ParkTalk Podcast

Golfer Jon Lee and his daughter, Abby, tell how golfing enriched their lives this summer during the pandemic. Director of Golf Kevin Carlson reflects on the growth of golf at Naperville Park District's two courses and the challenges of operating during COVID-19.

Recreation Superintendent Ted Adatto from Western DuPage Special Recreation Association tells how special recreation programs are helping individuals with disabilities to reconnect with their community during the pandemic.

Tennis program coordinator Meredith Pollack explains why tennis is a great sport to play or try for the first time during the pandemic.

Rotary Hill and the Paddleboat Quarry have become an oasis in the pandemic. Ray McGury tells how the new Midday Spray came about, and we talk with families enjoying the water at these favorite locations.

Naper Settlement, Naperville's unique outdoor history museum, is planning an exciting new interpretive center that will showcase Naperville’s farming heritage. Guests Rena Tamayo-Calabrese, Donna Sack and Jeanne Schultz Angel explain how the center will help tie farming from the past to agriculture of today and tomorrow.

Guests Ginny Wolf Chivas, Jerry Kuhn and Ed Kuhn recall life on Ginny’s grandparents’ farm in the 1950s and 60s in Naperville. The conversation touches on some of the themes from an interpretive sign that will honor Naperville’s farming history at Wolf’s Crossing Community Park, a new park under construction in 2020.

Norma Yackley Yeates shares her experiences growing up on a farm in Naperville from the 1930s to early 1950s and Ginny Wolf Chivas adds her perspective as a lifelong friend of Norma's and member of a farm family with a 170 year history in Naperville.

Guest Pam White, former owner of Wagner Farms in Naperville, Illinois, recalls growing up on the farm, favorite memories, and lessons that apply to suburban life today.

Mary Beth Falsey, water quality supervisor at DuPage County Stormwater Management, discusses county-wide programs and projects to improve water quality in our rivers and streams.

Jennifer Hammer, director of watershed programs for The Conservation Foundation, explains regional efforts to improve water quality and habitat in the DuPage River, mentioning both success stories and challenges. Learn how you can help at www.napervilleparks.org/podcasts.

Learn how Naperville Park District is working to restore and protect the water quality of the DuPage River.

Preschool teachers and program managers explain the basic units of the new preschool curriculum and share success stories from the classroom. This episode is part of Series 16: Play with a Purpose.

Preschool teachers and program managers share their excitement about a new curriculum that helps kids learn and thrive.

Park District staff takes a look back at 2019 accomplishments and previews key 2020 projects. Guests: Brad Wilson, Director of Recreation and Facilities and Eric Shutes, Director of Planning

An update on sustainable parks initiatives and forthcoming golf renovations for 2020 and 2021 are discussed. Guests: Carl Gorra, Parks and Fleet Operations Manager; Tim Quigley, South Parks Operations Manager and Mike Lyzun, Head Golf Professional at Springbrook Golf Course

Executive Director Ray McGury answers some frequently asked questions during one of the most popular ParkTalk podcast segments. Guest: Ray McGury, Executive Director

Gain insights into the District’s challenges with respect to recruiting and hiring with the new minimum wage mandate. Additionally, find out what technology initiatives are on the horizon for the District. Guests: Katie Sepe, Director of Human Resources and Omar Sandoval, Director of Information Technology

Discussion focuses on growth of the District and the challenges that exceptional growth in recent years has created. Also hear about new recreation initiatives around sportsmanship and new programs and facilities. Guests: Ray McGury, Executive Director; Brad Wilson, Director of Recreation and Facilities and Andrea Coates, Superintendent of Recreation

An introduction to the podcast’s theme of “partnerships and progress” in addition to a brief look ahead to 2020 initiatives. Guests: Rich Janor, Park Board President and Ray McGury, Executive Director

Three members of a drop-in painting group talk about the creative process and how this group nurtures their art.

Listen to what goes into planning the beautiful floral displays at the Naperville Riverwalk and the wildflower gardens in Park District’s natural areas, and why staff enjoys designing these ever-changing works of art in the parks.

Zumba teacher Temeka tells how she discovered Zumba dancing and how it transformed her life and fosters creativity, energy and social connections for her students.

Wayne Fischer, Senior Vice Commander of the Illinois American Legion, Joe Strebel, Naperville’s American Legion Post 43 historian, and Lew Breese, past commander of the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 explain the history behind our veterans organizations and how people can continue to support our service men and women.

Go behind the scenes of Naperville's 2019 Healing Field of Honor with Dave Wentz, Marty Walker and Sue Liston, who tell stories of what moves them to orchestrate this community event to honor and support veterans and active duty service men and women.

Listen as yoga teacher Sarah Weyenberg leads you through a meditation: Start Your Day With Gratitude.