The Mad River defines the Technology Corridor of the Dayton Riverfront Plan. From Eastwood MetroPark, near Wright Patterson Air Force Base, the Mad River flows to its confluence with the Great Miami River beneath the shower of the Five Rivers Fountain of Lights. This nearly four-mile length of the Mad is one of the most paddled stretches of river in the state of Ohio. Like the Stillwater and the Great Miami rivers, the Mad River is both a national and state designated water trail. If you haven’t taken that kayak or canoe trip, you’ve yet to enjoy the transition from deep woods, great blue heron and beaver dams to a dramatic view of the downtown skyline and the cooling exhilaration of the Five Rivers Fountain of Lights.
As Dayton emerges as a leader in unmanned aerial systems and defense technology, the Technology Corridor between Wright Patterson Air Force Base and downtown Dayton likewise will emerge as an opportunity for dynamic economic redevelopment. The Dayton Riverfront Plan envisions that future by proposing office complexes perched along the river surrounding terraced public parks on the levee, creating seamless connections between the river and the urban grid.
New and existing businesses will need to attract and retain a talented workforce. The Technology Corridor offers these workers the opportunity to walk out of their office at day’s end and jump on their bike or in their kayak to, within minutes, be immersed in nature and the rush of outdoor adventure. In addition to paddling the river runs or cycling some of our 350-mile paved trail network, Huffman MetroPark, just upstream of Eastwood, offers over nine miles of some of the best mountain biking in Ohio.
On the north side of the Mad River, Dayton Children’s anchors the eclectic and diverse neighborhoods northeast of downtown: McCook Field and Old North Dayton. The Riverfront Plan seeks to offer recreational amenities and new housing to strengthen those neighborhoods. At The Point, where Valley and Troy streets meet along the Mad River, a park is proposed as a gathering place for the community with a strong connection to the river. Festivals, outdoor adventure, and homage to Dayton’s history and heroes will be offered at Point Park. The park has been designed and funding is being sought to make this vision a reality.
Like the Culture Corridor along the Stillwater River, the Technology Corridor will culminate at Deeds Point MetroPark with Dayton’s most iconic views of downtown. Also on the Point will be the new Connor School, offering free pre-K through 12 education and wraparound support for initially 400 and ultimately 600 disadvantaged youth in the region. The first classes will begin this fall.