People and Places

Forest Park Director Retires, Assistant Named New Director

David A. Novak

Larry Piekarz

David A. Novak ended a more than 32-year tenure with the Park District of Forest Park, retiring on January 31. Novak began his career in parks and recreation at Forest Park in 1974 after graduating from Southern Illinois University with a B.S. in recreation administration. He was promoted to director in 1983. During twenty-four years as director, he oversaw numerous park improvement projects, including the design and construction of the $3 million Forest Park Aquatic Center and the recent installations of a synthetic turf multipurpose athletic field, a sprayground addition to the Forest Park Aquatic Center and a skatepark. He served as tournament director of the prestigious Forest Park 16" Softball Invitational Tournament or "No-Glove Nationals" since 1983, and, in 1999, he was inducted into the Chicago 16" Softball Hall of Fame as an organizer. He is a long-time member of IPRA, NRPA and MIPE, and he served on the board of directors of West Suburban Special Recreation Association, the Park District Risk Management Association, the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce, the Forest Park Community Education Council and the Forest Park Main Street Redevelopment Association.

Succeeding Novak is Larry Piekarz, the district's former assistant director. Piekarz earned his B.S. at Southern Illinois University in therapeutic recreation in 1979. He has been with the park district since 1989, when he was hired as the superintendent of recreation after serving six years as athletic supervisor/facility manager at the Bloomingdale Park District. He was involved in the design and construction of the Forest Park Aquatic Center, as well as other park improvement projects. He has served as assistant director from 1999 until February of this year. Piekarz has served as state director of the National Youth Sport Coaches Association for six years and is a member of the Illinois Community Education Association, serving as president of the Forest Park Council for the past four years. He is a member of IPRA, NRPA, the Suburban Parks and Recreation Association and the World Waterpark Association.

New Director Takes the Helm at Mundelein

Margaret Resnick

Alex Marx

Margaret Resnick is the new director of parks and recreation at the Mundelein Park and Recreation District. She succeeds Alex Marx, who retired in January after more than 30 years in the field.

Resnick comes to Mundelein after serving 12 years as the deputy director of the Bolingbrook Park District, where she was responsible for the day-to-day operations. She served as executive director of the Clyde Park District from 1989-1995. She holds a B.S. from Southern Illinois University and a master of public administration degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has served on the IPRA board and several IPRA committees. She won the IPRA Young Professional Award in 1998, the Bolingbrook Park District Award of Excellence in 2005 and the IPRA Professional Recognition award that same year.

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Hinsdale Appoints New Director and Manager

Carrie Haupert

Nick Troy

Carrie Haupert accepted the position of director of parks and recreation for the Village of Hinsdale in August 2006. She followed 25-year veteran Bob Kotula in the position upon his retirement. Haupert has more than 15 years of experience in the field of parks and recreation. She has served as the superintendent of special facilities for the Wheaton Park District, as the division manager of facilities for the Schaumburg Park District, as the adult education/recreation coordinator for the Wheaton Park District and as a facility manager/program supervisor in four positions with the Schaumburg Park District. She holds both bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Illinois' Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism with an emphasis on program management and administration. She also holds an associate degree in cardiac technology.

Haupert currently serves as the president of the University of Illinois Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism Alumni Advisory Board, on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) and as the Chair of the 2007 Board of Regents for the NRPA Revenue Development & Management School held in Wheeling, West Virginia. She has earned both CPRP and AFO certifications.

Also new to the village is Nick Troy, who accepted the position of manager of recreation services in October. Troy has served as athletic, aquatic and fitness supervisor for the Rolling Meadows Park District and as athletic supervisor for the Schaumburg Park District. He has more than 12 years of experience in the parks and recreation field, four of which have been full time. Troy is responsible for managing the Hinsdale Community Swimming Pool, Katharine Legge Memorial Lodge and all recreational services.

New IPRA Web Site Gives Public Easy Access to Fun Places In Illinois

Illinoisans looking for a way to recreate, get in shape, become more social and simply have fun now have a place to go online for help. LocateAPark.com is an IPRA resource to assist people from all over the state in finding quality recreational opportunities.

The online mapping tool, powered by Google Maps, allows users to search by map or by the name of the agency for nearby park district and forest preserve districts. Upon viewing an area of interest, users will be able to see IPRA member agencies designated with a pinpoint image. Clicking on the pinpoint activates a pop-up description, including the name of the agency, its street address and its Web address for additional information. Users can also get driving directions to and from the location.

The LocateAPark.com site was developed to increase awareness of the many recreational opportunities the state of Illinois has to offer and to assist people in finding nearby places to play.

Locations available on the LocateAPark.com site are directly tied to the membership records of IPRA's more than 350 member agencies and 2,700 professional members. The main location of each agency is listed on the map, along with its Web address and a link to the IPRA Facility Finder page, to allow people to further investigate the area's offerings. Future enhancements to the LocateAPark.com site include an area for individual park district and forest preserve districts to promote upcoming events and programs.

If your Facility Finder information is not correct or your agency is not listed on the LocateAPark.com site, please contact IPRA's IT Director Dean Comber at (630) 376-1911 x205.

IN MEMORIAM

Arlington Heights Park District Commissioner Kathryn "Katy" Graham

Former Arlington Heights Park District Commissioner Kathryn "Katy" Graham died in November 2006. Graham served on the Arlington Heights Park Board for 30 years (from 1973 to 2003), making her the longest serving commissioner in the district's history. She served as vice president for nine terms and as president for three terms. While on the board, she saw the Arlington Heights Park District grow from 34 parks, serving a population of 65,000 residents, to 58 parks, serving a population of more than 76,000. She helped guide the district to three National Gold Medal Awards and to IAPD/IPRA Distinguished Agency Certification in 1993 and 1998. She was an integral member of the team effort to pass successful referendums in 1975, 1976 and 2000, and she also assisted in the acquisition and promotion of Arlington Heights Park District recreation areas and facilities.

Graham lived in Arlington Heights for 48 years. The park district was only one of many community organizations that benefited from her involvement. She served on the village's planning commission and bicycle commission, as well as on the Citizens' Action Committee Against Flooding. She was a member of the Northwest Community Hospital Auxiliary, the Northwest Suburban Branch of the American Association of University Women, and she volunteered at the Northwest Community Hospital.

She earned a degree in philosophy and political science from Knox College. Her interests included swimming, bicycling, scuba diving and traveling.

March 2007/Illinois Parks/39

Homewood-Flossmoor Superintendent Retires

While at Homewood-Flossmoor, Bartholomew brought recognition to the district through her extensive work with the IPRA - she served as IPRA chairman in 2002 - and with the South Suburban Special Recreation Association, where she was a board member. She received the IPRA Meritorious Service Award for Outstanding Leadership, the IPRA Directors Award for Facility Management, the 2003 Alumni of the Year Award at Western Illinois University and the 2004 IPRA Fellow Award in recognition for excellence in promoting parks and recreation on a statewide basis.

As superintendent of recreation, she was instrumental in the design of the Marie Irwin Community Center and implemented numerous programs and special events.

New Director Guides Chicago Conservatories

The Chicago Park District appointed Mary Eysenbach as the director of conservatories in December. Eysenbach is responsible for the oversight and operations of the Lincoln Park and Garfield Park Conservatories.

Eysenbach previously served as director of The City Parks Forum, an American Planning Association program aimed at helping mayors understand the importance of parks in their cities. With more than 25 years experience in the parks field, Eysenbach's resume includes a variety of park management positions, including assistant and interim director of the McHenry County Conservation District and park planner for the Pittsburgh Park District.

Eysenbach earned a bachelor's and master's degree in park administration from Western Illinois University. From 2004 to 2005 she was a Loeb Fellow in Advanced Environmental Studies at Harvard University.

Six Agencies Form New SRA

In November, six agencies announced that they had formed a new special recreation association (SRA). The recreation agencies in O'Fallon, Belleville, Highland, Alton, Granite City, and Collinsville formed the Southwestern Illinois Special Recreation Association to assist in providing expanded recreation opportunities for induviduals with disabilities in their part of the state. The new SRA is the 28th in Illinois.

Mark Badasch, executive director of the Collinsville Area Recreation District, said that he hopes each agency will offer more accommodating programming by the spring.

This venture started with directors from existing SRA's visiting with recreation professionals in southwestern Illinois to talk about how they could form an SRA near St. Louis. SRA Directors Sandy Gbur of West Suburban Recreational Association (WSSRA) and Jane Hodgkinson of Western Dupage Recreation Association (WDSRA) made themselves availiable to talk with professionals from public recreation agencies on how they could form cooperatives to deliver these services.

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Cary Director Tapped for Golf Association Board

Steve Cherveny, executive director of the Cary Park District, has been selected to serve on the Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) Board of Directors. Board members, known as "blue coats," represent the needs of publicly owned golf courses and the golfers who play public courses.

The CDGA is a nonprofit association of member clubs and individual golfers in Illinois and parts of Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. It has nearly 100,000 member golfers at 370 member clubs. A district-wide board of directors and an advisory committee comprised of past CDGA presidents oversees the association. CDGA processes applications for reinstatement to amateur status, handicaps players and promotes tournaments. It also measures and rates courses.

The Cary Park District owns Foxford Hills Golf Club, a CDGA member club.

Oregon Park District Hires Four

The Oregon Park District recently hired four new employees to work in various park district departments.

Stacy DeBruhl was appointed superintendent of recreation. She is responsible for the overall development and organization of the recreation department. She has been working in the recreation and fitness industry for more than 13 years after receiving a bachelor's degree in sports management and psychology from National College of Education in Evanston (now known as National-Louis University). Prior to coming to Oregon, DeBruhl was the superintendent of recreation at the Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District. She has also worked for the Princeton Park District and the Dixon Park District.

Andy Egyed is the new superintendent of parks. Prior to this appointment, he served 17 years as a technician with a four-color graphic arts company. He later gained experience in the maintenance field while working for the City of Oregon Street Department for three years. He came to the park district a little more than a year ago as the head athletic facility groundskeeper.

Jamey Young has been promoted to deputy superintendent of parks. He started with the district in August, focusing on sports turf and horticulture. He studied agri-business at Illinois State University and horticulture at Kishwaukee College. Before coming to the park district, Young worked seasonally in the landscape industry for 15 years and in the industrial supply business for 10 years.

Erin Collins is the new administrative assistant for the district. Collins is responsible for district brochures, newsletters, accounts payable, management of recreation center reception personnel and management of district program and membership registrations. She has three years experience in recreation programming, having worked previously as a program manager for the Lombard Park District. Collins holds a bachelor's degree in recreation administration from Eastern Illinois University.

Oswegoland and Fox Valley Park Districts Approve Transfer of Golf Course

This winter, Oswegoland and Fox Valley Park District board members approved an intergovernmental agreement to provide the transfer of Fox Valley Park District's 50 percent interest in the Fox Bend Golf Course to the Oswegoland Park District for $3,370,000.

Following a year of evaluating options, the purchase brings the golf course, pro shop and clubhouse under the sole ownership and management of the Oswegoland Park District.

When the course, which opened in 1967, was made available for purchase in 1980, both the Oswegoland Park District and the Fox Valley Park District were approached. Oswego was neither large enough nor had the resources or staffing to purchase and manage the course. Fox Valley had the staff and resources, but because the course was located outside the Fox Valley Park District's boundaries, the board of trustees sought a partnership with the Oswegoland Park District. It was out of this cooperative agreement that the joint purchase was made. An administrative board was appointed, with board majority alternating each year. Fox Valley Park District, being larger, was designated as the administrative agency.

"It is in the best interest of residents of both districts that the Oswegoland Park District has ownership and therefore sole responsibility for the quality of the course and facility in years to come," said Linda Cole, president of the Fox Valley Park District Board of Trustees. "Out of recognition for the successful 26-year partnership, Fox Valley Park District residents will continue to receive resident rates for at least the next 26 years."

According to Oswegoland Park Board President Bob Mattingly, "the purchase will be paid for by the normal bonding ability of the Oswegoland Park District and will not result in a tax increase. The bond will cover the entire purchase price, as well as some initial improvements." It is expected that the golf course will be self-supporting and that revenue generated will be used for continued course improvements in coming years.

March 2007/Illinois Parks/41

IAPD Honors Distinctive and Master Board Members

The IAPD Board Member Development Program gives recognition to local board members who consistently go above and beyond the call of duty through committee involvement, attendance at continuing educational opportunities and achievements at the local, state, and national levels. Participants accumulate "Board Development Units" (BDUs) yearly from October 1 to September 30 for park district, forest preserve, conservation and recreation-related activities. Notable Board Members have accumulated 100 units. Distinctive Board Members have accumulated 400 units, and Master Board Members have accumulated 750 units. Master Board Members retain their status through the accumulation of maintenance units each year.

The following recognitions for 2006 were given at the IAPD Annual Business Meeting in January:

New Master Board Members
-Dorothy Lange, Wood Dale Park District
-Roberta Neumayer, Wood Dale Park District
-James E. Popp, Manhattan Park District
-Mike Yesner, Golf Maine Park District
New Distinctive Board Members
-Marianne Cordell, Bartlett Park District
-Andrew S. McPherson, Palatine Park District

Calumet Hires New Superintendent of Athletics

The Calumet Memorial Park District has hired Charles Dockery to be its new superintendent of athletics. Dockery received his B.S. in business administration from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He is also a graduate from the Institute of Psychoanalysis: Teacher's Education Program in Chicago.

Dockery brings four years of parks and recreation experience in developing, marketing and implementing programs for the City of Country Club Hills and the Country Club Hills Park District. He was also responsible for marketing, managing and retaining members for the fitness center. He is a coach for the Hillcrest High School football team, an ordained deacon, and a co-founder of a foundation that offers recreational and educational programs to youth ages 7 to 15.

Gurnee Park District Hires New Superintendent

Timothy Sloth recently joined the Gurnee Park District as the superintendent of business services. He oversees all finance, human resources, customer service and technology issues for the district.

Sloth was a senior accountant/assistant finance director with the City of Rolling Meadows. He has also worked as the assistant to the director of finance for the City of Des Plaines and as an auditor/staff accountant for Evoy, Kamschulte, Jacobs & Company LLP.

He received a B.S. degree in accountancy from Northern Illinois University.

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Forest Preserve to Convert Golf Course to Green Space

The Lakewood Forest Preserve near Wauconda will expand following the board's approval of the purchase of the approximately 146-acre Four Winds Golf Club for $14,500,000 in mid-January. The property is adjacent to Lakewood. The purchase increases the Lakewood Forest Preserve to 2,748 acres and provides a potential route for a proposed Millennium Trail extension.

"By discontinuing the site's current golf course operation and using the property for forest preserve recreational uses, we will be able to offer a greater public benefit. The site currently offers good road access and an existing network of well-maintained paths for hiking and biking. Its beautiful open spaces are ideal for future picnicking, fishing and other recreational uses," said Bonnie Thomson Carter, Lake County Forest Preserve president.

The site's oak groves and wetlands could be restored to provide additional visual buffers and wildlife habitat between potential picnic areas and trails. There are many large trees and more than one-eighth of the property is wetland or open water.

Champaign Park District Welcomes Marketing Manger

Laura Auteberry joins the Champaign Park District as its new marketing manager. With nearly 20 years of marketing and fundraising experience, including five years previous experience in parks and recreation, Auteberry brings a variety of skills to advance the district's mission and assist in the development of the newly formed Champaign Parks Foundation.

Auteberry's primary responsibilities include overall management of the district's marketing program. She oversees the production of three program guides each year and promotional and support materials for more than 1,200 annual programs and special events. In addition, she works with the board and committee members of the foundation in planning and fundraising for the district.

Auteberry is a graduate of Southern Illinois University, where she received her bachelor's degree in speech communications.

Forest Preserve District Hires Director of Education

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has hired Dave Guritz as the director of the Office of Education, which oversees the administration and operation of the district's educational and historical facilities.

Guritz comes with more than a decade of experience in conservation education. Most recently, he served as director of the Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center in Olympia Fields. During his tenure, two new multipurpose facilities were built at the center and service participation grew to more than 40,000 individuals per year.

Guritz earned a bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin and master's degree in environmental management from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.

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Hanover Park Hires Three

Laura Clark joined the Hanover Park Park District as the new aquatic and recreation supervisor in January. Clark started her career in parks and recreation when she was 14 years old. She has worked for the Villa Park Recreation Department and the Bensenville and Wheeling Park Districts. At Hanover Park, her responsibilities include supervising the district's aquatic facility, as well as early childhood and senior programming. Clark earned her undergraduate degree in leisure and environmental recreation administration from George Williams College and a master's in teaching from National-Louis University.

Mike Wold joined the Hanover Park Park District as the new athletic services supervisor in November 2006. He completed his internship at the Wheeling Park District, working in a variety of areas with a main focus on athletic programming. Wold is responsible for pre-school and youth instructional programs, basketball and soccer leagues and adult sports. He obtained a B.S. in recreation and park administration from Illinois State University.

Nicole Mantegna joined the district as the recreation services supervisor in April 2006. She completed her internship at the Genoa Township Park District, working in a variety of areas including marketing, youth programs, soccer leagues and concessions. She worked part time at the Schaumburg Park District for eight years. Mantegna earned an associate of arts degree in business management at Harper College and a B.S. degree in recreation and park administration from Illinois State University.

Bolingbrook Hires Athletic Supervisor

Chris Corbett recently joined the Bolingbrook Park District as athletic supervisor. He oversees all youth and adult athletic programs and leagues, and he is the liaison to the Bolingbrook Athletic Council.

Previously, Corbett was recreation supervisor at the Wood Dale Park District. He also has experience in professional and collegiate athletics, including employment with University of Connecticut Athletic Department and a Houston Astros minor league baseball affiliate. He graduated in May 2003 with a bachelor's degree in sport management from the State University of New York College at Cortland.

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