ParkTalk Podcast
Naperville Park District
Naperville Park District, serving a large Chicago suburb, shares stories of people passionate about health, nature, sports, community and everything related to parks and recreation. Visit our website for more information about each episode.
Episodes
Creating Memories and Traditions
Traditions make holidays feel special, and there is nothing better than having fun events to look forward to every year. Join Danny Rehm, Becca Oster, and Erika Rubo as they discuss the connection between the Naperville Park District's annual events and the wonderful memories families create with one another.
Continuous Development in Youth Athletics
Program Managers Stephanie Ainslie and Fred Gusel join the ParkTalk Podcast to discuss the Naperville Park District's youth athletic programs and the foundation they provide for different skillsets and a love for the sport.
Decade of Health and Wellness
Since 2016, Fort Hill Activity Center has provided the community with a high-quality facility to accomplish health and wellness goals. In this episode of the ParkTalk Podcast, Superintendent of Facilities Sue Buziecki and Fitness Manager Kristina McGrath discuss the impacts the facility has made on the community the past 10 years and what the future has instore.
Stretching on the Beach
The Naperville Park District's popular Beach and Paddleboard Yoga programs bring yogis the cool waters of Centennial Beach. Yoga instructors Meg'n Braida and Anne Gasperec join the ParkTalk Podcast to discuss why these programs are so unique and special to participants.
Recreation for All - Supporting Special Olympics
Special Olympics supports athletes with special needs across the country. Learn how Naperville Park District and their partners at Western DuPage Special Recreation Association support Special Olympics Illinois and their participants in recreational programs.
Connecting Recreation and Mental Health
Providing the community with opportunities to live a healthier life, both physically and mentally, is one of the goals of the Naperville Park District. Clinical therapists Christina Mondragon Schrader and Bryce Goll join the ParkTalk Podcast to discuss the connection parks and recreation has with mental health.
The Joy of Adult Recreational Leagues
Adult recreation leagues are a great way to stay active and social with friends and other members of the community. Naperville Park District Program Manager Brock Atwell and long-time participant of the Park District adult softball league Mark Knoll discuss the benefits adult recreation leagues provide and the joy they bring to participants every season.
Naperville Youth Soccer: 50 Years of Recreation
As the Naperville Park District celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Naperville Youth Soccer program, Soccer Coordinator Betsy Nyman discusses program traditions, how it has evolved, and her own personal connection to the program.
2026 State of the Naperville Park District
2026 State of the Naperville Park District by Naperville Park District
Winter Park Maintenance
Superintendent of Trades Operations Mike Piszynski, and Park Specialist II Trevor Stibbe discuss the work the Naperville Park District does to maintain parks and facilities during the winter months.
Influence of Music and Dance
Ahead of Magical Starlight Theatre's January 2026 production of "Shrek: The Musical", the show's Music Director John Apple and Choreographer Jeanne O'Connell discuss the impact music and dance have on musicals independently and together.
In-House Routines - Naperville Park District Gymnastics
The Naperville Park District offers a wide-array of gymnastics programs for the community, but the Winter In-House Gymnastics Teams offer a unique opportunity for gymnasts to experience the sport in a competition setting. Current Gymnastics Coordinator Kara Gagan and former Gymnastics Coordinator Karen Schmidt join the ParkTalk Podcast to talk about the in-house competition program and the sport of gymnastics.
Return of the Naperville Healing Field of Honor
Ahead of the 2025 Naperville Healing Field of Honor November 7-12, Operation Support Our Troops – America Executive Director, Linda Tuisl and former U.S. Marine Chopper Pilot and Vietnam Veteran, Wayne Fischer, discuss their work on the event, its impact on veterans, and ways the community can show their support for veterans and active duty service members.
Prescribed Burns and Natural Maintenance
Naperville Park District conducts seasonal prescribed burns in many of its parks, but what exactly does that mean? Park Specialists Olivia Koehn and Tammy Peterson join the ParkTalk Podcast to educate listeners on the practice of prescribed burns and how the Park District uses them as a natural management tool.
Safety in Exercise and Nutrition
While exercising and dieting are incredibly important to living a healthy lifestyle, engaging in those practices incorrectly can be counterproductive and lead to other health issues. Neil Deatrick, a personal trainer from Fort Hill Activity Center, joins the podcast to share some tips and advice on working out and eating in a healthier, safer manner.
How Its Made - Park Planning & Development Edition
Residents throughout Naperville witness renovations and improvements to their favorite neighborhood amenities. But how does the Park District get to that stage? For this episode of the ParkTalk Podcast, Naperville Park District Project Managers, Jessica Burgdorf and Peggy Motta, sit down to explain the District’s capital improvement process.
Aiding Naperville Seniors
With Naperville’s senior residents making up a significant amount of the population, it is important to support organizations who cater to the demographic’s specific needs. Lisa Kirchner from Dementia Friendly Naperville, an organization formed to specifically support dementia patients, joins to discuss the benefits of the organization and their work in supporting seniors in the community.
Situational Awareness and Staying Safe
With warm weather in the forecast and bigger crowds out at parks and events, it is important to be aware of your surroundings in case of an emergency. Park Police Chief Steve Schindlbeck and RJM Strategy President Ray McGury join the ParkTalk Podcast to remind residents in and outside of Naperville how to stay safe and situationally aware in public.
Expanding Volunteer Outreach
As the nation prepares for National Volunteer Week beginning April 20, Volunteer & Events Manager Becca Krzyszkowski, and Park Specialist Trevor Stibbe, discuss volunteer’s impact to the Naperville Park District.
Sustainable Refueling with the B20 Club
As a community leader in sustainability, the Naperville Park District adopts various practices that is beneficial to the environment. Join Bailey Arnold of the American Lung Association, as well as Clint Burnell and Lee Meyer from the Naperville Park District discuss biodiesel fuel and the purpose of the B20 Club.
State of the Naperville Park District 2025 E6 - Initiatives that Shape the District’s Future
Certain operational documents and processes are the driving force that propel the District forward in responding to community needs and meeting both short- and long-term goals. In this episode, we will explore two main initiatives for 2025 and their impact: a new strategic plan and the next phases of the Indoor Recreation Space Needs Assessment. Guests: Executive Director Brad Wilson, Director of Recreation and Facilities Andrea Coates, and Director of Planning Eric Shutes
State of the Naperville Park District 2025 E4 - Partnerships Make Great Things Happen
Learn about key partnerships and affiliations of varying types that help the Park District serve the diverse recreation needs of the community and beyond while supporting the expansion of programs and services. Guests: Sales and Sponsorship Manager Stacey Fontechia, Wintrust Naperville Market President Grant Cowen, and Naperville Little League Baseball Vice President Jim Meurer
State of the Naperville Park District 2025 E3 - Innovations That Better Serve Our Residents
This episode will address the ways that the District is leveraging technology now and into the future with a goal of creating greater efficiencies while improving the overall customer experience across the organization. Guests: Director of IT Steven Mertes, Director of HR Katie Sepe and Creative Services Manager Spencer Huard
State of the Naperville Park District 2025 E1 - Shaping a Sustainable Future in Parks and Recreation
Kick off the 2025 State of the Park District’s theme of Shaping a Sustainable Future in Parks and Recreation in addition to hearing highlights of 2024 accomplishments, 2025 goals/plans, and an overview of the 2025 State of the Park District podcast. Guests: Executive Director Brad Wilson and Park Board President Mary Gibson
State of the Naperville Park District 2025 E5 - Goals that Move the District Forward
Each year, Districtwide goals set the stage for planned accomplishments of all kinds, from park and facility projects to operational enhancements that provide momentum and an emphasis on continuous improvement for the benefit of the Naperville community. Guests: Executive Director Brad Wilson and Director of Planning Eric Shutes
State of the Naperville Park District 2025 E2 - Keeping Our Parks and Facilities "Green"
Join Naperville Park District parks and golf staff as they discuss the importance of the District’s environmental stewardship core value, the ways we put it into action, and how “green” practices are being leveraged across the District’s operations for the betterment of the organization and community as a whole. Guests: Director of Parks Tim Quigley, Director of Golf Kevin Carlson, and Riverwalk and North Parks Operations Manager Tiffani Picco
Embarking on Your Health Journey
As we turn the calendar and head into the new year, there is not better time to set lifestyle goals and live a healthier life. However, beginning that journey can be difficult without the right guidance. Join Naperville Park District's Wellness Manager, Kim Monti and personal trainer Heather Grier as they discuss the ins and outs of starting and maintaining your healthy lifestyle.
Preparing for the Community Job Fair
The annual Community Job Fair is set for January 4, 2025. To prepare potential job seekers in the area, Naperville Park District Director of Human Resources Katie Sepe, along with KidsMatter CEO and Executive Director Nina Menis, and KidsMatter Director of Programs Sherilyn Hebel, discuss the background of the job fair, the importance of the event to both organizations and how job seekers should prepare for the upcoming fair.
Experiencing Change with Autumn
As the weather changes and the scenery shifts from summer green to fall yellow, ecologist Scott Kobal from the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County talks about the environmental changes during nature's transition to fall.
Looking Back on a Lifetime of Dance at the Naperville Park District
Preparation for the Spring Dance Recital takes a lot of hard work. Dance Academy alumni, Mary Redgate and Ellie Laflamme, talk about their experiences dancing for the Park District and their passion for the artform.
Nurturing Nature: A Decade of the Knoch Knolls Nature Center
The Knoch Knolls Nature Center has been an environmental staple in the community since opening its doors in 2014. Ahead of the 10th Anniversary celebration, Naperville Park District Executive Director Brad Wilson and Nature Center Manager Angelique Harshman join the podcast to discuss the Nature Center's impact on the community over the last decade.
Growth In Naperville Golf
The game of golf has seen a boom in popularity across the country, and that surge has been felt at the Naperville Park District. Director of Golf, Kevin Carlson and Springbrook Head Golf Professional, Mike Lyzun sit down to discuss the the growth of Park District golf and the golf facilities at the Naperville Park District.
Second Serve: Pickleball Five Years Later
In 2019, a ParkTalk Podcast series covered pickleball's popularity and health benefits. Five years later, we reexamine the sport and explore the growth in the last half decade and how the culture around pickleball can continue to change.
Naperville Runs: Lace Up and Go!
Marissa Hird from the Naperville Running Company, a partner of the Naperville Park District, talks about the partnership between the organizations, the health benefits of running, and gives tips for beginner runners.
Opening Day: Coaching The Fundamentals
Youth baseball and softball coaches, Brian Kelly and Doug Diederich, share their experiences coaching for the Naperville Park District and the importance of instilling good sportsmanship while teaching the fundamentals of baseball and softball.
WDSRA and Naperville Park District: A Special Partnership
Western DuPage Special Recreation Association Inclusion Manager, Maddy Manden, and Naperville Park District Superintendent of Recreation, Jackie Gonzalez, join the podcast to discuss the partnership between WDSRA and Naperville Park District and the agencies’ efforts to provide recreational programs to the community and create an inclusive society.
S37 - Episode 06 - Milestones to Grow on
Hear about upcoming anniversary celebrations for Springbrook Golf Course and the Knoch Knolls Nature Center in addition to learning some history and background on these key District facilities and why they’re integral to the community. Guests: Director of Golf Kevin Carlson and Nature Center Manager Angelique Harshman
S37 - Episode 05 - Growing Community Partnerships
Learn about key community partnerships between the Naperville Park District and other entities that facilitate the smooth operation of recreation programs, offer exceptional experiences for residents and visitors, and help establish priorities and accomplish projects for the benefit of Naperville and beyond. Guests: Executive Director Brad Wilson, Director of Planning Eric Shutes, Director of Recreation and Facilities Andrea Coates and Sales and Sponsorship Manager Stacey Fontechia
S37 - Episode 04B - Meet Our New Commissioners - Chris Jacks
Meet the District’s new park board commissioners who were seated in 2023 and learn more about them and their aspirations for recreation in Naperville. Guests: Commissioner Chris Jacks
S37 - Episode 04A - Meet Our New Commissioners - John Risvold
Meet the District’s new park board commissioners who were seated in 2023 and learn more about them and their aspirations for recreation in Naperville. Guests: Commissioner John Risvold
S37 - Episode 03 - Managing Growth In The Parks
This episode will highlight park development in 2023 and plans for 2024 as the District continues to add to its outdoor facility inventory and bring new recreation amenities to the community while investing in efficiencies and operational improvements. Guests: Director of Planning Eric Shutes and Director of Parks Tim Quigley
S37 - Episode 02 - Where Do We Grow From Here
Join District staff as they explore growth in recreation programs and facility use at the Park District, discuss how that growth has contributed to indoor facility space challenges, and what the District expects to see in 2024. Guests: Director of Recreation and Facilities Andrea Coates and Superintendent of Facilities Sue Buziecki
S37 - Episode 01 - Growing into the Future
In this episode, we kick off the 2024 State of the Park District’s theme of “Growing into the Future” in addition to providing a retrospective of 2023 and a high-level overview of the aspects to be covered in the subsequent 2024 SoPD episodes. Guests: Executive Director Brad Wilson and Park Board President Mary Gibson
Passing the Mic
ParkTalk Podcast host, Sue Omanson, has retired after 22 years with the Naperville Park District. To celebrate her career, Sue talks about the history of the ParkTalk Podcast and what she loves about the Park District all while introducing the podcast’s new host, Danny Rehm.
Remembering Fairlane Farms
Naperville resident Dick Kuhn shares stories from Fairlane Farms, where his family raised horses. Fairlane Farms Park will be developed in 2024 and is named in honor of this farm that brought polo to Naperville and is part of the farming and equestrian heritage of our community.
Take A Hike - The Benefits Of Walking in Nature
Guests Kirsten Mullinax from NorthShore - Edward-Elmhurst Health, and Amy Phillips from The Conservation Foundation discuss the annual Take a Hike! Challenge and the benefits of walking in nature.
The Rewards Of Gardening
In this episode, we hear from two gardeners about the joys, challenges and surprises of the 2023 gardening season at the Naperville Park District’s Garden Plots. Our guests are Priyanka, who rented a plot for the first time, and Barb, who has maintained a plot for many years and is a Master Gardener.
Summer Camp Reflections
Day camp staff members Cori and George reflect on the summer day camp experience, noting kids' creativity, fun memories and strengths of the program.
Senior Softball Legends
Two 89-year-old ball players from the Naperville Park District's Over 50 Softball League explain why they love the game and what keeps them coming back year after year.
Naperville's Unique Centennial Beach
Learn what makes Naperville's Centennial Beach a favorite summer destination. Two staff members familiar with Beach operations explain how it is unique and why people love it.