Bonnie Noble Named Director of Parks and Recreation at Peoria Park District

Bonnie W. Noble has been named Director of Parks and Recreation for the Peoria Park District.

She succeeds James O. Breen as Director.

In making the announcement, Peoria Park District President Timothy J.Cassidy said, "Bonnie Noble has a long and distinguished record of leadership in the parks and recreation field, serving in leadership positions at the local, state and national levels for more than 20 years. As the Peoria Park District fulfills its multi-faceted mission of providing wholesome recreational activities and facilities, conserving our natural resources, and being the guardian of a quality environment for our citizens, Bonnie's committed and demonstrated leadership is a crucial factor for the continued progress of the Peoria Park District."

Noble holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois with a double major in Park Administration and Recreation and Psychology. She served as a recreation supervisor for

Des Plaines and Oak Park park districts and the Danville Veterans Administration Hospital intern program.

She was elected a Trustee of the Peoria Park District in 1973. She was elected President in 1979 and served in that capacity until her resignation December 30,1991. She has also served as Executive Director of the Heartland Water Resources Council and on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Association of Park Districts. She served as President of the IAPD in 1983-84.

In accepting the position. Noble said, "I am truly gratified by my selection as Director of Parks and Recreation by the Board of Trustees, and know that I will be challenged to provide the dynamic type of leadership the Peoria Park District has received in the past that has made it a Gold Medal Award winning park district. I have always been proud of the Peoria Park District's Board of Trustees and employees, and attribute the excellence of this District to their commitment and dedication."

Lisle Park District's River Bend Golf Course under construction

The Lisle Park District has begun construction on its new River Bend Golf Course, located at Route 53 and Four Lakes Dr.

Course construction began on August 14, 1991, and has an anticipated completion date of Spring 1993.

The course, designed by William James Spear and Associates of St. Charles, is a regulation, nine-hole golf course with 3,150 total yards on 53 acres. The course offers two par three holes, five par four holes, and two par five holes. The course also features all bent grass tees, greens and fairways.

An existing building will house the club house which will include a pro shop, food and beverage service, seating, rest rooms and a patio area.

Timothy J. Cassidy Elected President of Peoria Park District

Timothy J. Cassidy was unanimously elected President of the Peoria Park District's Board of Trustees to fill the unexpired term of Bonnie W. Noble, which runs to April 1995.

In accepting the appointment Cassidy said, "I look forward to the opportunity to serve as President of the Park Board and hope to help the District continue its fine tradition of providing quality park and recreation services to the Peoria Community.

Voters first elected Cassidy as a Trustee of the Park District in 1987. He was re-elected to a second four-year term in 1991. He has served on several Park District committees and has served as Chairman of the Park District's Golf Advisory Committee.

He was the first chairman of the Board of Directors of the Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association, a joint venture of the Peoria and Morton park districts to provide recreational opportunities for the disabled. In 1989, Cassidy was appointed by Mayor James A. Maloof to a Task Force charged with investigating and recommending an appropriate site for a new baseball stadium. The Task Force members, working in conjunction with Sen. Richard Luft (D-46) and Rep. Don Saltsman (D-92), eventually recommended that the $2,3 million available funding be utilized to renovate Meinen Field to upgrade the facility for Class A baseball in Peoria. The newly renovated Harold A. "Pete" Vonachen Stadium at Meinen Field is expected to open this spring.