at Five Rivers MetroParks - Montgomery County, Ohio

Aullwood Garden MetroPark
Carriage Hill MetroPark
Cox Arboretum MetroPark
Deeds Point MetroPark
Eastwood MetroPark
Englewood MetroPark
Germantown MetroPark
Hills & Dales MetroPark
Huffman MetroPark
Island MetroPark
National City 2nd Street Market
Possum Creek MetroPark
RiverScape MetroPark
Sugarcreek MetroPark
Sunrise MetroPark
Taylorsville MetroPark
Twin Creek MetroPark
Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark
Wesleyan MetroPark
Administrative Office
1375 E. Siebenthaler Ave.
Dayton, OH 45414
(937) 275-PARK
www.metroparks.org
Cover photo courtesy of
the United Irish of Dayton
at Five Rivers MetroParks

Photo by RA Makley
vIbe AlIve!
“Vibrancy” is the celebration of the unique social fabric that
distinguishes one region from another. The distinctive blend of people,
environment, music, art, food, activities and heritages that comprise
the Miami Valley make it unlike anyplace else in the world. This book
will take you through the variety of ways Five Rivers MetroParks
contributes to Dayton’s vibrancy, and perhaps introduce you to a new
favorite aspect about the region.
This guide book will show you the myriad ways to experience the
unique vibe only a city like Dayton can offer.
Five Rivers MetroParks
for the Vibe
Five Rivers MetroParks offers
25 facilities that cover roughly 15,000
acres, providing area residents with plenty of places
to discover and play surrounded by the beauty of nature. The
myriad educational opportunities for people of all ages as well as the vast array of
recreational pursuits are part of what’s great about living in Dayton. Check out some of what your parks have
to offer:
AUllwooD GArDen MetroPArk. This
31-acre facility is listed on the National Register of
Historic Places as the former estate of the prominent
Aull family. Enjoy the shade gardens that were the
progeny of Marie and John Aull’s worldwide travels.
CArrIAGe HIll MetroPArk. Steep yourself
in Ohio’s agricultural history on this working 1880s farm.
The grounds of this 994-acre park also are home to
woodlands, prairies, lakes and ponds.
Cox ArboretUM MetroPArk. Escape into
nature in this 189-acre park that boasts a large variety
of ornamental trees, shrubs, specialty gardens, mature
forests and prairies. Get inspiration to improve your own
home or neighborhood through creative landscaping.
DeeDs PoInt AnD sUnrIse MetroPArks.
Perched along the Great Miami River, these parks
offer amazing views of downtown Dayton. Container
gardens overflowing with perennial blossoms stand
watch over patrons walking, biking or skating down the
recreational trails.
eAstwooD MetroPArk. If you enjoy paddle
sports, then this 437-acre park is the place for you. A
185-acre lake and the Mad River offer plenty of space
to kayak and canoe.
enGlewooD MetroPArk. Covering 1,956
acres, this is one of the region’s largest parks. In addition
to miles of hiking trails winding their way through mature
forests punctuated with natural waterfalls, Englewood
MetroPark is home to an 18-hole disc golf course.
GerMAntown MetroPArk. MetroParks’ most
diverse natural area is embellished with huge trees,
winding ravines and wide prairies, inhabited by many
species of native wildlife in this 1,534-acre facility.
HIlls & DAles MetroPArk. Once the
playground of National Cash Register employees,
this 51-acre park designed by the renowned Olmsted
brothers is now open to everyone. Its Adirondack-
style shelters make the perfect spot for gatherings.
HUffMAn MetroPArk. Recreation enthusiasts
looking for a new challenge to tackle will find no
shortage of obstacles riding the MetroParks Mountain
Biking Area nestled inside this facility’s 283 acres.
IslAnD MetroPArk. Take in a concert in
the historic band shell situated inside this 35-acre
urban oasis.
nAtIonAl CIty 2nD street MArket. Eat,
drink and shop local at this converted railroad freight
house. The Market is open year-round and offers
entertainment for special events and on Saturdays.
PossUM Creek MetroPArk. Sustainability
is gaining in popularity because of its practicality and
ecological impact. Discover how sustainable farming
works, or observe sustainable practices in other areas
of this 556-acre park.
rIversCAPe MetroPArk. This facility is home
to some of the largest ethnic festivals in the region, as
well as a community gathering place centered around a
pavilion that doubles as a skating rink in the winter and
a new bike hub.
sUGArCreek MetroPArk. Particularly popular
with the dog-walking crowd, this 597-acre park offers
a glimpse into Ohio’s natural past, such as the Three
Sisters—a trio of 550-year-old oaks.
tAylorsvIlle MetroPArk. Small caverns,
miles of varied hiking trails and the historic village
of Tadmor all ensure visitors to this 1,312-acre park
something new to discover with each visit.
twIn Creek MetroPArk. Looking to “get
away from it all?” Hit the Twin Valley Trail, a 22mile
backpacking trail connecting Twin Creek and
Germantown MetroParks with primitive campsites.
weGerzyn GArDens MetroPArk. Get
inspired on a walk through the variety of formal gardens
or the nature trails winding through this park’s 46 acres.
wesleyAn MetroPArk. A boon to its west
Dayton neighborhood, this 55-acre park is home
to Adventure Central, an innovative urban youth
development program operated through a partnership
between MetroParks and Ohio State
University Extension.

Five Rivers MetroParks celebrates the cultural contributions of
music through venues shared by local and national performers.
There’s something for everyone, from folk to rock to R&B. When
the nights get warmer, outdoor performances abound. Grab a
current issue of ParkWays from a visitor’s center or kiosk, or
download a free copy at www.metroparks.org/parkways to check
out the latest offerings.
Photo by the United Irish of Dayton
rIvertUnes. This series takes place Saturdays
starting at 7:30 p.m. at riverscape MetroPark’s new
pavilion. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy an evening of
music from local and regional acts. This free concert
series is great for those who enjoy a wide variety of
music or those looking to expand their musical horizons.
IslAnD ConCert serIes. Sponsored by an
affiliated radio station, this concert series brings in
nationally recognized groups for a free concert under
the stars. Grab an issue of ParkWays or check
www.metroparks.org for the headliners and show
times of the bluegrass, Christian and R&B musicians
performing on their respective evenings. Bring a blanket
or lawn chair for seating at Island MetroPark’s band shell.
bIG bAnD tHUrsDAys. Miss the swinging sounds
of the big band era? Boogie on down to riverscape
MetroPark Thursday evenings to enjoy a toe-tapping
good time.
MUsIC In tHe MArket. Take a break from
shopping local vendors at the 2nd street Market and grab
lunch, a snack or enjoy a cup of coffee while you listen
to a musical performance. Groups vary; performances
typically take place on Saturday afternoons during normal
Market hours, or take place at other special events held
at the Market. Check www.metroparks.org or the current
issue of ParkWays.

Long ago, humans portrayed acts of everyday life on cave walls.
Centuries later, art still demonstrates the lives and culture of
those living, working and playing in the Dayton region. Paintings,
sculpture, photography and more can be found throughout
the MetroParks.
ArtIsAn venDors: You don’t need to search for
a high-priced specialty boutique to find quality jewelry,
pottery or other hand-crafted artwork. Artisan vendors
can be found at the 2nd street Market or in booths at
local festivals.
exHIbIts: Did you know you can view locally produced
artwork in the ground floors of Cox Arboretum and
Carriage Hill MetroPark visitor centers? You can view
these hidden gems during normal visitor center hours.
Displays will vary. Contact a manager if you are interested
in showcasing your own work at one of these locations.
lonG-terM exHIbIts: In 2011, wegerzyn Gardens
MetroPark will undertake an experiment in visual displays.
Nationally recognized sculptor Patrick Dougherty will
create one of his oversized sculptures made from willow
branches. There are many opportunities for art and
nature to converge, and if this exhibit is well-received,
MetroParks will look into the possibility of commissioning
additional displays from other artists.
PHotoGrAPHy: Photo opportunities abound in the
MetroParks. Why not upload yours to the MetroParks’
Flickr group? If you are not familiar with this photosharing
web site, you can learn more by clicking the link
from www.metroparks.org. The marketing department
frequently uses photos from this site in a variety of
promotional publications. You’ll get credit if your photo
is used. Check out any issue of ParkWays or pick up a
visitor’s guide to see examples.

Each region and culture comes with a signature dish, and Dayton’s
melting pot of ethnicities and regionalization means there’s plenty
of novel nosh.
2nD street MArket: In addition to the takeand-bake
meals or fresh ingredients to satisfy almost
any palate, a variety of prepared food vendors create
wholesome, satisfying meals that make a perfect
breakfast, brunch or lunch. Thai, South American,
Mediterranean, vegan, comfort foods – they’re all served
fresh and local.
Grow wItH yoUr neIGHbors: Since 1986,
this program has been helping urban residents in
Montgomery County develop and maintain community
gardens and green projects, transforming vacant lots into
productive open spaces. Community gardeners cultivate
vegetable gardens, care for community-managed parks
and beautify their neighborhoods with flowers and trees.
The gardens are owned, managed and maintained by
neighborhood residents, and provide many benefits:
reduced crime rates, improved mental and physical health,
and a greater sense of community.
tAste of tHe MIAMI vAlley: Presented in
partnership with the Miami Valley Restaurant Association,
this annual event that takes place at riverscape
MetroPark features local restaurants providing
reasonably priced food samples, representing the
best of the culinary arts in the Miami Valley. From Thai
and seafood to cabbage rolls and barbeque — there is
something for everyone! Sample and purchase specialty
wines or import beers by the glass.
Gardening
Taste of the Miami Valley
2nd Street Market

Photo by Andy Snow
What better way to enjoy all the unique aspects of a particular
heritage or culture than with a celebration of all the wonderful
things that make up that culture? Take in the art, music, food, dance
and people who make Dayton a vibrant place to live!
See full list of events in
the back of the book!
tHe ADventUre sUMMIt: This joint production
of Five Rivers MetroParks and the Outdoor Resource
Center of Wright State University is an event celebrating
the spirit of outdoor adventure by showcasing the vibrant
lifestyle and culture of human-powered endeavors
through inspiration, education and experience. Typically
taking place in late winter or early spring, The Adventure
Summit is the area’s premier outdoor adventure
exposition and will focus attention on Dayton as the
region’s emerging adventure capital of the Midwest.
The event is free and open to outdoor enthusiasts of all
ages and interest levels. Learn more at
www.metroparks.org/adventuresummit.
nAtIonAl bIke to work DAy PAnCAke
breAkfAst: Recognized as National Bike to Work
Month, each May Five Rivers MetroParks salutes those
who use their bikes for commuting by preparing a hearty
pancake breakfast at the Market. With the opening of the
bike hub at RiverScape MetroPark, commuting via bicycle
will not only be easier, it should be encouraged. Visit
www.metroparks.org/biketowork for lists of group
rides and more.
CItyfolk: This festival brings you three full days of
multicultural celebration with two stages of traditional
music, dance, art and workshops. Bring the kids for free
activities, taste ethnic food and more! Typically occurring
over the Fourth of July weekend, revelers can watch
the city of Dayton fireworks as part of the festival. For
more information, including a schedule of this year’s
performers, visit www.cityfolk.org/festival.
PADDle In tHe PArk: This free event provides
an opportunity for the public to learn everything they
ever wanted to know about paddle sports. All ages and
skill levels are welcome to try out a boat at eastwood
MetroPark. Stop by the concession stand or sit under
a tree and enjoy live acoustic music. No paddling
experience is needed. To learn more, visit
www.metroparks.org/pip.
CeltIC festIvAl: Three days of non-stop musical
and dance entertainment celebrating Irish, Scottish
and Welsh heritage. Enjoy four stages of international,
national and local bands and dance groups. Cultural
demonstrations, a Celtic Marketplace and a children’s
area are just some of the activities you’ll find at the
Dayton Celtic Festival.
Visit www.unitedirishofdayton.org/Festival for a
complete schedule.
MoUntAIn DAys: This festival is dedicated to the
Appalachian heritage of the Miami Valley. It is held at
Eastwood MetroPark on the third weekend of August
each year. There are three stages of music — country,
bluegrass, and traditional — a mountain men
encampment, a clogging stage, arts and crafts, and
traditional food.
Visit www.mountaindays.info for more information.
AfrICAn AMerICAn CUltUrAl festIvAl:
This one-day, city-wide family event brings the richness
of the African American experience to Dayton. Patrons
can observe African culture through a variety of
outlets. The authentic African Village features paintings,
displays, literature, storytelling and a variety of musical
performances with African roots, such as R&B, gospel,
hip hop, jazz and blues. Merchandise and food vendors
also will be on hand.
HIsPAnIC HerItAGe festIvAl: riverscape
MetroPark gets hot, hot, hot during this annual
celebration of Hispanic culture. Enjoy continuous musical
entertainment, authentic Latin food, and energetic cultural
dance with activities for the entire family.
CoUntry fAIr: This re-created 1880s country fair
features agricultural demonstrations, sorghum pressing
and processing and a pie-baking competition on the
grounds of historic Carriage Hill MetroPark. Enjoy
various living history talks throughout the day, giving us a
glimpse of our agricultural roots. For more information,
visit www.metroparks.org/countryfair.
GeArfest: One of the largest festivals celebrating
outdoor culture in the Midwest, GearFest is not only a
great way to find out about the latest outdoor recreation
products, it’s also a celebration of outdoor culture and
recreation. Combine camping, live music, competitions,
exciting outdoor athlete demos and a youth adventure
zone for the perfect weekend of free outdoor activities.
Visit www.metroparks.org/GearFest for more
information.
HArvest JAMboree: Fall is the perfect time for a
harvest celebration. Bring the whole family to experience
this free family festival at Possum Creek MetroPark with
music, food, demonstrations, children’s games and more!
For more information, visit
www.metroparks.org/harvest.

One of the most important aspects of regional vibrancy is the
sense of community that develops when individuals with common
interests get together to enjoy activities, learn new skills or make
their neighborhood a better place to live. Take a look at some of
the social fabrics woven into the tapestry that is Dayton.
Join the MetroParks community — become our friend on Facebook!
www.facebook.com/metroparks
reCreAtIon Whether you’re hitting the trails of
MoMBA, camping out on the TVT or simply walking along
one of the region’s 70-plus miles of paved recreational
trail, the individuals who share your passion for that
activity can be as close a kinship as any family. Consider
a group ride or trip as part of the Five Rivers MetroParks
Outdoor Recreation Department’s progressive
program series.
Planning a cycling day trip? Looking for a place that will
facilitate your needs as a cycling commuter? The bike
hub at RiverScape MetroPark was designed with you
in mind. Refresh yourself after a long trip with secure
showers and locker rooms, and refuel at RiverScape’s
food concession.
soCIAl GroUPs Love geocaching? Into collecting
fossils? Enjoy a long hike with friends? Whatever you’re
into, there’s a group full of new people to meet and
new friends to make. Five Rivers MetroParks lists many
organizations that routinely use the parks, recreational
trails and river corridors for group functions. Visit
www.metroparks.org and find a category listed under the
“Special Interest” menu, or search through our catalogue
of activities and find related groups listed there.
MetroParks offers several recurring group programs,
such as Backpacking Babies, Stroller Studies, Tike Hike,
Tuesday Morning Adult Walks, Adult Nature Walks, Café
Scientifique, Living with Mother Earth series, Lunch and
Learn series, Garden Primer series, Hike for the Health of
It, and Bike for the Health of It, just to name a few. Grab a
copy of ParkWays and see what piques your interest.
Be sure to check out other initiatives promoted by the
MetroParks like the Garden Station located on Fourth
Street near the Oregon District. Other communityminded
groups include the Ohio River Road Runners
Club, the Miami Valley Mountain Bike Association and
the Dayton Area Backpackers and Hikers.
PHIlAntHroPy If you enjoy engaging in community
service, the MetroParks have you covered. Agency-wide,
the MetroParks contribute much to the Dayton region:
ADventUre CentrAl: Adventure Central at
Wesleyan MetroPark is an education center for youth
ages 5-18. Adventure Central serves youth in west Dayton
as a hub for out-of-school-time programming that include
after-school programs, activity nights, day and overnight
camps, as well as parent and family programs. Through
this innovative partnership with Five Rivers MetroParks,
Ohio State University Extension, and 4-H, participants
spend time connecting with nature in a positive youth
development context for the intended outcome of
creating caring, capable, and contributing citizens
of tomorrow.
CIty beets: This program creates active youth
leaders through the process of growing, sharing and
selling food. Youth ages 12-15 grow vegetables at the
Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark community gardens,
and then they prepare and sell the produce at the 2nd
Street Market. Students take local volunteer field trips,
donate their extra produce to the Dayton Foodbank, and
develop life-long healthy eating habits. Learn more at
www.metroparks.org/citybeets.
Interested in becoming a volunteer? Recurring and
episodic volunteers are always welcome. Consider
participating in the annual Adopt-a-Park day that occurs
annually around Earth Day in April. All MetroParks
volunteers are fingerprinted and have their backgrounds
checked. To learn more about the wide variety of
opportunities, from gardening to tour guides to historic
reenactments, visit www.metroparks.org/volunteer.

2010 Calendar of events
MAy
frIDAy, MAy 14: Urban nights at RiverScape MetroPark
frIDAy, MAy 21: national bike to work Pancake breakfast
at the National City 2nd Street Market
sAtUrDAy, MAy 29: rivertunes: kick-n-flava at RiverScape MetroPark
JUne
sAtUrDAy, JUne 5: Paddle in the Park at Eastwood MetroPark
rivertunes: Jesse remnant & the trainwrecks
at RiverScape MetroPark
tUesDAy, JUne 8: tuesday tales: we Are All related
at RiverScape MetroPark
sAtUrDAy, JUne 12: rivertunes: them bones with II Juicy
at RiverScape MetroPark
Island Concert series: Dr. ralph stanley and
His Clinch Mountain boys at Island MetroPark
sAtUrDAy, JUne 19: rivertunes: seefArI at RiverScape MetroPark
tUesDAy, JUne 22: tuesday tales: AbC Animals of American
sign language at RiverScape MetroPark
sAtUrDAy, JUne 26: rivertunes: 24seven at RiverScape MetroPark
JUly
tHUrsDAy, JUly 1: big band: Hal Harris orchestra
at RiverScape MetroPark
frIDAy, JUly 2 - sUnDAy, JUly 4: Cityfolk festival
at RiverScape MetroPark
tUesDAy, JUly 6: tuesday tales: Aesop’s Classic fables
at RiverScape MetroPark
tHUrsDAy, JUly 8: big band: eddie brookshire orchestra
at RiverScape MetroPark
sAtUrDAy, JUly 10: rivertunes: Magic Jackson
at RiverScape MetroPark
tHUrsDAy, JUly 15: big band: tom Daugherty orchestra
at RiverScape MetroPark
sAtUrDAy, JUly 17: rivertunes: tropicoso at RiverScape MetroPark
Island Concert series: Avalon at Island MetroPark
tUesDAy, JUly 20: tuesday tales: fairytales, fables & follies
at RiverScape MetroPark
tHUrsDAy, JUly 22: big band: Dayton Jazz orchestra
at RiverScape MetroPark
sAtUrDAy, JUly 24: rivertunes: soul express
at RiverScape MetroPark
tHUrsDAy, JUly 29: big band: the fifth Ave. band
at RiverScape MetroPark
Photo by Matthew vlachos
frIDAy, JUly 30 - AUGUst 1: Celtic festival at RiverScape MetroPark
Photo by the
Dayton Daily news
Photo by rA Makley
Photo by the
Dayton Daily news
AUGUst
frIDAy, JUly 30 - AUGUst 1: Celtic festival at RiverScape MetroPark
tUesDAy, AUGUst 3: tuesday tales: big fish! little fish!
lots of fish! at RiverScape MetroPark
tHUrsDAy, AUGUst 5: big band: Different Hats orchestra
at RiverScape MetroPark
sAtUrDAy, AUGUst 7: rivertunes: kings landing
at RiverScape MetroPark
tHUrsDAy, AUGUst 12: big band: bob Gray orchestra
at RiverScape MetroPark
sAtUrDAy, AUGUst 14: rivertunes: waterband
at RiverScape MetroPark
Island Concert series: An evening of r&b at Island MetroPark
tUesDAy, AUGUst 17: tuesday tales: farmin’ fever
at RiverScape MetroPark
tHUrsDAy, AUGUst 19: big band: Pam noah and Her big band
at RiverScape MetroPark
sAtUrDAy, AUGUst 21: rivertunes: Dave Greer’s Classic
Jazz stompers at RiverScape MetroPark
sAtUrDAy, AUGUst 21 - sUnDAy, AUGUst 22: Mountain Days
at Eastwood MetroPark
tHUrsDAy, AUGUst 26: big band: kim kelly orchestra
at RiverScape MetroPark
sAtUrDAy, AUGUst 28: African American Cultural festival
at RiverScape MetroPark
sePteMber
sAtUrDAy, sePteMber 4: rivertunes: touch at RiverScape MetroPark
sAtUrDAy, sePteMber 11: Hispanic Heritage festival
at RiverScape MetroPark
frIDAy, sePteMber 17 - sAtUrDAy, sePteMber 18:
taste of the Miami valley at RiverScape MetroPark
sAtUrDAy, sePteMber 25: Country fair at Carriage Hill MetroPark
oCtober
frIDAy, oCtober 1 - sAtUrDAy, oCtober 2: Gearfest
at Eastwood MetroPark
sAtUrDAy, oCtober 16: Harvest Jamboree
at Possum Creek MetroPark
DeCeMber
sUnDAy, DeCeMber 5: Christmas on the farm
at Carriage Hill MetroPark
find out what’s going on at a park near you! Visit www.metroparks.org
and roll over the “Get outside” tab, then click on “things to see and Do.”
2010 Calendar of events