Marvin Olinsky is the newest member of the Dayton Region Walk of Fame. In October, he was recognized for his contributions to the Dayton metropolitan area and the youth who live there at the induction ceremony at Sinclair Community College.
As CEO of Five Rivers MetroParks, Olinsky was the visionary behind the transformation of Dayton’s park system and the catalyst for the creation of Adventure Central, a learning center for urban youth. The result of a partnership with Five Rivers MetroParks, Ohio 4-H youth development, and Ohio State University Extension, Adventure Central empowers youth in West Dayton through 
nature exploration; after-school educational programs, camps, activity nights; and homework assistance.
Olinsky was a 4-H member in New Jersey and saw the benefits of the program from an early age. “My 4-H experiences were so strong, and I wanted to help other young people reap the benefits as well. As CEO, I saw the opportunity to build a 4-H program serving urban youth, and Adventure 
Central was the result.”
Since opening in 2000, Adventure Central has served thousands of youth by helping them build lasting life skills, develop positive and trusting relationships, and increase their confidence. “The opportunities and support available to urban youth because of Adventure Central are amazing,” said Kirk Bloir, state 4-H leader and assistant director of OSU Extension. “Marvin’s vision of a partnership between Five Rivers MetroParks and OSU Extension 4-H youth development has created a safe, welcoming, and enriching setting where kids form meaningful relationships and build skills that last a lifetime. We could not be more excited to see him recognized in this way.”
“I was truly honored and surprised to be inducted into the Dayton Region Walk of Fame,” said Olinsky. “I was so glad to be able to share the story of Adventure Central and speak about the role 4-H played in my life as a kid and the ways it still impacts me today.”
Olinsky is also a member of the National 4-H Hall of Fame and Ohio 4-H Hall of Fame and is a recipient of the Legion of Honor award from the Presidents Club of Dayton.
You can support the work Adventure Central is doing to empower youth in Dayton by donating to the 4-H Adventure Central Program fund today!