Adventure Series events are where outdoor enthusiasts share experiences to inspire others

Inspirational and informational, the 2026 Next Destination Outdoor Adventure Series can be the first step in a year of adventure.

Sponsored by the City of Springboro’s Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee and the Franklin-Springboro Public Library, the winter speaker series offers a variety of free events with topics ranging from cycling and hiking to stretching and bike-packing. The series, in its current format, began a decade ago after the city and library combined two separate but similar programs they were running.

“We thought let’s put these programs together, we’d have lots of outreach and a big network,” said Dan Boron, community planner, City of Springboro said. “It’s been very well received.”

The series moved into the spacious Springboro Performing Arts Center a few years ago, allowing for as many as 140 audience members.

“We’ve come close to filling it more than once,” Boron said.

Local and regional outdoor enthusiasts share their successes and knowledge with aspiring outdoor adventurers on a variety of topics. Cycling? Check. Backpacking? Check. Hiking? Check.

“People want to learn,” Boron said. “And, in the winter, when it’s cold, many people wonder, ‘what can we do now.’ This is an opportunity to prepare for what to do next.”

Presenter Andy Niekamp of the Dayton Hikers agrees.

“This is the time to inspire other people to have adventures of their own,” Niekamp said. “I have a quote: ‘once you achieve, you have a duty to inspire others,’ and that’s what the Next Destination series is about. Everyone there is inspiring others.”

The presentations last about an hour with additional time allotted for questions. Some people also choose to speak with the presenters after the formal program is over.