River District Development

March 2026 Project Update

In March 2026, the City of West Carrollton hosted a press conference highlighting continued progress on the River District Redevelopment and future Whitewater Park, including updates on funding, infrastructure planning, environmental work, and next steps for the project.

Mike Turner joined City officials, regional partners, developers, and community leaders to discuss the project’s momentum. Turner helped secure $3 million in federal funding to support critical infrastructure improvements tied to the redevelopment area.

While the River District has been in planning and development for several years, the project continues moving into more active phases. Work is advancing on multiple fronts, including infrastructure coordination, environmental remediation, engineering, site preparation, and continued collaboration with development partners.

Design and engineering efforts remain underway for the future Whitewater Park and related river improvements. Planned improvements include safety upgrades associated with the low dam hazard, along with development of a whitewater channel intended to support recreation, tourism, and first responder training opportunities.

Private development efforts are also progressing alongside public investment, with long-term plans that include commercial development, housing, public gathering spaces, and expanded access to the Great Miami River.

As work continues in phases, residents can expect to see ongoing site activity and visible progress throughout the River District area.

Watch the Project Update Press Conference

Dayton-area riverfront development project makes headway with $3M investment

Initial Draft Plans

A significant investment toward a Dayton area’s $75 million revitalization and redevelopment efforts aims to put the city on the map as a destination. The planned district will bring new development, a whitewater park and new riverfront housing to the city.

In a recent press conference, U.S. Rep. Mike Turner (R-Dayton) announced a $3 million investment to the city of West Carrollton’s riverfront development project. The development, led by developers Dillin Corp. and Woodard Development, is slated for completion by the end of the decade.

The 25-acre development’s centerpiece will be a white-water park as the West Carrollton stretch is the only place with viable pool of water for boating and a vertical drop for competitive kayaking, canoe and river surfing, according to a previous DBJ report. Additionally, the development site is anticipated to host, alongside a planned hotel, a small residential section anticipated between 25 and 50 units. But the main section of the acreage will go toward commercial development.

Turner’s $3 million funding allotment will be used to develop the Great Miami River along Exit 47 on I-75 by adding safety modifications to the downstream side of the low dam and re-establish a small craft dock/marina on the river.

“…As we learned in the city of Dayton, you have to have a place for people in your city to come together,” Turner said. “Once you establish that, the capital follows. We’ve seen it happen in downtown Dayton and will see it here. It’s great to hear from Mayor Sanner that this could be a $75 million investment to redevelop and revitalize this area. The city of West Carrollton is incredibly important to Montgomery County and us. I’m very proud to have helped secure $3 million towards the redevelopment of this site.”

Mayor Jeff Sanner said the Whitewater Park and River District has been a project 25 years in the making.

“This project will be transformational for the community and as the gateway into our city,” Sanner said. “Not only is this project going to have an economic impact on West Carrollton, but on the entire region.”

The West Carrollton River District Project is anticipated to be completed by 2030, creating 300 new jobs and equating to about $360,000 in yearly income tax.

MORE ABOUT THE FUNDING:

Through the Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations process, Turner was able to secure $3 million in community project funding for West Carrollton’s Development and Low Dam Improvement Project, according to a West Carrollton release.

Source: https://www.bizjournals.com/dayton/news/2023/03/15/west-carrollton-riverfront-development.html?utm_source=st&utm_medium=en&utm_campaign=ae&utm_content=DY&j=30846936&senddate=2023-03-15