16 | The City of Dayton
munity partners who sponsor science work-
shops, wildlife demonstrations, games and
other activities that collectively promote the
preservation of eco-systems and water con-
servation. Simmons says several thousand
area Fourth Graders traditionally partici-
pate in the event, and have a lot of fun while
learning about wildlife and how to become
more environmentally responsible.
BIKING AND KAYAKING
With its seasonal climate, nature trails and
winding waterways, Dayton has much to of-
fer those who love the outdoors, and this has
even been bolstered by sustainability efforts.
Aaron Sorrell, Dayton’s Planning and Com-
munity Development Director, says area
residents are now benefitting from new rec-
reational opportunities for bikers and kayak-
ers. On the biking side, Sorrell says Dayton’s
flat downtown terrain accommodates cer-
tain convenience for those who may prefer
to pedal when moving from point to point.
To encourage biking, which further aids in
reducing the city’s overall carbon footprint,
more than 200 bike racks have been installed
in the downtown corridor. Yet, on a much
larger scale which reflects the city’s invest-
ment in biking, Sorrell says Dayton has de-
veloped a regional network of interconnect-
ed bike lanes that extend for more than 320
miles. It is now one of the longest bike paths
in America, prompting the League of Amer-
ican Bicyclists to designate Dayton as one of
