Shows / ParkTalk Podcast
ParkTalk Podcast
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
ParkTalk PodcastS31 Episode 03 Spring Blooms
Ed Hedborn, manager of plant records at the Morton Arboretum, describes the earliest signs of spring growth in our Northern Illinois trees, from the greening…
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S32 Episode 01: Sustainable Fitness For A Healthy Life
Melissa, a fitness member and part-time fitness attendant at Fort Hill Activity Center, explains how she overcame injuries and finds joy in pursuing her…
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S31 Episode 02: Invaders In Our Natural Areas
Two Naperville Park District staff members explain what invasive trees and shrubs are and why it’s important to remove them from natural areas to promote a…
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S31 Episode 01: Fall Colors
Ed Hedborn, manager of plant records at the Morton Arboretum, explains some of the factors behind the timing and variations in color of our fall foliage. Ed is…
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S30 Episode 04: Work And Play At The Golf Courses
Kevin Carlson, director of golf at the Naperville Park District, talks about the opportunities available for retirees to work as well as play golf at…
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S30 Episode 03: A Dramatic Recovery Leads to an Active Retirement
Jim, a fitness attendant at Fort Hill Fitness and a former executive in a large corporation tells of how he survived a major health crisis and is now enjoying…
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S30 Episode 02 - Finding A Fun Retirement Job
After a 40-year career in the health care field, Don retired and then found not just one, but several fun, part-time jobs at the Naperville Park District. In…
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S30 Episode 01 - Volunteering In Retirement
Former business owner Marty Ceranek tells how he successfully transitioned to retirement and why he enjoys volunteering at Naperville Park District.
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S29 Episode 04: Meet Our Volunteer Beekeeper
Volunteer beekeeper Joe Bourassa explains how to help honey bees thrive and shares his passion for insects, their wellbeing and their importance to our…
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S29 Episode 03 - Digging In To Beautify Parks
Two park staff members tell how volunteers provide invaluable help in taking care of natural areas, keeping Riverwalk flowers blooming, and helping the Park…
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S29 Episode 02 The Rewards Of Coaching
Parent volunteers Chris and Kelly, who are coaching 3 soccer teams this season, tell why they love coaching their kids' teams and how others can get involved.
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Episode 01 - A Fresh Look At Our Volunteer Program
Meet our new volunteer and events manager, Becca, and learn about the many ways to get involved as a volunteer in parks and recreation.
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S28 Episode 02 - Team Gymnastics
Gymnastics coordinator Karen Schmidt tells how young gymnasts enjoy the Naperville Park District’s in-house team experience, making friends and gaining…
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S28 Episode 01 - A New Life At 90
Fitness participant Louise shares her experience of moving to Naperville in 2020 in her late 80s and fitting in as a participant in the popular group exercise…
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S27 - Episode 07 - All Eyes on Recruitment and Retention
In this episode we look at how the Park District continues to put a lot of emphasis behind its recruiting and retention efforts to ensure its continued…
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S27 - Episode 06 - Fostering a “Greener” Park District
In this episode we highlight key environmental initiatives at the District and key recognitions received. Guests: Tim Quigley, Director of Parks and Sue…
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S27 - Episode 05 - Successes and challenges of operating in a state of flux due to the pandemic
In this episode we gain insights regarding the successes and continuing challenges of operating in a state of flux due to the pandemic. Guests: Brad Wilson…
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S27 - Episode 04 - A look back at 2021 accomplishments and previews key 2022 initiatives
Park District staff looks back at 2021 accomplishments and previews key 2022 initiatives. Guests: Brad Wilson, Executive Director; Eric Shutes, Director of…
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S27 - Episode 03 - Learning more about new commissioners Leslie Ruffing and Rhonda Ansier
In this episode we introduce two of the four new commissioners elected in April 2021 and learn more about them. Guests: Commissioners Leslie Ruffing and Rhonda…
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S27 - Episode 02 - Learning more about new commissioners Mary Gibson and Alison Thompson
In this episode we introduce two of the four new commissioners elected in April 2021 and learn more about them. Guests: Mary Gibson, Park Board Vice President…
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S27 - Episode 01 - Introduction to the 2022 State of the Naperville Park District Address
In this episode, we kick off the podcast’s theme of “Rebuilding and Renewing” in addition to providing a high-level overview of the aspects to be covered in…
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S 26 Episode 04: Volunteer Stewardship
Volunteer and retired teacher David Cleveland shares stories from decades of environmental projects with children and adults and his nature experiences while…
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S26 Episode 03: Winter Wildlife
Nature Center Manager Angelique Harshman gives insight into the needs and habits of common animals and birds that overwinter in northern Illinois, where to see…
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S26 Episode 02: Fireflies
Dr. Doug Taron, biologist and Chief Curator of the Chicago Academy of Sciences at the Peggy Notebaert Museum, discusses the unique characteristics of fireflies…
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S26 Episode 01: Sustainability on a Local Level
Ben Mjolsness, the City of Naperville’s first Sustainability Coordinator, discusses the City’s opportunities for working with local partners to make progress…
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S25 - Episode 03: Creative Expansion of the Disc Golf Course
John Teper and Spencer Huard explain the latest improvements to the disc golf course at Knoch Knolls Park and why they enjoy the sport and this location.
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S25 Episode 02 Driving A Cleaner, Greener Fleet
Lee Meyer, a fleet technician for the Naperville Park District, explains the latest improvements that make the District’s vehicles and equipment cleaner…
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S25 Episode 01: Everyday Inventions For Better Parks
John Teper, one of the park operations managers for the Naperville Park District, shares some of the innovations that staff has developed to solve everyday…
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S24 Episode 03: Healthy Minds For Senior Adults
Geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Sachin Bhalerao explains the challenges of isolation for older adults and offers hope and practical advice for those recovering from…
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S 24 - Episode 02 - Boosting Mental Wellness
Gina Sharp, President and CEO of Linden Oaks Behavior Health, comments on the mental health pandemic that has occurred with COVID-19 and gives tips for…
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S24 - Episode 01: Kids, Stress And Mental Health
KidsMatter is a local nonprofit working to empower kids to realize their purpose, know their value and find their pathway. Executive Director and CEO Nina…
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S23 Episode 02: Gold Star Families Memorial
Jennifer Slown and Lew Breese describe the future Gold Star Families Memorial planned for Veterans Park in Naperville, why it's important and how others can…
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S23 Episode 01: Pull-Up Bars For Patriots
Gregg Kantz, founder of the nonprofit organization, Pull-up Bars for Patriots, explains why he wants to honor fallen service members by installing pull-up bar…
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S22 Episode 04: Wildflower Walks
Nature Center Manager Angelique Harshman takes us on a spring wildflower walk in the woods. Learn about what to look for and what makes these flowers unique.
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S22 Episode 03: Appreciating Monarch Butterflies
Pat Miller, a master naturalist, master gardener and conservation specialist, tells the story of the monarch butterfly, its amazing migration to and from…
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S22 Episode 02: Bird Watching
Steve Constantelos and Joe Suchecki from the DuPage Birding Club talk about birdwatching in the Naperville area and how to get started.
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S22 - Episode 01: Trail Running In Winter
Bob Langerveld, an experienced runner, member of the Chicago Area Runners Association and staff member of Naperville Running Company, shares tips for running…
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S20 - Episode 03: Virtual Fitness
Fitness instructors Karen Moranchek and Mary Sullivan and participant Kathy Leis discuss the challenges and benefits of group fitness classes on Zoom, and how…
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S21 - Episode 05 - Creative Shifts in Recreation Due to the Pandemic
Gain insights into the District’s challenges managing COVID-19 issues and successes achieved through the shifts in offerings, new programs and opportunities to…
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S21 - Episode 04 - District Finances in a Pandemic
Discussion focuses on financial challenges related to obstacles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and the proactive ways the District has managed the…
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S21 - Episode 03 - The Rec “Boom” of Outdoor Sports
Park District staff reviews the incredible “boom” of outdoor recreation opportunities during the pandemic Guests: Kevin Carlson, Director of Golf; Tim Quigley…
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S21 - Episode 02 - Districtwide Goals and Capital Projects
Park District staff takes a look back at 2020 accomplishments and previews key 2021 projects. Guests: Brad Wilson, Director of Recreation and Facilities and…
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S21 - Episode 01 - Introduction to the 2021 State of the Naperville Park District Address
This introduction kicks off the podcast’s theme of “rising to the challenge” in addition to providing a high-level overview of the aspects to be covered in the…
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S20 Episode 01: BIG Moves
Instructor Maura Connor and participant Hugh Flanders discuss a new class, BIG Moves, that helps those diagnosed with Parkinson's.
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S19 Episode 04: Spotlight On Golf
Golfer Jon Lee and his daughter, Abby, tell how golfing enriched their lives this summer during the pandemic. Director of Golf Kevin Carlson reflects on the…
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S19 Episode 03: Special Recreation: A Vital Connection
Recreation Superintendent Ted Adatto from Western DuPage Special Recreation Association tells how special recreation programs are helping individuals with…
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S19 Episode 02: Tennis In The Pandemic
Tennis program coordinator Meredith Pollack explains why tennis is a great sport to play or try for the first time during the pandemic.
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S19 Episode 01: Paddleboats and Rotary Hill
Rotary Hill and the Paddleboat Quarry have become an oasis in the pandemic. Ray McGury tells how the new Midday Spray came about, and we talk with families…
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S18 - Episode 04: Naper Settlement's Future Agricultural Center
Naper Settlement, Naperville's unique outdoor history museum, is planning an exciting new interpretive center that will showcase Naperville’s farming heritage…
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S18 Episode 03: Life on the Wolf Farm
Guests Ginny Wolf Chivas, Jerry Kuhn and Ed Kuhn recall life on Ginny’s grandparents’ farm in the 1950s and 60s in Naperville. The conversation touches on some…
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S18 Episode 02 - Yackley Farm
Norma Yackley Yeates shares her experiences growing up on a farm in Naperville from the 1930s to early 1950s and Ginny Wolf Chivas adds her perspective as a…
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S18 Episode 01: Wagner Farms
Guest Pam White, former owner of Wagner Farms in Naperville, Illinois, recalls growing up on the farm, favorite memories, and lessons that apply to suburban…
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S17 Episode 03: Water Quality in Our Streams: A County Perspective
Mary Beth Falsey, water quality supervisor at DuPage County Stormwater Management, discusses county-wide programs and projects to improve water quality in our…
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S17 Episode 02: What Makes A River Healthy
Jennifer Hammer, director of watershed programs for The Conservation Foundation, explains regional efforts to improve water quality and habitat in the DuPage…
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S17 Episode 01: Healthy Shoreline, Healthy River
Learn how Naperville Park District is working to restore and protect the water quality of the DuPage River.
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S16 - Episode 02 - Stories from the Classroom
Preschool teachers and program managers explain the basic units of the new preschool curriculum and share success stories from the classroom. This episode is…
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S16 - Episode 01 - The “Why” Behind our New Preschool Curriculum
Preschool teachers and program managers share their excitement about a new curriculum that helps kids learn and thrive.
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S15 - Episode 02 - The Big Three Projects
Park District staff takes a look back at 2019 accomplishments and previews key 2020 projects. Guests: Brad Wilson, Director of Recreation and Facilities and…
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S15 - Episode 03 - Parks and Golf
An update on sustainable parks initiatives and forthcoming golf renovations for 2020 and 2021 are discussed. Guests: Carl Gorra, Parks and Fleet Operations…
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S15 - Episode 06 - Mail Bag
Executive Director Ray McGury answers some frequently asked questions during one of the most popular ParkTalk podcast segments. Guest: Ray McGury, Executive…