It will improve public access, aquatic habitat and safety of the river. The whitewater portion will travel 2,100 feet and includes one drop. Three more drops are in the plans, but have not been funded yet.
This first phase of construction, funded in part by a $100,000 donation from the Dayton Rotary, began in the river late last month.
When completed, the Mad River Run will let kayakers and canoeists put in at Eastwood and take out near four miles later at RiverScape MetroPark, just below the bridge. Those interested in fishing will have deep water holes formed by the water flow around the Mad River Run rock structures, where fish tend to concentrate to stay out of the river current as well as over winter, the parks agency said. The project could finish up by the end of the month.
“The Rotary Club of Dayton is excited to hear about the start of construction of the Mad River Run, a project we adopted to commemorate our 100 years of service to the local community,” Greg Birkemeyer, President of the Rotary Club of Dayton, said.
The parks agency said the spring-fed Mad River runs year-round because of its groundwater sources and makes up the majority of the flow of the Great Miami River below its confluence during drought conditions, giving it a reputation of being a reliable river to paddle and fish.
“This area is one of the most heavily paddled and fished sections of the Mad River, with several outfitters operating on this reach,” said Joe Zimmerman, project manager, for Five Rivers MetroParks.
The project will play a role in the Midwest Outdoor Experience, Five Rivers said. Visitors to the 2013 Experience, which will be Oct. 4-5 at Eastwood MetroPark, should be able to view the project.
The better-known river recreation project, the RiverScape River Run attraction downtown, could begin construction next year after the U.S. Corps of Engineers issues permits. That project would remake the Great Miami River into a draw for kayakers, canoers and fishing enthusiasts. It includes the removal of the hazardous Monument Avenue low dam and the construction using large boulders of two structures spanning the Great Miami upriver from I-75.
Each structure will have two passageways with drops: one slower passageway for canoes and a faster whitewater passage for kayaks.
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