Norman A. McDougall

"Young Man of the Year"

Norman A. McDougall was honored in January as the "Young Man of the Year" in Glenview. The award was made by Ted Hook, President of the Glenview Jaycees.

Norm is a 1969 graduate of Western Illinois University with a degree in Recreation and Park Administration. He is currently serving as Director of Recreation for the Glenview Park District.

In addition to his duties with the park district, Norm is quite active in community and civic affairs including: Secretary of the Glenview Sports Federation; President of the North Shore Round Table, a group of recreation professionals located on the North Shore; active with the first All-Star Sports luncheon; youth chairman of the Optimists Club; member of the Glenview Community Church; serves on the Board of Directors of the first special Recreation District for handicapped children offered in the country; and active in numerous other related sports and recreational groups and organizations.

Norm served his country as a paratrooper for the United States Army from 1964 to 1967. He resides with his wife Sharon and 18 month old daughter, Melissa, in Glenview.

In summary of the award, Ted Hook said, "Norman McDougall typifies the spirit of the kind of young man traditionally this award goes to."

Ingenuity changes

Garbage Truck To Snow Plow

Sometimes ingenuity is born out of necessity. Due to limited equipment and a light budget, Mississippi Palisades State Park, Savanna, Illinois, came up with perhaps something new or at least different to remove snow. The park now uses a 2 1/2 ton garbage truck. Yes, that is right—a garbage truck.

Normally, the park had to close its roads during snow and ice season. Now they are able to plow part of the roads plus parking lots to allow for the sledders, snowmobilers, and for those wanting to walk some of the snow covered trails.

The idea originated from Assistant Ranger Pete Gate. The park had an old snow plow blade that was not being used and since the garbage truck is primarily used only during the summer months, it was decided to try and use this vehicle on a year round basis.

For a small marginal fee of $220 the truck was converted to a snow plow. There were no major problems in installation. A separate hydraulic unit was connected with the battery, after the frame was fixed to the fishplates. By the use of single tire chains and power steering, the truck was very movable with a full blade. For those considering such an operation, one recommendation is in order ... install special lights either on hood or cab. This provides lighting when the blade is in a lifted position.

Ingenuity changes garbage truck to snow plow with little effort or cost. By so doing, roods were cleared and winter sports enthusiasts had use of a facility that normally was closed due to inclement weather.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 10 May/June, 1972