Parktalk Podcast

Volunteer Donna Kent, who creates costumes for Magical Starlight Theatre, tells why she loves being part of the musical theater productions each year and how others can get involved. Here is the link to the episode webpage : https://www.napervilleparks.org/podcast/s11-episode-02-theater-crew-part-of-the-family.

Volunteer coach Bryan Duncan gives tips for youth sports coaches and explains why he has loved coaching multiple teams over the past 10+years. Episode webpage: https://www.napervilleparks.org/podcasts

Local pickleball player and organizer Jim Wehrli explains the social benefits of the game and how beginners can get involved. Episode webpage: https://www.napervilleparks.org/podcast/s10-episode-04-why-players-love-pickleball-a-social-sport

Finance professionals Sue Stanish, Tom Sawyer and Eric Anderson shed light on financial strategies that help maintain the Naperville Park District’s Aaa bond rating and readiness to meet future challenges.

Physical therapist Mary Rachford and occupational therapist Dina Kartsonas explain health benefits of pickleball and why they enjoy playing.

Program Manager Brock Atwell describes the growth of pickleball in Naperville, where beginners can play, and new courts planned for the future.

Ken Herrmann of Chicago Metro Pickleball talks about the first Chicago-area pickleball tournament coming July 16-21 to Naperville and why pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the nation.

Naperville Park District staff members Jackie Gonzalez and Brad Wilson highlight favorite summer activities and what's new in 2019 at the Riverwalk, Centennial Beach, Paddleboat Quarry and Millennium Carillon.

Guests Kristina McGrath and Mike Piszynski discuss the outdoor fitness opportunities that Naperville Park District offers currently and will offer in the near future. Kristina explains how to use the fitness stations at 3 parks and previews a new outdoor fitness class coming this spring. Mike talks about the fitness area, challenge course and multi-purpose hill planned for the new park opening in 2020.

Learn about what goes into the design and construction of playgrounds in our public parks.

Table tennis players explain why they enjoy and benefit from weekly games at the local table tennis club. View episode web page at www.napervilleparks.org/podcasts.

Coach Peter Habala, five-time national champion from Team Romania, explains the challenges of fencing and why it's great both for adults and kids.

Three adult ballet students talk about the fun and benefits of beginning ballet as an adult.

An introduction to the podcast’s theme of “connecting the community” in addition to a brief look back at 2018 and a look forward to 2019 sets the stage for this podcast series. Guests: Mike Reilly, Park Board President; Ray McGury, Executive Director

Park District staff takes a look back at 2018 accomplishments and previews key projects and timeframes for 2019. Guests: Brad Wilson, Director of Recreation; Eric Shutes, Director of Planning

Environmental initiatives and sustainability of parks and golf operations are discussed in addition to progress relative to the golf master plan. Guests: Kevin Finnegan, Director of Parks; Carl Gorra, Parks and Fleet Operations Manager; Tim Dunn, Naperbrook Head Golf Professional

Two and a half years in to the Fort Hill facility’s operations, the staff reflects on its success, previews emerging programs and highlights the expansion planned for 2019. Guests: Sue Nance, Superintendent of Facilities; Kristina McGrath, Fitness Manager

Community cooperation that makes District programs and events happen, program growth and new programs in 2018 and 2019 are discussed. Guests: Brad Wilson, Director of Recreation; Andrea Coates, Superintendent of Recreation

Staff recruiting and retention initiatives are discussed in addition to technology enhancements that help connect patrons in our parks and facilities across the District. Guests: Katie Sepe, Director of Human Resources; Omar Sandoval, Director of Information Technology

Nancy Wiersum from Loaves &Fishes Community Services and Brad Wilson from Naperville Park District discuss the impact of donations like garden fresh produce and pumpkin pies on ending hunger in our community.