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 Recreation and Facilities Andrea Coates and Sales and Sponsorship Manager Stacey Fontechia

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