Dayton to celebrate RiverScape River Run with music, big bash
at its parks, is expecting to draw even more crowds of water enthusiasts and spectators for the low-dam attraction.
“RiverScape River Run is one of the most impactful projects in our region,” said Carrie Scarff, Five Rivers MetroParks chief of planning and projects. “River Run was identified as a high-priority project in the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan because of its potential to improve economic vitality and help regional businesses attract and retain top talent.”
The first completed river chute, located in the park on East Monument Avenue near the Dayton Art Institute, includes two features: one smooth-water passageway for novice paddlers and a whitewater chute for those daredevil kayakers.
The free grand opening event starts at 4:30 p.m. with official remarks from community leaders. Project partners include leaders from the park district, the Downtown Dayton Partnership, Miami Conservancy District, city of Dayton and Montgomery County.
Those celebrating can also expect:
The ceremonial first paddle starts at 5 p.m., when demonstration paddlers will show off what the new river run is capable of doing.
The Five Rivers MetroParks music series Pickin’ in the Park will kick off at 6 p.m. after the official opening. The night will feature live tunes by progressive bluegrass musicians Casey Campbell, Restless Leg String Band and The Tillers.
Area health officials took steps Saturday to prevent the spread of the Zika virus after a Clark County resident began showing symptoms.
Clark County Health Commissioner Charlie Patterson said the unidentified person recently returned from a trip to a “Zika hot spot” and there is no evidence that the disease has been transmitted locally.
State and local health officials were canvassing the Willow Chase neighborhood, north of Springfield, on Saturday to educate people on how to protect themselves.
Patterson said the person exhibited a rash and other symptoms, “almost like someone was reading off the poster in the airport for Zika.”
The patient’s physician contacted the health department, which is running tests to confirm the virus. Results will take up to three weeks.
“We really need to treat this as if it’s positive right now. We can’t wait for results. This is the contagious period,” Patterson said.
The main concern at this point is making sure a mosquito doesn’t pick up the virus, Patterson said. His office is working with the patient to keep him or her quarantined. Health workers canvassed the neighborhood Saturday to speak to neighbors about keeping down the mosquito population.