The Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA) has recognized Kettering Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts with not one, not two, but THREE Awards of Excellence for 2024!
First Place: EcoFEST
Remember that amazing September day when Lincoln Park was buzzing with environmental enthusiasm? With visitors exploring booths from 60+ organizations, watching EV demonstrations and learning about everything from composting to constellation preservation, EcoFEST showed that Kettering knows how to make environmental education exciting.
Second Place: TreeFest & Tree Love
We’re especially proud that both our wins in the Environmental & Interpretive Programs category came from our commitment to sustainability, TreeFest and Tree Love demonstrated the perfect blend of community service and celebration. The morning started with dedicated volunteers planting trees and cleaning up parkland, then shifted to Eudora Brewing Company for an afternoon of environmental education, complete with a specially brewed Arbor Day beer!
Second Place: Gentile Nature Park
In the Capital Improvement category, Gentile Nature Park earned recognition for transforming north Kettering’s recreation scene. This 19-acre wonderland features:
– Kettering’s largest nature-based playground
– Two 100-foot ziplines
– A half-mile walking path
– Bike connection to path off Wiltshire Boulevard
– Native plantings and natural areas
What These Awards Mean for You
These honors recognize more than just great programs – they celebrate our community’s commitment to making Kettering an amazing place to live, work and play. Every time you zip down a line at Gentile Park, plant a tree at TreeFest, or learn something new at EcoFEST, you’re part of our award-winning story.
Want to Join the Fun?
– Visit Gentile Nature Park: Open daily from dawn to dusk
– Save the Date: TreeFest and Tree Love return April 19, 2025
– Mark Your Calendar: EcoFEST 2025 is coming next fall
Your Parks, Your Awards
These achievements belong to everyone in Kettering. Whether you volunteered at TreeFest, brought your kids to Gentile Nature Park or learned something new at EcoFEST – you helped make these programs award-worthy. Here’s to more amazing parks, programs, and community connections in 2025!