The City of Willowick Recreation Department is proud to provide the community a wide variety of recreational programming and services. The department continues to revise and expand program offerings in response to the needs and interests of the residents of Willowick. All residents can take advantage of the diverse number of programs and activities sponsored by the department on an annual basis. Young or old, there is something that is sure to peak your interest. Browse around the Spring & Summer 2021 Program Guide to see the great Programs & Events the the city is offering! Programs are available for Online Sign-ups!
Julie Kless, Recreation Director
The Recreation Department coordinates all city sponsored recreational activities, programs, and facilities within Willowick. We also collaborate closely with youth sports leagues such as Willowick Baseball, Willowick Soccer, Willowick Football, Willowick Girls Softball, Willowick Girls Fastpitch Softball and the Willowick Swim Team to coordinate facility use and program schedules. The Department also works closely with a number of civic non-profit agencies and organizations such as Lake Metroparks and the Willowick Chamber of Commerce to positively influence recreation opportunities.
The department has three full-time staff members. We also work extensively with the Parks Buildings and Lands Division of the Willowick Service Department. Collectively we are all dedicated to provide the residents of Willowick well-maintained modern facilities and beautiful parks. The department is proud to boast about the Richard J. Bonde Activities Center at Manry Park, the Willowick Senior Center, the new water playground at Dudley Park, and the numerous recreational facility upgrades and improvements within the city.
Please feel free to call or e-mail us with any suggestion or comments regarding programs and/or activities.
Julie Kless
Director of Recreation
STAFF:
Julie Kless, Director of Recreation
440-516-3011
jkless@cityofwillowick.com
Julie has been with the Willowick Recreation Department since 2000. She has served as the Facilities Coordinator at Willowick Activities Center, as Assistant Recreation Director, and now as the Director of Recreation. She is responsible for managing the daily operations and activities of the department, which include programming, budgeting, promotion, directing staff, and developing new events and activities. Prior to coming to Willowick, Julie was the assistant athletic director at Gilmour Academy and also was involved in establishing and maintaining recreation programs at Lakeland Community College.
Scott Ritchey, Program Coordinator
440-516-3011
sritchey@cityofwillowick.com
Scott has an associates degree in Parks and Recreation Management from Lakeland Community College. He is responsible for all facets of the Summer Recreation Camp and is involved in offering special programs and events throughout the year. Scott has worked for the Recreation Department since 2006.
Maureen Brennan, Recreation Department Secretary
440-516-3011
mbrennan@cityofwillowick.com
Maureen has been the Recreation Department secretary since 1996. She is responsible for handling correspondence, communications, facility and pool rentals and providing support in all phases of the Recreation Department. She is also the Recreation Board secretary.
Recreation Parks & Facilities
Manry Park
30100 Arnold Drive
-Richard J. Bonde Activities Center (440-516-3011)
-Gymnasium- with indoor basketball hoops
-Manry Pool (440-944-1575)
-Football Field w/ Press box & Scoreboard
-Outside Pavilion
-1/2 Mile Outdoor Walking Trail with 4 Exercise Stations
-Baseball/softball Diamonds
-Outdoor Playground
-Wooded Area with Picnic tables and charcoal grills
-Family Fun Zone- Equipped with Bocce Ball, Permanent Corn Hole Boards, Hop Scotch, 4-Square, Tether Ball, & Funnel ball.
Dudley Park
31500 Willowick Drive
-Field House (hall with kitchen)
-Pool (440-943-3970)
-Water Spray Park
-Outside Pavilion
-Softball Diamonds
-Outdoor Playground
-Outdoor Basketball Hoops CLOSED due to COVID
Roosevelt Park
E. 324 St.
-T-Ball Diamond
-Soccer Fields
-Open Green Space
-Small Child Playground Equipment
Recreation Board Members
- Doreen Nevulis, Chairperson
- Kelly Peterlin
- Rena Perchinske
- Nikki Jablonski
- Chris Spicuzza
- Jason Kramer
- Ryan Latini
The Recreation Board meets at City Hall on the 3rd Monday of every month at 7:30pm except during summer months which will be at 8:30pm.