News - Play Kettering

Fitness Spotlight: Rhonda Zink

Posted on March 3, 2021

Image: Rhonda Zink (center) is a longtime member of our Parkinson's Circuit Class. Today, we're spotlighting exercise patron Rhonda Zink, who has been taking the Parkinson's Circuit Class with us for several years. Thanks for sharing your story with us, Rhonda! 1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got...

Kettering announces formation of an all-new Tree Committee

Posted on February 19, 2021

The City of Kettering Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts is pleased to announce the formation of an all-new Tree Committee to organize efforts in the city’s management, preservation, and conservation of public trees. In 2020, the City’s Parks Division completed a citywide tree inventory and risk assessment of all trees that it maintains....

March/April program registration is now open to all

Posted on January 26, 2021

The freezing rain and grey skies lately have us counting down to spring. We can't wait for all the fun that's in store in our March/April program guide. Registration for March/April programs is now open for both Kettering residents and non-residents. There's still time to learn to skate in 2021! The Kettering Ice Arena will...

Tax Appointments – Now Full

Posted on January 16, 2021

**All tax appointment time slots are now full. If you scheduled an appointment with us, please see below for important information.** The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program offers free tax preparation assistance. All preparers are IRS-certified volunteers. Due to safety protocol, the total number of appointments available this year has been greatly reduced. Appointments will fill...

Fitness Spotlight: Paige, Jason and Jey

Posted on January 15, 2021

Featured image: Paige and Jason Henry enjoy a workout with buddy Jey Ellis, even while staying six feet apart! Fitness is always more fun with a workout buddy! No one knows that better than Paige and Jason Henry and Jey Ellis, who have been working out together five days per week for three years at...

Fitness Spotlight: Connie Dell

Posted on January 5, 2021

It's easy to say 'new year, new you,' but how do we move beyond our good intentions and find a healthy routine that sticks? One way is to set a goal that truly motivates you like our featured patron Connie Dell did. Connie began her fitness journey in our group exercise classes at the Kettering...

5 Ways to Stay Active When the Weather Outside is Frightful

Posted on December 9, 2020

As the days get shorter and we start to add more layers to our wardrobe, it’s inevitable that we stop being as active as we were in the warmer months, right? Just because the weather might not be ideal, it doesn’t mean we can’t adapt and still enjoy nature with a little planning and determination....

Light up the holidays

Posted on December 5, 2020

Santa has his elves; we have our tireless Parks Division. Every holiday season, crews tackle the huge task of making Lincoln Park into Kettering’s shining holiday showplace. Naturally, this is a tough and time-consuming job. If you struggle to hang a strand of icicle lights on your porch, just imagine decorating an entire city park!...

How to celebrate the holidays in Kettering

Posted on November 11, 2020

The weather might be trying to make up its mind, but there's no getting around it - the holidays are on their way! Our 2020 holiday programs have been carefully planned to ensure that each guest has as fun and safe an experience as possible. Visit our COVID-19 Information Hub to learn more about all...

Our January/February program guide is live!

Posted on November 5, 2020

2020 is almost over, and our 2021 January/February program guide is officially here! Registration for January/February programs is now open for Kettering residents and non-residents. The Kettering Ice Arena has brand-new sessions of all your favorite Learn to Skate USA programs for every level of skater in Snowplow Sam, Basic Skills, figure skating and hockey....

Quiz: The power of playing nice

Posted on October 28, 2020

Pop quiz time! Our youth sports programs are designed to teach kids not only how to play the game, but how to play it fairly. Learning cooperation and practicing good sportsmanship are some of the biggest benefits of being on a youth sports team. The behavior parents model from the sidelines is just as important...

Carve your perfect pumpkin

Posted on October 13, 2020

Get ready, get set for our Kettering Jack-O-Lantern Glow, a community-wide event happening on October 30. All you need to do to participate is something you were probably planning on doing already - carve a pumpkin, add a light and display it in front of your home! With all of Kettering walking and driving around town...

Staff Spolight: Chloe Fletcher, Lifeguard Team

Posted on October 5, 2020

Today, we’re spotlighting Chloe Fletcher, a member of our awesome lifeguard team! Chloe is also a graduate of our American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification program. She recently shared with us how the class has helped her grow personally and professionally. “The Red Cross lifeguard certification class I took at the Kettering Recreation Complex taught me...

Our November/December program guide is live!

Posted on October 1, 2020

Late fall is always a busy time for us here at PlayKettering, and 2020 is no different! Our 2020 November/December program guide is officially here! The season may not look the same as it has in years past, but we've been working hard to ensure that the holiday magic continues in the safest way possible....

8 ways to celebrate Halloween in Kettering

Posted on September 21, 2020

Feel that chill in the air? October is almost here! Whether you look forward to Halloween all year or think it’s just a bunch of hocus pocus, one thing’s for sure: safe fall fun in Kettering is easy to find. Our 2020 Halloween programs have been carefully planned to ensure that each guest has as...

The Health Benefits of Ice Skating

Posted on September 2, 2020

Do you need a cool way to work out over the winter? Ice skating has many health and wellness benefits, plus it’s lots of fun! Learn about how ice skating can help you reach your fitness goals and find some tips on getting started. Joint and muscle health Skating works nearly every muscle group in...

National Park & Recreation Month: Jackie Lawless

Posted on July 20, 2020

Our National Park and Recreation Month celebration continues in Kettering! This year’s national theme is “We Are Parks and Recreation.” Resident Jackie Lawless, who serves on Kettering’s Sister Cities Committee, wrote this about her favorite park: “I love Kettering! Lincoln Park is such a treasure! The entire park is well kept with beautiful fountains in...

National Park & Recreation Month: Paula Kraus

Posted on July 7, 2020

Our National Park & Recreation Month featured staff member today is Rosewood Gallery Coordinator, Paula Kraus! Our Cultural Arts Manager, Shayna McConville, nominated her, saying, "Paula Willmot Kraus is a well-known and beloved artist in the Dayton region. She is passionate about photography, and when she's not creating new work or teaching photo techniques, she...

National Park & Recreation Month: Joy Becker

Posted on July 7, 2020

Our final staff feature for National Park & Recreation Month spotlights Joy Becker, who works at the Kettering Recreation Complex. She was nominated by KRC facility manager, Chris George, who said: "Joy has been here for 29 years helping us serve our patrons. Over the last few weeks before Joy came back, we would get...

National Park & Recreation Month: Danielle Kauth

Posted on July 7, 2020

Today's National Park & Recreation Month featured Kettering resident, Danielle Kauth, created memories with her family by exploring the city's parks. "There are 21 parks in Kettering, and my kids and I decided we wanted to go to them all!" she wrote. "We managed to complete this little challenge, and we had the best time!...

National Park & Recreation Month: Nancy Boss

Posted on July 7, 2020

National Park & Recreation Month continues! A familiar face to anyone that frequents the Kettering Recreation Complex and Rosewood Arts Centre, Nancy Lynn Boss has been teaching various fitness and dance classes for over 40 years. Before joining the Kettering Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts team, Nancy studied dance with Jorg Fastings from the Columbus...

National Park & Recreation Month: Nick Zaccaria

Posted on July 7, 2020

Today's National Park & Recreation Month featured staff member is Parks Service Worker Nick Zaccaria. Nick was nominated for this feature by Parks Superintendent, Gary Schussler, who said, "Nick is a newer employee and one who switched careers when he moved to Ohio to the park industry about two and a half years ago. He...

National Park & Recreation Month: Meghan Thomas

Posted on July 7, 2020

We are celebrating National Park and Recreation Month here in Kettering! Meghan Thomas is a resident and a Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts superuser! She wrote: “We love Kettering because we LOVE the Parks and Rec program! The rich programming available is a main driving force for our choice to buy a home and raise...

National Park & Recreation Month: Jonelle Carroll

Posted on July 6, 2020

We are celebrating National Park and Recreation Month here in Kettering! Kettering resident Jonelle Carroll is an active participant in the wide range of programs offered through our city’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts department. Here's what Jonelle had to say about PRCA: “I believe it is one of the many things that makes Kettering...

Staff volunteers to help Kettering students in need

Posted on May 27, 2020

Fifteen Kettering Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts staff members have spent about three hundred total hours volunteering with the Kettering Backpack Program. This program, which started in 2006, has continued to distribute food to Kettering students in need during the pandemic. PRCA staff, along with Kettering City Schools employees, have been working at distribution sites...

Kettering is proud to be a “Tree City USA”

Posted on March 10, 2020

If you’re like most people, you might have spent more time indoors this winter, eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring. Since this is Ohio, we can’t really ever be sure if it has truly arrived, but it’s safe to say it’s near. As you and your family venture out more this time of year, take...

Help your teen become a Better Babysitter!

Posted on January 16, 2020

Got a teen or tween at home? Chances are they’re starting to get interested in venturing into the work world. Babysitting is a top choice for first work experience and is a great way for kids to develop a greater sense of responsibility. Better Babysitters educates future sitters ages 10 – 16 about the qualities...

Kidz Home Alone offers peace of mind

Posted on January 2, 2020

Leaving your kids home alone can be a scary transition for everyone involved. Maybe your kids won’t have to foil a pair of wily burglars or worry about getting lost in New York, but there’s still plenty that could go wrong. Kidz Home Alone educates children ages 10 – 13 about the responsibilities of staying...

Fitness Patron Spotlight: Phillip Erskine

Posted on January 1, 2020

We're starting off 2020 by bringing back our fitness patron spotlights! Today, we're featuring Phillip Erskine, who works out at the Kettering Recreation Complex and trains with Ben. Read on to find out how he lost 130 pounds! "I started my weight loss journey in April of 2018. After I decided that I wanted to...

Make the 2020s your healthiest decade yet

Posted on December 27, 2019

If you’ve made fitness your New Year’s resolution for 2020, you’re not alone. Among people making resolutions, around two-thirds say their goal is to make being active a priority. We all know how popular fitness is in January, right? And we also know how tough it is to stick with it – about 20 percent...

Your workout can help manage holiday stress

Posted on December 19, 2019

Does the holiday hustle have you feeling overwhelmed? Most adults in the U.S. report feeling stressed, and the many activities and expectations surrounding the holidays can increase those stress levels. Need help managing your holiday stress? Try a workout! Why? The endorphin rush. Working out gives the brain a dose of endorphins. These hormones are...

Giving Tree gifts are due December 2!

Posted on November 25, 2019

Every holiday season, the Kettering Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department organizes the Giving Tree program to assist Kettering children in need. Kettering school guidance counselors have parents complete a form for each child listing their gender, age, clothing needs and gift ideas. A unique tag is created for each child and is distributed to...

Take a Giving Tree tag to help a Kettering family!

Posted on November 10, 2019

Our 2020 Giving Tree program kicks off on November 9! In these difficult times, it's more important than ever to consider giving back to the community. Curious about how the program works and whom it helps? Our Program and Youth Development Supervisor, Addie Weaver, who coordinates the program, answers our FAQ below. Read on to...

Adult basketball leagues keep competition friendly and fun

Posted on October 28, 2019

We talk a lot about the benefits of team sports for kids, but staying active and participating in a leisure activity with friends is just as important for adults. According to research by the Harvard University School of Public Health, adult sports leagues can reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, certain cancers...

In search of the perfect tree

Posted on October 28, 2019

One of our favorite holiday sights in Kettering is the beautiful Mayor’s Tree in Lincoln Park Civic Commons. The tree’s crowning moment is the Kettering Mayor’s Tree Lighting, and afterward, it shines all season long. So, where does this holiday giant come from? The tree is harvested as part of a service provided by the...

Rosewood Gallery offers unique value to the region

Posted on October 23, 2019

Have you ever visited Rosewood Gallery? We hope so! It's one of the region's artistic gems, offering three juried exhibitions and five pairs of solo exhibitions per year, representing a mix of local and national artists. We asked Gallery Coordinator Paula Kraus to explain what makes Rosewood Gallery unique and what goes into planning each...

Management plan offers new approach to parks upkeep

Posted on September 25, 2019

With 21 parks and numerous facilities, medians and other green spaces, keeping Kettering beautiful is a big job. Parks leadership has developed a parks maintenance management plan to bring a more nuanced approach to upkeep. “We wanted to provide parks staff with an idea of the expectations of the management team and to bring consistency...

Fitness Patron Spotlight: Mark Eggenschwiller

Posted on September 6, 2019

Mark Eggenschwiller's fitness goal was a tall order - literally! He recently completed a summit climb of Mt. Elbert, the tallest peak in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Its elevation is approximately 14, 439 feet! With unpredictable weather and thin air at the top, this mountain presents a serious challenge to climbers. "Elbert was the greatest...

Staff Spotlight: Meet Drew Corbett

Posted on August 21, 2019

Meet Drew Corbett, who recently joined our PlayKettering team as Recreation Manager! Learn why he chose to spend his career in recreation and what he enjoys doing off the clock, too. What made you choose parks and recreation as a career field? Growing up in a small town in northeast Ohio, I spent a lot...

The Insider’s Guide to Art on the Commons

Posted on August 5, 2019

Rosewood Arts Centre’s premier annual event, Art on the Commons, is almost here! The festival features over 101 artists in a variety of media, and all artists were hand-selected by our 2019 festival jury. There’s so much to see and do at the festival, affectionately known by us insiders as AOTC, we put together a handy...

Choose Your Own Art on the Commons Adventure!

Posted on August 1, 2019

You’re alone in your living room in front of a computer. You see something online about an arts festival at Lincoln Park Civic Commons on Sunday, August 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s time to make a decision. A: Of course I want to go! That sounds amazing! B: Art is totally not...

Fill your parks prescription for a healthier life

Posted on August 1, 2019

Want proof that parks and recreation promote wellness? Let’s talk about parks prescriptions, an increasingly common therapy that doctors are using in the U.S. and abroad. Several recent studies have shown direct benefits to overall health just from spending some extra time outdoors. According to research published by the International Journal of Environmental Health and...

Community members volunteer at Delco

Posted on July 22, 2019

Recently, two young women, both Kettering residents, were spotted doing a good deed at Delco Park. Samantha Sowards and Anna Spragg took it upon themselves to pick up litter in the park earlier this month to help our staff prepare for Kettering’s annual Go 4th Independence Day celebration. “This is the first time we’ve done...

Behind the Fire Lines at Go 4th!

Posted on July 3, 2019

Our biggest party of the year wouldn’t be complete without the main event – Kettering’s amazing fireworks show! Every year, Kettering works with Rozzi Famous Fireworks to bring the party to the skies above Delco Park. This year promises to be the best yet – we even designed the playlist with your help! As you...

Mayor Patterson invites you to Go 4th!

Posted on July 1, 2019

Everyone in town is getting ready for the big party this week! We caught up with Kettering’s Mayor Don Patterson for a quick chat about his Fourth of July favorites. What do you enjoy most about Go 4th? I like the way it brings the community together in celebration and represents the City of Kettering....

5 Ways to Stay Safe on the 4th

Posted on June 18, 2019

The Fourth of July is all about celebration, whether you’re enjoying a backyard barbecue or partying at Kettering’s Go 4th. No matter how you choose to wish America a happy 243rd birthday, no one wants an accident or injury putting a damper on the fun. We’ve got you covered – read on for our top...

Sampler Camp offers the best of four worlds

Posted on June 14, 2019

With four different types of summer camps offered, it can be a tough choice for campers to decide just what kind of summer fun they want to enjoy. Our Recreation camps are traditional camps focused on play – field trips, swimming, games and specialty themes; Camp Habitat focuses on hands-on science and nature experiences; Sports...

Behind the scenes with Sherlock Gnomes

Posted on June 14, 2019

We’re counting down to June’s Movie Under the Stars – everyone’s looking forward to games, an evening in beautiful Delco Park, and of course, Sherlock Gnomes on the big screen. We caught up with Sherlock on the set of his latest gnomantic comedy to chat about his career and his little-known connection to Kettering. PlayKettering: ...

The votes are in!

Posted on June 10, 2019

For the first time ever, our Facebook followers helped out with building the soundtrack for the Go 4th fireworks! Followers chose between four songs in three different categories - the top two in each category made it into the playlist. The winners are: Old School Category Eye of the Tiger - Survivor Fun Fun Fun...

Sports Fun for every kid

Posted on June 4, 2019

Does your child love games and sports so much, they can’t pick just one? Our Sports Fun Camps mix it up and keep things interesting with fun, fast-paced play. Campers experience everything from basketball to kickball to Capture the Flag. New this year are two age levels for these camps – Junior Sports Fun Camp...

Ready, set, summer!

Posted on May 20, 2019

Getting Adventure Reef Water Park back in action after a long winter is no easy task. From maintenance to cleaning to staffing to stocking, it takes staff from three areas to get Kettering’s favorite swim spot summer ready. Here’s a quick rundown on what it takes to prep the water park for hours of summer...

Hand Built Pottery offers endless ways to create

Posted on May 16, 2019

Hand-built pottery is created without the use of a potter’s wheel. Instructor Cynthia Bornhorst-Winslow has taught several ceramics classes at Rosewood, including Hand Built Pottery. A Rosewood instructor since 2017, she is also a former Sinclair Community College arts faculty member. We caught up with her to find out all about hand building and what...

5 Tips for Maintaining your Wellness Goals

Posted on May 13, 2019

Have you enjoyed success in reaching your wellness goals? Did you follow through on your New Year’s resolutions? Congratulations! It’s not easy to stick with a wellness journey, so give yourself some love. You may have reached your goal, but your journey isn’t over. Falling back into old habits means undoing all your hard work...

Fitness Patron Spotlight: Jerry Wells

Posted on April 30, 2019

Jerry Wells has been a familiar face at both the Kettering Recreation Complex and the Kettering Fitness and Wellness Center for over 10 years. While you may find him more at the KRC, working out five days a week makes him want a little variety, so you’ll occasionally spot him on the other side of...

Tap into creative fun at Rosewood

Posted on April 23, 2019

If you’re at Rosewood Arts Centre on a Wednesday morning, you’ll hear the sound of tapping feet from the dance studio. Led by Sammie Sue Edmondson, this enthusiastic group of dancers taps to everything from ‘Uptown Funk’ to ‘Singing in the Rain.’ The atmosphere is always friendly with a mix of longtime and new students....

Summer Camps Update: Health History Forms

Posted on April 3, 2019

Spring is finally here, and summer camp will be here before you know it! We can't wait to see your family at camp this summer and are excited to announce a change to the way we collect health history information. If you've registered your child for one of our summer camps, watch your inbox for...

Parks Update: Improvements coming to Delco Park

Posted on March 13, 2019

Delco Park is currently undergoing a variety of updates to its landscaping, accessibility and park entrances. If you see crews working at Delco in the coming weeks, here’s what they’ll be up to: Updating landscape and signage – The current landscape was installed in 1999, so it’s due for a fresh look and a modern...

The Art of Relaxation

Posted on January 23, 2019

On Fridays, Rosewood Gallery offers a lunch break that’ll refresh and recharge your mind and body after a long week at work. From 12 – 1 p.m., instructor, Robyn Moore, leads participants through Yoga in the Gallery. This open-level class is a relaxing, unique way of enjoying both the practice of yoga and beautiful artwork....

Art Start Preschool Story Time Inspires

Posted on January 15, 2019

During Art Start Preschool Story Time, parents and educators gather to explore a theme through both art and literature. For January’s lesson on emotions, Melissa from Dayton Metro Libraries took a group of kids ages 3 to 6 through four books that explored feelings in a fun, accessible way. Games and chats between books kept...

Staff Spotlight: Meet Shauna Lewallen

Posted on January 10, 2019

Meet Shauna Lewallen, Kettering’s brand-new Recreation Superintendent! Learn what she loves most about working in recreation and what she enjoys doing off the clock, too. What made you choose parks and recreation as a career field? I was a park kid growing up. Some of my happiest childhood memories were made on the pee wee...

Fitness Spotlight: Larry Fox

Posted on December 31, 2018

For today's 12 Days of Fitness feature, meet personal trainer Larry Fox! Learn about his approach to fitness and wellness and what he enjoys most about helping patrons reach their goals. "My name is Larry Fox, and I decided to become a Personal Trainer about 10 years ago. I have been active most of my...

Fitness Spotlight: Group Exercise Instructor JJ Kunkle

Posted on December 28, 2018

The 12 Days of Fitness continues! You've met two of our patrons - now meet one of our instructors. JJ Kunkle teaches group exercise classes at the Kettering Recreation Complex. Read what she has to say about finding the right exercise program for you, overcoming obstacles and how fitness helped her recover from an injury....

Fitness Patron Spotlight: Quinn Matthews

Posted on December 27, 2018

On the second day of wellness, PlayKettering gave to me...another inspiring fitness story! Meet Quinn Matthews, who worked with personal trainer Larry Fox at the Kettering Recreation Complex to lose over 30 pounds and train for a 5K. Here's what Quinn had to say about his fitness journey: "At 50 years old, I realized it...

Fitness Patron Spotlight: Amanda

Posted on December 26, 2018

It's the 12 Days of Fitness! Join us each day for wellness inspiration and tips for living a healthier life. First up is Amanda, who works out at the Kettering Recreation Complex. Learn how our instructors helped her achieve her fitness goals and prepare for a Spartan race! "My name is Amanda, and I started...

Enjoy a winter nature walk

Posted on December 17, 2018

Our parks are bustling in the spring, summer and fall, but don’t count winter out! Sure, it might be hard to warm (!) to the idea of an outdoor jaunt in 30-degree temps, but the wellness benefits of spending time outside know no season. Bundle up and head to one of Kettering’s beautiful nature trails...

A Conversation with Artist Connie Campbell

Posted on December 6, 2018

One of two exhibitions currently on view in Rosewood Gallery is Archetypes, a series of sculptures by the artist Connie R. Campbell. Campbell is also the former Cultural Arts Superintendent for the City of Kettering - she was the very first to develop programming for Rosewood Arts Centre, among her many other tasks during her...

PRCA programs are for everyone!

Posted on November 8, 2018

The Kettering Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department strives to provide accessible, inclusive programs and facilities to anyone who would like to take part in what we have to offer. In order to give everyone the best experience possible, PRCA staff turns to the City of Kettering’s Compliance and Inclusion Manager, Anna Breidenbach, who works...

Learn to Curl with us!

Posted on October 18, 2018

Curling has arrived at the Kettering Ice Arena! Time to meet our amazing Learn to Curl coaches, Patrick Connolly and Paul Robinson, who have both been Curl Troy members for three years. They talked with us about why they love the sport of curling and what you'll learn from them in our curling clinics. How...

Live Your Best Creative Life

Posted on September 26, 2018

The Creative Life Symposium, scheduled for October 26 and 27, is a brand-new event sponsored by Rosewood Arts Centre in collaboration with the Dayton Society of Artists and the Dayton Visual Arts Center. Attendees will come away with practical ideas for “how to create a healthy community through creative practice or how to succeed with an...

Fishing in Kettering Parks

Posted on September 18, 2018

You can fish for free without a fishing license at the ponds at Delco Park, Lincoln Park, Pondview Park, and the Kettering Recreation Complex. You can find a list of park amenities and a map to these parks here. Please throw all fish back into the water, and please do not cast nets. Enjoy!

Comics Are No Joke

Posted on September 10, 2018

Think books with pictures are for little kids? Or that comic books are junk food for the brain? Think again! According to several studies, comic books are a great solution for encouraging reluctant readers. And these reluctant readers aren’t just students who are first learning to read – teenagers and adults who aren’t otherwise inclined...

Don’t ‘fall’ into unhealthy habits: 10 tips for healthy autumn eating

Posted on August 22, 2018

The fresh produce of summer makes it easier (aside from the lure of ice cream) to maintain a healthy diet. Plus, during the warmer months, our bodies naturally want lighter foods. When the weather turns cool, your body’s natural instinct is to store fat. And delicious stuff, like apple cider, pumpkin spice lattes, pies and...

Updates to Kettering Government Center Landscaping

Posted on August 9, 2018

If you’ve been by the Kettering Government Center this summer, you probably noticed some changes in the works. The landscaping on this campus is being redesigned. In fact, this project “is part of a much larger project that will encompass a redesigned landscape throughout the Government Center campus, Civic Commons and Lincoln Park in future...

Make Fitness Fun: 20 Outdoor Workouts

Posted on August 8, 2018

Looking to shake up your fitness routine? Check out our list of 20 outdoor workouts to burn calories and enjoy some PlayKettering-style fun! Get some friends together for a softball or baseball game. Find out which parks offer ball fields. Bundle the little ones up for a stroller walk Challenge a friend to a race...

Five Ways to Enjoy Art on the Commons

Posted on August 6, 2018

Rosewood Arts Centre’s premier annual event, Art on the Commons, is almost here! We're celebrating a major milestone this time around -this fine arts and crafts festival has been going strong for 30 years! The festival features over 100 artists in a variety of media. All the artwork is juried to make sure the quality...

Environmental Education in Kettering: Discover the History!

Posted on July 30, 2018

Kettering offers a vibrant and robust environmental education program. The Habitat Environmental Center and the Land Lab curriculum have helped to instill knowledge and passion for environmental stewardship in thousands of Kettering schoolchildren and community members. But did you know that only sixteen years ago, Kettering didn’t offer any environmental education programming at all? In...

Summer Safety on the Playground

Posted on July 12, 2018

If you have kids at home, chances are you spend lots of quality time at the playground during the summertime. And why not? Kettering’s playgrounds are close to home, fun and FREE! Our playgrounds are designed with safety in mind, but there are still some steps visitors should take to ensure that everyone has an...

Discover Parks: Kettering’s Hidden Gems

Posted on July 9, 2018

Even though there are 21 fabulous parks in Kettering, chances are you have your favorites and you’ve gotten in a routine of visiting those the most. According to a recent survey, Kettering’s Kantner Park (1512 Brownleigh Rd.), Glaser Park (1851 Doris Dr.) and Oak Park (2055 Malcom Ave.) are hungry for visitors. They might be...

Meet Jim Bucher, our 2018 Go 4th! emcee

Posted on June 28, 2018

Kettering’s Go 4th! is almost here! We caught up with this year’s emcee, media guru Jim Bucher or “Buch” as he’s known around the Miami Valley. We’re excited to have him return to the Go 4th! stage this year. Read on to find out why Buch thinks Go 4th! is a great community event. You’ve...

Behind the scenes of Kettering’s Go 4th!

Posted on June 22, 2018

5, 4, 3, 2, 1! Have you ever wondered what goes into planning a pyrotechnic show? Spoiler alert- it’s quite the process! Kettering’s Go 4th! stands out among the area’s fireworks displays – we have several elements you’re not going to find anywhere else. Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks in Loveland, Ohio has been in charge of...

Go 4th – Party Like It’s 1776!

Posted on June 20, 2018

Want to have your best Fourth of July ever? Check out our top tips for enjoying Kettering’s spectacular Go 4th! celebration and join us on Wednesday, July 4 from 6 – 10pm at Delco Park. Tip #1 Get comfortable for an evening of patriotic fun. Bring chairs, blankets, snacks, refreshments and your camera. Please leave...

Go 4th is a no drone zone

Posted on June 16, 2018

If you’re headed off to a fun event like Go 4th, you might be tempted to bring along your drone to capture some footage. Don’t do it – drones are prohibited from this event due to serious safety concerns. We checked in with Fire Marshal Bill Ford of the Kettering Fire Department to learn exactly...

Updates coming to the Kettering Fitness and Wellness Center

Posted on June 12, 2018

Exciting news for those who work out at the Kettering Fitness and Wellness Center - improvements are coming to the facility very soon! The facility will be closed Friday - Sunday, June 15, 16 and 17 for these updates. What's on the agenda? "The Kettering Fitness and Wellness Center and indoor walking track will be closed on...

Free Wednesdays at Adventure Reef Water Park!

Posted on June 11, 2018

Exciting news! Free admission to Adventure Reef Water Park on select Wednesday evenings is available this summer to children in grades K – 12 who attend Kettering City Schools, Kettering Alter High School, Kettering Montessori School, Ascension School, St. Albert School, St. Charles School, Dayton Regional Stem School and Kettering resident children participating in Home...

Meet Water Workout Instructor, Jodi Quinn!

Posted on May 17, 2018

Today, we continue our National Water Safety Month series introducing a few of the members of our aquatics staff. Longtime water workout instructor Jodi Quinn talked with us about the benefits of working out in the water and how you can get the best results from this type of workout. How long have you been...

Meet chalk artist, Tiffany Kelly!

Posted on May 15, 2018

Have you heard about our Chalk It Up To Play contest? Artist Tiffany Kelly of Chalk N’ Awe will create a new piece of chalk art in a different Kettering park each week. View the official Chalk It Up To Play page for details on how to enter and win a $10 Orange Leaf gift...

Polen Profiles: Meet Lisa

Posted on May 14, 2018

Polen Farm is a beautiful and historic nineteenth century farmhouse and barn. The 15-acre complex is a beautiful spot for weddings, receptions, meetings, luncheons, small conferences, retreats, reunions and other social affairs. Polen generally has a busy schedule, and it takes a dedicated staff to make all these events run smoothly. We talked with event...

Meet Swimming Instructor Ruth Kohstall

Posted on May 8, 2018

May is National Water Safety Month! One of the most valuable water safety tools a person can have is the ability to swim. This month, we’re featuring a few of our amazing aquatics staff. Learn what inspires them to help people enjoy the water safely. First up, meet Ruth Kohstall, who first learned to swim...

The benefits of art making for kids

Posted on March 20, 2018

We all know that when kids make art, it promotes creativity. We also know that creativity is extremely important for a child’s development. But artmaking at a young age has many more benefits to kids' physical, emotional and mental well being. Read on to find out more. Motor skill development Scribbling with markers and crayons...

Arts Council member Meghan Dillon discusses the arts in Kettering

Posted on March 12, 2018

Meghan Dillon teaches art at Kettering Fairmont High School. She has been a member of the Kettering Arts Council since 2013 and serves on the Art in Public Places Committee as well. In honor of Youth Art Month, we asked her to give us her perspective on the arts in Kettering and the value of...

CitySites public art collection receives assessment

Posted on February 28, 2018

A recent assessment of all the works in Kettering’s CitySites public art collection found that overall, the artwork is in good condition. Robert Lodge, the owner of McKay Lodge Conservation Laboratory in Oberlin, Ohio assessed the collection in the fall of 2017. McKay Lodge works with public art collections throughout the country, including the US...

Fitness Inspiration: Meg Holmes

Posted on February 26, 2018

Was improving your fitness level a resolution back in January? It can be difficult to maintain the lifestyle change that a new fitness program brings. We’re here with some motivation, thanks to Kettering Recreation Complex patron Meg Holmes, who recently shared her fitness story with us. Meg, 60, retired in the spring of 2017. “I...

Meet the Ice Force Synchronized Skating Team!

Posted on February 20, 2018

Olympics month continues! The 2018 Winter Games kicked off on February 9 in Pyeongchang, South Korea with plenty of exciting competition still to come. Today, we’re continuing our series on the talented figure skaters and hockey players who call the Kettering Ice Arena home. We talked to Christy Lemoine, a coach of Ice Force Synchronized...

A Conversation with Artist Andrea Benedict-Starkey

Posted on February 13, 2018

Dayton-based artist Andrea Benedict-Starkey will be at Rosewood Arts Centre on March 3 and 4 to teach a master class in the Japanese woodblock printmaking technique, Moku Hanga. We caught up with her to learn more about the art of Moku Hanga, what inspires her, and what you can expect to learn during the workshop....

Meet the South Dayton Figure Skating Club!

Posted on February 8, 2018

For many years, the South Dayton Figure Skating Club has practiced at the Kettering Ice Arena. This organization is “the next step for serious skaters who have completed the City of Kettering's USFS Basic Skills program and wish to expand their skills in the various disciplines of figure skating.” The SDFSC offers full membership privileges in...

Meet the Dayton Fangs!

Posted on January 31, 2018

It’s officially Olympics month! The 2018 Winter Games kick off on February 9 in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Olympic dreams and the joy of winter sports aren’t reserved for the elite levels – they start in community recreation facilities like the Kettering Ice Arena. All February long, we’re highlighting some of the dynamic teams and individuals...

Fitness Inspiration: Carly Kimmins

Posted on January 30, 2018

Need a little encouragement to keep on with those New Year’s fitness goals? We’re closing out resolution month with a quick spotlight on Carly Kimmins, who works out at the Kettering Fitness and Wellness Center. “Even though I never stepped foot in a gym until after I turned 40, I am so glad I finally...

Fitness class designed for people with Parkinson’s

Posted on January 25, 2018

The Parkinson’s Circuit Class, held twice weekly at the Kettering Recreation Complex, is a specialized program tailored to individuals living with Parkinson’s. Studies by the National Parkinson’s Foundation indicate that those living with Parkinson’s can benefit from an exercise program that includes stretching, aerobic exercise and resistance training. Through a carefully developed exercise routine, individuals...

Strollers in Motion

Posted on January 22, 2018

A new fitness class has rolled into Kettering – Strollers in Motion, a chance for caregivers and little ones to work out together! We dropped by the class recently to check it out. While their moms enjoyed a full-body workout, the littles rode in style. Four moms with strollers jogged in laps, did squats and...

Five ways to get back to healthy eating

Posted on December 29, 2017

After a month or more of rich treats, it can be hard to switch gears, even if you’ve gotten tired of candy and cookies. We put together a few suggestions for easing the transition from holiday indulgence to resolution fit. Don’t go overboard. Suddenly cutting out sugary foods and excess carbs can cause the body...

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