Executive Director Update - Winter 2023

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Dear Friends of the Naperville Park District:

As we look forward to the holiday season and the start of a new year, I want to express my gratitude to our partners, donors, sponsors, volunteers and all of our residents who support our organization in many ways throughout the year. On behalf of the board and staff, we are grateful to everyone who participated in our community surveys, attended meetings or provided feedback through email on the Park District's initiatives. Your opinions and ideas help us provide recreation opportunities that best meet the needs of our community. A special thanks to those who contributed toward initiatives to benefit residents in need, including the Fee Assistance Program, the Community Christmas Lunch, Pennies for Pies, Toys for Tots and Operation Support Our Troops. In addition, we deeply appreciate the recent grants and donations to support a new set of pickleball courts at Frontier Sports Complex, a pavilion at Knoch Knolls Park and a renovation of the skate facility at Centennial Park - all exciting improvements that are coming in the near future for our community to enjoy.

Additionally, we are excited to introduce a new, enhanced website at www.napervilleparks.org; please be sure to check it out if you haven't already done so. The new design features an updated look, ease of navigation and improved page load speed. Some exciting new features include an interactive map and amenities search, improved events calendar that is sortable by category and a helpful FAQ section. We appreciate those who assisted staff in the design and development of this project by participating in focus groups and providing great input and ideas for consideration throughout the project's development.

One special event to note that will follow immediately after the holidays is the 2023 Community Job Fair on Saturday, January 7 at Fort Hill Activity Center from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. This annual, free event is once again being co-hosted by Naperville Park District and KidsMatter, and is intended for a variety of job seekers, from students to retirees. We also hope that college students who are home on winter break will take advantage of this opportunity to begin seeking summer employment and internships. Job seekers will be able to speak with Park District staff and representatives from many local businesses regarding their current and upcoming employment opportunities. At any time or in preparation for the Job Fair, those who are curious about current employment opportunities at the Park District may learn more and apply for a position at www.napervilleparks.org/employment.

Lastly, looking ahead to February 2023, be sure to tune in to the annual State of the Park District Address on our ParkTalk podcast, at a time that's most convenient for you. Through the 2023 series, you can hear directly from our commissioners and staff leaders as they give highlights of 2022 and insights into the projects and goals planned for an ambitious 2023.

Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season!

Brad Wilson

Executive Director

Naperville Park District