ParkTalk Podcast: The Joys of Adult Recreation Leagues

Thursday, April 9, 2026

Episode Description:

Adult recreation leagues are a great way to stay active and social with friends and other members of the community. Naperville Park District Program Manager Brock Atwell and long-time participant of the Park District adult softball league Mark Knoll discuss the benefits adult recreation leagues provide and the joy they bring to participants every season.

Quotes from the Episode:

What spurs you to play every season?

I’m one of those that believes if you stop doing something, then you can’t do it anymore. I really enjoy playing softball. Now, the kids I coached in little league are now on the team. It started out wanting to play alongside my son, and then all of his friends started joining. Some of those kids I coached are still there. – Mark Knoll

How do adult recreation leagues strengthen personal connections?

There’s a bonding aspect to competing with one another, and you realized the other guys on the other side of the field are going through that as well. – Brock Atwell

We have camaraderie with some of our opponents. On occasion, there’s a couple other guys that will form a pick-up game and will come out on a Sunday morning for a warmup. – Mark Knoll

How would you encourage someone to try an adult recreation sport?

We’ve had many people who have gone back and forth on whether they should do it or not. If you’re sitting on the fence, give it a shot. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. – Brock Atwell

If you played ball, there’s nothing better than putting yourself on an interest list and playing with a park district team. I did and I don’t regret it. – Mark Knoll