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 park maintenance employees. Several temporary part-time employees are hired to supplement the permanent staff during the spring and summer months. These temporary employees help with additional landscaping duties and city pool needs. Applications for these positions are available beginning in March.

Annual Activities and Events

Events held in the City Parks are: 

Park Board

The Park Board is vital to the operation and policy-making of the parks system.

Park Services

Shelter House Rental Information

Shelter houses can be reserved for citizens through the Parks and Recreation Department (419-784-2745, Monday through Friday). Reservations may be made on the first working day of the New Year 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 before 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.

Our City Parks