West Carrollton is advancing plans to repurpose a former wastewater treatment plant at 4000 Hydraulic Road into an adventure park and campground.
The city is seeking $6 million in state grants through the Dayton Regional Priority Development and Advocacy Committee to support site remediation and initial development efforts.
The site, previously the Appvion Wastewater Treatment Plant, was acquired by the city in 2012 and has since been targeted for environmental cleanup.
Historically contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from industrial use spanning the 1960s to early 2000s, the location requires significant remediation work before it can support recreational use.
Officials estimate the total cost of the project to exceed $10 million, with $4.8 million already allocated through a combination of state development funds and city resources, as reported by WYSO.
According to the city’s grant application, the project is considered “shovel-ready” and could begin within six months of securing funding.
In their application, city officials emphasized the broader community impact of the development, highlighting its potential to provide recreational opportunities to low- and moderate-income residents while serving the wider Dayton region.
The space will “support access to recreational opportunities for low to moderate income residents as well as community members throughout the Dayton region,” the application states.
The proposed development aligns with trends in outdoor hospitality, where unique, multi-use spaces are gaining traction among business owners seeking to diversify offerings.
Positioned along the Great Miami River, the site could attract visitors interested in outdoor activities, including camping and adventure-based recreation, providing opportunities for partnerships with local businesses and regional tourism initiatives.
Support for the project extends beyond West Carrollton. Five Rivers MetroParks and The Miami Conservancy District have both submitted letters endorsing the city’s funding request.
For industry professionals, the project represents a case study in leveraging public-private partnerships, environmental remediation, and grant funding to repurpose sites for recreational use—an approach that may inspire similar initiatives in other regions.