Congratulations to our Volunteer of the Month! Volunteers are essential to the success of the Park District!
Read about Connie Lettow
The Carol Stream Park District was honored to receive a generous $15,000 donation from the Carol Stream Parks Foundation during Monday’s Board meeting.
Foundation members Carol Floren and Matthew Barden and newest Board Member Patrice Bedow were present, along with representatives from the Bags for Life Foundation, including Matt and Linda McCarthy, Annette Murphy, Kim Martino, and Brett and Angela Sprague.
The donation was made possible through the success of the Parks Foundation’s premier fundraiser – the Annual Duck Race – as well as a generous donation from the Bags for Life Foundation, who donated $4,000 from its annual bags tournament to the Parks Foundation’s Youth Scholarship Program. These two community-driven events continue to make a meaningful impact in Carol Stream.
Most of the funds will directly support the Park District’s Youth Scholarship program, helping ensure that children have access to recreation programs, camps, sports and activities regardless of financial circumstances. A portion of the donation will also contribute to the District’s bus fund, supporting safe and reliable transportation for children’s summer camps, and adult trips and activities.
We are grateful to the Carol Stream Parks Foundation, the Bags for Life Foundation, event participants, volunteers, and sponsors whose dedication continues to expand opportunities for residents throughout Carol Stream.
Together, we are building a stronger, more connected community.
In remembrance of Richard Ralph Hildenbrand, Vietnam War Army Veteran.
Rich was a pillar of his community, a 2024 Carol Stream Citizen of the Year nominee, a key player in fundraising efforts to build the Veterans Memorial Plaza at Town Center, an active member of Carol Stream’s VFW Post #10396 for over 20 years, and a commander at VFW since 2020. Rich spent his Wednesdays volunteering with fellow Veterans at the DuPage Convalescent Center. Service was important to Rich and these were just a few of the great many ways he served.
Rich served in the U.S Army during the Vietnam War as a Communications Specialist.
Rich was born August 25, 1949. He graduated from Holy Cross High School (River Grove). Rich married his beloved wife Emily in 1986, becoming stepfather to her daughter Angel before having their daughters Mariel and Krista. Rich took great pride in being a grandfather to Angel’s children, Stephan and Michael – both of whom joined the military and were awarded for their exemplary service. Nine years ago he became a grandfather to a granddaughter, Rosie.
Rich was a good man who was passionate about his family and his service. We were honored to work closely with him and grateful for the dedication he brought to everything he did. He has a Memorial Brick at the Veterans Memorial Plaza, Carol Stream.
Congratulations to our Volunteer of the Month! Volunteers are essential to the success of the Park District!
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Read January 2026 FIT THOUGHTS
Congratulations to our Volunteer of the Month! Volunteers are essential to the success of the Park District!
On Saturday, November 15 one of our wonderful Park District volunteers, Jeff Bates organized 10 young men from a local Boy Scout Troop to assist him with removing invasive plant species in Armstrong Park. The Scouts were given a safety briefing and went on to spend four hours cutting invasive species out of a wooded area in the northeast portion of the park adjacent to the large shelter. The area was getting a bit overgrown, and our parks crew wanted to clear the invasive growth to promote the growth of native species in an attempt to beautify the area.
Park District volunteer, Jeff Bates, not only organized this entire day of volunteerism, but he worked the entire day as well. Volunteers like Jeff make a huge difference in our parks and community!
We are in the process of redoing our gym floors here at Simkus Recreation Center, and we have some UPDATES! The Gym is expected to reach completion late December 2025, earlier than expected. The new flooring has been installed and lines and logos have been painted. We begin the sealing process today – Nov 21.
Still to come…
– curing
– installation of new baseboards
– securing of bleachers
– thorough cleaning
– paint touch up
– installation of a low voltage air circulation system beneath the flooring to improve floor performance and foster longevity
We want to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to School Districts 25, 87, and 93 for helping ensure that Park District sports and activities have a home while our gym is under renovation.
Thank you for your continued support and patience!
