An Organizational History    An Early Vision For The Community

• The Norwood Recreation Commission was established in 1943, by ordinance of the City Council of Norwood, Ohio, during the term of Mayor Allen Roudebush.  He, along with former school Superintendent Harold Bates, retired businessman Earl Knight and Mons. Francis A. Gressle were instrumental in having a half-mill levy for recreational purposes placed upon the ballot.  Their philosophy was that the Recreation Department should be non-political, that is should be a joint effort of the city and Board of Education to provide much needed recreational activities for the citizens of Norwood.  To that end a Commission of five members, two selected by the Board of Education and three appointed by the mayor were to serve as policy makers.

Working Together for the Future

• To find the operation of the Commission, a half-mill vote established an initial budget which was combined with other income realized from programs fees.  This budget is used to support salaries for coaches, summer pool and playground personnel as well as programs, athletic equipment, supplies and general maintenance and upkeep.  Tax levy funds and all other income were to be channeled to the Recreation Commission for programs through the Board of Education.  In addition, the Board of Education would provide free use of the school gyms, indoor swimming pools and other needed facilities.  In turn the city would maintain the ball field, playground, pools and other recreational facilities.  

• The five member commission was empowered to determine policies, hire the Executive Director and other personnel and approve programs suggested by the executive Director. The Norwood Recreation Commission was encouraged to coordinate its efforts with programs offered by the schools and other community operations in order to avoid duplicate programs. The Norwood Recreation Commission was authorized to program, during the Summer months, all existing city playground, athletic fields, swim pools, tennis courts, ball diamonds, picnic areas and any other recreational facilities which the City may from time to time offer for recreational use.

A Model For Others

• Since it's inception, the Norwood Recreation Commission has been unique and exemplary in providing worthwhile programs for people of all ages. The Recreation Commission has been successful because it adhered to the non-political philosophy of it's founders Norwood Recreation Commission is a program unity. It owns no property or buildings. It's purpose is to coordinate and promote community recreation activities for all citizens of Norwood. In 1973 and 1974, the Norwood Recreation Commission was presented an Award of Merit by the National Sports Foundation and nominated for the National Gold Medal Award.

Moving In To The Future

• With the opening of the new recreation complex and building in Waterworks Park, developed through the efforts of the City and Board of Education in 1972, and much needed senior citizen's and teen center was opened along with other recreational classes and activities being organized. The opening of the Waterworks Complex also brought new lighted tennis courts and basketball courts to the community. The surge of tennis enthusiasts emerged for play along with lessons and tournaments being offer by the Recreation Commission. The basketball courts are always a busy spot. Softball and baseball leagues are a big attraction during the Summer months for players and spectators. The Shea Stadium track is popular for the many joggers in the City.

• With the Waterworks Complex as it's home base, the Norwood Recreation Commission operates programs in other areas and facilities. In the Summer, the commission operates and supervises four playgrounds and four swimming pools.  Permits for ball diamonds, tennis courts and picnic areas are also issued through the  Recreation office. The Recreation Commission conducts leagues for 30 softball teams for men and women in addition to assisting and cooperating with the Norwood Knothole Association and Norwood Soccer Association in providing facilities for all their teams.

• In the past the Norwood Recreation Commission has moved into the schools with its Fall, Winter, and Spring programs.  Through the use of school facilities, the commission programs include: School basketball, softball leagues and  volleyball. Other programs held in school facilities include recreation swim time for lessons, open swim and team practice in the high school swimming pool, and Saturday basketball for ages 5-17.  Other services offered through the Norwood Recreation Commission include dance class, self defense, baton, senior classes and athletic equipment for picnics.