Homewood-Flossmoor and Bloomingdale Park Districts Earn NRPA Gold
Two Illinois park districts were among the five park and recreation agencies from across the country to be awarded the 2006 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District won the national award for cities with a population of 25,001 to 50,000. The Bloomingdale Park District also struck gold, outpacing agencies that serve a population of less than 25,000.

The awards were presented during the 2006 NRPA Congress and Exposition held in October in Seattle, Washington. Accepting the award for Homewood-Flossmoor were Debbie Kopas, executive director, and Pete Camin, president of the board of commissioners. On hand for Bloomingdale was Executive Director Steve Scholten.

The Gold Medals honor communities throughout the U.S. that demonstrate excellence in long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition. Each agency is judged on its ability to address the needs of those it serves through the collective energies of citizens, staff and elected officials.

The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District previously won the award in 1991, and was also named a finalist in 1988, 1989, 1990 and 2005.

In addition to Homewood-Flossmoor and Bloomingdale, four other Illinois agencies - the Bolingbrook Park District, the Elmhurst Park District, the Frankfort Square Park District, and the Vernon Hills Park District - were among the top 20 finalists for the honors.

Porter Athletic Equipment Company and Musco Lighting LLC sponsor the Gold Medal Awards.

Rockford Realigns Leadership Structure
In September, Rockford Park District Executive Director Tim Dimke announced a reorganization of the agency's senior management staff. The realignment follows the board of commissioners' completion of a strategic planning process and an analysis of the district's organizational operations.

According to Dimke, the new organizational design aligns the talents and abilities of the district's current staff with the board's new strategic plan. "We previously had eleven senior management positions and have realigned with seven positions. I believe this new alignment fosters synergy among the staff; demands accountability, organizational efficiency and overall systems improvement; accomplishes the board's succession policy; and ultimately achieves a higher return on the public's investment in the park district. It will also position the district to attain state and national certification as an organization with quality standards," said Dimke.

Staff members completed problem solving, judgment, communication, customer orientation and leadership inventories to determine specific talents. A consulting group also researched the best practices found in outstanding park districts throughout Illinois.

The staff that now assist Dimke in leading the district are:

Ron Butler, deputy director of operations, who oversees golf courses, sports facilities, therapeutic recreation, community recreation, the Atwood Environmental Center, park and maintenance services, support services, community event planning, security and park police.

Jodi Carroll, deputy director of business and systems development, who oversees internal service departments: information systems, customer service, risk management, internal auditing, marketing, purchasing and customer relations.

Debbie Gass, deputy director of human resources and organizational development, who oversees professional development, compensation and benefits, performance management, employee relations, intern and volunteer programs, affirmative action and diversity programs.

Steve Reichensperger, chief financial officer, who oversees financial services including financial forecasting. He also serves as the liaison with die district's partner museums.

Jim Reid, deputy director of capital planning and asset management, who oversees the capital management program, project design, project construction, land acquisition and land management.

Jay Sandine, deputy director of operations, who oversees Magi Waters, Riverview Ice House, Carlson Ice Arena, Forest City Queen and Trolley, Lockwood Park and Trailside Equestrian Centre, aquatic programs, dog parks and tennis programs.

Elaine Harrington, deputy director of fund development, who oversees the Rockford Park District Foundation, donor development, capital and program grants, sponsorships and the City of Gardens.

January/February 2007 - page 38

New Executive Director Takes the Helm at Addison

The Addison Park District Board of Commissioners appointed Mark McKinnon as its new executive director in October. Prior to joining the Addison Park District, McKinnon worked at the Homewood-Flossmoor District since 1980. At Homewood-Flossmoor, he was the general manager of the district's racquet and fitness club. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, with a B.S. in parks and recreation and health education. In 2005, he earned his master's certificate from the St. Xavier University Graham School of Management in public and nonprofit management. McKinnon has been involved in the IPRA as the director of the Facility Management and Recreation sections and as a leader on various committees. He was the chair for the Facility Management School and a co-chair of the Western Open. He is currently serving on the board of regents for the IPRA Professional Development School.

McKinnon has received the IPRA Meritorious Service Award for leadership and dedication. He has been twice named by the Facility Management Section as Racquet Sports Manager of the Year and received the section's highest award as Professional of the Year.

Record Amount of OSLAD Dollars to Fund 101 Projects
In October, the governor's office announced that a total of 101 projects would be awarded Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program grants, which are facilitated through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The $32.9 million being awarded is the largest annual total in OSLAD history. The program has been in existence since 1986.

Of the funded projects, 23 will provide initial recreation development of park sites for their respective communities; ten will provide water-based recreation by providing access to lakes, rivers or streams; 47 will provide new playground equipment; nine will include water play features; and nine will feature skating or skateboarding projects. Seventeen projects will provide funding for facilities that promote environmental and wetland studies, and seven projects will either renovate existing pools or construct new pool facilities.

To qualify for a grant, an agency must show a need for its project and an ability to carry it through to completion. Other factors include the agency's record in maintaining its other facilities, the degree of local need and planning involved and a project's ability to address regional and statewide outdoor recreation priorities.

All projects were reviewed by a subcommittee of the Natural Resources Advisory Board at a public hearing held in mid-September. The full advisory board reviewed the recommendations later that month. The advisory board is a thirteen-member panel that reviews and advises the IDNR on natural resource-related issues.

• City of Amboy - $187,300 to acquire approximately 24 acres for the future development of Grommes Park.
• City of Anna - $289,600 to renovate Anna City Park.
• Antioch Township - $400,000 to develop 27 acres at the Tim Osmond Sports Complex.
• Arlington Heights Park District - $400,000 to develop a new 6.7 acre site adjacent to Sunset Meadows Park. Facilities will include a playground, a shelter/restroom/concession building, a multi-use trail, two soccer fields, a bocce ball court, game tables, a practice putting green and landscaping.
• Batavia Park District - $374,000 to develop the new 28.5-acre South Mill Creek Community Park. Facilities will include a shelter, a basketball court, tennis courts, a playground, multi-use trails, landscaping and parking.
• Village of Beecher - $190,000 to redevelop a nine-acre park.
• Belvidere Park District - $368,000 to develop Phase II of Prairie Fields Sports Park, a 90-acre facility. Facilities will include a Softball field, a baseball field, batting cages, a shelter, a playground and landscaping.
• Bloomingdale Park District - $400,000 to provide new recreational amenities at 47-acre Springfield Park. Facilities will include four soccer fields, a shelter, a nine-hole disc golf course, wetland interpretation signs, new pathways, horseshoe pits, bocce ball courts and parking.
• City of Bloomington - $400,000 to develop Phase II of McGaw Park. Facilities will include a lighted baseball and Softball field, a soccer field, tennis courts, a circular basketball court, a restroom and concession building, a garden area and expanded parking.
• Blue Island Park District - $189,500 to renovate Memorial Pool on Highland Avenue. Improvements include a new filter system, complete renovation of the bathhouse and replacement of fixtures and furniture.
• Bolingbrook Park District - $750,000 to acquire a 17.6-acre site adjacent to Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm on Boughton Road. The district plans to construct a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) nature/interpretive center at the site.
• City of Breese - $110,500 to acquire approximately 11 acres adjacent to Southside Park.
• Buffalo Grove Park District - $400,000 to redevelop 13-acre Emmerich Park. Project components include two ball fields, a playground, paths, tennis courts and parking.
• Burr Ridge Park District - $109,700 to redevelop 2.8-acre Citizen's Park. Facilities will include a new playground, a shelter, a skate park and parking. In addition, improvements will be made to the existing ball field.
• Butter-field Park District - $96,200 to redevelop 9.25-acre Kensington Park. Facilities will include a shelter, a walking path, parking and landscaping.
• Campion Township - $750,000 to acquire a 27-acre site.
• Carol Stream Park District - $314,000 to develop the new five-acre Slepicka Homestead Park. Facilities will include a shelter, a trail with fitness stations, bocce and horseshoe courts, a fishing and wildlife observation platform, a community garden area and parking.
• Champaign County Forest Preserve District -$228,000 to acquire approximately 39 acres, which will connect two existing properties within the Middle Fork Preserve. Future development will include hiking trails with interpretive signs.
• Champaign Park District - $342,300 to develop Phase I of the 38-acre Porter Park. Project components include a pond, a shelter, a walking trail and parking.
• City of Chester - $220,000 to develop the nine-acre Cohen Recreational Complex.
• The City of Chicago - $575,000 to develop Beidler Campus Park. Facilities will include a new playground, hard surface play area, lighting and fencing.
• The City of Chicago - $575,000 to acquire a half-acre at Albany and Bloomingdale Avenue in the Logan Square area. Future development includes a playground.

• Chicago Park District - $561,200 to develop Parsons Park on Belmont Avenue between Keating and Kilpatrick Avenues. Project components include a playground, a bocce ball court, game tables, benches, an outdoor performance area and fencing.
• Clyde Park District - $259,000 to redevelop North Clyde Park. A new playground and three half-basketball courts will be built. The tennis courts, water spray area and restrooms will be renovated.
• Crystal Lake Park District - $167,100 to expand the recreation facilities at Lippold Park. New facilities will include a skateboard park, batting cages, a shelter and outdoor fitness equipment. An existing multi-use trail will be upgraded.
• Des Plaines Park District - $750,000 to acquire 2.9 acres of open space adjacent to Lake Park. Future development is to include four picnic shelters, a multi-use path, installation of native prairie plants and parking.
• Dunleith Park District - $400,000 to replace the pool at Dunleith Park. A new zero-depth entry pool with play features will be constructed, and the bathhouse will be renovated.
• DuPage County Forest Preserve District - $750,000 to acquire 11.7 acres of open space adjacent to Fox Hollow Forest Preserve in Darien. Future development includes hiking trails and preserve access.
• East St. Louis Park District - $105,100 to redevelop facilities at Jones Park. A new shelter, an expanded playground and additional parking are planned.
• City of Effingham - $574,100 to acquire 16.3 acres.
• The City of Elgin - $311,400 to develop Casa Linda Park, an eight-acre site.
• The City of Evanston - $200,000 to redevelop Perry Park.
• Fox Valley Park District - $349,200 to renovate 8.1-acre Green Field Park. Amenities will include a new picnic shelter, restrooms, a playground, a soccer field, two ball fields and basketball courts.
• Frankfort Park District - $322,000 to develop Lakeview South Park. Amenities will include a playground, a shelter, two fishing piers, installation of wetland plants and a pathway with interpretive signs.
• Frankfort Square Park District - $400,000 to develop Brookside Glen Park. Amenities will include a playground, a picnic shelter, a paved exercise trail with fitness stations, a fishing and wildlife observation platform and installation of wetland plants.
• Park District of Franklin Park - $217,000 to develop Birch Park. Amenities will include a playground, a skate park, an in-line skate pad, a pathway, a basketball court, a soccer and ball field area, a batting cage, a shelter and landscaping.
• Village of Freeburg - $177,700 to renovate the municipal swimming pool.
• Freeport Park District - $400,000 to add facilities to 36-acre Read Park. Planned development includes a lighted, 4-Plex baseball field facility, basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, junior football and soccer fields, a playground, a pathway and additional parking.
• Fremont Township - $400,000 to develop 28-acre Behm Park.
• Glen Ellyn Park District - $400,000 to renovate and introduce new facilities at Village Green Park. Facilities will include three baseball fields, a basketball court, two tennis courts, a skateboard area, shelters, pathways and a concession and washroom building.
• The Village of Glendale Heights - $400,000 for the Phase II redevelopment of Reskin Park. The project includes a reoriented baseball field, a T-ball field, picnic shelter, playground, fitness trail, installation of native plants and parking area.
• Glenview Park District - $162,000 to renovate Crowley Park. The project will include a new shelter, restrooms, a playground, a soccer field and a senior activity area with bocce ball and game tables.
• Hall Township - $400,000 to develop a 60-acre site overlooking the Illinois River.
• The Village of Homer Glen - $374,500 for the initial development of Stonebridge Park.
• Itasca Park District - $329,700 to renovate Fran2en Park. The project includes a softball field, a basketball court, a playground, tennis courts and soccer fields, a picnic shelter and landscaping.
• Joliet Park District - $400,000 to redevelop Ridgewood Park. The project includes a playground, an interpretive walking trail, a rock climbing wall, a pavilion, landscaping and parking.
• Kane County Forest Preserve District - $400,000 to develop the 373-acre Fitchie Creek Forest Preserve. The project includes interpretive trails and signs, hiking and equestrian trails, picnic shelters, a fishing station, a prairie and stream bank wetland restoration, a 1.5-mile segment of the regional bike trail and parking.
• Kane County Forest Preserve District - $750,000 to acquire a 160-acre parcel that contains a rare ten-acre fen. Future development includes an interpretive trail with signs, a shelter, a fishing station and habitat restoration.
• Lake County Forest Preserve District - $400,000 to develop Heron Creek Forest Preserve, a 146-acre site. The project includes two picnic shelters, 2.3 miles of hiking and biking trails, restroom facilities, interpretive signs, a playground, habitat restoration and a parking area.
• The Village of Lake Villa - $299,200 to develop a portion of Lake Villa Mansion Park.
• The Village of Lake Zurich - $400,000 to introduce new facilities to Staples Park.
• Lemont Park District - $299,900 for the initial development of Covington Park. Facilities will include a sand volleyball court, three half-court basketball courts, a tennis court, a multi-use trail, a picnic shelter, a playground, restrooms and parking.
• Lena Community Park District - $54,400, to acquire 20 acres adjacent to Dodds Park. Future development includes three baseball fields, two soccer fields, a playground, a shelter, a multi-use path and parking.
• Lewistown Park District - $79,900 to renovate Ratcliff Park.

• Lindenhurst Park District - $321,100 to renovate John Janega Memorial Park. The project includes a new playground, pond development with fishing opportunities, an interpretive trail with signs, bocce courts and habitat restoration.
• Lindenhurst Park District - $750,000 to acquire 18 acres. Future development includes soccer Gelds, a shelter, a wetland observation deck with interpretive signs, pathways and parking.
• Lockport Township Park District - $400,000 for the initial development of Willow Walk Park. The 12-acre site will b developed with a multipurpose ball field and football field, three half-court basketball courts, sand volleyball, pathways, a playground, prairie restoration, educational signs, landscaping and parking.
• Village of Mahomet - $400,000 to develop Phase I of Bridle-Leash Park.
• Macon County Conservation District - $70,200 to improve a 21-acre wetland site located within the Rock Springs Conservation Area. Improvements will include habitat restoration, observation areas, a pathway, interpretive exhibits and a parking area.
• Memorial Park District - $400,000 to add facilities to Stevenson Park. The project includes a lighted sports core for baseball, football and soccer; resttooms; a multi-use path with fitness stations; a shelter; spray park enhancements; landscaping and fencing.
• Metamora Park District - $32,300 to develop Brighton Memorial Park. Facilities will include a playground, a gazebo anc a basketball court.
• Metro East Park and Recreation District - $400,OOC to develop Phase II of Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park. Project components include a shelter, walkways, a resttoom building and a concession building.
• The City of Moline - $209,300 to further develop Green Valley Community Park.
• Mundelein Park and Recreation District - $400,000 to develop Diamond Lake Slough. Facilities will include a trail with interpretive nodes, three combination lacrosse/soccer/football fields, a nine-hole disc golf course, restroom facilities, bocce and shuffleboard courts and parking.
• Naperville Park District - $400,000 for Phase III development of Frontier Park. The project includes a playground, a shelter, a soccer field, a nature overlook with interpretive signs and a skate park expansion.
• New Lenox Community Park District - $331,600 to develop Hibernia Park. Facilities include a playground, a splash pad, picnic shelters, a sand volleyball court, a boat launch, a fishing station and an open play area.
• Northbrook Park District - $245,500 to develop Greenview Park with a playground, a gazebo, a multi-use path with fitness stations, a half-court basketball court and an interpretive trail with signs.
• Northfield Park District - $400,000 to redevelop and add new facilities to Willow Park. The project includes a multi-use trail with fitness stations, a shelter, tennis courts, a baseball field, a pond overlook with an interpretive sign and native prairie.
• Park District of Oak Park - $399,000 to redevelop Field Park. Facilities will include a new playground, a splash pad, a pathway, a shelter, bocce ball courts and landscaping.
• City of Olney - $45,500 to construct a skate park at Musgrove Park.
• Oswegoland Park District - $400,000 to develop Phase II of Prairie Point Community Park. The project includes a picnic shelter with restrooms, baseball and Softball field lighting, a splash pad, pathways and landscaping.
• City of Ottawa - $249,200 to develop Fox River Park.
• Peorid Park District - $400,000 to develop Lake Avenue Park and Sports Field Complex. Facilities will include a shelter, two half-court basketball courts, a playground, three softball fields, a multi-use trail and a parking area.
• Peorid Park District - $603,000 to acquire 28 acres adjacent to Singing Woods Nature Preserve. Future development includes upgrading an existing facility as a nature center, hiking trails, restoration and interpretive stations.
• Plato Township - $53,100 to develop a multi-use trail and playground at Plato Park.
• Pittsfield Park District - $17,500 to improve Lowry Park with a perimeter walking path and a basketball court.
• Quincy Park District - $239,900 for the Phase I development of 53-acre Bob Mays Park. The project includes a shelter, a playground, interpretive trails, installation of prairie plants and restrooms.
• Rockford Park District - $400,000 to add facilities to Elliot Park. Development includes a playground, a skate park, a perimeter walking path, a basketball court, two baseball fields with bleachers, a football field, landscaping and parking.
• City of Robinson - $75,000 to develop a shelter and playground at Robinson City Park.
• Rolling Meadows Park District - $258,000 to redevelop Florey Park. The project includes a playground, a basketball court, tennis courts, a soccer field, an interpretive shelter with signs and parking area.
• Roselle Park District - $400,000 to construct a new aquatic facility. The facility will consist of a zero-depth pool area, a lap pool, a diving well and a renovated bathhouse.
• The Village of Round Lake Beach - $162,700 to develop Civic Cultural Center Park.
• City of Sparta - $118,000 to renovate Sparta Municipal Pool.
• St. Charles Park District - $400,000 to enhance Mount St. Mary Park. The project includes a playground, a picnic shelter, fishing areas with a canoe launch, tennis and basketball courts, a restroom and Fox River Trail enhancements.
• The Village of Steger - $72,500 to renovate Hecht Park.
• Stookey Township - $346,500 to develop 74th Street Park.

• Summit Park District - $312,000 to renovate the 57-acre Summit Park. The project includes a skate park, bocce ball and horseshoe pits, new ball field fencing and backstops, a picnic shelter with restrooms, a walking path, basketball courts and parking lot improvements.
• Village of Swansea - $400,000 for the initial development of Schranz Memorial Park.
• City of Trenton - $248,500 to renovate the city pool and bathhouse and construct a new tennis court.
• Urbana Park District - $150,000 to redevelop Victory Park. The project includes a pavilion, tennis court, a playground and community garden plots.
• Veterans Park District - $191,200 to renovate Gouin Pool.
• The Village of Villa Park - $249,700 to renovate Twin Lakes Park.
• Wauconda Park District - $267,800 to renovate Cook Park. The project includes improved access to Bang's Lake; wetland restoration; a playground; a bocce, shuffleboard, horseshoe area; and picnic shelters.
• Westmont Park District - $190,000 to renovate Twin Lakes Park. The project includes a new picnic shelter with restrooms, renovated tennis and basketball courts, sand volleyball courts and landscaping.
• City of Whitehall - $100,200 to develop Phase I of Ross/Custer Park.
• Forest Preserve District of Will County - $400,000 to develop Hadley Valley Preserve. The project includes a 2.5-mile loop trail, a shelter, a latrine and a parking area.
• Forest Preserve District of Will County - $750,000 to acquire 30 acres adjoining the O'Hara Woods Nature Preserve. Interpretive trails are planned for the site.
• Village of Worden - $297,500 to develop new fields and facilities at a new park.
• York Center Park District - $394,700 to develop a recently acquired six-acre parcel adjacent to Knolls Park. The project includes a trail with fitness stations, a picnic shelter, interpretive signs, a fishing station, landscaping and parking.
• York Township - $28,200 to develop a playground and horseshoe pits at West Union Park.
• The United City of Yorkville - $400,000 for the initial development of Prairie Meadows Park.

New Commissioner and Rec Supervisor at River Trails

Kathy Lohrstorfer recently joined the River Trails Park District board. She has lived in the district for 26 years. During that time, her four daughters have participated in various district programs. Lohrstorfer currently works for Allstate and is a two-time recipient of the "Good Hands Award" for her community involvement as a mentor at Euclid School. Her goal as a board member is to continue to uphold the River Trails Park District mission: "To provide quality leisure activities to enrich the lives of all people, regardless of age, while preserving open space, conserving the environment and educating the community on the importance of conservation and personal wellness."

Jeff Collier has come to the district as a recreation supervisor. Collier graduated from the University of Illinois and worked for the Urbana Park District as the athletics coordinator, fitness and adult programming coordinator. After moving to the Chicago area to be closer to family, Collier chose to come to River Trails because of its apparent commitment to its community and cultural diversity.

IAPD Development Director Moves On
IAPD Development Director John Comerio retired in December after more than seven years of service to the association. He came to IAPD in June 1999 after a 30-year career in state government, starting with the Department of Conservation in 1970. He served as deputy director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for eight years, from 1991 to 1999. He began his career in parks and recreation as superintendent of recreation for the Lockport Township Park District.

At IAPD, Comerio was the manager or Friends of Illinois Parks, lAPD's nonprofit organization established in 1998 to involve more citizens in their local park, recreation and conservation agencies. He provided technical assistance to IAPD member agencies for strategic planning and grant preparation, including OSLAD grants. He also worked with lAPD's affinity programs; served as the IAPD liaison for the Municipal Park and Recreation Agency Task Force and the IAPD Research Advisory Council; and helped coordinate sponsorships for such events as the IAPD Summer Golf Tour.

Comerio, a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), earned a bachelor's degree in recreation and a master's degree in park administration from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He completed training at Indiana University's Center of Philanthropy and is a Certified Fund Raising Manager (CFRM). He has won numerous awards, including the Fellow Award from the National Association of State Outdoor Recreation Liaison Officers (NASORLO) in 1994 and the William Penn Mott Jr. Award for Excellence from the National Society of Park Resources in 1997. In 2000, he was elected to the American Academy of Park and Recreation Administration.

In January, Comerio was named a principal with the Brusseau Design Group, LLC in Schaumburg, a member of the W-T Engineering, Inc. family of companies. He will assist Brusseau and W-T clients with grant development, recreational planning and project implementation.

Sugar Grove, Fox Valley Park Districts to Share Boundaries, Participants
The Sugar Grove and Fox Valley park districts have entered into a boundary agreement that allows residents of both park districts to use the other district's facilities, activities and programs at the resident rate.

The board of commissioners for the Sugar Grove Park District approved the cooperative intergovernmental agreement in October. The Fox Valley Park District Board of Trustees approved the agreement in September. Residents of both districts began taking advantage of the reciprocal residential rate agreement this winter.

According to Fox Valley Park District Executive Director Steve Messerli, the Fox Valley Park District had discussed boundary matters with the Sugar Grove Park District for about five years. "This is the first time in recent history we have had our boundaries consistent with the five municipal boundaries of North Aurora, Aurora and Montgomery," Messerli said. "This should help avoid confusion for residents."

Greg Repede, Sugar Grove Park District director, sees the agreement as "a great opportunity to offer our residents access to established facilities while we continue to grow."

As part of the agreement, resident rates will apply for current and future Sugar Grove residents. Planned subdivisions and those that were under construction at the time the agreement was signed were disconnected from the Sugar Grove Park District and annexed into the Fox Valley Park District in November, Messerli said. Fox Valley will receive tax revenues from new development within the new boundaries. "Because the district relies upon tax revenues for more than half of its budget, new program and facility participation should also be viewed advantageously as a long-term investment," he said. "And the agreement is mutually beneficial to residents of both park districts."

Winnetka Hires New Ice Arena Assistant Manager

Mark Findley recently joined the Winnetka Park District as assistant manager of the Winnetka Ice Arena. He is responsible for assisting in the day-to-day operations of the arena and the platform tennis facility. Findley comes to Winnetka after a 32-year career at the Chicago Park District as the hockey director. In his spare time, Findley enjoys gardening and has recently signed up for a master gardener course.

Vernon Hills Hires New Communications Manager

The Vernon Hills Park District welcomed Cheryl Baron as its new communications manager in September. Baron provides the primary direction for the planning and implementation of the marketing and communications for the district. She coordinates the production of the seasonal brochures in addition to creating flyers, posters and press releases that publicize programs and special events. Prior to joining the Vernon Hills Park District, she was employed with the Mundelein Park and Recreation District as its public relations coordinator. Baron has a B.S. degree in advertising from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Skokie Hires Athletic Supervisor and Fitness Club Assistant Manager

Bob DeLeonardis was recently hired as the Skokie Park District's athletics supervisor. In his position, he is responsible for managing all of the district's youth and adult programs, leagues, summer sports camps, classes and facility scheduling. DeLeonardis previously worked as the Community Center coordinator and as the athletics supervisor at the Park Ridge Recreation and Park District. He is also an assistant football coach at Niles West High School, is an IHSA registered basketball official and is a certified baseball official. He has also served as a secondary level teacher and has worked with the North Suburban Special Education District (NSSED). DeLeonardis graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with a bachelor's degree in recreation management and leisure studies. He is a member of IPRA.

Sarah Natalie is the district's new assistant manager for the Fitness First health club. In addition to coordinating the daily operations of the center, Natalie supervises member services, group exercise, and other fitness professionals and personal trainers. She is also responsible for program development and the coordination of current fitness programs. Natalie was previously employed as a personal trainer at Fitness Formula Clubs in Chicago, and, prior to that, as the fitness director at the American Workout Company in Valparaiso, Indiana. Previous to that, she served as the facility manager at the Recreational Sports Center at Purdue University. Natalie graduated from Purdue with a bachelor's degree in exercise science and health promotion.