In 1973, a group of forward-thinking local residents interested in creating recreational opportunities for all residents of Hunting Valley, Moreland Hills, Orange Village, Pepper Pike, and Woodmere, petitioned the Orange City School District’s Board of Education to provide facilities and oversight of the proposed Orange Community Education & Recreation, an entity they hoped would create a place for community activity within the district. With help from The Gund Foundation and an initial .5 mil levy, in 1975 the department was formed.

51 years later, residents agree that Orange Community Education & Recreation provides a community-focused hub of activity for residents of all ages. From summer camps, after school activities and early learning at Orange Early Childhood Preschool, to sports, theatre, art, and senior adult activities, OCER now offers more than 1,500 activities annually and enrolls more than 20,000 participants!

The Citizens for the Continuation of Orange Community Education & Recreation remains a group of area residents supporting this levy effort so that OCER may continue to provide outstanding recreational opportunities for all members of the community.