Toalson installed as NRPA President

Robert Toalson, general manager of the Champaign Park District, was installed as president of the National Recreation and Park Association during the association's Congress for Recreation and Parks in Phoenix, Ariz., in October.

Bob Toalson

Toalson, the executive secretary/treasurer and former president of the American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration, co-authored Developing Community Support for Parks and Recreation. He is the former president of the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association and the American Park and Recreation Society.

He graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor of arts degree. He also received a master of science degree from Indiana University. The former Director of Recreation for Oak Park, Toalson currently resides in Champaign.

Kathryn Porter, Commissioner of the Morris County Park commission, was re-elected to her third term as chairman of NRPA's 68-member Board of Trustees.

She is vice chairman for the Governor's Council on New Jersey Outdoors and chairman of the New Jersey Natural Areas Council.

She was the recipient of the 1987 Mid Atlantic Regional Council Citizen Citation. She is also a board of trustees member for Morris 2000.

NRPA, headquartered in Alexandria, Va., is a private, nonprofit organization that provides a wide range of resources and services throughout the U.S. and abroad.

McPike named supervisor of therapeutic recreation

Thomas McPike

Thomas McPike, C.T.R.S., has recently been appointed as supervisor of therapeutic recreation for the Chicago Park District. He has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree with a double major in therapeutic and municipal recreation administration from Indiana University. He holds a faculty appointment in the Department of Recreation at Chicago State University and is a Great Lakes Director to the National Therapeutic Recreation Society.

Richardson named General Superintendent at Glenview Park District

Thomas J. Richardson has been selected by the Glenview Park District Board of Commissioners as General Superintendent to fill the vacancy of Dick Johns who retired in November. Richardson was formerly the director of parks and recreation of the Glencoe Park District.

Tom Richardson

A native of Illinois, he has held that position since 1980. Prior to that, he was employed by the Glenview Park District for eight years.

He is a 1970 graduate of Western Illinois University with a degree in recreation and park administration.

In 1977, he completed the Executive Development Program at Indiana University. He is past president of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association where he has also served as a Board Officer and Member. He is also active in the National Recreation and Park Association.

"I am extremely proud to welcome back Tom Richardson to Glenview to continue the tradition of leadership and excellence for which our park district in known," said William Zanoni, president of the Glenview Park District Board of Commissioners. "The board's deliberative and thorough selection process resulted in a strong field of candidates from which to choose assuring continuation of the high standards for which the Glenview Park District in known."

"It is a privilege and honor to be chosen to direct one of the finest public leisure service agencies in the country," said Richardson. "I look forward to the significant challenge of following Dick Johns' productive 34-year tenure in Glenview."

Toatley picked as Peoria Area Water Wizards swim coach

Edward W. Toatley has been hired as the Peoria Area Water Wizards (PAWW) Head Swim coach and as assistant manager of Central Park Pool for the Peoria Park District.

Edward W. Toatley

Toatley holds undergraduate degrees in history and political science from the university of California. He also has done graduate work in education at the University of Illinois and Northern Illinois University, and in child psychology at Northwestern University. He worked as the interim head coach with the Sunny vale, Calif., Swim Club and at three other California swim clubs before moving to Illinois.

"Say Yes for Kids" receives $5,000

National Youth Sport Coaches Association Larry Piekarz, right, presents a check for $5,000 to Illinois Park and Recreation Association Board Member Dave Novak. The funds will be used by IPRA to promote the "Say Yes to Better Sports for Kids" campaign in Illinois.

Boland, Spilman join Niles Park District staff

Nancie Boland and Shelley Spilman

Nancie Boland has been selected as Superintendent of Recreation for Niles Park District. She was formerly the Program Manager and Special Projects Coordinator at Mount Prospect Park District.

She holds a bachelor's degree in recreation and park administration from George Williams College. She has also done postgraduate work in revenue resources management, organizational facilitator training and data processing.

Shelley Spilman has joined the Niles Park District staff as Recreation Program Supervisor. She previously held the position of Coordinator of Recreation and Educational Programs at the Winnetka Community House.

She has a bachelor's degree in recreation administration from Eastern Illinois University. She has done graduate work at the National College of Education in Evanston.

Richard Hohs retires

Richard P. Hohs

Richard P. Hohs has announced his retirement from the Morion Grove Park District. He served the district for eight years. During his years working for the district, Hohs moved up through the ranks. He began as a park worker then received a promotion to parks foreman. For the past four years, he has served in a department head capacity as superintendent of parks. Some of his greatest accomplishments include the upgrading of park properties and facilities and increasing the level of support by other village governmental entities. He is currently Mayor of Morton Grove.