GLENVIEW PARK DISTRICT NEWS: Park district recognizes 3 for contributions; new superintendent hired
Community members honored
The Glenview Park District recently presented three Glenview residents Illinois Association of Park Districts and Illinois Parks and Recreation Association Community Service Awards, which are given in recognition of ongoing support and outstanding contributions of time, money, services or volunteer work for the advancement of parks and recreation.
State Sen. Laura Fine received the award for supporting environmental justice legislations, advocating for the expansion of park district funding and helping expand access to COVID-19 testing among Glenview residents; Jesse Hall received the award for his work in improving access to the Glenview Community Ice Center and for his contributions while serving on the Glenview-Northbrook Coronavirus Task Force; and Kay Laurie received the award for long-standing service on the park district's 4th of July Committee.
"We are immensely grateful to state Sen. Fine, Jesse and Kay for their support, partnership and volunteer work," said Glenview Park District Executive Director Michael McCarty. "It really takes a village - our village - and each of their contributions has helped us in making the Glenview community a healthier, safer place."
During her time in state government, Fine has supported efforts to expand parks and recreation funding, as well as sponsored environmental justice measures such as the Offshore Wind Energy Economic Development Policy Task Force and declaring September 7, 2019, as Great Lakes Appreciation Day. In 2020, IAPD named her Legislator of the Year.
As a member of the Glenview-Northbrook Coronavirus Task Force, Jesse educated agencies and community members on how to stay safe during the pandemic. The Task Force also provides free COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics. Additionally, Jesse helped create access to the Glenview Community Ice Center via Hospital Drive, ensuring safer traffic flow.
In her nearly 20 years volunteering on the Park District's 4th of July Committee, Kay has organized the annual Independence Day celebration and raised thousands of dollars to support it. Her enthusiasm, creativity and dedication have been vital in strengthening the Park District's community relations.
Welcome, Melissa!
The Glenview Park District announces Melissa Rimdzius Marsh as its new Superintendent of Recreation and Museum Services after a two-month national search. In this role, Marsh will oversee operations at all Park District facilities, including Park Center, Flick and Roosevelt Aquatic Centers, Historic Wagner Farm, The Grove and Fuller Air Station Prairie. Her term begins May 24.
"I'm humbled and grateful for this opportunity," said Marsh. "The Glenview Park District has a rich tradition of service and impact in the Glenview community, and I look forward to advancing this mission."
Marsh previously served as Director of Parks and Recreation in Lincolnwood, where she managed parks and facilities, recreation programs, special events, community partnerships and capital improvement projects. Her background also includes serving National Gold Medal Award-winning and Distinguished Agency Accredited communities such as Park District of Oak Park, Fox Valley Park District and Homewood-Flossmoor Park District.
Marsh holds a master's degree in Public Administration from Governors State University and a bachelor's degree in Recreation, Sport and Tourism from the University of Illinois. She is a graduate of the National Recreation and Park Association Revenue Development and Management School and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association Leadership Academy. Her certifications include an NPRA Certified Playground Safety Inspector and Certified Park and Recreation Professional, and a National Swimming Pool Foundation Certified Pool Operator. Additionally, she serves on the Park Pursuit Planning Committee with IPRA, Maine-Niles Special Recreation District Board and is the Parks and Recreation Steering Committee Co-Chair for the Intergovernmental Risk Management Association.
• About the Glenview Park District: The Glenview Park District serves over 50,000 residents, including all of Glenview and Golf, small portions of Niles, Northbrook, Northfield and Skokie, and unincorporated areas beyond the village limits. The district owns, maintains and operates more than 845 acres. Visit glenviewparks.org.