Park Board Approves Agreement between Naperville Park District and Max’s Mission

Friday, May 9, 2025

At the May 8, 2025 meeting, the Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners approved the installation of two concrete structures and four new murals adjacent to the Rothermel Family Skate Facility at Centennial Park. Installation of the concrete structures and murals are slated to occur this year.

This project is in partnership with Max’s Mission, a non-profit organization established by the Wijangco family of Naperville to honor the life and legacy of their beloved son Max who died by suicide in 2022. Max was an avid skateboarder who frequently visited Park District skate parks and befriended skaters of all ages and abilities. The purpose of the initiative is to add beauty to the park and to help the people of Naperville and beyond to see and appreciate the diversity and creativity of the community, while also including a message of hope and help for those struggling with mental health or a loss by suicide.

“We are incredibly honored to work with Max’s Mission and uplift the skating community,” said Executive Director Brad Wilson. “Promoting mental health is a key area of focus for our organization, and Max’s Mission strongly aligns with the Park District’s emphasis on nurturing a health and wellness mindset in our community.”

Funding for the project is made possible, in part, by Max’s Mission, the Naperville Park District, the JCS Arts, Health and Education Fund of DuPage Foundation, City of Naperville’s SECA Grant Fund, and M/M Peters – the concrete contractor hired for the project. To learn more about Max’s Mission, visit www.maxs-mission.org.