Riverscape – Dayton, OH

An Outdoor Laser Show on a Grand Scale

Five Rivers MetroParks cherishes its strong tradition of providing outdoor entertainment to the citizens of Dayton, Ohio. In 2001 they turned to Laser Fantasy to create a laser display at their Five Rivers MetroPark. To create a breathtaking public display where no screen was available, MetroParks commissioned the largest water screen in North America, extending up to 300 feet across the Great Miami River, depending on wind conditions.

The nightly laser light shows are viewed from along the river banks.

Projection on this ethereal screen required massive laser power, so Laser Fantasy built a “sister” of the Grand Coulee Dam laser system for this venue. Using the same Coherent Sabre lasers and same optical layout as our Grand Coulee design, we designed this 75-Watt RGB system to create dazzling images on the semi-transparent water-screen surface. Three 50-Watt Laser Fantasy Infinity 2000 lasers were added to create dynamic aerial beams over the heads of the audience. Opening night crowds were estimated at 50,000, and the laser system was considered a great success.

25 fifteen minute laser shows were created for Riverscape, allowing the audience to return often for a new and different experience. Sponsorship was encouraged, and logos added to the shows added a revenue source for the parks department.