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...

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...

Kettering’s Go 4th! to feature Phil Dirt & The Dozers

Posted on June 25, 2018

Enjoy the musical stylings of Phil Dirt & The Dozers at Go 4th! this year. This fun, beloved crew of entertainers is bringing lots of vintage fun to Delco Park this Independence Day! Read more about the band in their own words: “Come travel back to a time when life was more simple, the world...

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...

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...

Meet ‘A Glide Through Time’ solo skater, Julia!

Posted on April 16, 2018

The Kettering Ice Arena is holding their spring ice show, A Glide Through Time, on May 4 and 5. This big show is full of local talent, as well as amazing costumes and scenery. A panel of judges selected four skaters to perform solos in the show – today, we finish our series introducing these skaters.  Next...

Meet ‘A Glide Through Time’ solo skater, Taylor!

Posted on April 3, 2018

The Kettering Ice Arena is holding their spring ice show, A Glide Through Time, on May 4 and 5. This big show is full of local talent, as well as amazing costumes and scenery. A panel of judges selected four skaters to perform solos in the show – today, we continue our series introducing these skaters....

Meet ‘A Glide Through Time’ solo skater, Sarah!

Posted on March 27, 2018

The Kettering Ice Arena is holding their spring ice show, A Glide Through Time, on May 4 and 5. This big show is full of local talent, as well as amazing costumes, props and scenery. A panel of judges selected four skaters to perform solos in the show – today, we continue our series introducing these...

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...

Meet ‘A Glide Through Time’ solo skater, Lily!

Posted on February 27, 2018

The Kettering Ice Arena is holding an ice show on May 4 and 5 called A Glide Through Time. This is a big show, full of local talent, as well as amazing costumes, props and scenery. A panel of judges selected four skaters to perform solos in the show – we’ll be introducing each skater...

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...

Meet the Kettering Parks Advisory Board: Shane Sullivan

Posted on December 14, 2017

We continue our series introducing the members of the Kettering Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Advisory Board with member Shane Sullivan!  How long have you been a member of the Parks board, and what inspired you to become involved? I have been on the PRCA board for two years. I live and work in Kettering,...

Meet the Kettering Parks Advisory Board: Laura Arber

Posted on December 7, 2017

Our series introducing the members of the Kettering Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Advisory Board continues with Vice Chair, Laura Arber! How long have you served on the Kettering Parks board? What inspired you to get involved? This is my fourth year. I went through the Kettering Leadership Academy and learned about all the opportunities...

PRCA Profiles: Claire Hinde, Rosewood Arts Centre

Posted on December 5, 2017

What led you to a career in cultural arts? Can you tell us about your background? A winding life, haha! My background is primarily in dance performance and choreography. I was fortunate to be able to perform professionally for about six years. I performed regionally, in New York City, and around the world, including a...

Meet the Kettering Parks Advisory Board: Carrie Kihn

Posted on November 29, 2017

We're continuing our series highlighting the Kettering Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Advisory Board. Today, meet Board Chair, Carrie Kihn! How long have you served on the Kettering Parks board?  Six years Why do you feel parks, recreation and cultural arts important to Kettering? The parks and cultural arts are important because they give people...

Meet the Kettering Parks Advisory Board: Jamie Jarosik

Posted on November 21, 2017

The Kettering Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Advisory Board was created to promote a comprehensive parks, recreation and cultural arts program for the citizens of Kettering. The advisory board also fosters working relationships with schools, community and civic organizations and provides the general public with information and education with regards to parks, recreation and cultural...

PRCA Profiles: Kerri Miles, Environmental Education Supervisor

Posted on November 15, 2017

We're continuing our series of profiles on our talented Kettering PRCA team members! Learn what inspired them to choose careers in parks and recreation and what they love about working with the community. Next up:  Environmental Education Supervisor, Kerri Miles What led you to a career in environmental education? I’ve always loved the outdoors.  My...

Fall lawn care tips from Parks Maintenance

Posted on November 8, 2017

Brandon Douglas from Parks maintenance has some helpful tips on how to care for your lawn this fall, so it’s beautiful when spring rolls around. Here are his suggestions: Fall is a great time to put down the last application of fertilizer on lawns to help promote root growth throughout the winter and also giving...

Veterans and families – enjoy FREE activities on Veterans Day!

Posted on November 7, 2017

Saturday, November 11 is Veterans Day! To thank local veterans for their service to our country, we’re offering active and retired members of the military and their families free admission to select activities and facilities on Veterans Day. Proper Military ID is required to participate. Check out the full list below:     Aquatics Lap...

Rosewood to test drive extended facility hours for 2018

Posted on November 1, 2017

Want to create art or take a class on the weekends, but don’t have time? Good news – Rosewood Arts Centre is piloting new extended hours, starting January 2, 2018. Cultural Arts Division Manager, Shayna McConville, gave us the details. What are Rosewood’s hours under the new schedule? Rosewood's hours will be Monday through Thursday,...

PRCA Profile: Sports Supervisor, Jake Hensel

Posted on October 26, 2017

We're excited to be launching a new series of profiles on our talented Kettering PRCA team members. Learn what inspired them to choose careers in parks and recreation and what they love about working with the community. First up:  Sports Supervisor, Jacob Hensel What led you to a career in community sports? I’ve always had...

PRCA Team Spotlight: Andrew Dailey, Rosewood Arts Centre

Posted on October 18, 2017

Kettering's Cultural Arts Program Supervisor, Andy Dailey, has a solo exhibition, Drawn Through, currently on view at Rosewood Gallery. Here, he talks inspiration, artistic practice, and balancing life and artmaking. How has working at Rosewood inspired your work as an artist? I think working at Rosewood has inspired my work as an artist in a number...

Get Moving!

Posted on October 16, 2017

From kids to seniors, everyone needs to incorporate physical activity into their life each day. If you’re worried you don’t have time to meet the CDC’s guidelines, check out these quick and easy ways to get moving each day. Walk or bike instead of driving. If you must drive, park at the end of the...

Five Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Kettering

Posted on October 10, 2017

From dance to swimming to traditional exercise, Kettering is full of ways for senior adults to have fun and stay healthy! Check out this selection of indoor activities to keep your exercise plan* going during the chillier weather. 1. Senior Drop-In Gym Offered weekday mornings to adults ages 55+, this is the perfect opportunity to...

The Health Benefits of Ice Skating

Posted on October 2, 2017

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...

Kettering Ice Arena Spotlight: Lillian

Posted on September 27, 2017

Kettering Ice Arena Spotlight: Lillian, age 12, figure skater Curious about the people who practice at Kettering Ice Arena? We’re catching up with our figure skaters and hockey players to learn why they love their sports, how they practice and more fun facts about them! What’s your favorite thing about skating? Learning double jumps and...

Kettering Ice Arena Spotlight: Daphne

Posted on September 19, 2017

Kettering Ice Arena Spotlight: Daphne, age 13, figure skater Curious about the people who practice at Kettering Ice Arena? We’re catching up with our figure skaters and hockey players to learn why they love their sports, how they practice and more fun facts. Check out our first interview below. What’s your favorite thing about skating?...

A Conversation with Artist CJ Niehaus

Posted on September 5, 2017

Award-winning ceramics artist CJ Niehaus is coming to Rosewood later this month. She talked with our social team about what inspires her to create artwork, how she got started as an artist and why she loves teaching others to create. What was your first experience with ceramic art? What inspired you to decide to pursue...

Online registration – updates coming soon!

Posted on August 30, 2017

Online registration has proved a big challenge for many of our patrons. Your calls and social media comments didn’t go unheard. Starting September 11, 2017, we’ll be launching a three-day update process to our registration system. The system will be down from September 11 – 13. And remember – our registration site is separate from...

Program cancellation and facility closure information guide

Posted on August 29, 2017

Wondering if your softball game is canceled? Is the Kettering Recreation Complex closed due to snow? We’ve made a couple of changes to how we communicate that information. Here are the details, courtesy of Division Manager of Recreation Facilities, Sonja Rom. How does the new communication chain make it easier to find information? The goal...

Wake up your routine – visiting a park can fight fatigue!

Posted on August 23, 2017

Do you struggle to stay awake at your desk post lunch? Or get home from work and immediately collapse on the couch? Visiting a park at lunchtime could be the key to beating the afternoon blah’s, recent studies suggest. A brisk walk while focusing on nature instead of work kept study participants more productive in...

‘Kettering Is Home’ Painted Rock Guidelines

Posted on August 22, 2017

We’re thrilled that so many people are eager to hide and find colorful painted rocks in our parks! Kelly from the Habitat Environmental Center put together a quick list of guidelines to make the 'Kettering Is Home' rocks craze safe and fun for everyone. Acrylic paint and a polyurethane sealer works perfectly to create your...

Recap: Art on the Commons

Posted on August 18, 2017

Beautiful sunny skies and mild temps made Rosewood Arts Centre’s 29th annual Art on the Commons an ideal day for enjoying Lincoln Park Civic Commons, artwork, music, food and youth activities. Over 10,000 people came out to see us, and several hundred kids created origami boats, finger puppets and beaded jewelry, as well as enjoyed...

Bee the Change

Posted on August 18, 2017

What’s happening to all the bees? Due to a variety of factors, bees have been on the decline for several years. You’ve probably heard a lot about this already! Curious about what the deal is and wondering how to help? Scroll down to learn more. The buzz on bees Yes, bees make honey, but they...

Wild about birthdays!

Posted on August 16, 2017

Did you know that the months with the highest birthrates each year are usually August and September? Chances are good you know someone with a birthday coming up! Need a party plan? The Habitat Environmental Center has revamped their Wild Birthday themes with a fresh batch of party experiences. Here’s what’s new: Fantastic Beasts: Discover...

Lower your stress level by creating art

Posted on August 7, 2017

Remember drawing and fingerpainting as a kid? Now, when was the last time you made art as an adult? Most people stop creating spontaneous artwork for fun as they get older – they lose interest or decide there’s a ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ way to create. You might want to pick the paintbrush back up –...

Web Wednesday: You Talked Tech. We Listened!

Posted on August 2, 2017

You Talked Tech. We Listened! Kettering Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts is serious about providing positive customer experiences. And in the twenty-first century, more and more of those experiences are starting online. When a lot of you told us that online registration was too difficult or that information on the website wasn’t accessible, we took...

National Parks and Recreation Month Friday Feature: Sports for the Win

Posted on July 28, 2017

Whether you’re running down the field, cheering from the stands or even sitting on the bench, the benefits of sports can’t be denied. Aside from the obvious physical exercise and cardiovascular workout that sports provide, the mental and emotional benefits are plentiful. Sense of Community: One of the first things athletes learn is how to...

Get out and explore!

Posted on July 26, 2017

After a long day of sitting at school, it’s vital that kids get outside and get moving. Don’t settle for screens as the afternoon activity of choice – there’s a lot of evidence that this does more harm than good. According to a recent study, The Nature of Americans, computers and TV are the things...

National Parks & Recreation Month Friday Feature: Art All Around

Posted on July 21, 2017

It’s National Parks and Recreation Month, but in Kettering, we’re not just Parks and Recreation. That’s right, we’re the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts! Although originally founded as the City of Kettering Department of Parks and Recreation, the name was later updated to reflect the city’s unique arts offerings. This week, we’re taking...

National Parks & Recreation Month Friday Feature: Parks Proud

Posted on July 14, 2017

We take great pride in Kettering’s 21 beautiful parks. Full of fishing ponds, walking trails, playgrounds, dedicated sports areas and much more, parks are one of the core elements that go into creating a community of choice. What is it that makes parks so important? Environment: Parks offer proven benefits to cities’ groundwater quality, air...

Play is the Way, Part II

Posted on July 11, 2017

Last month, we brought you the many reasons why outdoor play is essential for kids. But does the need to engage in free play outside magically stop at age 18? Absolutely not! A number of recent studies point to the value of outdoor play for adults, but those same studies suggest that neighborhood parks are...

Why Camp?

Posted on July 7, 2017

Every summer, hundreds of local youth enjoy Kettering’s many traditional day camps, specialty camps, art camps, nature camps and sports camps. Summer camp is always a fun and exciting time – but it’s actually much more, too. So, what are some of the benefits of sending kids to summer camp? Social development: From getting along...

6 Ways to Stay Safe at Adventure Reef Water Park this Summer

Posted on June 30, 2017

We hope you’ll make time for at least one visit to Adventure Reef this summer. Whether you haven’t yet been or are eagerly planning a return trip, it’s always a good idea to brush up on water park safety. Here’s a quick guide. Wear sunscreen This piece of advice was made famous exactly 20 years...

Get Moving Wednesdays!

Posted on June 21, 2017

Childhood obesity has been on the rise for decades. A third of kids are now overweight or obese, according to the American Heart Association. Health conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes are becoming more common in children as a result. Although poor nutrition plays a big role in the epidemic...

Play Is The Way

Posted on June 14, 2017

Why play outdoors? It’s not a newsflash that kids LOVE to play, especially outdoors. What’s interesting is that free play isn’t all fun and games. Not engaging in enough free play with peers can have serious emotional and social repercussions for kids. Overall, kids who spend lots of time outside at play tend to grow...

Tips for Water Safety This Summer

Posted on May 25, 2017

Happy National Water Safety Month! Are you headed out to a pool, lake or ocean this summer? Swimming, boating and fishing are some of summer’s most exciting activities. They can also be the most dangerous. Read on for tips to help yourself and your family stay safe in and around the water. Regardless of where...

Learning How to Swim: It Matters

Posted on May 19, 2017

If you already know how to swim you might take for granted the value of this skill. But for many people the idea of learning how to swim can be frightening and seemingly impossible. The importance of being able to swim can vary from lifesaving to recreational. Here are six reasons why everyone – no...

Recap: Art on the Playground 2017

Posted on May 18, 2017

Rosewood Arts Centre’s fifth annual Art on the Playground was “definitely the best to date,” said Cultural Arts Program Supervisor, Andrew Dailey. Drawing a crowd of 450 art enthusiasts of all ages, the event featured 14 activity stations with projects like mask-making, pottery, fiber arts and origami. The first-ever Art on the Playground won second...

Recap: 2017 City of Kettering Community Survey Results

Posted on May 8, 2017

Eight-eight percent of the Kettering residents who answered the 2017 City of Kettering Community Survey said the Kettering Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department's biggest impact on the community is making it a desirable place to live. The survey, finished in spring 2017, was completed by 607 Kettering residents. "These types of surveys are critical to...

Recap: Disc Golf Course Improvements Underway

Posted on April 28, 2017

If you enjoy disc golf, you've no doubt noticed recent changes to the course in Indian Riffle (I.R.) Park and the grounds surrounding the Kettering Recreation Complex. Holes 6-9 are in the process of being redesigned and laid out due to the Prugh Woods Development. New baskets, as well as new tee pads and signs,...