ParkTalk Podcast

District staff discuss the many ways that residents and businesses support the Park District beyond tax dollars and program fees. Aspects highlighted in this episode include sponsorships and advertising, the Remembrance Program, donations, and volunteers. Guests: Community Development Manager Sue Omanson, Volunteer and Events Manager Becca Kryzkowski, and Sales and Sponsorship Manager Stacey Fonte...

In this episode, we discuss the recent renovations at Naperbrook and Springbrook Golf Courses in addition to considering the overall health of the sport of golf in Naperville and how it positively impacts people of all ages and abilities. Guests: Director of Golf Kevin Carlson and Mike Lyzun

Parks and Planning staff explore the importance of the Park District’s community-wide restoration projects that are designed to restore the health and diversity of natural areas while implementing a plan for ongoing maintenance. Guests: Director of Parks Tim Quigley and Project Manager Peggy Motta

Following a year of soliciting community feedback through a wide variety of channels, the District is ready to put that feedback to good use. Explore with District staff what key plans are being developed, including goals and capital projects, and how they will impact recreation in Naperville Guests: Executive Director Brad Wilson, Director of Recreation Andrea Coates, and Director of Planning Eri...

The purpose of this episode is to kick off the 2023 podcast series and introduce this year’s theme of sustainability as it pertains to District operations across the organization in addition to providing a retrospective of 2022 and a high-level overview of the aspects to be covered in the subsequent 2023 SoPD episodes. Guests: Executive Director Brad Wilson and Board President Mary Gibson

Diana, a fitness member and part-time customer service representative at Fort Hill Activity Center, recounts her fitness journey from her early years as a teacher to her current life as a retiree.

Ed Hedborn, manager of plant records at the Morton Arboretum, describes the earliest signs of spring growth in our Northern Illinois trees, from the greening of the willow twigs to the blooms of the crabapple trees.

Melissa, a fitness member and part-time fitness attendant at Fort Hill Activity Center, explains how she overcame injuries and finds joy in pursuing her current fitness goals.

Two Naperville Park District staff members explain what invasive trees and shrubs are and why it’s important to remove them from natural areas to promote a healthy ecosystem.

Ed Hedborn, manager of plant records at the Morton Arboretum, explains some of the factors behind the timing and variations in color of our fall foliage. Ed is the author of the Arboretum's Fall Color Report.

Kevin Carlson, director of golf at the Naperville Park District, talks about the opportunities available for retirees to work as well as play golf at Springbrook and Naperbrook Golf Courses.

Jim, a fitness attendant at Fort Hill Fitness and a former executive in a large corporation tells of how he survived a major health crisis and is now enjoying an active retirement.

After a 40-year career in the health care field, Don retired and then found not just one, but several fun, part-time jobs at the Naperville Park District. In this episode, he explains how these different jobs have enriched his life.

Former business owner Marty Ceranek tells how he successfully transitioned to retirement and why he enjoys volunteering at Naperville Park District.

Volunteer beekeeper Joe Bourassa explains how to help honey bees thrive and shares his passion for insects, their wellbeing and their importance to our ecosystem.

Two park staff members tell how volunteers provide invaluable help in taking care of natural areas, keeping Riverwalk flowers blooming, and helping the Park District maintain parks across the community.

Parent volunteers Chris and Kelly, who are coaching 3 soccer teams this season, tell why they love coaching their kids' teams and how others can get involved.

Meet our new volunteer and events manager, Becca, and learn about the many ways to get involved as a volunteer in parks and recreation.

Gymnastics coordinator Karen Schmidt tells how young gymnasts enjoy the Naperville Park District’s in-house team experience, making friends and gaining confidence while they learn the basics of competition in this popular sport.

Fitness participant Louise shares her experience of moving to Naperville in 2020 in her late 80s and fitting in as a participant in the popular group exercise classes at Fort Hill Activity Center with others half her age.

In this episode we look at how the Park District continues to put a lot of emphasis behind its recruiting and retention efforts to ensure its continued excellence in operations. Guests: Katie Sepe, Director of Human Resources and Lisette Zuniga, HR Administrator

In this episode we highlight key environmental initiatives at the District and key recognitions received. Guests: Tim Quigley, Director of Parks and Sue Omanson, Community Development Manager

In this episode we gain insights regarding the successes and continuing challenges of operating in a state of flux due to the pandemic. Guests: Brad Wilson, Executive Director; Andrea Coates, Superintendent of Recreation, Kevin Carlson, Director of Golf and Sue Stanish, Director of Finance

Park District staff looks back at 2021 accomplishments and previews key 2022 initiatives. Guests: Brad Wilson, Executive Director; Eric Shutes, Director of Planning

In this episode we introduce two of the four new commissioners elected in April 2021 and learn more about them. Guests: Commissioners Leslie Ruffing and Rhonda Ansier