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Parks

ErnstWith 22 parks spread throughout the city, there's a place for you, your family and friends to enjoy.

Discover a new playground, head out for a picnic, play tennis, pickleball, basketball or volleyball. Fish in one of our four ponds, stroll along a path, have an event under a shelter or just enjoy the weather.

In Kettering, we pride ourselves on the impact our parks have on the lives of our citizens. Take a walk, hike, bike or run through one of our spectacular parks and enjoy all that Kettering Parks have to offer.

Join our team! Our Parks staff enjoys working outside in a beautiful setting, getting their hands dirty and seeing the impact of their work in our 22 parks. Join our team and help keep Kettering beautiful! Learn more.

Featured Parks

 

Oak Park: Did you know that every Kettering resident lives within walking distance from a park? Oak Park is located at 2055 Malcom Dr., Kettering OH 45420. It's amenities include; tree house themed playground, non-reservable shelter, barbecue grill, picnic tables and benches, tennis/half basketball court, ball field, drinking fountain, walking path and is handicap accessible!

Glaser Park: Another one of Kettering's hidden gems! Located at 1851 Doris Drive, this park has something for everyone. Kids will love the railroad-themed playground, while adults can enjoy a walk on the trail, play some basketball, or simply relax at a picnic table. The park is also handicap accessible, making it a great place for everyone to enjoy. So next time you're looking for a place to relax or have some fun, be sure to check out Glaser Park! Bring your family and friends, and have a day to remember.

Irelan Park: Looking for a place to spend the afternoon with your family and friends? Look no further than Irelan Park! This Kettering gem has something for everyone, from a walking path and 2.1-mile trail to a barbecue grill, picnic tables and benches, restroom, drinking fountain, baseball diamonds, soccer field, playground equipment, two shelters, parking lot, and handicap accessibility. It's located at 4532 Marshal Road. Whether you're looking for a place to get some exercise, enjoy a picnic, or play a game of baseball, Irelan Park is the perfect spot. So pack your bags and head to Irelan Park today!

Indian Riffle: This park certainly isn't lacking in the amenities department. Planning a picnic or event? Our shelters offer everything you need for a fun-filled day, including:

~Tables and seating for up to 120 people ~ Barbecue grills ~ Chemical toilets (open year-round) ~ Permanent restrooms (open seasonally) ~ A grass volleyball court ~ Playground equipment ~ A drinking fountain ~ Parking for 150 cars ~ Concessions ~ Seasonal Walking Track 1 (0.25 miles) ~ Par Course Fitness Trail 1 (1.21 miles) ~ Football Field, reservations required prior to use ~ Shuffle Board Inside locked area – See Kettering Rec Center front desk for sticks ~Fishing Pier/Pond Stocked (no fishing license required) ~ Skate Plaza ~ Frisbee Golf Course 18 holes ~ Wooded Area Large mature trees ~ Horseshoe Pit Inside locked area by Rec Center – See Rec Center front desk for horseshoes. Shelter #2 is the closest to the playground equipment, and shelters #2 and #3 are wheelchair accessible. Additional tables and grills are available on a first-come, first-served basis in the picnic area. Make your reservation today and start planning your perfect day at Indian Riffle Park!

Southern Hills: Nestled on the North end of Kettering is Southern Hills Park, an oasis for child play and this week's featured park! This park has it all: a village-themed playground with something for kids of all ages, a non-reservable shelter for picnics, a barbecue grill, tennis/half basketball courts, picnic tables and benches, a drinking fountain, a walking path, and it's handicap accessible. So pack a lunch, grab the kids, and head to Southern Hills Park for a day of fun in the sun!

Pondview: Pondview is a lovely oasis of beauty and relaxation! It has the charm of being totally secluded in a picturesque natural environment while being located conveniently here in Kettering. Its location is 2320 Pondview Drive, Kettering OH 45440. This park has easy walking paths, mature trees, flowers, bridges, and a pretty pond with mallard ducks. The park has educational stops with hand powered sound boxes that are great for curious kids and families alike. It’s the perfect park to take a walk, get your pup out of the house or set up a picnic! Amenities include: Marked Nature Trail, Stocked Pond/Fishing Pier (1 acre), Benches, picnic tables, Restrooms (year round), Drinking Fountain, and is Handicap Accessible. Definitely worth checking out!

 

Resized Glaser
Wenzler Summer

 


Parks in Kettering
Gary Schussler, Parks Superintendent, gary.schussler@ketteringoh.org
Barry Sanders, Parks Manager, barry.sanders@ketteringoh.org
Ant Brown, Parks Manager, ant.brown@ketteringoh.org
Chayna Carswell, Parks Clerk, chayna.carswell@ketteringoh.org

Parks Maintenance Center
3170 Valleywood Drive
Kettering, OH 45429
937-296-2486


Hours

• Except for Civic Commons, parks are open only from sunrise to dusk unless posted.
• Civic Commons closes at midnight, unless extended for a Fraze performance.

Restricted Activities

• Wading, swimming, ice skating, boating and golf are not permitted.
• Drugs are not permitted in the parks.
• Intoxicating beverages and beer are not permitted unless sold by permit.
• Any use of league athletic fields must be scheduled through the Parks Maintenance Center 296-2486.
• No admittance to Fraze Pavilion except during events.
• No in-line skating or in-line skates are allowed in Civic Commons.
• No skateboarding or skateboards allowed in Civic Commons.
• Bicycles must be walked within Civic Commons.

Dogs

• All dogs must be on a leash no more than 10 feet long and must be kept under control.
• Persons must clean up after their dog(s) and must carry a device for this purpose.

Removal and Damage of Property

• Removal, damage or defacing of buildings, structures, natural features, plants, flowers and lawn areas is prohibited.

Depositing of Materials

• Discarding materials in parks or park dumpsters is prohibited.
• Trash must be deposited in containers provided.
• No glass containers are allowed in parks.

Fires

• Fires must be built in grills only and must be attended at all times.

Camping

• No person may camp in the parks without written permission from the City.

Weapons

• No person may possess BB guns, archery equipment, fireworks, explosives, model rockets or sling shots.

Commercial Activities

• No person may conduct commercial activities, sales, charge admission, solicit funds or operate games of chance or erect signs in the park.

Traffic

• Motor vehicles, motorcycles and mopeds are not permitted off of designated roads and parking areas.
• No vehicle is to be left in the parks overnight.
• Horses, minibikes, dirt bikes and ATVs are not permitted in the parks.

Protection of Wildlife

• No person may hunt, trap, feed or endanger animals or birds in any way.

Conduct

• Persons may not act in a dangerous, disruptive, offensive or noisy manner affecting the safety, peace and good order of the parks and park visitors.
• No loitering in cars, parking lots or any other areas.
• Respect park shelter and tennis court reservations.

Pesticides

• Lawn pesticides may be applied by the Parks crews periodically.

Penalty

• Any person who violates these rules can be charged with a criminal offense and may be ordered from the park by police or park officials, denied future access and be prosecuted accordingly.
• All park, city, state and federal ordinances apply.

Honoring Exceptional Kettering Trees

The City of Kettering Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department is pleased to launch a new initiative called the Heritage Tree Program, recognizing exceptional trees that enhance the character and natural landscape of our community. This celebratory program allows us to appreciate the environmental and aesthetic gifts provided by the remarkable trees around us.

Heritage Tree Award Details:
• Up to 10 trees each year will be awarded throughout the community (residential, commercial, &/or public park).
• After submission, City of Kettering staff will confirm tree details & get owner permission for nomination.
• If awarded, applicants will be provided a plaque to display within the given property for a period of time, Labor Day – Halloween (Approximately 8 weeks).
• A program nomination form–can be submitted by owner or neighboring property owner.
• Applicants who are awarded will be recognized within city publications and social media posts.
• Awarded trees will be added to the City of Kettering Heritage Tree Program database to remain recognized for future years.

How we define a tree
A tree is defined as a perennial plant having a single woody main trunk usually characterized by the ability to grow to considerable size and the development of woody branches. *Shrubs, bushes, ornamentals and fruit trees are NOT included.

Featured Parks

Photo of Tim Wendler

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