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"I have a background of project implementation and management; because of that, I am able to take an idea and make it a reality." Chris explains the realities and barriers in the way of constructing new endeavors that make our community more sustainable and eco-friendly, yet he has faith in both himself and the Park District. "We have the support here to get these projects done. It's a great way to have an impact on the community and to see sustainability in action."
Chris has been celebrated in numerous mediums, including the Wednesday Journal, the Chicago Tribune, and has a soon-to-air ABC News special scheduled for Earth Day.
Chris finds it important that from the Park District and his own career, that people take the following lesson with them into their lives: "I want people to know not to be afraid to do something they haven't done before. There will be barriers to cross, but know that you can work through them when they do arrive. Don't let that stuff slow you down. Otherwise you sit still: safe, but not much accomplished!"
Keep your eyes peeled for what Chris and the Park District of Oak Park has in store next!
You may have chatted with Mark during Park District's Arbor Day event, 'Ask an Arborist'. Mark is a certified Arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture but his passion for trees began long before. "I first got into trees - literally up into them - at the Morton Arboretum where I spent my time learning to rig and climb on their arborist crew.”
Transitioning from outdoor trees to indoor trees, Mark takes a moment to reflect: “The Conservatory has long served as a beacon for plants and plant enthusiasts for almost 100 years. It is a beautiful, old building packed with plants from all over the world. Its true beauty, however, lies within the hearts of the countless volunteers and visitors who have created this powerfully healing community and environment.”
Catch glimpses of what Mark is working on by visiting Oak Park Conservatory Instagram Page! We are proud to show off Mark’s contributions and dedicated work.
Hannah led the Park District's Arbor Day Event last month, a day-long series of community games and tree plantings. They brought this event to the residents of Oak Park for a myriad of reasons, one of the strongest being:
With a background in science, our natural world, and expertise in translating the workings behind these difficult concepts, Hannah has joined the Park District's staff to bring more learning, fun and eco-friendly practices into Oak Park and its residents.
"Oak Park is a very environmentally-forward community because the people in it are the kind of people who are environmentally-forward. It’s a sum of its parts."
Hannah believes the importance of the local trees should not only known and appreciated by the community, but an enduring value. "Oaks are really important trees because they can get so big and old, and they absorb a lot of carbon dioxide. They’re great for the environment! Oak Park is named after this really important tree. It’s our namesake. We should be proud of it and support the life that supports us."
Come meet Hannah at one of their interactive, educational community events, such as Sustainable Saturdays at Austin Gardens, adventure trips, or nature programs!
"My first job was as a lifeguard when I was 16; I worked at the pool every summer all the way through college at various positions and started working in the rink during my winter breaks as well."
Abby likes working at the Park District because of the people, and she likes seeing the result of all her efforts increasing joy in the community.
"All of the people at RCRC are passionate about providing great experiences to the people who visit us, and that enthusiasm is infectious."
What would Abby think the community may find interesting?
"I’m not sure people grasp how much maintenance goes in to opening the pool and rink. I really started to learn about that side of things when I learned to drive the Zamboni. We service the ice every few hours at the rink and that’s just the tip of the iceberg as far as the actual mechanics involved with keeping it frozen."
"The same thing with the pool, I started learning more about that when I would do water chemical readings. It is a bit of an “ah-ha” moment when you start to think about all of the things that have to work correctly for our facilities to function. I’m amazed by the maintenance staff and how wonderful a job they do."
If you see Abby at the pool this summer, make sure to say hello!
"Dedicated, Driven, Constant Learner"
The Park District's very own Superintendent of Parks & Planning has been making waves in the world of sustainability and green innovation! In light of the upcoming 150th celebration of Arbor Day, Chris shares his history, passions, and plans for the future.
"I have a background of project implementation and management; because of that, I am able to take an idea and make it a reality." Chris explains the realities and barriers in the way of constructing new endeavors that make our community more sustainable and eco-friendly, yet he has faith in both himself and the Park District. "We have the support here to get these projects done. It's a great way to have an impact on the community and to see sustainability in action."
Chris has been celebrated in numerous mediums, including the Wednesday Journal, the Chicago Tribune, and has a soon-to-air ABC News special scheduled for Earth Day.
Chris finds it important that from the Park District and his own career, that people take the following lesson with them into their lives: "I want people to know not to be afraid to do something they haven't done before. There will be barriers to cross, but know that you can work through them when they do arrive. Don't let that stuff slow you down. Otherwise you sit still: safe, but not much accomplished!"
Keep your eyes peeled for what Chris and the Park District of Oak Park has in store next!
Chris Lindgren
Sustainability Leader: Chris Lindgren
"They're lifetime sports: Skating and swimming! You'll never forget."
With decades of work in hockey and skating programs, and his namesake ice arena at Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex, Paul Hruby is a living archive of the amazing history that can be found in Oak Park.
Watching residents smile and go by, Hruby reminisced about his earlier days and how much fun it was to waltz in the rink, "Ice dancing, we must bring it back!"
In light of local Olympian Emery Lehman's appearance, when asked on the key to ice skating, Paul was quick to offer this advice: "Sharp blades, and skates that fit!"
Paul Hruby
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Gerald Gilbert
DeveloperSee Our Rink & Aquatics Supervisor Make a Splash: Abby SacksAbby Sacks, a recent New York University graduate and an Oak Park local, is helping you have a pool-ready summer this season! Abby fell in love with swimming at the Park District pools early in life. She attended OPRF and when she wasn't at the pool, she marched in band or costumed for plays.
"My first job was as a lifeguard when I was 16; I worked at the pool every summer all the way through college at various positions and started working in the rink during my winter breaks as well."
Abby likes working at the Park District because of the people, and she likes seeing the result of all her efforts increasing joy in the community.
"All of the people at RCRC are passionate about providing great experiences to the people who visit us, and that enthusiasm is infectious."
What would Abby think the community may find interesting?
"I’m not sure people grasp how much maintenance goes in to opening the pool and rink. I really started to learn about that side of things when I learned to drive the Zamboni. We service the ice every few hours at the rink and that’s just the tip of the iceberg as far as the actual mechanics involved with keeping it frozen."
"The same thing with the pool, I started learning more about that when I would do water chemical readings. It is a bit of an “ah-ha” moment when you start to think about all of the things that have to work correctly for our facilities to function. I’m amazed by the maintenance staff and how wonderful a job they do."
If you see Abby at the pool this summer, make sure to say hello!
Current Occupancy: REHM Pool % | RCRC Pool %
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