Organizers seek $3M more for river by September

Cox Foundation launched fundraising last month with $1M challenge grant.

Dr. Mike Ervin at the confluence of the Mad and Great Miami Rivers. Ervin is a proponent of the river plan and thinking big, even in a tough economic climate.

Ty Greenlees/Ty Greenlees Dr. Mike Ervin at the confluence of the Mad and Great Miami Rivers. Ervin is a proponent of the river plan and thinking big, even in a tough economic climate.

ENLARGE PHOTO

Man, 68, drowns at Caesar Creek Lake
5/26/12
Water rescues prompt warning from health officials
5/25/12
Beach Waterpark sued for failure to deliver
5/25/12
Raleigh Trammell’s defense opens in felony trial
5/25/12
UD to move satellite campus to Dublin
5/25/12
> More headlines

By Lynn Hulsey, Staff Writer Updated 2:16 AM Wednesday, August 3, 2011

DAYTON — Officials have set a goal to complete fundraising by September for the $3 million needed for the $4 million river project that would remove one low dam from the Great Miami River and install two rock formations suitable for kayaking and canoeing in downtown Dayton.

On Tuesday, Five Rivers MetroParks Deputy Director Carrie Scarff told the Montgomery County Commission that philanthropist Dr. Mike Ervin pledged to have the necessary funding in place by September. Last month, the James M. Cox Foundation announced a $1 million challenge grant for the project.

Ervin said he has been setting up meetings with corporations and other organizations that might be interested in contributing.

With Congress no longer earmarking federal money as well as tight government budgets, the region can no longer expect that mostly public sources will fund these kinds of projects, said Ervin, co-chairman of the Downtown Dayton Partnership and Greater Downtown Dayton Plan.

He said the project will have to be a public-private partnership.

“I just have a feeling that we will be able to raise this money. Cox has led the way,” said Ervin, “We are starting to make the rounds and talk to people. So far, very positive responses.”

The Cox Foundation is named after the founder of Cox Enterprises, owner of Cox Media Group Ohio, which includes the Dayton Daily News.

Scarff said engineering and regulatory approval for the project will take about a year, with a bid award expected by January 2013 and construction to begin in February 2013. She said construction will take as long as a year, depending on weather and river conditions.

The low dam below the Dayton Art Institute between Monument Avenue and Interstate 75 will be removed.

The low dams on the river have long been safety concerns because of the danger they pose to those who get caught in the boil of water below. But they also help water pool and give the river depth and width.

Removal of the dam likely will cause the river to be more narrow, but the rock formations will continue to give it the depth necessary for water recreation, Scarff said. The rock formations, known as “drop points” will be installed at RiverScape and behind the YMCA on Monument, essentially extending RiverScape to that point.

Openings in the rocks will allow an easy passage for kayaks and canoes and another more adventurous whitewater-style passage.

River access points will be improved at RiverScape and behind the Y, and at Wolf Creek and in the Carillon Park area. Scarff said the project will create a flowing river, improve aquatic diversity, maintain flood control, improve safety and help create a sense of vibrancy that should attract people to the community and retain young professionals.

“We have the opportunity to create a real kayaking scene,” Scarff said.

Share this article