Tim DeGeeter, 51
Mayor
As mayor of Parma since 2012, Tim DeGeeter has more favorite spots than he can name in the suburb he calls home. He is a big fan of the natural oasis of the West Creek Reservation and the visually striking golden domes of St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral. But the most quintessential Parma location? “Veterans Memorial Park really has it all,” says DeGeeter.
The former Ohio House of Representatives member and Parma city council member is quick to list the park’s many features, from the one-mile exercise path to the 22-hole disc golf course to the baseball and softball diamonds where he coached his daughter’s teams and cheered his son on to victory.
To help the park live up to its name, a Hometown Heroes program hangs banners on utility poles running through the park featuring veterans and active-duty service members from Parma. But there’s more that makes Parma a local gem, whether it’s residents grabbing ice cream at Honey Hut or gathering under the pavilion for picnics.
“When you drive through and see people of all ages engaged in so many different activities,” he says, “you can’t help but smile.”
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