A Message from Executive Director Sue Rini
School’s out, the weather is getting warm, and kids and families are ‘finally’ able to get outside and enjoy the weather! Park District staff have been working on getting our programs, activities, parks, and playgrounds ready for you. Our staff is just as excited to see our residents enjoying those parks as you are to use them. That’s why it’s so disappointing when we have to shut down a facility to repair acts of vandalism. We certainly don’t like spending tax dollars to fix the damage, and we know you don’t like to lose that amenity while we make those repairs. We’re united in the goal of making this community a place where everyone has a place to play, have fun, and stay active. Vandalism simply disrespects what we’ve accomplished together, and diminishes the spirit of community we’ve all worked to create.
Unfortunately, the Park District is seeing rising acts of vandalism. Whether it’s graffiti sprayed all over skate park equipment, on a sign, spray painting of multiples pieces of equipment at the Skate Park, damage to playground equipment, or intentional destruction of park property, vandalism hurts all of us. It impacts the pride and ownership we each have for our community spaces, destroys the beauty or functionality of the parks, and wastes the resources that are better used in other ways.
Vandalism also sets a harmful precedent for future behavior. When we tolerate acts of vandalism, we send a message that destructive behavior is acceptable—that it is okay to disregard the rules and disrespect the property of others. It erodes the fabric of our community. Parks and Playgrounds are more than just a place to play – they represent our shared commitment to each other to create a family oriented community where friendships are made and families can spend time together. Help us to keep the reckless actions of a few individuals from negatively impacting what we have.
If you see someone damaging property, please call the police. If you find damage or vandalism at a park district property, call us so we can get it fixed. Talk to your friends and children and remind them to about the importance of respecting our parks and playgrounds. We want you to be able to continue to enjoy the great amenities the Park District has to offer. Thanks for helping us make that possible.
CAROL STREAM: The Carol Stream Park District Board and Staff are pleased to announce the Grand Re-Opening of Walter Park, located at 970 High Ridge Pass, Carol Stream. A celebratory ribbon-cutting is scheduled for Monday, June 24, at 6pm. All residents are invited to join the Park District Board of Commissioners, visiting legislators, community partners and staff. We also welcome the Carol Stream Police Department’s Blue Scoops ice cream trailer, offering free refreshments.
The Carol Stream Park District was the recipient of an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant in the amount of $400,000 for the Walter Park renovation. The amount funded 50% of the renovations planned for the park. The grant was awarded March 1, 2023.
The renovated park features a new pickleball court, a newly graded baseball/softball field with dugouts and bleachers, soccer field, new playground with synthetic turf, swings (youth and ADA-accessible), a crushed limestone walking path around the park with an access point to the adjoining neighborhood, a bike rack, and a portable restroom (seasonal). In addition, the parking lot has been repaved.
“We are excited to bring updated and new amenities to Walter Park,” said Executive Director Sue Rini. “The park renovation is the result of community input meetings in May 2022, and the Park District Board and staff are grateful to have received our residents’ ideas to add to the park. The OSLAD grant funding enabled us to add new amenities, such as a pickleball court, field dugouts, and a trail to this beautiful outdoor space, enhancing recreational opportunities for all who use the park.”
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Doug Wolf retiring from Basketball
This story was shared by Greg Schwarze, DuPage County Board Member, District 6.
Doug Wolf, 82 years old, has finally hung up his gym shoes and put away his basketball after playing the sport for nearly 70 years. The West Chicago resident and member of the Carol Stream Park District has been playing the last decade at Fountain View Rec Center with a group of 50- and 60-year-olds whom Doug considers “Spring Chickens”. Many in the group have been playing at the Carol Stream Park District for nearly three decades, first at the Simkus Rec Center and then at Fountain View. Retired Fire Fighter Greg Schwarze started playing at the park district back in 1999 and has enjoyed growing old with the group. “We don’t move as fast but can fire up 3-pointers much more often,” Schwarze said. Doug has been appreciative of the group not only for allowing him to play with them but being welcomed with open arms. “The guys have been wonderful. They threw me an 80th birthday party at the gym a couple of years ago, so I made sure to go easy on them once the game began!” said Doug. Wolf and the rest of the group keep in touch via a text group of the old-timers. He texted them May 28 to say he was needing to retire due to arthritis issues. Most of the guys came out to wish Doug well.
Row 1 –
Tony Bordignon
Greg Schwarze
Doug Wolf
Fred Wilcox
Andy Stahl
Row 2 –
Roger Hughes
Mike Hall
Harold Lonks
Row 3 –
Matt Johnson
Missing –
Rich Ostrowski
Jim Roach
Adrich Beteta
On June 5, Carol Stream Park District Commissioners, State Senator Seth Lewis, park district Staff and Carol Stream residents participated in the celebration and ribbon cutting of the first outdoor pickleball courts in Carol Stream. There are six courts located in Armstrong Park, 391 Illini Drive, Carol Stream.
Participants enjoyed an evening of free demos, tournament, concessions and raffle. The first 100 attendees received a pickleball Koozie cupholder.
For more information about court play and reservations, see our Adult Sports Pickleball webpage.
See ribbon cutting Video.
See Photos (coming soon).
Armstrong Park – 391 Illini Drive – Park in South Lot
Photo:
Row 1 –
Tony Bordignon
Greg Schwarze
Doug Wolf
Fred Wilcox
Andy Stahl
Row 2 –
Roger Hughes
Mike Hall
Harold Lonks
Row 3 –
Matt Johnson
Missing –
Rich Ostrowski
Jim Roach
Adrich Beteta
On May 7, 2024, Executive Director Sue Rini along with Director of HR and Administrative Services Chris Quinn and Director of Parks and Facilities Shane Hamilton had the unique opportunity to represent the Carol Stream Park District at the Illinois State Capitol Building for “Parks Day at the Capitol”. This is a day for Parks and Recreation Agencies throughout the State of Illinois to showcase their Agency to legislators, legislative staff, government employees and State Capitol visitors and demonstrate how park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies positively impact Illinois’ economy and quality of life.
Executive Director Rini was able to spend time with the local legislators who serve the Carol Stream area and talk with them about the important role our Park District has in the Community. Sue discussed some of the many benefits, events and offerings that the District provides to the Carol Stream Community as well as the importance of OSLAD grants which are used to provide funding for Park Districts to develop and improve our parks and outdoor spaces.
The Carol Stream Park District Board and Staff appreciate the support we receive from the following Legislators:
The Carol Stream Park District is pleased to announce that the Park District Board of Commissioners has officially approved the installation of Pickleball Courts at Armstrong Park. The Board’s decision reflects a commitment to meeting the recreational needs of the community and embracing the growing popularity of Pickleball.
Six outdoor pickleball courts are set to be installed on the existing inline skating rink at Armstrong Park. The installation of these courts will pave the way for exciting programming opportunities, including outdoor tournaments, classes, and lessons, enriching the recreational experience for all residents. Residents can take advantage of free practice play during all other hours.
Sport Court Midwest, based in Elmhurst, IL, has been selected as the vendor for this project, leveraging their expertise and favorable pricing through Sourcewell, a competitive purchasing cooperative. Sourcewell serves various governmental, educational, and nonprofit entities by providing access to competitively solicited contracts for a wide range of goods and services.
The total project cost amounts to $155,600, covering various aspects such as prepping and repairing the asphalt of the existing rink, installation of Sport Court Pickleball surfacing, including six sets of Pickleball nets with fencing between the courts. Additionally, the Sport Court flooring comes with a remarkable 15-year warranty on color and cracks, ensuring durability and longevity. The fencing is backed by a 2-year warranty.
The project, which is expected to begin in early May with anticipated completion by Memorial Day 2024, will be partially funded through a Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grant in the amount of $50,000.
“The Board’s decision to move forward with the installation of Pickleball Courts at Armstrong Park supports our dedication to enhancing recreational opportunities and options for our residents,” stated Sue Rini, Executive Director of the Carol Stream Park District. “With no current existing outdoor Pickleball courts in the area, this initiative will meet a pressing need in our community.”
“We are excited to see the positive impact that the installation of Pickleball Courts will have on our community,” expressed Renee Bachewicz, Director of Recreation. “This project represents a significant step forward in our efforts to provide diverse and inclusive recreational opportunities for all residents.”
March Enews includes:
Community and Walter Park renovations (see progress photos)
Legislative Breakfast
Citizen of the Year Nominees
Parks Volunteer Jeff Bates
Spring 2024 Activity Guide
Adult Trips mini-guide
Spring Break mini-guide
Coral Cove Water Park Early Bird Pass Sale!
Hiring Event – coming up March 13
Cape Cod Trip – still taking registrations
Flashlight Egg Hunt event
Spring Fling Family Breakfast event
Fitness $20 Membership for Week Sale
Fitness Personal Training Sale
Nominees for Citizen of the Year are esteemed Carol Stream residents
who have selflessly volunteered their time within one or more community groups over the
past year or more. All nominees are recognized at the Citizen of the Year Awards banquet.
The upcoming event is March 2, 2024. The Carol Stream Park District recognizes two
remarkable individuals by nominating Jon Nelson for Special Citizen of the Year and Jared
Brown for Male Citizen of the Year.
Jon Nelson and his family have been actively engaged with the Carol Stream Dolphins
Swim Team since 2016. Jon started volunteering as a Timer, keeping track of the times of
each swimmer. From 2019-2021, Jon volunteered as the Parent Board President,
organizing fundraising and social events for the team. He acted as liaison between the
community, parents and Park District, taking on a major leadership role to ensure the
team’s success. In 2017 Jon volunteered as Timing System Operator, taking on an
invaluable role. Jon’s experience, knowledge and expertise assure the success of the
Dolphins Swim Team and swim tournaments, making the Dolphins an award-winning team.
Jon’s dedication make him an easy choice for this year’s Special Citizen of the Year
nomination.
Jared Brown, an Illinois Air National Guard member with two overseas deployments, and a
Carol Stream resident for over 30 years, has been committed to helping the Carol Stream
Park District succeed in youth sports leagues. Jared has been involved in tee ball, baseball
and soccer programs as both head and assistant coach. He has coached spring and fall
seasons of his son’s tee ball, as well as his other son’s 8U baseball team. Jared was also
head coach for U6 soccer and assistant coach for U8 soccer. When a coach could not
make it for playoffs, Jared stepped up to assume head coaching responsibilities, and the team won the championship. Jared provides insightful knowledge of sports to the kids, and
the Park District is honored to nominate him for Male Citizen of the Year.
Both nominees deserve congratulations and consideration of these prestigious community
awards.
