Parktalk Podcast

While exercising and dieting are incredibly important to living a healthy lifestyle, engaging in those practices incorrectly can be counterproductive and lead to other health issues. Neil Deatrick, a personal trainer from Fort Hill Activity Center, joins the podcast to share some tips and advice on working out and eating in a healthier, safer manner.

Residents throughout Naperville witness renovations and improvements to their favorite neighborhood amenities. But how does the Park District get to that stage? For this episode of the ParkTalk Podcast, Naperville Park District Project Managers, Jessica Burgdorf and Peggy Motta, sit down to explain the District’s capital improvement process.

With Naperville’s senior residents making up a significant amount of the population, it is important to support organizations who cater to the demographic’s specific needs. Lisa Kirchner from Dementia Friendly Naperville, an organization formed to specifically support dementia patients, joins to discuss the benefits of the organization and their work in supporting seniors in the community.

With warm weather in the forecast and bigger crowds out at parks and events, it is important to be aware of your surroundings in case of an emergency. Park Police Chief Steve Schindlbeck and RJM Strategy President Ray McGury join the ParkTalk Podcast to remind residents in and outside of Naperville how to stay safe and situationally aware in public.

As the nation prepares for National Volunteer Week beginning April 20, Volunteer & Events Manager Becca Krzyszkowski, and Park Specialist Trevor Stibbe, discuss volunteer’s impact to the Naperville Park District.

It's almost summertime, and the Naperville Park District is preparing the famous Centennial Beach for another year of summer fun. Join Park District Aquatics Manager Brett Sprague, and Park Operations Manager Tiffani Picco, as they discuss the work necessary to get ready for beach season.

As a community leader in sustainability, the Naperville Park District adopts various practices that is beneficial to the environment. Join Bailey Arnold of the American Lung Association, as well as Clint Burnell and Lee Meyer from the Naperville Park District discuss biodiesel fuel and the purpose of the B20 Club.

Kick off the 2025 State of the Park District’s theme of Shaping a Sustainable Future in Parks and Recreation in addition to hearing highlights of 2024 accomplishments, 2025 goals/plans, and an overview of the 2025 State of the Park District podcast. Guests: Executive Director Brad Wilson and Park Board President Mary Gibson

This episode will address the ways that the District is leveraging technology now and into the future with a goal of creating greater efficiencies while improving the overall customer experience across the organization. Guests: Director of IT Steven Mertes, Director of HR Katie Sepe and Creative Services Manager Spencer Huard

Learn about key partnerships and affiliations of varying types that help the Park District serve the diverse recreation needs of the community and beyond while supporting the expansion of programs and services. Guests: Sales and Sponsorship Manager Stacey Fontechia, Wintrust Naperville Market President Grant Cowen, and Naperville Little League Baseball Vice President Jim Meurer

Certain operational documents and processes are the driving force that propel the District forward in responding to community needs and meeting both short- and long-term goals. In this episode, we will explore two main initiatives for 2025 and their impact: a new strategic plan and the next phases of the Indoor Recreation Space Needs Assessment. Guests: Executive Director Brad Wilson, Director of Recreation and Facilities Andrea Coates, and Director of Planning Eric Shutes

Join Naperville Park District parks and golf staff as they discuss the importance of the District’s environmental stewardship core value, the ways we put it into action, and how “green” practices are being leveraged across the District’s operations for the betterment of the organization and community as a whole. Guests: Director of Parks Tim Quigley, Director of Golf Kevin Carlson, and Riverwalk and North Parks Operations Manager Tiffani Picco

Each year, Districtwide goals set the stage for planned accomplishments of all kinds, from park and facility projects to operational enhancements that provide momentum and an emphasis on continuous improvement for the benefit of the Naperville community. Guests: Executive Director Brad Wilson and Director of Planning Eric Shutes

As we turn the calendar and head into the new year, there is not better time to set lifestyle goals and live a healthier life. However, beginning that journey can be difficult without the right guidance. Join Naperville Park District's Wellness Manager, Kim Monti and personal trainer Heather Grier as they discuss the ins and outs of starting and maintaining your healthy lifestyle.

The annual Community Job Fair is set for January 4, 2025. To prepare potential job seekers in the area, Naperville Park District Director of Human Resources Katie Sepe, along with KidsMatter CEO and Executive Director Nina Menis, and KidsMatter Director of Programs Sherilyn Hebel, discuss the background of the job fair, the importance of the event to both organizations and how job seekers should prepare for the upcoming fair.

As the weather changes and the scenery shifts from summer green to fall yellow, ecologist Scott Kobal from the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County talks about the environmental changes during nature's transition to fall.

Preparation for the Spring Dance Recital takes a lot of hard work. Dance Academy alumni, Mary Redgate and Ellie Laflamme, talk about their experiences dancing for the Park District and their passion for the artform.

The Knoch Knolls Nature Center has been an environmental staple in the community since opening its doors in 2014. Ahead of the 10th Anniversary celebration, Naperville Park District Executive Director Brad Wilson and Nature Center Manager Angelique Harshman join the podcast to discuss the Nature Center's impact on the community over the last decade.

The game of golf has seen a boom in popularity across the country, and that surge has been felt at the Naperville Park District. Director of Golf, Kevin Carlson and Springbrook Head Golf Professional, Mike Lyzun sit down to discuss the the growth of Park District golf and the golf facilities at the Naperville Park District.

In 2019, a ParkTalk Podcast series covered pickleball's popularity and health benefits. Five years later, we reexamine the sport and explore the growth in the last half decade and how the culture around pickleball can continue to change.