SPRING 2023

On Nov 12, 2022 elected officials and members of the community gathered to dedicate a new area of Morton Park to Ralph Souder, a former Commissioner of the Elk Grove Park District who dedicated 18 years to the Board of Commissioners. Ralph is a native to Elk Grove Village. He began volunteering with Elk Grove Youth Sports 30 years ago with the football and basketball programs and was elected to the Board in 2004. Ralph is an outdoor enthusiast and has a passion for fishing and sharing this sport with others.

When Ralph retired from the Elk Grove Board of Commissioners, the Board wanted to honor Ralph for his decades of service to the community. It seemed fitting to name the new area at Morton Park after this outstanding community volunteer.

This area consists of a streambank stabilization project with tiered stone to allow better access to Salt Creek for fishing, canoeing and kayaking. The improvements were made using outcropping stone that is tiered to stabilize the shoreline and protect it from erosion. A 20’x20’ shade structure with triangular sails and four picnic tables is a great place to enjoy outdoor gatherings with protection from the sun on the Morton Park side of the creek. This new area is known as "Souder Point."

We look forward to the community coming out to enjoy Souder Point this Spring.