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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH CONCLUDES - After an extensive nationwide search supported by MGT, the Board of Park Commissioners is pleased to announce the selection of Chris Lindgren as the Wilmette Park District’s next Executive Director. Lindgren brings over 25 years of experience, most recently serving as Deputy Director of Properties and Planning at the Park District of Oak Park. He will begin his new role on July 21, 2025. Lindgren is known for his leadership in sustainability, inclusive management, and his success with major capital initiatives.
OPERATIONS: NAMING RIGHTS - Staff presented draft naming rights guidelines to support Ouilmette Foundation fundraising efforts for Wallace Bowl improvements. The Board discussed their level of comfort with pursuing this type of fundraising effort and provided feedback. A majority of the Park Board of Commissioners stated that they were comfortable with selling naming rights for the Wallace Bowl for fundraising, granted they could get several million dollars and a contract of at least 40 years.
CRC RESTORATION UPDATE - Following a sprinkler system incident in May, cleanup and remediation efforts at the CRC are complete. Some programming areas remain impacted, but staff acted quickly to minimize cancellations and reorganize programs. Renovation efforts will begin later this Summer.
FINANCE UPDATE - May financials reflect a strong performance with a $7.2M net surplus, surpassing the year-to-date budget by 57% due in part to positive revenue variance and reduced capital spending. Notably, fee revenue and memberships both outperformed projections, while capital spending remains well under budget. Lauterbach & Amen LLP presented a clean 2024 audit during the Finance COW meeting, which was formally accepted during the Board meeting later that evening.
RECREATION UPDATE - Staff presented summer operations highlights for Ice at Centennial, including new skates, staffing plans, off-ice rentals and a discussion about Zamboni replacement.
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