Last month the City of Dayton completed construction on our city's first outdoor bicycle playground. The half acre playground includes prefabricated cedar and steel features such as roller corners, single rollers, a 180 degree turn, and some fun hoops kids can ride through. The prefabricated features are sturdy enough to support riders of all ages, so beginners of all ages can build their skills and confidence at the playground.

The bicycle playground was made possible by a fantastic group of community partners. Construction costs totaled $36,000 and were 100% grant and donation funded. Donors to the project include People for Bikes, Dayton Children’s Hospital, and Bonbright Distributors. The Miami Valley Mountain Bike Association and the Safe Routes to School coordinator at Dayton Children’s Hospital are collaborating on some youth programs that will be offered this fall and next spring/summer. Carillon and Edgemont neighborhoods have donated their time throughout the planning process to share their thoughts and help shape Welcome Park's future. 

The bicycle playground is part of a larger vision: the Dayton Bike Yard located at Welcome Park. The Bike Yard vision includes modern mountain bike trails, skill-building features, and a competition level pump track.  Starting in 2018, Welcome Park received a complete overhaul. Basketball courts and playground equipment were replaced and restored. The park shelter was painted, the bathrooms updated, and a multi-use perimeter path installed. These City investments ensure Welcome Park will remain a neighborhood amenity while supporting the park’s transformation into a biking attraction that serves the region. Learn more about all the park's features here.

Join us in celebrating this new city asset during two events hosted at Welcome Park. A formal ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Wednesday, September 29 at 9 am and a family-friendly community event will officially open the park on Saturday, October 2 at 12 pm. Full event details for the community event are listed below. We hope to see you there!