Mission
The mission of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts department is to enhance the quality of life for all Kettering residents and to distinguish Kettering as a community of choice.

Vision
Together Strive for Excellence through Innovation and Positive Experiences.

Recently the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department staff met to discuss the direction and vision of our department and how we can support the City's vision of making Kettering the community of choice.  The vision statement we developed is:

Together Strive for Excellence through Innovation and Positive Experiences.

As a department, we are committed to strive for excellence, focus on innovation and provide positive experiences for all users.

As a user, you'll begin seeing these words used throughout our publications and in everything we do. These three words will help guide decision-making as well as future program and facility development.

Department Staff
Mary Beth Thaman, Director
Mike Fleener, Parks Superintendent
Connie Campbell, Cultural Arts Superintendent
Karen Durham, Fraze Pavilion Manager
Bill Tschirhart, Business Services Manager
Claudine Heizer, Communications/Marketing Manager
Sonja Rom, KRC Facility Manager
Stacy Schweikhart, Division Manager, Programs/Special Projects
Jim Engelhardt, Division Manager, Sports/Fitness/School Facilities
Jerry Finley, Fitness & Wellness Supervisor
Kathy Schommer, Youth & Family Program Coordinator
Tammy Erdmann, Aquatics Supervisor
Addie Weaver, Youth Development Coordinator
Katie Williamson, Senior Sports & Wellness Coordinator
Barry Sanders, Parks Supervisor

Matt Byrd, Parks Supervisor

Contact Information

You can contact any of the supervisors above by calling 937-296-2454 or emailing kettprca@ketteringoh.org. 

Speakers Bureau

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts department offers a Speakers Bureau community service program to provide groups and organizations with information on leisure opportunities for all ages. This service is free of charge and can be tailored to fit your group or organization.  Download the full brochure below and contact us to schedule.

Speakers Bureau (PDF File - 202 KB)

Annual Report

The department produces an annual report and has provided a copy here for viewing.

2005 Annual Report (PDF File - 7.4 MB)

2006 Annual Report (PDF File - 3.1 MB)

Needs Assessment

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts department recently partnered with Wright State University's Center for Urban and Public Affairs to complete a needs assessment.  The assessment consisted of a telephone survey and a series of focus groups with stakeholder groups. The executive summary is below. For a full version of the assessment, please email kettprca@ketteringoh.org. 

Needs Assessment - Executive Summary (PDF File - 75 KB)

Community Attitude and Interest Survey

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts department recently hired Leisure Vision, a Division of ETC Institute, to conduct a Community Attitude and Interest Survey.  The survey consisted of a telephone survey and a series of focus groups. The executive summary is below. For a full version of the survey, please email kettprca@ketteringoh.org.

Community Attitude & Interest Survey - Executive Summary

(PDF File - 1.17 MB)

Employee Recognition Program

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts department recently introduced a new employee recognition program. This program is designed to recognize employees who demonstrate our Vision through their work. Employees will be nominated by co-workers, supervisors or even the general public.

To nominate an employee, complete the application form below and return to the Administrative Office at 3600 Shroyer Road.

Nomination Form (PDF File - 23 KB)