment

Hip-Hop Dance Fitness Class For Youth

There are many problems facing today’s youth, not the least of which childhood obesity as well as being in the viselike grip of an apathetic technology. It is not enough to buy your children yet another diversion from the real world, such a Wii Fit, or to try and interest them in an activity that holds little charm against the instant gratification of a computer screen and a bag of Doritos. There has to be something that will not only hold a short attention span, but is uniquely positive, not only to build a physically fit body, but also to build a sense of confidence and character as well.

While you cannot deny the physicality of hip-hop dance, most people would not consider it a exercise regime, but when put all your preconceived notions aside, what better vehicle could you think of to get your kids off the couch and moving? Such a class has been created by Geborah Stephen for the City of Dayton Recreation and Youth Services. She has designed a program that not only teaches teens between the ages of thirteen and eighteen the fundamentals of hip-hop (which incorporates a lot of elements from jazz, step and even ballet.), but also subtly guides the youth into having more self confidence to raise their self esteem. Having dealt with dance/fitness instructor Geborah Stephen before, I can personally vouch for her talent, her determination as well as her positive spirit. We were able to have a lengthly discussion about the class and what she hopes the teens will take from the experience.

J.T.: What kind of things does the class encompass?
Geborah: The Hip-Hop Dance Class entails movements that range from jazz and into some more modern dance movements, like pop and locking, but on a little more faster pace.

J.T.: What do you hope that the kids will get out of this?
Geborah: I am hoping that with the experience that I have, I can naturally encourage and empower the youth that attend and I hope that they can walk away with a better grasp of hip-hop, range of motion and general dance movements.  I want them to have a better outlook as far as their self esteem and a pride in their inner talents.

J.T.: Do you think that this could lead them to pursue other forms of dance?
Geborah: Yes, absolutely! Hip-hop stems from jazz and modern movements and even some ballet movements. I think that this would be a really nice transition to other classes and types of dance. You don’t even necessarily need to be a dancer. You can use dance as a way of expression using it during your own free time or as a fitness tool. You don’t have to use what you learn to become some type of entertainer. So, yes, it could take several different avenues, but all of them are positive paths.

J.T.: With the issue of childhood obesity being in the forefront of news reports, would this type of activity help them get moving and active?
Geborah: Absolutely! I think that hip-hop is an excellent way to get youth involved in fitness. I think that it is something that they can relate to and so I think that it is an easier way to get them active. It’s a very enjoyable form of exercise and kids love to jump around and express themselves through dance. With a lot of the youth having issue with their weight and trying to stay healthy, I think that my class will be a good tool to possibly get them on track and keep them on track.

J.T.: Well, it’s has real world applications whereas there are not too many instances where you can break out an exercise ball outside of the gym. Do you think that it will get the kids out there for more social interactions instead of in front of the television or the computer?
Geborah: Hopefully, but kids today are really into technology, so I’m hoping that it might spark an interest in getting up and moving more, but I think that technology will always hold sway, unfortunately. Hip-hop dance is evolving and it’s definitely becoming a bit more mainstream and I think it is a very good tool, especially for. I just think it is going to be a really good thing all the way around for the youth in Dayton to get involved in the hip-hop classes.

J.T.: If these premier classes go well, what could you see this thing branching into?
Geborah: Well, hopefully my class takes off in the community. I definitely see myself in the future running my own program that will involve hip-hop dance as well as some jazz movement in an atmosphere where youth can build their self esteem and character through dance and also incorporating some life skills and different things like that. I do have my own ultimate vision for a major project in the future, and I do want to produce and promote more projects like this.

The classes begin on January 5th, but you can sign up anytime as it is a ten week course running every Wednesday and Friday until March 11th. The cost is $25 for Dayton residents and $35 for non-residents and the price includes classes plus a recital and a final showcase at the end of the program. For more information or to find out the times for sign ups, call (937) 333-8336. The classes will be held at the Dayton Bomberger Teen Center located at 1306 E. Fifth St.

Free Weekend of Yoga

By Leave a Comment

Sri Yoga Center, which describes itself as a space for healing, community and growth, is offering a  weekend of free yoga classes taught by yoga-teachers-in-training.  All levels are welcome- from beginning yoga students to seasoned practitioners!  a space for healing, community and growth.

Donations will be accepted at the door for Daybreak, an outreach program in the Dayton area that provides safe shelter and housing to teens.

Attend as many classes as you’d like, and you can even join them for a vegetarian potluck lunch on Saturday.  The weekend schedule is as follows:

Saturday, December 4

9:15-10:45 am Yoga Flow
11-12:30 pm Yoga Flow
12:30-1:30 pm Potluck Lunch
1:30-3 pm Gentle Yoga
3:15-4:45 pm Gentle Yoga

Sunday, December 5

8-9:30 am Gentle Yoga
9:45-11:15 am Yoga Flow
11:30-1 pm Slow Flow

Sri Yoga Center
 813 Leo Street
Dayton, Ohio 45404
(937) 222-7482

Your MetroParks Bubbling Over with Weekend Fun

By Leave a Comment

When I first started working with Five Rivers MetroParks, someone told me, after a harried summer and fall, that “things usually start to slow down in the winter.” I wish I could find that person now and point to my task box supplemented by my computer monitor’s Post-It foliage brandishing its well of unquenchable to-dos. And boy, do we have an action-packed weekend for park lovers to kick off December.

Get your pet's picture taken with Santa Saturday, Dec. 4. Proceeds benefit the Humane Soceity of Dayton.

MetroParks joins in the First Friday fun on Dec. 3 with a variety of activities. I’m looking forward to the PNC 2nd Street Market’s extended hours (Market for lunch AND dinner? Initiate high-fives) from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Azra Kaurin, from Azra’s Mediterranean Cuisine, will host a family-friendly cookie-making demonstration at 10:30 a.m., and she’ll show you how she makes her family’s centuries-old baklava recipe later in the evening. Azra, I will be happy to avail you of your excess baklava (for the greater good, of course). You can also partake in a horse-drawn carriage ride and holiday music provided by the talented students of Kettering Fairmont’s a capella group Fusion (someone hold me back before I Gleek). Pet parents should stop by Saturday morning for Pet Pictures with Santa.

Of course the MetroParks Ice Rink is open for business. Star-late Skates takes place Friday and Saturday nights, and drop-in lessons are set for Sunday afternoon. Visitors to RiverScape MetroPark from 7-10 p.m. this Saturday will get an extra treat with horse-drawn carriage rides. Let’s see… Ice skates at $5 a piece plus a downtown carriage ride at $8 per couple plus the obligatory cup of hot chocolate for a buck a pop equals one super romantic date night that won’t break the bank. Just don’t follow it up with a less-than-stellar Christmas present. (“Oh, honey, a new vacuum cleaner? You shouldn’t have. I mean really shouldn’t have.”)

Avian enthusiasts have a variety of bird-watching activities to choose from this weekend.Although this urban kid sticks close to the skyline for my weekend entertainment, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention all the cool programs going on in the parks this Saturday. Bird lovers will have plenty to keep them busy with a Winter Bird Search at Hills & Dales MetroPark, Project Feeder Watch going on at Germantown MetroPark’s Nature Center and the Barred Owl Prowl taking place at Sugarcreek MetroPark. You could also have a tea party (the actual tea kind), track some animals, hike for the health of it, even make your own pasta.

Monday (December 6) starts the first of the Adventure Speaker Series in which the Outdoor Recreation Department at Five Rivers MetroParks and Wright State University team up to present a variety of speakers whose stories and photos will inspire you to “get out and live!” Head to Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark at 7 p.m. Monday to hear from Lou Vito, father of snowboarding pro Louie Vito, as he shares how his son went from cruising the slopes at Mad River Mountain in nearby Bellefontaine to becoming an Olympic snowboarding champion.

As you can see, there’s something for everyone this weekend in your MetroParks. Enjoy the outdoors and I apologize in advance to the throngs of citizens with whom I will collide at the rink.

Training Tuesday: Long Distance Training (part 2)

By 3 Comments

Last week I listed a few things that are important before you begin to try and increase your weekly mileage, so this week I’ll be going into a little more detail while also detailing a few training plan options.

Before you set out on increasing your mileage, it is very important to set goals for yourself. A great example of a goal for someone whose runs max out at three or four miles is to run a 10k (6.2 mile race). If you don’t want to sign up for a race right away, a simple goal of increasing your mileage by a mile a week is easily attainable. Since you will be increasing the number of miles you are running, it is definitely important to check out the shape of your shoes. If they are old or seem to be in bad shape, seriously consider buying new ones.

Once you have that in check you are ready to begin the demanding, but rewarding sport of distance running.

When making up a schedule to fit all of your running and running related activities, you should be aware of how much rest you are giving yourself and how many times to run each week. Below are the different things that you should be doing each week, along with a sample weekly schedule:

Cross Training: (1-2 times per week)

Ab workouts. These strengthen your core for overall better fitness and endurance. A great set of ab exercises for runners can be found on Runner’s World.

Not what you are looking for here.

Cardio. Other than running, doing other forms of cardio will boost your muscle strength in other areas that are used while running.

  • Cycling is a great example because it serves as a great alternative to running. It also has no impact on the legs, so it can easily be done in the recovery stages of injury.
  • Swimming does not have as good of benefits in terms of overall running fitness like cycling does, but it can be a great way to differ from usual cross training activities.
  • An elliptical machine, or something similar, is a great way to strengthen your legs as well, as it is more focused on that area than anything.

Short Runs: (2-3 times per week)

These runs should be done at a faster pace than longer runs, and should be about the same distance. Try and separate short run days with cross training. Running on the treadmill or a track at the gym are ideal places for this type of run, as you can easily squeeze them in and even monitor your pace.

Long Runs: (once a week)

The long run should be done at a slower pace than your short runs, and should be considerably longer. I believe that in terms of longer runs, the more important thing is time on the road, so the longer time you run the better. Try not to worry about your pace here, as you may be tired from your work during the week. Scheduling these runs on either a Saturday or Sunday make them easier to manage and schedule. Make sure to have plenty of water on hand for long runs, and know exactly where you are going if you run outside.

Sample First Week Training Schedule:

  • Monday: 3 mile short run
  • Tuesday: Cross Training
  • Wednesday: Rest
  • Thursday: 3 mile short run
  • Friday: Cross Training
  • Saturday: 5 mile long run
  • Sunday: Rest

This schedule may be an optimistic one for some of you, but you can obviously change it to fit your running level and personal schedule, as long as you stick to the number of days for each workout.

Races this weekend

Saturday November 20

8:30 a.m., 3rd Annual Southgate’s Turkey Trot. Southgate Baptist Church , Springfield, Ohio. Entry form

12 p.m., Mid-East 5K CC Challenge, Kettering, Ohio. Register here

Sunday November 21

Turkey Prediction 1 p.m., Kettering Recreation Complex, 2900 Glengarry Drive, Kettering, OH 45420  *Race day registration only* The 12 people closest to their predicted time will win a frozen turkey!

Q & A: Shaun T Brings The Insanity

By Leave a Comment

The man pictured above with the wide smile and the abs of steel is certifiably insane.

And to anyone gutsy enough to endure the pain he inflicts, that’s a good thing.

Best known for his high-octane, super-charged workout program Hip Hop Abs, fitness instructor Shaun T has created a new 60-day home fitness regimen called INSANITY – a total-body conditioning program designed for maximum effort, maximum pain and maximum results.

The New Jersey native has instructed thousands in person and millions at home through his best-selling Beachbody DVD videos.  He’s had television appearances on The Tyra Banks Show, QVC, CNN, Dr. Oz and The Ellen Show and now he’s bringing his intense and exhilarating brand of fitness to the Dayton area – conducting one of his exhausting “Insanity Master Class” sessions at the Kleptz YMCA in Englewood on November 20th.

DaytonMostMetro.com recently spoke with the popular fitness trainer about his life, energy and the refute of flabbiness:

DMM: So Shaun, you received a B.S. in Sports Science and you also minored in Dance and Theater. Did you have a clear concept of your career goals when you first enrolled in college, or did the interest in fitness develop later on?

ST: When I first enrolled in college I actually wanted to do communications.  I was set on being the anchorperson for some news station.  But what happened was…I gained 50 pounds from living the crazy college life…

DMM: Wait a minute.  You gained 50 pounds in college?

ST: You know you’re in college doing your studies…you get your food card, you go to the buffet!  You don’t have to pay for it, you know?  You can go to the food court whenever you want.  You eat pizza, stay up late…nobody’s telling you to go to bed.  Once in a while, you might have a frat party! [Laughs] So, it was all of that.  I literally looked in the mirror one day and said, “You need to pull it together!”

I ended up changing my major to sports science.  I was always an athlete and I started going back to the gym and fell in love with the whole ‘body/mind’ relationship.  So from that point on, it was just just crazy!  I had teach one of my classes an aerobics class, and I decided to a hip-hop dance class because I didn’t want to do just some boring old aerobics.

DMM: What did you do immediately after college?

Fitness personality Shaun T

ST: After graduating I went into corporate fitness.  I kind of did like the corporate health thing…never to imagine that I’d be where I am today!  But I feel like I’m living everything that I learned in college, believe it or not!  Health promotion was my specialization, you know.  Theater/dance…I’ve done that as well.  I did everything I wanted to do – as far as what my degree set me up for.  Now I’m just capitalizing upon it and taking it further to help inspire people.

DMM: How were you introduced to dance?

ST: My first real experience was when I had to teach a class in college.  I was 21.  The director of the fitness center was like, “Wait a minute. You can cue. You can teach. You can dance.  What’s going on here?” [Laughs] For me, it was just natural.  I always wanted to dance, but when I was a kid I played football, basketball and track and field.  That was my life, you know what I mean?  So growing up, my passion wasn’t [in dancing].

DMM: Moving forward,  Hip Hop Abs was released in 2007, correct?

ST: Yeah, it was released to the public that year.

DMM: What was the philosophy behind that product?

ST: I instruct different types of people.  I have people who are very fit, and I have people that are set in a sedimentary lifestyle.  The common goal of trying to get “flat sexy abs” was to create a product that was fun.  Because in my dance classes, it was just fun!  To see people come back to me and say, “Oh my god. You’re class was so fun!” was satisfying.  So I wanted to create something fun that people would do every day, but also that was easy to follow.  And while you’re doing the movements, you’re focusing on your core – so you don’t get bored.  I wanted people to lose weight…and the people that were in shape, I wanted them to have fun working their core also.

DMM: Tell me about your current product Insanity.  It’s being called “the hardest workout plan on DVD”.  So this isn’t just Hip Hop Abs 2, right?

ST: I created Hip Hop Abs when I was in the dance and choreography stage of my career.  But when I went to create Insanity, I went back to the foundation of my life – which was athletics.  I wanted to create something that people could do that they would never be able to say, “I didn’t have a good workout today!’.  If you do Insanity – even if you only have 15 minutes – you still feel like you got your workout in.

Also, you can waste a lot of time in the gym.  Some people spend like two hours in the gym and they don’t really need that. With Insanity, I’m showing them that you can get faster, quicker results in a shorter amount of time.  You actually learn how hard you can work out!

There’s a fair amount of plyometric moves in Insanity.  That sounds like a big word.  But, it’s about having control over your body…and using your muscles to gain power and speed.  I want people [in Insanity] to use their body as their equipment.  There’s no need to go out and buy multiple sets of dumbbells.  It’s actually easy and accessible for anyone to do.

DMM: I was watching some of your Infomercials on television and YouTube.  A lot of people say the same thing about your Insanity workouts: “They kicked my ass, but I feel great!”

Shaun's newest workout DVD challenges you to "Dig Deep!"

ST: This might be a little deep! [Laughs] But, in addition to working out physically, it’s also mental.  It’s kind of like going through your own boot camp.  And you’re in control!  Someone who’s in really good shape can work out alongside someone who is just starting out because you’re both are going to push yourselves as hard as you can.  The first person might do 30 reps while the other did 10, but they both worked hard!

So that’s why people feel good because every two weeks we do a fitness test.  Every two weeks you see your numbers get better and your reps getting higher.  You know you’re getting results.  It’s not just about looking good.  You feel good about yourself.

DMM: But you certainly push people to motivate them.  Have you ever had anyone walk out of your classes before?

ST: No.  The reason why is because I give that speech at the beginning of class.  I tell everyone, “This is your workout, not mine!”  I encourage people to take a break.  Because what’s going to happen down the line is they’re going to notice that they’re taking fewer breaks.  And that lets them know that they’re getting more in shape.

DMM: What would you be doing if you weren’t instructing, traveling and making DVDs?

ST: Hmmm.  [Pauses] If I wasn’t doing anything in fitness, I would have tried to become a Navy SEAL.

DMM: Really?

ST: That, or I would be a detective.

DMM: What’s your favorite junk food, man?  I know you slip sometimes!

ST: Let me tell you something.  Me and donuts… [Laughs] Actually, it’s donuts and salt and vinegar potato chips!  If they’re in a room with me, there’s a serious conversation going on in my head.

DMM: Lastly, what can the participants of your Insanity Master Class on Nov. 20 expect from Mr. Shaun T?

ST: Just high energy motivation!  It’s going to be a happy and intense time.  I tell everyone all the time that I can be in a room with 200 people, but please believe that everyone will have an experience with me face-to-face.  I will get to everyone in that room!

Shaun T will be conducting his Insanity Master Class Saturday, Nov. 20 at 9 a.m. at

Kleptz YMCA

1200 W. National Road

Englewood, Ohio 45424

To register, or for additional information please call 937-836-9622.

Shaun is available for photos and autographs after class.

Training Tuesday: Long Distance Training

By 2 Comments

For most people running three miles at a time is enough. But for us other crazy people, we need more and will try feverishly to increase the number of miles we can run at one time. This will be the first in a series on how you, that’s right YOU, can get yourself to run more than three miles at one time. Before you begin to think about increasing your mileage, there are some things that you need to have handy and some simple, but important, things to know about.

My favorite watch. The Nike+ Sportband

1. Buy yourself a running watch. A simple watch that keeps track of your time will do fine, but a watch like the Nike+ system, which tells you your pace, distance, calories burned and total time will make it much easier. Using a watch will help control your pace while you run, allowing you to keep a constant steady speed for a more controlled finish. Training at a certain pace for a few months will help you hone in our something that is comfortable.

2. Remember the 10% rule. Try not to increase your mileage more than 10% from week to week, as this will cause your body to become easily injured. If you ran 10 miles last week, try not to run more than 11 or 12 this week.

3. Ditch the music. Try running without music once a week at first, and gradually ease yourself into using it less. Music can sometimes masque pain that you feel in your body which can obviously be a bad thing. Additionally, some races band headphones all together, because they feel it is dangerous to other runners and also a distraction.

4. Start Cross Training. Cross training includes any exercise that can benefit your running form or muscles. I would recommend things like light weight lifting, elliptical machine exercises, riding a bicycle (either stationary or outside), swimming and ab workouts. Doing this at least once a week will take the tension off your legs for a day and help strengthen your other muscles.

5. Make sure your shoes can take the load. Don’t increase your mileage with old shoes. Doing so will only end up hurting you in the end, causing numerous injuries that will set you back. Running shoes are an investment, as you get stronger and run longer your shoes will respond better to your body.

Next week look out for some more in-depth tips on increasing your miles.

Races this week

Saturday November 13

2,000 Plus Men Against Domestic Violence 5K Run and/or Walk. Epiphany Lutheran Church, Austin Campus. Register here

The Road2Independence 5K Run, Walk or Push. 11 a.m., Milton Union High School, West Milton, Ohio. Register here

Ramtastic 5K, Jamestown, Ohio. Register here

Sunday November 14

New Balance Dayton “Grand Opening” 5K: 9:00 AM, Town and Country Shopping Center, Kettering, Ohio. Register here

Meet Your MetroParks

By Leave a Comment

As a former journalist, the election season has always been an exciting time for me, but when I took up my mantle with Five Rivers MetroParks, I would be on the other side of the proverbial punch card. No longer simply an observer, I kicked off my new career with a tall order—volunteer with the MetroParks levy campaign. Through those months of phone calls and canvassing, I discovered that many Dayton area residents knew of the MetroParks closest to their home, but weren’t aware of the total number of parks, or the number of acres we protect. I thought it would be appropriate today to give you a little overview of each of our facilities.

  • Aullwood Garden MetroPark: This 31-acre garden situated on the edge of Englewood MetroPark is the former home of John and Marie Aull, whose world-wide travels inspired this luxurious shade garden. Lenten roses and other choice shade plants are featured at this estate garden.
  • Carriage Hill MetroPark: Take a trip back in time at this preserved 1880s historical farm.

    Photo by RA Makley: Check out the Riding Center at Carriage Hill MetroPark. Weekend trail and pony rides start again in April!

    Children love to learn about agricultural and professional skills popular during the turn of the 20thCentury. This 900-acre park, located in Huber Heights, also offers hiking and equestrian trails as well as fishing ponds, a 14-acre lake, and the nearby Carriage Hill Riding Center, where trail and pony rides are offered April through October.

  • Cox Arboretum MetroPark: Mature forests populate this 189-acre park south of Dayton near Moraine and Miamisburg, along with diverse gardens, such as the Edible Landscape Garden and the Clematis Arbor. The Butterfly House is a favorite summertime destination to view native butterflies and moths in various stages of metamorphosis.
  • Deeds Point MetroPark: The landscape beds this park perched downtown along the Great Miami River offer visitors a floral garden paradise in an urban setting.
  • Eastwood MetroPark: Paddle in the 185-acre lake, ride the Mad River bikeway, fish in the lagoon or river or hike 3 miles of wooded and open meadow trails in this park just off State Route 4 near Riverside. Both the Buckeye and North Country National Scenic trails run through this park. This is the site of the annual GearFest recreation celebration, which takes place in the fall.
  • Englewood MetroPark: The potential for recreation is endless in this 1,900-acre park. Choose from 12 miles

    Enjoy 18 holes of disc golf at Englewood MetroPark.

    of scenic trails, 3.5 miles of bridle trails, paddling on the Stillwater River, and great spots for fishing. This park also boasts a unique feature—an 18-hole disc golf course. Disc golf is an easy-to-learn activity that involves throwing flying discs into a “basket” situated a distance from the starting point.

  • Germantown MetroPark: The size, quality and age of the woodlands make this 1,665-acre park the most diverse of the natural areas. The park also contains large open grasslands, cedar glades and dry hillside prairies. One popular weekend attraction (particularly for birders) is the Nature Center with its Window on Wildlife.
  • Hills & Dales MetroPark: This Olmsted-designed park has 63 acres of native plants and landscaped areas situated in the crux of Kettering, Oakwood and Dayton. Recently renovated to restore its former beauty, this park boasts 2 miles of wooded trails, including the Adirondack boardwalk that gives visitors a tour of the wetlands.
  • Huffman MetroPark: One of the most prominent amenities of this park located just east of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is MoMBA, the MetroParks Mountain Biking Area. About 8 miles of track snake their way through this wooded sub-facility. MoMBA’s trails are constructed to help the novice gain mountain biking confidence and challenge the most experienced rider.
  • Island MetroPark: Towering sycamore and cottonwood trees lend shade to those seeking respite from the bustling city in this 33-acre park, located just north of downtown Dayton. Landscaped beds, a seasonal water playground, picnic shelters and the historic bandshell are other hallmarks of this park.
  • PNC 2nd Street Market: Pick up farm-fresh produce, meats,cheeses, eggs and dry goods as well as flowers, wine, jewelry, soaps,gifts and more. The Market highlights the growers, producers and

    Find farm-fresh produce at the PNC 2nd Street Market

    artisans we have right here in the greater Dayton region. Regular hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday and Fridays, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.

  • Possum Creek MetroPark: Head southwest of downtown Dayton to find this 556-acre park and enjoy its many amenities, such as Polly Possum’s Math Farm, fishing ponds, historic Argonne Forest, 100-plus-acre planted prairies and the sustainable farm.
  • RiverScape MetroPark: Downtown Dayton’s favorite hangout has become an indelible icon with its fountains and renovated amenities. The covered pavilion provides shade for summer concert and festival-goers in the summer and doubles as an outdoor skating rink in the winter. Cyclists who commute or ride for recreation have welcomed the new bike hub. Children can splash around in the interactive fountains or get a brief history on Dayton’s innovative past while traveling the Dayton Inventor’s River Walk.
  • Sugarcreek MetroPark: This diverse area—with all stages of succession, mature forests, a trio of 500-year old white oaks, varied topography, a planted prairie, meadows and scenic Sugar Creek—is located near the Bellbrook area. Its trails are popular among trail runners, dog walkers and equestrians.
  • Sunrise MetroPark: The walkways of this tiny urban oasis, conveniently located just north of downtown Dayton, are filled with stunning views of the city’s skyline. Prairie plantings and wildflowers draw in wildlife from the adjacent river habitat, and make the park a serene spot for relaxing. Catch a glimpse of the large and graceful blue herons that frequent the area.
  • Taylorsville MetroPark: There’s no shortage of history or nature to encounter along this 1,300-acre park’s 13 miles of trails, nestled just outside Vandalia. Visitors also can link up with the Buckeye and North Country

    Have you visited Sunderland Falls at Taylorsville MetroPark?

    trails. The Buckeye Trail completely encircles Ohio and is over 1,200 miles long. The North Country Trailextends into seven states and will be the longest continuous hiking trail in the United States when completed.

  • Twin Creek MetroPark: This 1,000-acre park situated in the southwest corner of Montgomery County is home to 20 miles of hiking trails, 7 miles of equestrian trails, and ample access to the Twin Creek, one of Ohio’s cleanest waterways. Hike the Twin Valley Trail, a 22-mile backpacking trail connecting Twin Creek and Germantown MetroParks.
  • Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark: With about eight different formal garden areas, this north Dayton park is a haven for plant lovers, featuring something in bloom nearly year-round. The Children’s Discovery Garden here offers fun and learning through the joy of gardening. Visitors can also enjoy paved bikeways and the Marie Aull Nature Trail.
  • Wesleyan MetroPark: Home to Adventure Central, a program aimed at getting urban youth engaged in the outdoors, this 55-acre park offers its west Dayton neighbors a place to enjoy nature, whether hiking on 1.5 miles of trail, cycling along the Wolf Creek Bikeway, playing on the playground equipment or fishing in Wolf Creek.

Now that you know a little bit about each park and its respective subfacilities, plan your next adventure today.