A Talk in the Park

Enjoy the final episode in A Talk in the Park’s mini series, Long Standing Employees, featuring Rob Sperl! Being at the district for over 20 years, he has gotten to be a part of many exciting projects and has seen the district evolve. Tune in and learn more about Rob’s experience and hear his park recommendations.

Enjoy the next episode of long standing employees at Wheaton Park District featuring Ray Morrill! Since 1972, Ray has been integral for the district in aquatics and programming and he now serves as a Park Board Commissioner. Tune in to learn more history and Ray’s experience at Wheaton Park.

Enjoy the first of several interviews with Wheaton Park District long standing employees as a part of DuPage County’s Historical Museum (DCHM) Oral Histories! On this episode, Zach Bishop, DCHM Curator sits down with Sue Wahlgren, Cosley Zoo Director, to discuss her time with Wheaton Park District and Cosley Zoo over the last 37 years.

This month, Amy and Mark talk with Zach Bishop, DuPage County’s Historical Museum Curator. He discusses past and upcoming exhibits including celebrating a recent award. He also shares interesting facts abought Northside Park and walks us through the exhibit planning process. Have something to donate to an upcoming exhibit? Want a tour of the Museum? Email Zach Bishop at [email protected]!

Amy and Mark choose their favorite podcast moments from 2020. Thank you for a great year, A Talk in the Park listeners!

Ms. Kelly, Wide Horizons Preschool Coordinator, joins Amy and Mark to discuss how Wide Horizons Preschool staff provide students with a positive and enjoyable learning experience and how they continue to remain creative with their daily operations. She also shares fun, easy and free ways to keep children engaged at home!

Jenny Theuman, Lead Zookeeper & Animal Welfare Coordinator, joins Mark and Amy to discuss a Wheaton favorite location, Cosley Zoo. Learn more about the oldest animal at the zoo, what her typical day is like and more.

Wheaton Park District presents, The Virtual Recreation Center. Join our in-house experts and community partners for a variety of FREE programming and resources for staying active at home. Learn more and explore at wheatonparkdistrict.com/virtualrec.

Justin Kirtland, Golf Course Superintendent of Arrowhead Golf Club, joins Amy and Mark on this month’s episode to discuss what a typical day looks like for him and his staff, if fertilizer actually works and shares the district’s accomplishments as a Green Team Member.

Rick Napier, Community Center Day Manager, joins Amy and Mark on this month’s episode to discuss inclusion efforts at the Wheaton Park District. He explains the process on obtaining program/activity aides for children and shares his journey as part of the Play For All Playground & Garden Foundation board. Learn more about the Play For All Playground & Garden Foundation and the current phase of Sensory Garden Playground by visiting playforalldupage.org.