City of Kettering, Ohio

to redevelopment over the years with the Kettering Business Park and, last year,we had the opportunity to buy the large Miami Valley Research Park (owned at one point by four universities), for $1.5 million.We felt we were well equipped and positioned to grow that park and move it forward.” BVM: What does Kettering offer in terms of housing and recreational activities? Patterson : “We have a variety of housing styles and prices (from $70,000 to $2 million+) to fit anyone’s needs and we are blessed with an excellent school district.We have 21 parks, including many neigh- borhood parks that offer recreation opportunities. Our spectacular 152,000-sq.-ft. Kettering Recreation Complex facility brings under one roof the Senior Center, Kettering Ice Arena, a lap pool and spa, a multipurpose gymnasium, a walk/run track, a nurs- ery, aerobics and fitness rooms,meeting rooms, and more.The crown jewel of Kettering is Fraze Pavilion –a 4,300-seat outdoor amphitheater that’s consis- tently ranked in the Top 100 Outdoor Amphithe- aters, nationwide, by Pollstar.Our residents treasure the fantastic Kettering schools and all our recre- ation amenities and cultural arts programs.” BVM: Is it true you’ve built four newfire stations in the city? Schwieterman : “It’s true.The seven stations we had in various neighborhoods were no longer suit- able. In 2006,we had a consultant come in for our fire department and we developed a master plan, dubbed the Fire Modernization Plan.We used to be a volunteer fire department from the 1920s to the ‘50s. Ultimately,we transitioned to where we are today,which is 95 percent full-time career and a few part-time people.Today, you not only fight fires, you provide emergencymedical care, as well. So, our Modernization Plan resulted in four new fire stations, the last of which just opened.Along with all the other changes we’ve made operationally, I believe we have one of the finest fire departments in the state and the finest infrastructure for them to work out of. In true Kettering style, the old fire stations are being repurposed.We’ve sold one to a business, one as a residence, and we’re planning reuse for two others.”