Parktalk Podcast

Learn how Naperville Park District is working to restore and protect the water quality of the DuPage River.

Preschool teachers and program managers explain the basic units of the new preschool curriculum and share success stories from the classroom. This episode is part of Series 16: Play with a Purpose.

Preschool teachers and program managers share their excitement about a new curriculum that helps kids learn and thrive.

Park District staff takes a look back at 2019 accomplishments and previews key 2020 projects. Guests: Brad Wilson, Director of Recreation and Facilities and Eric Shutes, Director of Planning

An update on sustainable parks initiatives and forthcoming golf renovations for 2020 and 2021 are discussed. Guests: Carl Gorra, Parks and Fleet Operations Manager; Tim Quigley, South Parks Operations Manager and Mike Lyzun, Head Golf Professional at Springbrook Golf Course

Executive Director Ray McGury answers some frequently asked questions during one of the most popular ParkTalk podcast segments. Guest: Ray McGury, Executive Director

Gain insights into the District’s challenges with respect to recruiting and hiring with the new minimum wage mandate. Additionally, find out what technology initiatives are on the horizon for the District. Guests: Katie Sepe, Director of Human Resources and Omar Sandoval, Director of Information Technology

Discussion focuses on growth of the District and the challenges that exceptional growth in recent years has created. Also hear about new recreation initiatives around sportsmanship and new programs and facilities. Guests: Ray McGury, Executive Director; Brad Wilson, Director of Recreation and Facilities and Andrea Coates, Superintendent of Recreation

An introduction to the podcast’s theme of “partnerships and progress” in addition to a brief look ahead to 2020 initiatives. Guests: Rich Janor, Park Board President and Ray McGury, Executive Director

Three members of a drop-in painting group talk about the creative process and how this group nurtures their art.

Listen to what goes into planning the beautiful floral displays at the Naperville Riverwalk and the wildflower gardens in Park District’s natural areas, and why staff enjoys designing these ever-changing works of art in the parks.

Zumba teacher Temeka tells how she discovered Zumba dancing and how it transformed her life and fosters creativity, energy and social connections for her students.

Wayne Fischer, Senior Vice Commander of the Illinois American Legion, Joe Strebel, Naperville’s American Legion Post 43 historian, and Lew Breese, past commander of the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 explain the history behind our veterans organizations and how people can continue to support our service men and women.

Go behind the scenes of Naperville's 2019 Healing Field of Honor with Dave Wentz, Marty Walker and Sue Liston, who tell stories of what moves them to orchestrate this community event to honor and support veterans and active duty service men and women.

Listen as yoga teacher Sarah Weyenberg leads you through a meditation: Start Your Day With Gratitude.

Listen as yoga teacher Sarah Weyenberg leads you through a meditation to release tension.

Experienced yoga teacher Sarah Weyenberg explains the benefits of meditation and how to begin. This is an introduction to Episodes 03 and 04, which are meditations that you can use.

Physical therapist and yoga instructor Dr. Allison Mitch discusses some of the many benefits of yoga both for the general population and for those with medical conditions or special needs.

Park Commissioner Josh McBroom, the newest member of the Park Board, explains why he chose to run and what he looks forward to over the next four years.

Park Commissioner Mike Reilly reflects on his ten years on the Park District Board, what he learned, what the District has accomplished, and why he encourages others to consider running for office in the future.