ParkTalk Blog: Dedicating the Marie Todd Practice Facility

Thursday, September 26, 2024

On September 18, 2024, the Naperville Park District officially opened the Marie Todd Practice Facility, a new practice area at Naperbrook Golf Course named after former Park Board commissioner, Marie Todd. From 2005-2023, Marie served the Naperville Park District and the community as a park board member. She was elected Park Board President twice, from 2006-2007 and again from 2021-2022. Additionally, Marie served as Park Board Vice President from 2008-2009.

Throughout her tenure, Marie played an integral part in a variety of large-scale projects at the Park District, including the 20-acre expansion of Nike Sports Complex, the development of popular facilities such as Knoch Knolls Nature Center and Fort Hill Activity Center, the construction of 95th Street Community Plaza and Wolf’s Crossing Community Park, a major course-wide renovation at Springbrook Golf Course and much more. 

Marie Todd Practice Facility, a chipping and bunker practice area, includes two bunkers and a short game fairway.

For 50 years, golf has been a staple at the Naperville Park District. Beginning with the opening of Springbrook Golf Course in 1974 followed by Naperbrook Golf Course in 1991, thousands of golfers visit each year to test their skills, improve their game, and enjoy the camaraderie of other golfers. Despite the popularity of the sport today, several years before its post-pandemic resurgence, the industry struggled with shrinking interest overall, which the Park District saw to some extent at its facilities.

“The time needed for golf and difficulties connecting with new generations and demographics limited growth in the game,” said Kevin Carlson, Director of Golf at the Naperville Park District. “While the Park District courses were able to remain profitable, both had also seen their rounds decreasing and reduced interest in golf programs.”

Additionally, surveys and focus groups conducted in the late 2000s and early 2010s revealed that two primary hurdles prevented golfers from playing more. Those hurdles were: time and money – and in that order. These troubles were exacerbated by the economic dip that began in 2008 with aftershocks that lasted several years. 

During this challenging time, Marie was vocal about the need to grow the game by generating interest in other demographics, making the game more approachable, and enhancing the environment at both facilities to make golfers of all ages and abilities feel more welcome. With the addition of new lessons programs, different golf events and opportunities to open the game more broadly, both Springbrook and Naperbrook began to see an increase in participation by both youth and women golfers – a trend that continues to be seen many years later.  

Marie is an avid golfer herself, and it was common to see her playing a round or practicing at Springbrook and Naperbrook. Because of her love for the sport, she saw value in expanding practice areas to provide more space for golfers to refine their skills and additional programming for beginners. The Golf Master Improvement Plan, which was finalized in 2018, included plans to improve practice areas at both Springbrook and Naperbrook. When it came time to name the new facility at Naperbrook, the Board’s decision was an easy one. In April 2023, shortly before Marie’s final term on the board ended, the Park Board of Commissioners officially approved naming the forthcoming practice area renovation to honor Marie and her contributions not only to the Park District as a whole, but also in recognition of her support of the game of golf locally. The board decided that the new amenity would be named the Marie Todd Practice Facility. 

Marie Todd taking the "first chip" at the official opening of the Marie Todd Practice Facility.

Of course, Marie’s impact goes beyond her work as Park Board commissioner. She worked alongside many different Park Board commissioners over an 18-year window and assisted them in guiding the District through various challenges. Her wealth of knowledge and experience made her a valuable resource for newer commissioners over the years, including current Park Board President Mary Gibson and Park Board Vice President Leslie Ruffing.

“Commissioners Ruffing, Thompson, Ansier and I were so lucky to have Marie on the Park Board with us when we got elected in 2021,” said President Mary Gibson. “Everything that the Park District does is intentional, from playground design to the way we landscape our flowerbeds, and Marie was an invaluable resource for teaching us how to ask the right questions.”

“My first two years serving on the Board happened to be Marie’s final two years,” added Vice President Leslie Ruffing. “I am forever grateful for her mentorship during that period.”

Whether it was serving on the Park Board of Commissioners, mentoring newly elected board members, or simply being the one who can give a helpful golf tip or two, Marie Todd made a lasting impression community-wide. Her influence is seen throughout the community through the District’s many popular facilities and beautiful parks. Now, her name is permanently cemented in Naperville’s history with the Marie Todd Practice Facility, which undoubtedly is a fitting tribute.

“By naming the practice facility at Naperbrook Golf Course after (Marie), we are honoring the legacy she planted at the Naperville Park District two decades ago,” Vice President Ruffing concluded. “Her role in shaping the Park District to what it is today will never be forgotten!”

Marie Todd at the facility grand opening with members of the Park District leadership team and Park Board members.