ParkTalk Podcast

As the weather changes and the scenery shifts from summer green to fall yellow, ecologist Scott Kobal from the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County talks about the environmental changes during nature's transition to fall.

Preparation for the Spring Dance Recital takes a lot of hard work. Dance Academy alumni, Mary Redgate and Ellie Laflamme, talk about their experiences dancing for the Park District and their passion for the artform.

The Knoch Knolls Nature Center has been an environmental staple in the community since opening its doors in 2014. Ahead of the 10th Anniversary celebration, Naperville Park District Executive Director Brad Wilson and Nature Center Manager Angelique Harshman join the podcast to discuss the Nature Center's impact on the community over the last decade.

The game of golf has seen a boom in popularity across the country, and that surge has been felt at the Naperville Park District. Director of Golf, Kevin Carlson and Springbrook Head Golf Professional, Mike Lyzun sit down to discuss the the growth of Park District golf and the golf facilities at the Naperville Park District.

In 2019, a ParkTalk Podcast series covered pickleball's popularity and health benefits. Five years later, we reexamine the sport and explore the growth in the last half decade and how the culture around pickleball can continue to change.

Marissa Hird from the Naperville Running Company, a partner of the Naperville Park District, talks about the partnership between the organizations, the health benefits of running, and gives tips for beginner runners.

Youth baseball and softball coaches, Brian Kelly and Doug Diederich, share their experiences coaching for the Naperville Park District and the importance of instilling good sportsmanship while teaching the fundamentals of baseball and softball.

Western DuPage Special Recreation Association Inclusion Manager, Maddy Manden, and Naperville Park District Superintendent of Recreation, Jackie Gonzalez, join the podcast to discuss the partnership between WDSRA and Naperville Park District and the agencies’ efforts to provide recreational programs to the community and create an inclusive society.

Hear about upcoming anniversary celebrations for Springbrook Golf Course and the Knoch Knolls Nature Center in addition to learning some history and background on these key District facilities and why they’re integral to the community. Guests: Director of Golf Kevin Carlson and Nature Center Manager Angelique Harshman

Learn about key community partnerships between the Naperville Park District and other entities that facilitate the smooth operation of recreation programs, offer exceptional experiences for residents and visitors, and help establish priorities and accomplish projects for the benefit of Naperville and beyond. Guests: Executive Director Brad Wilson, Director of Planning Eric Shutes, Director of Recr...

Meet the District’s new park board commissioners who were seated in 2023 and learn more about them and their aspirations for recreation in Naperville. Guests: Commissioner Chris Jacks

Meet the District’s new park board commissioners who were seated in 2023 and learn more about them and their aspirations for recreation in Naperville. Guests: Commissioner John Risvold

This episode will highlight park development in 2023 and plans for 2024 as the District continues to add to its outdoor facility inventory and bring new recreation amenities to the community while investing in efficiencies and operational improvements. Guests: Director of Planning Eric Shutes and Director of Parks Tim Quigley

Join District staff as they explore growth in recreation programs and facility use at the Park District, discuss how that growth has contributed to indoor facility space challenges, and what the District expects to see in 2024. Guests: Director of Recreation and Facilities Andrea Coates and Superintendent of Facilities Sue Buziecki

In this episode, we kick off the 2024 State of the Park District’s theme of “Growing into the Future” in addition to providing a retrospective of 2023 and a high-level overview of the aspects to be covered in the subsequent 2024 SoPD episodes. Guests: Executive Director Brad Wilson and Park Board President Mary Gibson

ParkTalk Podcast host, Sue Omanson, has retired after 22 years with the Naperville Park District. To celebrate her career, Sue talks about the history of the ParkTalk Podcast and what she loves about the Park District all while introducing the podcast’s new host, Danny Rehm.

Naperville resident Dick Kuhn shares stories from Fairlane Farms, where his family raised horses. Fairlane Farms Park will be developed in 2024 and is named in honor of this farm that brought polo to Naperville and is part of the farming and equestrian heritage of our community.

Guests Kirsten Mullinax from NorthShore - Edward-Elmhurst Health, and Amy Phillips from The Conservation Foundation discuss the annual Take a Hike! Challenge and the benefits of walking in nature.

In this episode, we hear from two gardeners about the joys, challenges and surprises of the 2023 gardening season at the Naperville Park District’s Garden Plots. Our guests are Priyanka, who rented a plot for the first time, and Barb, who has maintained a plot for many years and is a Master Gardener.

Day camp staff members Cori and George reflect on the summer day camp experience, noting kids' creativity, fun memories and strengths of the program.

Two 89-year-old ball players from the Naperville Park District's Over 50 Softball League explain why they love the game and what keeps them coming back year after year.

Learn what makes Naperville's Centennial Beach a favorite summer destination. Two staff members familiar with Beach operations explain how it is unique and why people love it.

Ben Palczynski, Park Specialist II with the Naperville Park District, tells how his career has given him flexibility and the opportunity to apply his knowledge of horticulture in his daily work.

Marissa Kula, a Naperville Park District staff member, tells how a part-time position in customer service at the Park District opened doors to new career opportunities for her in the field of parks and recreation.

Brad Wilson, executive director of the Naperville Park District, recalls highlights of his internship, which began his career at the District over 24 years ago. He shares advice for college students currently seeking internships.