B O A R D O F C O M M I S S I O N E R S

The Park District Board of Commissioners are a group of seven elected officials who serve without compensation They act as the legislative and policymaking body of the District in the operation, control, improvement and planning of its parks, recreation programs, facilities, personnel and fiscal operations. In addition to attending bi-monthly park board meetings, the Commissioners attend ad hoc committee meetings, Carol Stream Parks Foundation meetings and various park district and community events throughout their tenure.

Commissioners also participate in the Illinois Association of Park Districts’ Board Development Program As commissioners gain service and knowledge through their involvement and attendance at continuing educational opportunities, they gain ascending levels of designation (from Notable, to Distinctive, and culminating at Master Board Member). The following Commissioners have achieved Master Board member designation: Dan Bird, Brenda Gramann, John Jaszka, Jacqueline Jeffery, Tim Powers and Brian Sokolowski Commissioner Anthony Del Preto has achieved Notable Board Member ranking

We’d like to give special thanks to Commissioner John Jaszka who will be retiring from the Park Board in the coming year 2023. Having been first elected in 2011, he has dedicated his time, experience and support through such notable projects as: Fountain View Recreation Center, McCaslin Athletic Fields, Armstrong Park renovation, the Bark Park, Coral Cove Water Park Renovation, numerous playgrounds, Glenbard North High School Turf Field, multiple pathways through the District and the connection to the Great Western Trail. He is a strong supporter of the District’s intergovernmental partnerships which create cost savings while allowing for improved recreational amenities Commissioner Jaszka’s final meeting will be May 8, 2023

The Carol Stream Parks Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to public parks and recreation programs of the Carol Stream Park District. The Foundation is managed by a volunteer board of directors who live or work locally. Through generous donations, bike club membership fees and fundraising events, the Foundation raised $6,000 in 2022. That money is used to support the Carol Stream Park District and projects benefiting the community.

The Foundation presented a donation of $3,000 toward the youth scholarship fund Spring brought the enrollment of 30 Foundation Bike Club members, whose registration fees generated $1,025 The Annual Foundation Duck Race returned to Coral Cove Water Park and raised $1,507 A second bike fix-it station was installed along the bike path near the Carol Stream Park District’s Bark Park for all to enjoy.

At the end of 2022, we thanked and said farewell to board members Alann Petersen and Mike Ashby Alann was a founding member in 2011 and has made many contributions during his tenure He was instrumental in growing the Foundation's recognition in the community Mike Ashby joined the Foundation in 2018 and could always be counted on to lend a helping hand We thank them for their dedicated service to the Foundation and community.

If you are interested in giving back to the community and would like to serve on the Foundation Board, please contact us at 630-7846120.

We give many thanks to the 2022 Carol Stream Parks Foundation Board: Frank Parisi, Donna Freeman, Clem Malinowki, Mike Ashby, Dana Hybl, Carol Floren, Alann Petersen and Todd Powell.

The Veterans Memorial Plaza is a beautiful gathering place for the community and the site of military services such as the observation of Memorial Day, Flag Day and Veterans Day. The Veterans Memorial Plaza is supported by the community through generous donations and brick sales which are ongoing In 2022, four commemorative bricks were installed at the plaza in recognition of those who served in the armed forces In honor of long time VFW member and WWII veteran Ted Callas, the Veterans of Foreign War Post 10396 purchased a commemorative bench acknowledging his years in service

The bench was unveiled and dedicated during the Memorial Day service. Over the summer, a park district staff member added granite boarders to the five military monuments giving them a clean and finished look. Two small plaques were added near the POW monument, honoring disabled veterans and all military families for their sacrifices. In fall as part of an Eagle Scout project two Ivory Lilac trees were installed at Veterans Memorial Plaza. Kramer Trees generously donated the two trees and mulch and were present with park district staff to oversee the installation.