Parks and Recreation
Discover the Best of the Outdoors with Dayton Parks and Rec
The Dayton Parks and Recreation Department invites you to explore a wide variety of exciting programs, vibrant community events, and 18 beautifully maintained parks and facilities with 143 miles of park acres.
Dayton Parks and Recreation is dedicated to make our parks inclusive, welcoming and accessible to all. We strive to ensure that individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can enjoy our parks, trails, programs and facilities. Through thoughtful design and on-going improvements, we are continually working to remove barriers and create spaces where everyone can play.
Park Donations
The City of Dayton welcomes the donations of trees, park benches and more. These generous contributions enhance our parks and public spaces for generations, while offering organizations, families, and individuals a meaningful way to commemorate a significant event or honor a loved one.
Parks & Trails
The City of Dayton offers a diverse array of recreational opportunities, featuring numerous parks, scenic trails, and lakes. These amenities provide residents and visitors alike with ample options for outdoor exploration, relaxation, and a wide range of activities such as hiking, biking, boating, and wildlife observation.
Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat in nature or an active day outdoors, Dayton's well-maintained green spaces and waterways are ideal destinations for individuals and families year-round.
The City Parks webpage offers a comprehensive listing of local parks and amenities, making it easy for residents and visitors to explore and plan their visits.
Comprehensive Trails Map
Elm Creek Park Reserve
Elm Creek Park Reserve encompasses approximately one-third of the City of Dayton and spans 4,900 acres, making it the largest park within the Three Rivers Park District. To learn more about Elm Creek Park Reserve and the amenities it offers, please visit the Elm Creek Park Reserve webpage.
Dayton Water Trails
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. In 2021 the Council commissioned a feasibility study to identify river locations that were suitable for a landing. Three locations were identified Elsie Stephens Park, Goodin Park, and the DNR landing in the Historic Village. Using the data from the feasibility report, Staff applied for Federal funding for the water trails project, our original request for funding for 2 landings was significantly trimmed back to $850,000 which altered the scope of work. Council commissioned MSA as a consultant to develop plans for canoe/kayak launches at Elsie Stephens Park, Goodin Park and the existing DNR landing in the Historic Village.
Staff have been working with several 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 National Park Services 72-mile Mississippi water trail which begins in Dayton and stretches to Hastings. The funding can be used for developing plans, and construction at any of the identified locations.
For more information on Water Trails