Summer in Kettering: Safer, stronger, fun
Planning for summer fun in Kettering was quite different this year. Although COVID19 changed the plan, our goal remains steadfast. The health and safety of our residents and visitors is the beacon that guides every decision we make; and, although we recently made some heartbreaking changes in traditional summer offerings, we know they were the right ones.
City leaders looked to health officials, conferred with other municipalities, weighed every option and researched multiple scenarios before making decisions that would impact so many. Again, health and safety was paramount in the planning process. The logistics of staffing and coordinating delayed programming was also of tremendous concern. Training employees for summer jobs would not only be delayed but would need to include extra protocol, and potentially extra staff, to meet state requirements.
Feedback from our community is necessary and one of the many reasons Kettering is home. Some of our residents are appreciative and relieved to know we are following the guidelines of the state of Ohio. They expressed their gratitude knowing that city administrators are in constant contact with public health organizations and vigilant in adhering to the ever-changing directives. Conversely, others were upset and disappointed in the choices City Council and staff made in preparation for a safe 2020 summer season.
City leaders embrace and respond to every perspective offered; and, the discussions we have had with our stakeholders — the community — have helped us to think creatively and offer amenities in different ways despite the impact of the pandemic. Inch by inch, because of the feedback from our residents, we are building a season of amenities that will provide a canvas upon which our customers can paint a memorable, special summer. The paintings will look different than they did in years past, but perhaps that’s where the real beauty lies — in the eyes and hearts of the beholders.
As our residents follow along through the media outlets, they will see that, as promised, Kettering summer has begun to bloom as the state of Ohio allows. As of May 26, our fitness centers at the Kettering Recreation Complex and Kettering Fitness and Wellness Center opened to membership holders. Shortly thereafter, our tennis courts, pickleball courts, the skate park and playground equipment were re-opened to the public. The track and indoor pool are slated to reopen this month at the Kettering Recreation Complex, as well.
Without gorgeous nights at Fraze Pavilion and our annual Go 4th celebration, summer seems empty. City administrators feel it, too. We are incredibly proud of the fun that is synonymous with Kettering in summer. We understand that some of these decisions affect plans that were in place for parents, children and friends. This is when we have to get creative, help one another and enjoy the simpler things. A sunset, a hammock, a kite, a bike, a picnic, jumping rope, play dates and any place our imagination takes us. The community will come through this stronger and safer, and that will be our crowning jewel. My hope is that you can flip the narrative from 2020 being the year of cancellations to the one that brought us closer together.
We will continue to report up-to-the-minute openings and offerings as they become available at ketteringoh.org. Stay tuned, it is going to be a great summer.