Welcome! Park Board of Commissioners and Staff hope everyone in the Western Springs Community had a great summer and you are now getting into the swing of the season changing to Fall.

We hope many of you will be able to take the time in the great weather in the Fall to enjoy some of your parks with family and friends.

This past summer the Parks were filled with many events and programs. We hope that you were able to take advantage of some throughout the summer months. One of the highlighted events that was held was the Camping Under The Stars event. 25 families came out to Spring Rock Park and set up tents in the very warm temperatures on July 22 and enjoyed a night/morning full of activities such as relay races, water balloon games, Bon Fire, Smores and Breakfast. This event will definitely be brought back in 2017.

This fall, the WS Park District will be hosting a Halloween Bash at Spring Rock Park on Saturday, October 29 from 2-8 pm. Many activities will be organized and the day will culminate with a Movie In The Park. (See information to the right).

Park Board and Staff continue to be busy with Capital Improvement plans (CIP) for your parks. Keep yourself updated on the progress by going onto our website: www.wsparks.org and Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/wsparkdistrict. All of the Park Board meetings are open to the public. We meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm in the Village Hall. Feel free to stop by for a visit to hear more of what is going on with the CIP and other things with WS Park District.

I would like to recognize Park Board Commissioner, Dicy Burton who has resigned from the Park Board this month as her family is relocating to Virginia. Dicy has been a great addition to our Board and she will be missed by the WS Community. Thank you for all you did for the Park District Dicy for the past 18 months.

If there are any comments, questions or concerns about the Western Springs Park District, feel free to drop into the Administrative Office- 4400 Central Ave, call (708) 246-4225 Ext. 2 or my email jrobinson@wsprings.comHave a great Fall 2016.

John Robinson, Executive Director

Spring Rock Park Halloween BashCome join in the fun for the inaugural Spring Rock Park Halloween BashSaturday, October 29- 2-8 pm at Spring Rock Park, 4400 Central Ave.Activities to be Organized:

Corn Maze2:00-5:30 pmHay Rides around the Park2:00-5:30 pmBaggo/Cornhole Tournament3:30-5:30 pmInflatables2:00-6:00 pmCostume Parade5:15 pmScarecrow Building Contest2:30-5:00 pmFun Fair Games and Relay Races2:30-5:30 pmConcessions2:00-8:00 pmMovie in the Park – ''UP”6:15-8:00 pm

For more information regarding this event, contact: Barb Kartzmark, Program Coordinatorbkartzmark@wsprings.com(708) 246-4225 Ext. 1

New Website!Take a look at the new and improved WS Park District Website: www.wsparks.org.

You can sign up for weekly and monthly Newsletter and E- Alerts by providing your email address. This sign up can be found on the right side of the home page.

Let us know what you think of the new site!!

FALL 2016

Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)- 2017Staff and Park Board are finalizing the list of Capital Projects to be accomplished in 2017. Here are some of the ideas that are being considered:Playground – Laidlaw Park

Playground – Spring Rock Park

Outdoor Fitness Stations – Various Parks

Permanent Pickle Ball Courts – Northeast Park

Final decisions will be made at the upcoming Park Board meetings – October 11 and November 8.

Look for upcoming community meetings on the website: www.wsparks.org and Facebook: www.facebook.com/wsparkdistrict to discuss what the residents would like for the new playgrounds at Laidlaw and Spring Rock Parks.

If you have any questions about the CIP, please contact John Robinson, Executive Director (708) 246-4225 Ext. 2 or jrobinson@wsprings.com

Birthday Parties in the ParkIf you do not want the hassle of having your children’s birthday party in your home, the Western Springs Park District organizes outdoor Birthday Parties for children ages 4-13. The package includes 2 activity leaders organizing games for 90 minutes for the children. Drinks and Prizes are included. Parties can be held anytime of the year.

You can choose from a variety of games to be played during the party. Cost is $60 + $3 per child (up to 20 kids). You can choose the park with a shelter to have your party: Spring Rock, Timber Trails, Ridgewood, Springdale or Ridge Acres

To book your party, contact Barb Kartzmark, Program Coordinator (708) 246-4225 Ext. 1 or bkartzmark@wsprings.com

2016 Park Board MeetingsHeld on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm in the Board Room of Village Hall- 740 Hillgrove Ave. Monthly Agendas are posted on our website the Friday prior to meeting date.Meeting Dates:October 11November 8December 13.

Western Springs is a wonderful place to live. There are many awesome parks to exercise at and enjoy each day of the week.

Each Western Springs park has its own story, some parks more than one. Spring Rock Park for example has several. Spring Rock Park is 42 acres of beautiful green space for residents and visitors to enjoy. There are Softball, Baseball, Soccer, Football and La Crosse fields, playgrounds, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts.

Each of these areas of Spring Rock Park has its own story of how it came to be. The Matt Orth Baseball Field at Spring Rock Park has a special story to it as its name was given in honor of a young boy who passed away of Leukemia at the age of 12.

Matt Orth was a young man who loved to be outside and play baseball. Like some

of his older brothers, he loved playing at Spring Rock Park and was part of the Western Springs Little League until he passed away in February of 1988. Matt was always a good sport and to recognize that, Western Springs Little League honored his memory by naming one of the baseball fields after him, in May of 1988. In June of 2002, the field and the first Matt Orth Awards were given.

The Matt Orth Awards are given each year to Western Springs Little League and Softball players who demonstrate a high degree of sportsmanship. It is a great testament to how Matt was. Matt’s mother Marian remembers when the dedication of the field happened and the awards were given. She and her family appreciate all the work it took by the Western Springs Little League to make this field dedication happen. Marian also remembers how

wonderful and supportive the Western Springs Little League and St. John of the Cross school were during the time of Matt’s diagnosis, treatment, surgery and after his passing.

It is really great to have a community that comes around people during a time of need and the Matt Orth Baseball Field at Spring Rock Park is just one of many honored places that the Western Springs Park District has.

Park SpotlightSpring Rock Park- Matt Orth Field, 4400 Central Ave.

To book your party, contact Barb Kartzmark, Program Coordinator (708) 246-4225 Ext. 1 or bkartzmark@wsprings.com

2016 Park Board MeetingsHeld on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm in the Board Room of Village Hall- 740 Hillgrove Ave. Monthly Agendas are posted on our website the Friday prior to meeting date.Meeting Dates:October 11November 8December 13.

Tell us about yourself and your family?Prior to working for the Western Springs Park District, I worked at the

Chicago Board of Trade. At EF-Hutton, I was responsible for handling the European Trades. As part of the open outcry system, I became an independent broker in the US Treasury Bond futures pit. My wife and I have two sons. We are fortunate to have lovely daughter in laws and a beautiful granddaughter. I have resided in Westchester for thirty six years.

What are some of your hobbies?My wife and I come from large Irish families so much of our free time involves family activities. If a niece or nephew call with an activity that they are involved with, we are always willing to offer support or cheer on a team. I enjoy spending time with my sons and their families. I am an avid gardener and always looking for ways to beautify the neighborhood. If you won the lottery what would you do with the winnings?I would move to Florida and join many of my friends who have already retired there. Who could deny sunshine and warm weather? I would support family members and treat everyone to a family vacation. There are so many needy charities that are in need of financial assistance. I would donate to local food pantries and community organizations as well as donate to Special Needs students and programs.

How long have you been employed with WSPD?I have been working at Western Springs Park District since January of 2002.

What is your role with WSPD?As Superintendent of Western Springs Parks, I wear many hats. I manage the full time staff as well as seasonal help. My responsibilities include field maintenance, tree pruning, playgrounds, park beautification for Spring Rock and the neighborhood parks. I oversee snow removal, new construction and maintenance of all playgrounds and equipment. I write up contracts and contact vendors for additional jobs so our parks and facilities are well maintained. Involved with Meet and Greet barbecues and always interested in being involved with the community members.

What do you like about the Western Springs Community?The Western Springs community welcomed me into their Park District. Many of the neighbors of the park stop by with a friendly hello. I often greet the joggers as well as the moms/dads as they enjoy our beautiful parks with their children. Each neighborhood park has its own charm and enhances the community as a whole.

What do you think are the most important things when it comes to Parks and Recreation?Parks and Recreation are a vital part of a village and community of people. It is important that our parks are well kept and inviting to the residents of Western Springs. One of my main concerns is safety for everyone who enjoys our beautiful parks. I want families to enjoy the parks and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors.

2016 Park Board of CommissionersChris Dallavo, Presidentcdallavo@wsprings.comTerm Expires 2017

Norma Zeitler, Vice Presidentnzeitler@wsprings.comTerm Expires 2019

Angelo Velliotis, Treasureravelliotis@wsprings.comTerm Expires 2017

Walter Knake, Commissionerwknake@wsprings.comTerm Expires 2017

Nicole Chen, Commissionernchen@wsprings.comTerm expires 2019

Matthew Krull, Commissionermkrull@wsprings.comTerm Expires 2017

2016 StaffJohn Robinson, Executive Directorjrobinson@wsprings.com(708) 246-4225 Ext. 2

Dennis Conway, Superintendent Of Parksdconway@wsprings.com(708) 246-4225

Barb Kartzmark, Program Coordinatorbkartzmark@wsprings.com(708) 246-4225 Ext. 1

Bill Raftery, Groundsman II(708) 246-4225

Nick Gleitsman, Groundsman I(708) 246-4225

Meet the StaffDennis Conway, Superintendent of Parks

Stay Connected!with the Western Springs Park District

Website:www.wsparks.org

Facebook:www.facebook.com/wsparkdistrict

New this year are Park Rules signs that have been posted in each park. Please familiarize yourself with rules of the park.