Parks & Recreation
The Parks and Recreation Division oversees and maintains Riverside Cemetery and all City Parks including the upkeep of all the athletic fields, swimming pool, Splash Park, and facilities within these parks. The Division head is supported by an Administrative Assistant and three full time parks maintenance employees. During the spring and summer months, several temporary part-time employees are hired to supplement the permanent staff. These temporary employees help out with the additional landscaping duties and city pool needs. Applications for these positions are available beginning in March.
Annual Clean Up Your Parks Day
Along with its regular maintenance duties, the Parks Division also provides a variety of annual activities for the community. One event held every April is "Clean Up Your Parks Day", in which an estimated 300 volunteers show up with their garden tools to aid in cleaning up the winter debris at their favorite park. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 8, 2023 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. Find more information in the Clean Up Day flyer (PDF)! Get details on Werlor Free Disposal Day (PDF).
Other Events
Other events held in the City Parks are:
- Art in the Park
- Music in the Parks
- Children's Lunch Program
- Jazz Festival
- July 4th Fireworks Celebration
- DASH Walk
- Triathlon at the Reservoir
- Alzheimer Walk
- Defiance County Heartwalk
- Hispanic Awareness
- Morbapaloosa (movies shown on Saturdays during the summer months)
Every August, volunteers from the Defiance College (freshman service day) help with painting, cleaning, and general yard work. The Master Gardeners volunteer their time to plant flowers and maintain the floral landscaping of several areas.
Park Board
Vital to the operation and policy-making of the parks system is the Park Board.
Park Services
Shelter House Rental Information
Shelter houses can be reserved through the Parks and Recreation Department (419-784-2745, Monday through Friday) for citizen use. Reservations may be made the first working day of the New Year, and can be made by calling 419-784-2745 or at the Parks Office, City Hall, 631 Perry Street, Defiance, OH 43512.
Shelter House Rental Fees are $50.
Cash or check may be mailed to the above address or paid during the working hours of Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm. Make checks payable to "Defiance City Parks". Rental fees must be paid in full at least two weeks in advance of the rental date. The reservation is not confirmed until the fee is paid. Shelter house rentals are on a "first-come, first-served basis" unless they are reserved and paid.