Get to know the elected members of the Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners. Commissioners Spotlight features a different commissioner every other month through a brief Q&A that touches on Park District topics as well as a few fun, personal questions.

Each spotlight also includes photos that reflect the commissioner’s interests and activities beyond formal meetings. For more information about each commissioner and their role on the Board, visit the Board of Commissioners official webpage.

John Risvold

Park Board Commissioner

May 2026
 
  1. Where is your favorite place to relax in our community? (A park, trail, restaurant, or hidden gem)
    We live near Walnut Ridge Park, so I spend a lot of time there with the kids and the dog. We love the wooded trails and the open space to play, relax and just enjoy time outside.

  2. You’re getting Subway for lunch – build us your sandwich!
    Step 1, I immediately leave and go to Jimmy Johns. From there, it's a large Diet Coke and either a Beach Club (turkey, avocado, provolone) or Billy Club (Ham & Roast Beef, provolone) and always salt and vinegar chips.

  3. What is your favorite Naperville landmark and why?
    The Riverwalk is my favorite. It's a great place to sit and relax, have a beautiful walk, and enjoy the sights and sounds of downtown Naperville on a beautiful day.

  4. Would you rather explore space or the ocean?
    Space. I love the sound of the ocean, and being at the beach, but I don't need to explore the terrifying things beneath the water.

  5. If someone just moved to Naperville, which park would you recommend they visit first?
    Whichever park is closest to their new home. One of the really great things about the Park District is that no matter where you live in town, there is a park that is close by.

  6. What is your go-to karaoke song?
    Katy Perry - Firework

  7. What inspired you to serve as a Park District commissioner?
    I wanted to serve the community and felt that I could use my background as a lawyer, and dad of young kids, to add a different perspective.

  8. Who is your favorite musical artist?
    The Beatles, but I have a wide range of music tastes from classical music to house music, to indie rock and hip-hop.

  9. Describe the Naperville Park District in one sentence.
    Dedicated community members, leaders and experts, working to protect and preserve open spaces, and create opportunities for everyone in the community to improve their minds and bodies.

  10. During your daily commute, do you prefer to listen to music or podcasts/audiobooks?
    I've been listening to a lot of audio books lately. I finished reading the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, so now I am listening to the audiobooks. They are spectacular.

Learn more about Commissioner John Risvold

    Leslie Ruffing

    Park Board Commissioner

    March 2026
     
    1. What park district program, event, or amenity are you most proud of (past or present)?
      The beautiful murals at the Rothermel Family Skate Facility, which were unveiled last fall. The project came together thanks in large part to Max’s Mission. These pieces add color to the skate park and reflect themes of hope and resilience. If you haven’t yet seen them, be sure to check them out next time you're downtown or on the Riverwalk!

    2. What’s your all-time favorite vacation spot?
      It's a tie between Scottsdale, Arizona and Saugatuck, Michigan.

    3. What inspired you to serve as a Park District commissioner?
      I have been drawn to serving my community for a number of years, and in 2020 I decided it was time to run for office. I felt that bringing the perspective of a mother who utilizes the park district regularly would be a valuable addition. I also spent my teenage years working for my hometown park district, so I have always placed a high value on parks and rec.

    4. What is your favorite holiday and how do you celebrate it?
      My favorite holiday is Halloween! I love everything about it...the costumes, the decorations, and the spooky vibes. We love to go trick-or-treating and pass out candy, we go to costume parties, have scary movie nights with friends, and check out houses that are decked out for Halloween.

    5. Describe the Naperville Park District in one sentence.
      An organization that keeps our 140 parks (and other open spaces) beautiful, while providing recreational programs for any and all residents.

    6. What is your go-to karaoke song?
      Livin' On A Prayer, by Bon Jovi

    7. How long have you lived in Naperville? What is your favorite part about the community?
      We moved here in 2012 from Chicago because we wanted to raise our children here. There is still so much to love about this community: the schools, the open space and parks, the downtown, the many restaurants and shopping, our neighborhood...it is a resource rich community and we feel very lucky to live here.

    8. What’s one small thing that always makes your day better?
      A cold can of Diet Coke (just not every day).

    9. What is your favorite Naperville landmark and why?
      The Riverwalk, of course. Tiffani and her crew keep it looking beautiful, and it's such a unique feature of the downtown. I love to show it off to visitors!

    10. If you have a free Saturday, with no obligations, how do you like to spend it?
      It would depend on the season...either catching up on my favorite TV shows, or hanging out at my friend's backyard pool.

    Learn more about Commissioner Leslie Ruffing