Opened in 2013, the Mad River Run in Eastwood MetroPark not only improves public access to the river for recreational purposes, it also improves the aquatic habitat and safety characteristics of the Mad River. This construction was funded in part by a generous $100,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Dayton.

The Mad and our other rivers are vital to Five Rivers MetroParks’ commitment to outdoor recreation and conservation leadership efforts to protect our natural resources. Protection of our river corridors provides critical habitat for wildlife to thrive and for our community to discover the wonders of nature.

The in-river feature includes two passageways:

• River Right –  smooth water passageway for novice paddlers

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• River Left – whitewater play feature

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Eastwood Blue Lake

This small, sheltered lake at Eastwood MetroPark is a great place for beginners to try paddlesports for the first time. Use the 1401 Harshman road entrance, and drive to the other end of the park.

Eastwood Lake 

This mile-long, 185-acre lake is fed by water from the Mad River and is part of a system of ponds, lakes and lagoons located in the area that serve as artificial charge basins for the Dayton well fields found nearby. It is a popular site for boating and fishing. In addition to its recreational uses, Eastwood Lake is well known for its migratory bird populations, including waterfowl, osprey, shorebirds, and gulls. A viewing area for a pair of Bald Eagles nesting in the well field across Harshman Rd. has been designated at the east end of the lake.

Eastwood Lagoon 

The Eastwood Lagoon is three-quarters of a mile long, has seven islands, several docks and a ramp. The lagoon can be accessed from the docks near the restroom or from the ramp at the corner of the last parking lot. This is a great body of water for beginning paddlers to explore.

Mad River Harshman Road Access

Looking for a trip on the Miami Valley's only whitewater river? Then the 4-mile stretch of the Mad River between Eastwood and RiverScape is for you. This access point at Eastwood includes a changing booth, porta john and parking. Carefully cross the bike path and put your boat into the river.

RiverScape River Run

RiverScape River Run makes our downtown riverfront more accessible for the entire community. The amenity creates a long list of benefits for downtown Dayton and the region, including:

• A safer river.

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• Improved water quality and aquatic habitats.

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• Continued flood protection.

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• An opportunity for the community to connect with the river in the urban core.

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• A dynamic downtown scene for residents, businesses and visitors.

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• A regional recreation destination.

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• A more vibrant city that will attract and retain the talented workforce we need to continue to grow Dayton’s economy.

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RiverScape River Run opens the downtown river to a beautiful seven-mile paddle from Eastwood MetroPark on the Mad River, through downtown to the Carillon Historical Park and University of Dayton area.

A dangerous low dam in the Great Miami River located near the Dayton Art Institute was removed and two structures that span the river have been built, each with two passageways: one smooth-water passageway for novice paddlers and one whitewater play feature for more experienced paddlers. The project also allows people to fish, sunbathe and enjoy the river downtown in new ways.

River Run also attracts experienced “play boat” kayakers who turn cartwheels, flips and rolls in the wave created by the drop. These kayakers attract numerous spectators to the shore to watch them, creating a vibrant scene along our downtown riverfront and bikeway.

How can I access RiverScape River Run?

Visitors using RiverScape River Run’s Feature #1 can park in one of the available public parking spaces downtown, particularly on Monument Avenue and Jefferson, St. Clair, and Harries streets. On-street, metered parking is free on weekdays after 6 PM and all day on weekends and also at the Miami Conservancy District parking lot, off Jefferson St. behind 38 E. Monument Ave., on evenings and weekends.

Parking to access Feature #2 is available evening and weekends at the west end of Monument Avenue under the I-75 bridge.

Feature #1: There are three river access points in RiverScape Metropark:

1. Stairs at the west end of the park at Jefferson Street.

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2. Ramp and stairs in the center of the park between Jefferson and St. Clair streets.

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3. Stairs toward the east end of the park at St. Clair Street.

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Feature #2: River access is available at either end of the Dayton View Bridge at the west end of Monument Avenue:

1. Ramp and stairs at the east end of the Dayton View Bridge.

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2. Stairs at the west end of the Dayton View Bridge.

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