ParkTalk Podcast

Master Gardener Jan Gricus talks about the joys and challenges of growing vegetables at our community gardens and how donations of produce bring nutritious food to families in need.

Three high school students explain how their workouts or dance activities at the Naperville Park District benefit them and relieve stress.

KidsMatter CEO and Executive Director Kamala Martinez returns to talk about several initiatives to help students beat stress: free online tutoring, a digital leader program and a job fair for high school and college students.

KidsMatter CEO and Executive Director Kamala Martinez reports the results of an eye-opening survey of youth stress and new resources to help kids and parents recognize and deal with stress in a healthy way.

Knoch Knolls Nature Center Manager Angelique Harshman and Naturalist Barbara Vrchota talk about a new program for young children, Nature Playtime, and other ways for busy families to enjoy nature.

Physical therapist Allison Mitch discusses health benefits of spending time in nature for both adults and children.

Executive Director Ray McGury explains what's behind the new mission statement of the Naperville Park District, which is to provide recreation and park experiences that promote healthy lives, healthy minds and a healthy community.

Occupational therapist Dina Kartsonas describes the benefits for seniors of her WellFit Seated Strength Training and Better Balance and Core classes.

Executive Director Laura Milligan of Riverwalk Adult Day Services explains how these services benefit adults of all ages and their caregivers.

Award-winning wood carver Shelly Weiser tells how he began carving at age 75, learned from a master carver and now teaches kids and adults at the Naperville Park District.

Guest Karen Courney explains how she and others spearheaded a new transportation service for Naperville seniors. Learn more about how it works, her hopes for expanding in the future and opportunities to support this valuable and successful program.

Program Manager Lorraine Ouellette invites adults 50 and up to enjoy free or low-cost activities, classes and resources that can lead to better health, fitness, social connections and lifelong learning.

Organic gardener Kelly Foster explains what organic gardening is, how it helps nurture healthy soil, and how you can take a step toward more of an organic approach to your home garden.

Four sixth grade students in Naperville, Illinois discuss their experiment comparing phosphorus runoff from natural and artificial fertilizers. They entered their research in the U.S. Army’s eCyberMission competition. As one of only five sixth grade National Finalist Teams, they will compete in nationals in Virginia the week of June 17-22, 2018.

Entomologist Brittany Buckles explains how and why to protect both honey bees and native bees. Brittany has served as a beekeeper for honey bee hives and continues to study native bees in their natural habitats.

Kay McKeen, founder and executive director of SCARCE, an environmental nonprofit in DuPage County, Illinois, talks about how composting can benefit one of our most valuable natural resources: the soil. Learn how to start your own compost bin or join with neighbors in curbside composting.

Arnoush Javaherian, also known as Coach Java, founded the Ultimate Frisbee® Club at Neuqua Valley High School in 2007, where he has helped the sport grow to include more than 200 students each year and to win the state championship 5 of the last 7 years. Java also coaches youth Ultimate at the Naperville Park District and is passionate about growing the sport worldwide.

Parent and volunteer coach Monica Lodge tells the story of how she brought field hockey to Naperville, why it's a great sport for young, female athletes, and how the story continues to unfold with the help of parents, schools and the park district.

Executive Director Ray McGury answers questions from our listeners.

Foundation President Troy Cooper and Board Member Jim Ensign recap the Foundation’s history, mission, current projects, and ways to donate or get involved.

Commissioners Carlsen and King were elected to the Park Board in April 2017. Learn about why they wanted to run for office, what they appreciate about parks in Naperville, challenges they face as commissioners, and how to get in touch with them.

Director of Parks Kevin Finnegan, Central Parks Manager Carl Gorra and Golf Operations Manager Kevin Carlson discuss the District’s park maintenance practices, including its ongoing initiative to transition to organic products and new strategies to enhance wildlife habitat and conserve resources in the parks and golf courses.

Finance Director Sue Stanish and Executive Director Ray McGury discuss the District’s strong financial position, sources of funding and what residents receive for their tax dollars.

Executive Director Ray McGury, Park Board President Mike Reilly and Director of Recreation Brad Wilson touch on the highlights of 2017, including the results of the Community Interest and Opinion Survey and the success of the Fort Hill Activity Center. They introduce the District’s new mission statement and preview new projects for 2018. They end with their personal reflections on why they are ser...

Executive Director Ray McGury and Park Board President Mike Reilly talk about the launch of the State of the Park District as Series One of the ParkTalk podcast.