Youth baseball and softball coaches, Brian Kelly and Doug Diederich, share their experiences coaching for the Naperville Park District and the importance of instilling good sportsmanship while teaching the fundamentals of baseball and softball.By Naperville Park District

Western DuPage Special Recreation Association Inclusion Manager, Maddy Manden, and Naperville Park District Superintendent of Recreation, Jackie Gonzalez, join the podcast to discuss the partnership between WDSRA and Naperville Park District and the agencies’ efforts to provide recreational programs to the community and create an inclusive society.…

Hear about upcoming anniversary celebrations for Springbrook Golf Course and the Knoch Knolls Nature Center in addition to learning some history and background on these key District facilities and why they’re integral to the community.Guests: Director of Golf Kevin Carlson and Nature Center Manager Angelique Harshman…

Learn about key community partnerships between the Naperville Park District and other entities that facilitate the smooth operation of recreation programs, offer exceptional experiences for residents and visitors, and help establish priorities and accomplish projects for the benefit of Naperville and beyond.Guests: Executive Director Brad Wilson, D…

Meet the District’s new park board commissioners who were seated in 2023 and learn more about them and their aspirations for recreation in Naperville.Guests: Commissioner Chris JacksBy Naperville Park District

Meet the District’s new park board commissioners who were seated in 2023 and learn more about them and their aspirations for recreation in Naperville.Guests: Commissioner John RisvoldBy Naperville Park District

This episode will highlight park development in 2023 and plans for 2024 as the District continues to add to its outdoor facility inventory and bring new recreation amenities to the community while investing in efficiencies and operational improvements.Guests: Director of Planning Eric Shutes and Director of Parks Tim Quigley…

Join District staff as they explore growth in recreation programs and facility use at the Park District, discuss how that growth has contributed to indoor facility space challenges, and what the District expects to see in 2024.Guests: Director of Recreation and Facilities Andrea Coates and Superintendent of Facilities Sue Buziecki…

In this episode, we kick off the 2024 State of the Park District’s theme of “Growing into the Future” in addition to providing a retrospective of 2023 and a high-level overview of the aspects to be covered in the subsequent 2024 SoPD episodes.Guests: Executive Director Brad Wilson and Park Board President Mary Gibson…

ParkTalk Podcast host, Sue Omanson, has retired after 22 years with the Naperville Park District. To celebrate her career, Sue talks about the history of the ParkTalk Podcast and what she loves about the Park District all while introducing the podcast’s new host, Danny Rehm.By Naperville Park District

Naperville resident Dick Kuhn shares stories from Fairlane Farms, where his family raised horses. Fairlane Farms Park will be developed in 2024 and is named in honor of this farm that brought polo to Naperville and is part of the farming and equestrian heritage of our community.By Naperville Park District

Guests Kirsten Mullinax from NorthShore - Edward-Elmhurst Health, and Amy Phillips from The Conservation Foundation discuss the annual Take a Hike! Challenge and the benefits of walking in nature.By Naperville Park District

In this episode, we hear from two gardeners about the joys, challenges and surprises of the 2023 gardening season at the Naperville Park District’s Garden Plots. Our guests are Priyanka, who rented a plot for the first time, and Barb, who has maintained a plot for many years and is a Master Gardener.…

Day camp staff members Cori and George reflect on the summer day camp experience, noting kids' creativity, fun memories and strengths of the program.By Naperville Park District

Two 89-year-old ball players from the Naperville Park District's Over 50 Softball League explain why they love the game and what keeps them coming back year after year.By Naperville Park District

Learn what makes Naperville's Centennial Beach a favorite summer destination. Two staff members familiar with Beach operations explain how it is unique and why people love it.By Naperville Park District

Ben Palczynski, Park Specialist II with the Naperville Park District, tells how his career has given him flexibility and the opportunity to apply his knowledge of horticulture in his daily work.By Naperville Park District

Marissa Kula, a Naperville Park District staff member, tells how a part-time position in customer service at the Park District opened doors to new career opportunities for her in the field of parks and recreation.By Naperville Park District

Brad Wilson, executive director of the Naperville Park District, recalls highlights of his internship, which began his career at the District over 24 years ago. He shares advice for college students currently seeking internships.By Naperville Park District

District staff discuss the many ways that residents and businesses support the Park District beyond tax dollars and program fees. Aspects highlighted in this episode include sponsorships and advertising, the Remembrance Program, donations, and volunteers.Guests: Community Development Manager Sue Omanson, Volunteer and Events Manager Becca Kryzkowsk…

In this episode, we discuss the recent renovations at Naperbrook and Springbrook Golf Courses in addition to considering the overall health of the sport of golf in Naperville and how it positively impacts people of all ages and abilities. Guests: Director of Golf Kevin Carlson and Mike LyzunBy Naperville Park District

Parks and Planning staff explore the importance of the Park District’s community-wide restoration projects that are designed to restore the health and diversity of natural areas while implementing a plan for ongoing maintenance. Guests: Director of Parks Tim Quigley and Project Manager Peggy MottaBy Naperville Park District

Following a year of soliciting community feedback through a wide variety of channels, the District is ready to put that feedback to good use. Explore with District staff what key plans are being developed, including goals and capital projects, and how they will impact recreation in NapervilleGuests: Executive Director Brad Wilson, Director of Recre…

The purpose of this episode is to kick off the 2023 podcast series and introduce this year’s theme of sustainability as it pertains to District operations across the organization in addition to providing a retrospective of 2022 and a high-level overview of the aspects to be covered in the subsequent 2023 SoPD episodes.Guests: Executive Director Bra…

Diana, a fitness member and part-time customer service representative at Fort Hill Activity Center, recounts her fitness journey from her early years as a teacher to her current life as a retiree.By Naperville Park District

Ed Hedborn, manager of plant records at the Morton Arboretum, describes the earliest signs of spring growth in our Northern Illinois trees, from the greening of the willow twigs to the blooms of the crabapple trees.By Naperville Park District

Melissa, a fitness member and part-time fitness attendant at Fort Hill Activity Center, explains how she overcame injuries and finds joy in pursuing her current fitness goals.By Naperville Park District

Two Naperville Park District staff members explain what invasive trees and shrubs are and why it’s important to remove them from natural areas to promote a healthy ecosystem.By Naperville Park District

Ed Hedborn, manager of plant records at the Morton Arboretum, explains some of the factors behind the timing and variations in color of our fall foliage. Ed is the author of the Arboretum's Fall Color Report.By Naperville Park District

Kevin Carlson, director of golf at the Naperville Park District, talks about the opportunities available for retirees to work as well as play golf at Springbrook and Naperbrook Golf Courses.By Naperville Park District

Jim, a fitness attendant at Fort Hill Fitness and a former executive in a large corporation tells of how he survived a major health crisis and is now enjoying an active retirement.By Naperville Park District

After a 40-year career in the health care field, Don retired and then found not just one, but several fun, part-time jobs at the Naperville Park District. In this episode, he explains how these different jobs have enriched his life.By Naperville Park District

Former business owner Marty Ceranek tells how he successfully transitioned to retirement and why he enjoys volunteering at Naperville Park District.By Naperville Park District

Volunteer beekeeper Joe Bourassa explains how to help honey bees thrive and shares his passion for insects, their wellbeing and their importance to our ecosystem.By Naperville Park District

Two park staff members tell how volunteers provide invaluable help in taking care of natural areas, keeping Riverwalk flowers blooming, and helping the Park District maintain parks across the community.By Naperville Park District

Parent volunteers Chris and Kelly, who are coaching 3 soccer teams this season, tell why they love coaching their kids' teams and how others can get involved.By Naperville Park District

Meet our new volunteer and events manager, Becca, and learn about the many ways to get involved as a volunteer in parks and recreation.By Naperville Park District

Gymnastics coordinator Karen Schmidt tells how young gymnasts enjoy the Naperville Park District’s in-house team experience, making friends and gaining confidence while they learn the basics of competition in this popular sport.By Naperville Park District

Fitness participant Louise shares her experience of moving to Naperville in 2020 in her late 80s and fitting in as a participant in the popular group exercise classes at Fort Hill Activity Center with others half her age.By Naperville Park District

In this episode we look at how the Park District continues to put a lot of emphasis behind its recruiting and retention efforts to ensure its continued excellence in operations.Guests: Katie Sepe, Director of Human Resources and Lisette Zuniga, HR AdministratorBy Naperville Park District

In this episode we highlight key environmental initiatives at the District and key recognitions received.Guests: Tim Quigley, Director of Parks and Sue Omanson, Community Development ManagerBy Naperville Park District

In this episode we gain insights regarding the successes and continuing challenges of operating in a state of flux due to the pandemic.Guests: Brad Wilson, Executive Director; Andrea Coates, Superintendent of Recreation, Kevin Carlson, Director of Golf and Sue Stanish, Director of FinanceBy Naperville Park District

Park District staff looks back at 2021 accomplishments and previews key 2022 initiatives.Guests: Brad Wilson, Executive Director; Eric Shutes, Director of PlanningBy Naperville Park District

In this episode we introduce two of the four new commissioners elected in April 2021 and learn more about them.Guests: Commissioners Leslie Ruffing and Rhonda AnsierBy Naperville Park District

In this episode we introduce two of the four new commissioners elected in April 2021 and learn more about them.Guests: Mary Gibson, Park Board Vice President and Alison Thompson, Park Board CommissionerBy Naperville Park District

In this episode, we kick off the podcast’s theme of “Rebuilding and Renewing” in addition to providing a high-level overview of the aspects to be covered in the various 2022 State of the Naperville Park District episodes.Guests: Marie Todd, Park Board President and Mary Gibson, Park Board Vice President…

Volunteer and retired teacher David Cleveland shares stories from decades of environmental projects with children and adults and his nature experiences while running locally and internationally.By Naperville Park District

Nature Center Manager Angelique Harshman gives insight into the needs and habits of common animals and birds that overwinter in northern Illinois, where to see them, bird feeding tips, and how to look for animal tracks in the snow.By Naperville Park District

Dr. Doug Taron, biologist and Chief Curator of the Chicago Academy of Sciences at the Peggy Notebaert Museum, discusses the unique characteristics of fireflies and how to appreciate and protect them.By Naperville Park District

Ben Mjolsness, the City of Naperville’s first Sustainability Coordinator, discusses the City’s opportunities for working with local partners to make progress in saving energy, reducing waste and conserving our natural environment on a local level.By Naperville Park District