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Great Miami River

RFQ for Proposed Mural at Sunrise MetroPark

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The Contemporary Dayton (The Co) announces a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for artists, artist teams, designers, or architects who live within a 50-mile radius of Dayton to design an outdoor mural for the Centennial Overlook at Sunrise MetroPark.

This small urban park is situated on a high bank above The Great Miami River. Its walkways are filled with stunning views of the city and skyline that change with the light of day. 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. Watch the Wolf Creek spill into the Great Miami up close from the paved river walkway at the foot of the stairs. An ambitious plan for Sunrise MetroPark has been proposed as part of the Dayton Riverfront Plan. Centennial Park is the first phase of that plan.

The proposed mural location is comprised of a two-sided curved staircase from the landing at Centennial Overlook down to the Great Miami River. The mural is part of a larger project at Sunrise MetroPark to draw people down to the river and will feature the poem by Paul Lawrence Dunbar, On the River (abbreviated):

“The sun is low
The waters flow
My boat is dancing to and fro
The paddles splash,
The wavelets dash,
We see the summer lightning flash
Where neither bird
Nor beast has stirred,
he spotted bullfrog’s croak is heard”

The RFQ is the first of a three-phased process concluding with the installation of a single public art project with a budget of $12,000 for design, materials, and production. The project selection committee will choose up to three finalists that will receive a $750 stipend for their proposal.

The deadline to submit an RFQ is Monday, April 11, 2022, and should be submitted to Cydnie King, Curatorial Assistant at The Co by emailing cking@codayton.org. For more details, please visit codayton.org/events/call-for-entry.

Riverway Maps Available in 10 Mile Segments

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Love to paddle, row, fish or bird watch? You’ve come to the right place. MCD publishes river maps of the Great Miami River, Stillwater River and Mad River water trails to help you plan your next – or first – kayaking or canoeing experience. The water trail maps show you public access points, river miles, safety information and more. Download them or contact your local park district for a printed copy.

You can also download more detailed maps of the Great Miami River in 10-mile sections. These river access and bike trail 10-mile segment maps will give you a variety of trip ideas.

Within the Great Miami River Watershed Water Trail, you can enjoy

  • 291 miles of rivers and streams
  • 3 whitewater play kayak parks
  • 117 public access points
  • 100+ natural and urban parks
  • World-class fishing
  • Unique river cities and towns

Six rivers and streams – the Great Miami River, Stillwater River and Mad River, along with Twin Creek, Greenville Creek and Buck Creek – make up one of only 21 national water trail systems (designated by the U.S. Department of the Interior) and the only one in Ohio. The three rivers are state-designated water trails, too. And the Stillwater River and Greenville Creek are state-designated Scenic Rivers.

GREAT Smallmouth Bass Fishing Challenge

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Register for The 2021 GREAT Smallmouth Bass Fishing Challenge on the Great Miami River. Hosted by the Great Miami Riverway and the National Association of Professional River Anglers (NAPRA), this is a family-friendly, virtual fishing tournament from June 15th – July 15th..

This is a catch and release tournament only. Anglers can fish anywhere on the Great Miami River from Sidney to Hamilton, Ohio. Fishing is a great way to social distance and still get outside. There is no better river for smallmouth bass fishing than the Great Miami River. Win prizes for your record catch! During the tournament, anglers will use the iAngler Tournament app to photograph their catch and record basic information while on the water. All Ohio fishing regulations apply. Unlimited number of fish entries.

Registration Fee: $25.00 (Early Bird registration through June 1st ONLY $15.00)

Tournament Rules and Regulations:

  1. Fish must be caught on the Great Miami River between river mile 128 (Sidney) to river mile 33 (Hamilton).
  2. Smallmouth Bass will be measured by length and must have measuring device in photo submitted.
  3. Log all of your catches. The system will automatically cull and score your 5 largest fish.
  4. Open to all ages.

Scoring and Awards:

  1. Top Slam: The total length of your 5 largest Smallmouth Bass – $100 gift card
  2. Biggest Smallmouth Bass (based on length) – $50 gift card
  3. 12 and under (Angler’s age before June 15) Biggest Smallmouth Bass (based on length) – $50 gift card
  4. Top 5 bag get entered into random prize drawing (Fishing Gear valued at $200+)
  5. Top 5 (total catches) MOST fish logged get entered into a random prize drawing (Fishing Gear valued at $100+)
  6. First 5 logged fish get entered into a random prize drawing (Fishing Gear valued at $50+)

Awards include:

  • Gift Cards from Fisherman’s Quarters
  • St. Croix Fly Rod from Ohio Fly By Knight Guide Service
  • Orvis Encounter Fly Rod and other gear from ReelFlyRod
Sponsors

 

Meet River Surfer Jorge Sanchez

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Some people are just drawn to the river. Jorge Sanchez is one of those people. When he’s not working to build and grow his company, Mile Two Consulting, Jorge is spending time outside hiking, cycling, or surfing on the Great Miami River. Yes, surfing.

Jorge is the founder and Chief Technology Officer for Mile Two Consulting, a company that builds software for startups, Fortune 500 companies, and the US government. Headquartered in downtown Dayton, Mile Two has close to 100 employees. Their customers rely on Mile Two’s knowledge on making decisions about how and when to adopt and integrate new technologies into business processes. Jorge grew up in Puerto Rico and came to Ohio to attend college. He graduated from the University of Dayton with a computer engineering degree, and Wright State University with a Master’s in Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

While growing up in Puerto Rico, Jorge spent a lot of time swimming and body surfing in the ocean. Jorge said that when he got to Dayton, he had no idea that people could surf on the Great Miami River. Then he took a class from Surf Dayton and was embraced by the community. It reminded him of growing up in Puerto Rico. Surf Dayton is a community information source for everything river stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), surf, and whitewater kayaking related around the region. They offer lessons and host clinics for people interested in river surfing, and whitewater and flatwater SUP.

Jorge loves the Great Miami River, but he also enjoys the adjacent bike trail. When he was training for an Ironman Triathlon, he’d spent many hours cycling on the Great Miami River Recreation Trail and sometimes his wife would pick him up at the end of a ride in Hamilton.

When he’s not on the trails, enjoying the outdoors with his family, or at work, Jorge has volunteered as a bike mechanic for Bicycles for All, a Dayton non-profit organization that accepts donated bikes and repairs them. They sell the adult bikes and donate the youth bikes to children that need one.

Jorge believes the surfing trend on the Great Miami River is only going to get more popular and bring more people to our region. He has met many friendly and helpful people through the Surf Dayton community and recommends everyone get out on the river.

Find your way to a surf lesson on the Great Miami River!

The “I am the Riverway” story series introduces people who live, learn, work, play, and do business in the Riverway. These are the people who bring the Riverway to life and are working to make it vibrant and fun. This is a story as part of the Great Miami Riverway “I am the Riverway” series. Want to add your story? Email dfoley@mcdwater.org

 

 

Design Modifications To RiverScape River Run To Create New Benefits

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In the process of developing final engineering plans, RiverScape River Run partners discovered new opportunities to improve the project, including improved access to the Great Miami River, a better experience for whitewater paddlers and stronger ties to the riverbank. Many of these opportunities weren’t available when the initial concepts for RiverScape River Run were being developed due to other downtown construction projects, such as I-75.

The improvements will require some modifications to the project design. As before, RiverScape River Run will feature two structures that span the Great Miami River, each with two passageways: one smooth water passageway for novice paddlers and one whitewater play feature. The first of these structures will be located, as previously planned, at RiverScape MetroPark. The second structure will be located where the low dam now exists, closer to the Dayton Art Institute and Dayton’s west side. The low dam still will be removed.

rendering _ River Run _ whitewater feature at dam-2

 

These project improvements will alter the project’s construction schedule. However, the project partners determined the improvements are significant enough to be worth the extra time required to develop and implement them.

 

Permit-level engineering of the new, improved final design will be completed later this fall. Final engineering will be completed later this year, and project partners anticipate bidding construction of the project in February 2015 and beginning construction of the in-river structures in July 2015, which is when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit allows construction in the river. (The Corps does not allow construction in the river during fish spawning season, which runs from April 15 to June 30.) A specific construction timeline will be developed after U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ final approval of the modified design and after the construction contractor has been hired.

 

The RiverScape River Run partners are Five Rivers MetroParks, Downtown Dayton Partnership, Miami Conservancy District, City of Dayton and Montgomery County.

 

The improvements to RiverScape River Run include:map

  • Improved access to the river: Recent reconstruction of the Monument Avenue bridge provided a stairway, an accessible ramp and a vehicular ramp that can be used on the downtown side of the river by livery vehicles with trailers. On the opposite shore, an accessible ramp will be constructed at the conclusion of the I-75 construction. In addition, free parking is available for paddlers and spectators under the I-75 overpass on the downtown side of the river, adjacent to the stairway and ramps
  • Improved whitewater play feature performance: Both kayak play features will have a greater hydraulic drop, which means improved quality of the wave, providing kayakers better conditions to perform cartwheels, flips and other aerial moves in the surf created by the drop.
  • Stronger integration of the grade control structures into the existing bank: At each point, the new structures will tie to a concrete bank, ensuring Dayton’s excellent flood control protection remains at the highest standard.

 

“The new location of the second structure further downstream also allows the benefits of the project to be more broadly spread in the community,” said Carrie Scarff, Five Rivers MetroParks Deputy Director. “This location ties more strongly to the west side of Dayton, strengthening the river’s role as a uniting force in our city. RiverScape River Run will provide a way for everyone in our community to enjoy the river and experience the outdoors.”

In addition, new river access points will be established along both sides of the downtown riverfront and existing ones will be improved.

  • New access points already have been developed on the east side of Dayton at Eastwood MetroPark.
  • With construction of RiverScape River Run, additional improvements will be made on the east side to ensure access, including livery access, from Webster Street.
  • Improved access on the north side of the river at the McPherson Town neighborhood is now being completed with two new stairways, and a new ramp to the top of the levee will be built near the neighborhood on Riverside Drive as part of the current I-75 reconstruction.
  • On the west side of downtown, two new ramps have just been built at Fifth Street, one on each side of the river.
  • As part of the RiverScape River Run project, new ramp access to the river will be constructed at Third Street on the west side of the river.

 

“The Dayton community is ahead of the trend in implementing an in-river whitewater feature,” Scarff said. “In-river construction does not provide the assurances of building on land, and Dayton’s commitment to uncompromised flood control requires that the excellence of the RiverScape River Run exceed standards required by most cities. While the project has presented some unique challenges, those challenges have presented unique opportunities to improve the project and its benefit to the community.”

 

Project partners have worked closely with the consultants, who have been recognized by their peers as industry leaders, to ensure a successful River Run. The consultants, Recreation Engineering and Planning (REP), specialize in dam modification, whitewater parks, and riverside design and restoration. The firm has 27 years of experience and has worked on more than 80 in-stream design projects — accounting for more than 80 percent of all the whitewater parks in North America. REP also was selected for its expertise in designing whitewater parks that integrate the river with the surrounding community and use natural-appearing engineering solutions, along with its expertise in designing parks that combine public safety, recreation and environmental improvement.

 

“RiverScape River Run remains among the most impactful projects planned for our region,” Scarff said. “River Run was identified as a high-priority project in the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan because of its potential to improve economic vitality and help regional businesses attract and retain top talent. Motivated by this potential, the greater Dayton community raised $4 million to fund this project, with funding coming largely from the private sector.”
Indeed, it’s anticipated RiverScape River Run will experience the same success as similar projects elsewhere in the United States. Reno, Nevada; Missoula, Montana; and Golden, Colorado; have seen tremendous positive impact to their downtowns as a result of building whitewater play parks.

Paddle Faster, I Hear Bluegrass

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1000853_406944936081730_1192402143_nSix weeks ago Tom Helbig cooked up this idea for a festival called canoegrass! Things have happened quickly: he built a website, created a logo, built a floating stage, started a  Facebook page, booked 8 musicians, made t-shirts, ordered beer and ticket sales have started for the Aug 16-17 festival. Tom is quick to credit help from his friends that have helped turn his dream into a reality and invites you  to join the fun. Tom also shared this will be a family friendly event.

Canoegrass will be a weekend celebration of bluegrass music, the best of the human spirit and river life. The festival site will be banks of the Great Miami River, which will come alive with the best entertainers in the region.  This isn’t your ordinary festival. Get ready to get wet, wild and jam all weekend long.  The best seat in the house just may be from a canoe or tube!

You will find music everywhere; at camp, on your river trip and even on a floating stage.  Some will be scheduled, some will not!  Attendees are encouraged to help build the scene and jam everywhere you find the inspiration.

CampStage:CanoegrassBand

  • Home of the Friday and Saturday night featured acts that includes some of the best bluegrass and roots performers in our region.  Bring your dancing boots, a partner and shout “Take a Drink a Beer” all night long.
  • Lineup includes  Friday 7 pm (Bibs and Barefeet), 9 pm (Blue Caboose) and Saturday at 7 pm (Todd the Fox),  9 pm (Hickory Robot)

Tube Jam:

  • This is what everyone will be talking about at Canoegrass!  Borrow a tube or bring your inflatable to float on the Great Miami River during the Tube Jam floating stage shows. Cool off during these shows as the August heat will be in full force!  Float around with friends and enjoy up and coming performers from our region.
  • Lineup includes Friday at 5:30 pm (Jay Cullis and Dillon Brown), Saturday 5 pm (Holy Hickory)
  • Open mic on the floating stage, Saturday 10 am – 2 pm

 River Jam:

  • On Saturday morning, the Great Miami River will play host to our paddling trips and streamside jam sessions.  Make sure you stop and join a jam session along your journey. We encourage you to bring your own instruments, raft together with friends and jam your way downstream!
  • Canoeing and kayaking trips, 10 am – 3 pm

There is so much to do beyond camping and music at Canoegrass!  Check out all the fun you can have during the weekend:

Take a river trip

Slip and Swing

  • Canoegrass offers access to a stream-side rope swing for a splashing good time!  We also claim to have the greatest slip and slide in the world.  You will feel like a kid again no matter your age. Access granted with camping or day pass.

Canoe Jousting

  • That’s right medieval jousting meets canoeing!  Hop in a canoe and battle the opposition in a friendly match to see who can be the last one standing.  Competitors will be required to wear a life jacket and helmet.  We like things a little crazy so wear costumes and the wildest helmet you can find to distract your competition and give those on the bank a good laugh! Register Saturday morning by 1 pm at the camp office.  Jousting begins at 2 pm.  A single-elimination bracket will be created at close of registration.  First place earns braggin’ rights and some of the coolest photos of all time!

Biking

 

  • Canoegrass is across the river from the Great Miami River Bikeway and provides convenient access to over 300 miles of paved trail to explore.  This is the largest connected bikeway network in the country.  We highly recommend you bring a bike for the weekend.  You can put on a bunch of miles or take a leisurely ride to Tipp City or the Tadmor Historic Site at Taylorsville MetroPark in between the action at Canoegrass.

Fishing

  • We are on a river and there are hungry small mouth bass that live there!  Pack a rod and try to land the big one from camp or on your float trip.  Ohio Fishing License required.

Hiking

  • Take a hike.  Yes, we mean it!  We are minutes away from some of the most beautiful hiking trails at Charleston Falls Preserve and Taylorsville MetroPark.  Definitely, a great way to shake the hangover before action picks up at Canoegrass.

For ticket info please checkout the Canoegrass website.

 

Kayak For A Cure

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kfac-daytonJoin Great Miami Outfitters and the Miami Valley Region in our fight against cancer by kayaking for a cure on Saturday, Aug 10th.   Funds raised through Kayak for a Cure – Dayton are donated to American Cancer Society (ACS) whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life for people living with cancer.

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. An experienced kayaker will paddle with each group of six (6) paddlers. Participating paddlers must be at least 16 years of age or older, and minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. We encourage participants to bring their own kayak or canoe. A limited number of kayaks will be available for rental. Kayaks, paddles and PFDs can be rented for $20 for participants that do not have their own. Canoes are welcome. Light breakfast items will be available prior to the paddle and lunch and entertainment will be provided after the paddle. Kayak For A Cure shirts will be presented to all participants who register prior to Saturday, July 27th. Direct questions to Dan Schlegel, Event Chairperson at dan@greatmiamioutfitters.com

When & Where is the Event?
Kayak for a Cure™ Dayton will take place Saturday August 10th from 9:00 am to about 2:00 pm. The event will be held in Miamisburg, OH at Linden Ave. Bridge Park.

What is the fundraising goal and what organization benefits?kayakcure 1
This is the first event of this kind in the Dayton area and we hope to raise $12,000, with $10,000 to be donated to the American Cancer Society. A final check will be sent from Kayak For A Cure. The additional $2000 raised will offset the cost of putting on the event, unless of course, we receive other donations. Event expenses may include such things as permits, insurance, t-shirts, portable toilets, food and beverages, and miscellaneous printing. Ask us about sponsorship to help offset these expenses, so that the maximum donation can be made to ACS.

Can I bring my own kayak or canoe?
YES. Registered participants are encouraged to bring their own kayak/canoe, paddle(s) and PFDs. You will need to drop your boat off at the launch point in West Carrollton prior to checking in at the registration booth in Miamisburg at the Linden bridge access. Please drop your boat and gear off prior to 8:00 AM, then drive to Miamisburg Linden Avenue bridge where you will park your vehicle. A shuttle bus will take you back up to the launch point in West Carrollton. You will end up at your car in Miamisburg after the paddle trip.

What if I don’t own a kayak or canoe? Can one be provided?
If you do not own a kayak or canoe, there are a limited number of rental boats and equipment available. Rental includes a paddle and PFD. The registration fee is $20 more to include the rental equipment, and are available on a first-come, first-registered basis.

The Event Schedule
The event begins and ends in Miamisburg at the Linden Avenue bridge.
8:00 am – Check-In at registration booth
8:15 am – Welcome, Intro and Information
8:30 am – Shuttles take participants up to West Carrollton at the launch point
9:00 am – Launch in West Carrollton and float down the Great Miami River to Miamisburg (approximately 5.5 river miles). The paddle trip will take approximately 1-1/2 to 2 hours.
12:00 pm – Lunch, Door Prizes & Entertainment
2:00 pm – Event concludes – (After-party at a local restaurant to be announced!)

What is included?
All participants will receive the following:
• A river paddle trip from Miamisburg to West Carrollton – includes people shuttle service.
• A T-Shirt (FREE if registered by July 27th)
• A Light Breakfast
• A chance for door prizes (Items to be announced). Registered participants will receive one (1) door prize ticket with entry fee, PLUS one additional ticket for each additional $50 raised.
• Lunch after the paddle trip, with live acoustic music!

Registration Fees
Advance registration is required. We are limited to 84 participants. Participants must be at least 16 years of age or older.

Register ONLINE HERE.

Or you can make a check payable to “Kayak For A Cure – Dayton” and mail to PO Box 1966, Miamisburg Ohio 45343. Please include a completed Registration Form.
$100 registration – bring your own boat.
$120 registration – includes a kayak, paddle and PFD (life vest). Limited kayak availability.
An additional door prize ticket for every additional $50 raised by each registered participant. Great door prizes to be announced!
Money raised, minus expenses, will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

2013 Local Sponsors
Great Miami Outfitters
City of Miamisburg
City of West Carrollton
Five Rivers MetroParks

About Kayak For A Cure
Kayak for a Cure™ was launched in 2006 by a group of twenty-somethings in Vancouver, BC, from an idea that started right here in DAYTON. Our group was eager to start something special – something scalable and fun while providing legitimate funding to the American and Canadian Cancer Societies, respectively. Something that could build community, provide an amazing one-day kayaking experience and raise money for cancer research and prevention. Kayak for a Cure™ is a volunteer-run organization and gives 100% of their proceeds to charities close to their hearts. Each summer, in cities around the United States and Canada, paddlers – both beginners and experienced – climb in to plastic boats and cross waterways, bays, lakes and channels for two reasons: an excuse to have a great day in the outdoors with some amazing people, and to be part of the solution: fund the research that leads to cures for all types of cancers.

 

This post courtesy of Explore Miamisburg.