Old River Park re-opening for groups

April 26--Old River Park along South Patterson Boulevard will be reopened on a limited-use basis for recognized student groups and non-profit community organizations, University of Dayton officials announced this week.

"Student programming comes first, and the university would like to help non-profit organizations so they don't have to spend their limited amount of funds securing a location for their events," said Beth Keyes, vice president for facilities management. "They were having to pay so much rent at some of their other sites that a lot of the profits from the event were eaten up."

Old River Park, a 45-acre piece of Dayton history, was designed by Olmsted Brothers, the famous landscape architect firm that designed New York'sCentral Park. Old River opened in 1939 to provide recreational opportunities for National Cash Register workers and their families. The park includes a 1.5-mile scenic moat, miniature golf course, oversized checkerboards, a playground and two miles of walking paths. NCR closed the park in 1998, citing budget cuts.

The park was open again briefly to the public for two seasons beginning in 2009 when Dayton History came to a partnership agreement with NCR. Later that year, UD purchased the park and NCR's former world headquarters building.

The park, however, will remain closed to the public. Only non-profit groups vetted by the university and meeting certain insurance requirements will be allowed to hold events on the grounds.

"We'll be looking at it on a case-by-case basis, seeing what their needs are and if we're able to support them," Keyes said.

The park has already seen trial use this spring, according Keyes. The university's Outdoor Engagement Center has held fitness and kayaking training at the park. Other groups, though, would likely not be allowed to use the moat for paddling sports, according to Keyes.

Groups are restricted to using the south half of the park, according to Keyes. The University spent more than $250,000 on safety enhancements and upgrades, including tree removal, path resurfacing and shelter repair. More funding is needed for repairs before visitors are allowed to use the rest of the park, she said.

The not-for-profit groups can use the park at no cost, Keyes said. All organizers, however, are required to station volunteers every 50 feet along the moat shoreline to prevent visitors from entering the water.

After purchasing the park, the university commissioned a master plan from SWA Group, a landscape architecture and design firm. Keyes said the plan is finished but cost estimates to complete the work come in at about $10 million.

Some key features of the plan include the renovation of the bathhouses making restrooms accessible. Groups using the park must now provide portable, accessible toilets.

The new master plan also calls for new facilities like an amphitheater along with enclosed shelter space that can be heated in colder months. Planners would also allow natural areas to be restored and add running and biking trails.

"It's not on the top of the fundraising priority, but if someone has that particular interest it would rise to the top," Keyes said.

Non-profit groups interested in having an event at the park should contact Jim Shaw, the university's director of real estate and property management, at 229-3769. Bookings are being taken through October.

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