Dayton Water Trail Project
Background
The City of Dayton has been working on developing a water trail to provide residents with safe and ADA compliant access to the Mississippi River. Since 2021 the Council has commissioned a feasibility study to identify 3 river locations that were suitable for a landing. Staff applied for Federal funding for the water trail, our original request was trimmed back to $850,000 which altered the scope of work. Council commissioned MSA as a consultant to develop plans for a canoe/kayak launch at Elsie Stephens Park.
Staff have also been working with other agencies who have shown interest in the project, most notably, Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the National Park Service (NPS), and Three Rivers Park District (TRPD). All three agencies are currently partnering with the City to develop the water trail. NPS has made available $100,000 towards the project, the Dayton landings will be the first leg of its 72-mile water trail. DNR currently has a boat landing in the Historic Village which they are going to be developing, staff and consultants are reviewing how to incorporate a canoe/kayak launch at this location with DNR fully funding this effort. TRPD are interested in partnering with the City to provide an access point at their property that adjoins Goodin Park, which will ultimately be a trail head with 2 regional trails conjoining at this location. TRPD have applied for a grant to help fund this effort.
Staff are currently awaiting approvals and permits before bidding the construction of the Elsie Stephens boat launch.
This project will both expand recreation opportunities in Dayton and positively impact the local economy. With more people spending time outdoors, and opportunities for recreation being an important factor when people make decisions about where to live, now is the right time to start building momentum on these efforts.
