Putting 'Great' back in the Miami River

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - From Sidney to Franklin, community leaders up and down the Great Miami River are looking at ways to make it great again.

One of the most aggressive riverfront development plans is Miamisburg's, where the city has already invested $4 million in their downtown park and band shell with plans to extend it to the rivers edge.

An equally stunning project is being planned in West Carrollton. A $10 million park and white water kayaking course are being considered adjacent to the lower dam.

Farther up stream, the city of Riverside has purchased land on the their west side, near the Eintracht Club, that will allow the city to finally live up to it's name.

Downtown Dayton businesses like the The Wine Gallery have already seen an increase in business due to the bike path and hope the river can bring a flood of new customers. “I think it would bring more activity downtown and more activity is beneficial for everybody," said owner Brian Linnean.

These are only a few of the projects being planned that are a part of a regional movement being put together by Montgomery County Commissioner Dan Foley that will compliment Dayton's white water rafting course. “If you think about it, over the last 20 years we've invested more than $30 million in Riverscape right downtown so we have a base to build on,” Foley said. He hopes the $40 million price tag can be picked-up by federal grants and private funding.

Back in West Carrollton, city manager Brad Townsend said the attractions could have a huge impact on regional tourism. “We believe that will be something that can potentially be a draw for events from all over the nation, even international.”
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For more on Dan Edward's exclusive report on the regions riverfront development, watch 2 NEWS, Tuesday, July 17, beginning at 5 p.m.