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To: Board of Commissioners
From: Gina Radun
Date: September 8, 2026
Executive Director: Monthly Board Report

Full-time staff enjoyed our end-of-summer outing at Herrick Lake Forest
Preserve. After a long summer, it was a nice break to enjoy some outdoor activities
with coworkers. Staff explored the lake on kayaks and paddleboats, went fishing, and
finished the day with a barbeque and bags tournament!







Mike and I met with Nick from EarthWerks to discuss the progress at Kress
Creek and the tentative scheduled completion date. The soccer fields are expected to
be seeded this fall. Once the grass is established and the fields are ready for use, we
will finally have an opportunity to rest the fields at Cornerstone, which will allow for
more effective maintenance and improved field conditions moving forward. With the
new parking lot and walking paths also part of the project, we will review the budget at
an upcoming leadership meeting to determine whether it makes the most sense to
purchase the materials this fiscal year or wait until next year. If we determine delaying
the material purchases is the best financial approach, the completion timeline on
those areas will be pushed back. EarthWerks is in the process of updating the
rendering of the site so we can use it for promotional materials.

There has been some movement in the grant department area! For the
Windfield Township Mental Health grant, I have been in contact with the National
Fitness Campaign to explore whether securing additional funding is a possibility. At
the same time, we have been working with Gametime to obtain quotes for outdoor
fitness equipment. These funds need to be spent by the end of March, so I am hoping
to have a better idea of which direction we will take by mid-fall. Mike, Danny, and I
have also been working through a BEP requirement for our DCEO/Senator Villa grant,
which is still in the “external review” phase. Additionally, I recently attended a
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mandatory meeting and submitted an application for DuPage County’s CBD grant,
although we were not ultimately awarded funding.

Gergana and I took part in a bond rating call with S &P Ratings and Stifel
regarding the District’s outstanding debt. This process is always conducted during the
bond rollover timeframe. We will be receiving our rating in the next few weeks.
Our first Park Tank was held in August, and we had a decent turnout with some
great ideas and suggestions from residents. Following the City’s recent meeting, we
anticipated receiving some feedback regarding soccer field availability. The large
Post-it notes that were available for residents to use to share their suggestions will be
shared with the Board and staff.
In addition to celebrating Frank’s 50 years on the Board at the IAPD Best of the
Best Gala, we also nominated Republic Bank for the “Best Friend of Illinois Parks”
award—and we were selected! I will be purchasing seats for Republic Bank to attend.
Please let me know whether you plan to attend so I can get an accurate headcount.
Mike and I attended a hearing at the City regarding restitution for the broken gate
at Kress Creek. I met with the individual the following weekend, and we will be
working out a payment plan moving forward.
Our golf outing with the Chamber and Warrenville Park District was a success. We
had a great turnout and enjoyed connecting with our local businesses and partners.
In support of other community organizations, the Parks Department has recently
assisted with the installation of the WeGo Full Steam Ahead’s trains throughout town.
They will also help secure reading stations for WeGoTogether for Kids’ Read & Roll
location at Pioneer Preschool.
Because I can never truly step away from aquatics, I was recently asked to sit on a
panel at the Aquatic Symposium, which will take place in November in Carol Stream.
Through Starguard Elite, I will also be joining a work group with the International
Lifeguard Critical Incident Response Alliance (ILCIRA), an organization that helps
aquatic staff and organizations better prepare for, respond to, and recover from
critical incidents.
Wayne Township is currently working on a proposed bike path that would include
a potential easement through Meadowoods Park. While we are unable to attend their
upcoming public information meeting, we are working to schedule a separate
meeting with the Township to discuss the proposal and better understand the project.
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Lastly, save the date for the Pioneer Parks playground opening on Tuesday,
September 22 at 10:30 a.m. We will be partnering with Educare for the event and have
their students serve as our “playground testers.”

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