Lincoln Park Civic Commons, Kettering's newest park, is a magnificent, award-winning park featuring reflecting pools, fountains, patios, flowers, walking paths and a 2-acre pond. Completed in 1988, Civic Commons has become the center for community wide events such as the Mayor's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Art on the Commons, as well as a favorite destination for those who just want a breath of fresh air. It's also home to the Fraze Pavilion for the Performing Arts, which offers a variety of performances and festivals from May through September.

The city's parks offer many special features. Indian Riffle features a sledding hill and the award-winning Playground for All, an innovative playground that allows kids with disabilities to play alongside their peers. Delco Park features a BMX track; and there are fishing ponds at Delco, Civic Commons, Indian Riffle and Pondview parks.

Picnic shelters are located at Delco, Indian Riffle, Ernst and Irelan parks; and fitness trails can be found at Delco, Ernst, Indian Riffle, Kennedy and Walther parks.

In addition to these features, Kettering's parks offer 32 tennis courts, 41 baseball/softball diamonds and 20 football/soccer fields. Polen Farm isn't technically a park, but its 15 acres include open space, stately oak trees and extensive landscaping.

The Parks Division's efforts in keeping Kettering green have been recognized by receiving the Tree City Award for the 12 consecutive years. Nearly 1,800 trees and shrubs were planted on city-owned properties and public right-of-ways last year.

In recent years, the department has placed great emphasis in making the city's parks, playground equipment, shelters and restrooms accessible to people with disabilities.

The Playground for All in Indian Riffle Park paved the way in 1992. Since then, play equipment in several other parks has either been replaced or retrofitted to be accessible. In addition, paved paths have been installed in many parks to make the park features more accessible.