The City of Dayton | 17 the most bike-friendly cities in America. The area waterways have also been made more accessible. While Dayton’s river system is indeed beautiful, these same waters have figured in some rather ugly history. The Great Flood of 1913 put Dayton at the epicenter of one of the worst national disasters in history, with human lives, commercial enterprise and city infrastructure decimated in the process. In the wake of that tragedy, an elaborate levy system was created to mitigate the potential for such flooding ever again. While those efforts have proven protective over time, it also resulted in diminishing opportunities for recreational activities on the water. Sorrell says Dayton has recently invested more than $3 million in renewed dam infrastructure, designed in such a way as now allow for a new extensive kayak course. As Sorrell says, “People can now use the river instead of just looking at it.” A SENSE OF PLACE Biking and river kayaking, along with collegiate and career opportunities, are making Dayton an increasingly popular draw for what Rodney describes as “bright, young, energetic professionals.” To that point, downtown Dayton presently has the lowest residential vacancy rates in its history (a 95% occupancy rate), and Sorrell credits sustainability practices as helping to promote new “sense of place.” And that’s a point not lost on Shelley Dickstein, Assistant City Manager for Strategic Development. Dickstein says beyond the safeguarding of the environment, beyond the improvements in water conservation, waste recycling and energy consumption which have reduced costs for operating businesses and the city alike, beyond all this; sustainability practices have added to the creation of new jobs, new businesses and a new quality of life for all who call Dayton home. In time, Dickstein believes such practices will also prove helpful in driving future economic growth. Air quality, water quality and prudent use of tax dollars to protect, preserve and promote the beauty of its natural environment can certainly add to the allure of a community recognized for its business-friendly professional environment. In Dayton, the continuing drive for “green-friendly” will cast an excellent emerald hue to this Midwestern gem of American cities.
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