The Adobe Flash Player is required to view this multimedia interactive. Get it here.

Old River Park to be reopened to public use

Area map of Old River Park.

Photos: NCR Old River Park
Photos: Historic photos of Old River Park
Old River history and photos At daytonhistory.org

Area religious leaders rally for health care reform
New 6 min. ago
Masked gunman attempted to rob wireless store, police say
3:25 p.m.
Local Buckeye Bash a “bust”
1:18 p.m.
Multiple cases of teacher misconduct a wakeup call for Northmont
11:00 a.m.
Ferguson attempts suicide after being found guilty on all 32 counts
10:05 a.m.
> More headlines

Dayton History, Carillon Historical Park and NCR Corporation today announced the reopening of NCR Old River Park to the community for the 2009 summer season.
This undated archive photo of the park, shows folks enjoying canoeing, one of the activities to return starting Sunday, June 7.

NCR Archive at Dayton History Dayton History, Carillon Historical Park and NCR Corporation today announced the reopening of NCR Old River Park to the community for the 2009 summer season. This undated archive photo of the park, shows folks enjoying canoeing, one of the activities to return starting Sunday, June 7.

By Jim DeBrosse, Staff Writer Updated 4:50 PM Tuesday, May 19, 2009

DAYTON — Dayton History will reopen NCR Old River Park to the public this summer with canoeing, picnicking, outdoor games and concessions, Dayton History Chief Executive Brady Kress said Monday, May 18.

The 33-acre park, completed in 1939, was once open only to NCR employees, retirees and their families. It was closed by NCR in 1998 in a cost-saving move. NCR demolished the park’s historic pool at that time, which will not reopen.

The park will still be owned by NCR but managed by Dayton History, Kress said. Access to Old River will be free to anyone with a Carillon Historical Park membership ($30 individual, $40 family) or who pays the daily admission price at the Carillon ($8 adults, $5 students, children under age 3 free).

“You can spend the morning at the Carillon touring the exhibits and go over and canoe the rest of the afternoon at Old River,” Kress said.

Old River features include boat rentals for use in the scenic, 1.5-mile lagoon, miniature golf, shuffleboard, croquet, volleyball, horseshoe pits, a children’s playground, 2 miles of walking trails, stone cooking grills, a concession stand and costumed staff.

For the first year, Old River will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., starting Sunday, June 7 through Labor Day, Kress said. A preview party is planned for June 6 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Old River is located directly across Patterson Boulevard from the Carillon but access is off River Park Road behind the Dayton Daily News building at 1611 S. Main St. Kress said parking will be available on the Old River grounds.

The reopening coincides with the 70th anniversary of the park, which was built under the leadership of then-chairman Col. Edward Deeds for NCR employees and their families. Deeds followed with the construction of Deeds Carillon and then Carillon Historical Park for use by the general public.

Kress said Dayton History expects to pay for the operation of the park through increased sales of Carillon memberships and admission tickets.

“It’s exciting to reopen a place that holds so many memories for generations of NCR employees,” he said.

The reopening of Old River Park is the latest in a series of operating partnerships Dayton History has forged with local landmarks, including the Patterson Homestead, Dunbar House and Hawthorn Hill.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2437or jdebrosse@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Share this article

What are your memories of Old River Park?

ADD COMMENT

Comments feed

While I was attending one of my sessions at Repair School,( this was before CTECH and classes were held in part of the factory)three of us would go to Old River after the days classes and play a round of miniature golf each night before going out to eat.Many pleasant memories.

Don Eggert
9:47 PM, 5/23/2009

REPORT ABUSE

I worked at Old River(1969-74) from the beginning of my teaching career till I left to get a doctorate at Virginia Tech. I would like to hear from those I worked with and can be reached at 10003 McIntyre Rd. Brooksville, FL 34601. As a historian, I am thrilled it is reopening.

Dr. Ken Lawson
12:29 PM, 5/22/2009

REPORT ABUSE

from the dayton history web site:Entry to Old River Park is free to Dayton History members, NCR employees and NCR retirees with proper identification.

allen
11:34 PM, 5/19/2009

REPORT ABUSE

not satisfied: great that you wont be there. because you obviously were never part of the ncr family you dont know what old river means. good riddance.

allen
11:04 PM, 5/19/2009

REPORT ABUSE

The event includes:
ALL DAY Family Festival with FREE Admission opening at 2 p.m.
Purina Incredible Dog Team with performances at 2, 3:30, 5 & 6:15 p.m.
Everyone’s favorite taste of summer (grilled and authentic Americana) festival foods and beverages
Free Family Fun Zone with Interactive Inflatables including Giant Slide and Obstacle Course, airbrush tattoos, balloon artists and more!

now this is satisfying
7:40 PM, 5/19/2009

REPORT ABUSE

There are 64 additional comments

SHOW ALL

We welcome your comments. Please remember this is a public forum and behave appropriately. Your comments must conform to our visitor's agreement.