Kettering Parks Foundation founding member Neil Smalley has been named the 2025 Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA). The prestigious statewide award recognizes outstanding citizens, volunteers and community board members who have significantly enhanced parks and recreation in their communities.
Smalley’s recognition celebrates over 40 years of dedicated volunteer service to the Kettering Parks Foundation, which he helped establish in 1984. He served 34 years as President from 1990 to 2025. A lifelong Kettering resident, his leadership helped raise over $6 million for improvements to the city’s parks, recreation facilities and cultural arts programs. His efforts have directly funded countless enhancements that Kettering residents enjoy today, from equipment and renovations to expanded programming opportunities. This statewide honor reflects the profound and lasting impact of Smalley’s commitment to improving quality of life for all Kettering residents.
Neil will be formally honored at the OPRA Conference on Feb. 3, 2026 in Sandusky.