The Crow Island Woods Stewardship Plan was developed in 2011 to address environmental issues for a sustainable ecosystem. Since this time, the District has also had to account for storm damage and emerald ash. Learn more…
News Archives
Fort Building at Lloyd Park – Free Event Open to All
Join the Winnetka Park District and Tinkering School Chicago as we spend the long holiday weekend using simple and natural materials for fort building! Children’s imaginations will come to life as they harness their creativity while enjoying the outdoors and creating amazing forts.
So come out and forge lasting memories with your children and connect with nature during this social and collaborative project. All ages are welcome and participants can drop-in whenever they would like!
Dates: Saturday, October 14 and Sunday, October 15
Times: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Admission: Free!
Ages: All
Jump into Fall with Winnetka Park District’s Annual Fall Fest
It’s that time of year again: Summer vacation is over and Fall is on it’s way. Pull out your flannels, comfy boots, snuggle scarves and welcome the Fall season with the Winnetka Park District at its annual Fall Fest!
This year’s Fall Fest will take place on Saturday, September 16th from 4:00 to 9:00pm at Duke Child’s Field (1321 Willow Road, Winnetka, IL).
“Fall Fest is one of our village’s largest events, bringing around a thousand people each year to celebrate this great community and welcome Fall amongst neighbors, friends, and family,” said John Shea, Superintendent of Recreation at Winnetka Park District. “Park District staff have been preparing for this year’s event for the past few months, and we are expecting it to be one of our biggest and best yet.”
What can you expect to see this year? Well, aside from the usual music, pumpkin roll races, balloon entertainment, and temporary tattoos, the Park District staff will also be hosting some friendly competitions and activities for tweens, teens, and adults. These include street hockey, a tennis knock-down challenge, golf target challenge with the infamous GolfZilla, and inflatable foot darts and apple spinning games.
“And of course, we’ll be bringing back one of the community’s favorites — Touch-a-Truck — where children can touch, honk and climb aboard a vast array of specialized vehicles, like zambonis, police cars, fire trucks, military vehicles, cement trucks, and village/park vehicles,” said Shea.
Businesses and nonprofits from the community will also be present at the event, and providing fun activities for the family, including sand art, painting and stamping with celery, face painting, and breakfast bag decorating and filling for donations to low-income families.
Food, soft drinks, beer, and wine will be available for purchase throughout the event, and free Graeter’s ice cream will be offered to the first 200 children starting at 6:45pm.
The event will wrap up with the showing of the Trolls movie at dusk.
For more information on this event or a complete list of activities and times, visit winpark.org/event/fall-fest.
New Faces and Shift in Responsibilities at the Winnetka Park District
Christine Berman Named New Superintendent of Finance and Administrative Business Services
The Winnetka Park District recently hired Christine Berman as the new Superintendent of Finance and Administrative Business Services for the District. Previously, Berman most recently was employed by the accounting firm of Lauterbach & Amen as an Assistant Director of Finance assigned to the Village of Glenview. Prior to that, she spent 8 years at the Park Ridge Park District as the Superintendent of Business and Finance.
“Christine comes to us with some great municipal government background,” said Executive Director John Muno. “We are looking for her to make great strides as we work on improving our business operations, budget process, financial reporting and long range planning and financial forecasting.”
Ms. Berman has a BS degree in Political Science and Organizational Communication from Carroll College and a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Northern Illinois University.
Kelsey Raftery Named New Marketing Brand Manager
The Winnetka Park District recently hired Kelsey Raftery as the new Marketing Brand Manager for the District. Previously, Raftery was employed by SmartWatt, an energy services company, as their Director of Marketing.
“Kelsey has had an accelerated career at SmartWatt and was a major influence on their rapid business growth. She rose within the executive ranks of their company from intern to department head, said Executive Director John Muno. “Her overall understanding of marketing strategies, combined with her experience with brand development and lead generation in this digital marketing age, will help build upon our marketing foundation and guide it to the next level.”
Ms. Raftery has a BS degree in Business Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Mary Cherveny Named New Administrative Services Manager
The Winnetka Park District recently named Mary Cherveny to the post of Administrative Services Manager. Cherveny formerly served in the capacity of Communication/Marketing Manager for the agency.
“This change in responsibilities will allow our agency to better utilize her organizational skill set and parks and recreation background,” said Executive Director John Muno. “Mary will be an invaluable source of agency and community knowledge, and has created a very positive environment enabling a smooth transition within the marketing department.”
Her new position will focus on agency communication; board and district administration; staff development, engagement and communication; research and special projects.
Ms. Cherveny is a certified parks and recreation professional (CPRP) with over 25 years of parks and recreation experience. She has a BS degree in Parks and Recreation Administration from Illinois State University.
Learn When To Register For Your Favorite Fall Programs Or Events
The Winnetka Park District registration for fall programs and events starts in early August. Check out our registration page for specific dates per facility.
Check Out The Fall Guide
Check out the online version of the fall guide…
Lakefront Staff Conduct a Successful Mock Rescue
On Tuesday, July 19, 2017 the Winnetka Park District Lakefront staff conducted a mock rescue scenario with the cooperation of the Winnetka Fire and Police Departments. In advance of this drill patrons were notified that Tower Road Beach water access would be unavailable between 2:50 – 3:45 pm, while the District’s other two swim beaches, Elder Lane and Maple Street Beaches remained opening for swimming.
All lifeguard and beach attendants not on active duty at the other two beaches attended this mandatory training. After reviewing procedures and expectations from the Winnetka Park District management, Police and Fire the staff conducted a simulated drowning rescue utilizing lifeguard staff.
This drill is a part of the on-going training staff are provided through the beach season.
Positive feedback was received for all those involved in today’s in-service training.
“I think the training was success. It is a very important part of keeping the community safe. Winnetka Park District does a great job 
coordinating it.” – Brian O’Connell – Winnetka Police Department
“I think it went incredibly well. They followed all the rules. Overall they did everything we expected of them.” – Chris Tillson, Winnetka Fire Department
“Watching the scenario it looked like the staff had effective communication. Overall the rescue went well. I appreciated the fire and police personnel being here.” – John Shea, Superintendent of Recreation.
“I thought the rescue was excellent and everything went very smoothly.” – Mac Parkinson, Lakefront Staff Member
Non-Profit Groups… Be Involved in this Year’s Fall Fest!
Fall Fest 2017
Community Row Booths
Saturday, September 16, 2017
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm (event goes until 9 pm)
Little Duke Field (south of Winnetka Ice Arena)
As an area non-profit group, the Winnetka Park District invites you to be a part of the Annual Fall Fest event planned for Saturday, September 16. The community row booth’s is a great place to share information about your organization. Handouts, giveaways and just face time with community members helps provide brand awareness of your organizations, events and causes.
Activities at this year’s Fall Fest include: Inflatables, Touch-A-Truck, DJ, Bike Winnetka, Pumpkin Roll, Family Movie, Beer/Wine, Food and more.
To be a part of Community Row your organization agrees to the following in lieu of any financial contribution . . .
- Promote the event through your membership and information channels. (WPD will supply graphics and links).
- Provide an activity at your booth (suggest a fall-themed activity, face painting, balloon making, temporary tattoos, etc.)
- Provide your own 10 x 10 pop-up tent (WPD can rent on for you at a cost of $75 – we will provide one table and 2 chairs – no electricity will be available).
- Commit no later than August 16, 2017.
- Be available for set-up between 3:00 – 4:00 pm and ability to man your booth until 7 pm.
If you’d like to be a part of this year’s event. Please let Mary Cherveny know via email, mcherveny@nullwinpark.org no later than August 16, 2017. Please provide the following information . . .
- Organization’s Name
- Contact (name, address, day of contact # and email address)
- Activity planned for your booth
- Bringing your own tent or if you want WPD to rental one for you ($75 cost).
- Share how you can help us promote this event
Your acceptance will not be guaranteed, unless all 5 points list above are covered in your return email.
As we get closer to the event we will provide you with additional materials, site map and final day of instructions. If you have further questions please contact Mary Cherveny at 847-501-2076 or at mcherveny@nullwinpark.org.
Mock Rescue Drill Scheduled for July 18
On Tuesday, July 18, 2017 the Lifeguard Staff will be conducting a mock water rescue as a part of their on-going training in cooperation with Winnetka emergency personnel.
Swimming at Tower Road Beach will be halted from 2:50 – 3:45 pm for this exercise. Beachgoers will be allowed to observe and remain on the beach. A recap of the training will be posted on our website after the event.
Maple Street Beach and Elder Lane Beach will remain open for swimming during this time period.
Thank you for your understanding.
Fourth of July Celebration: Parade, Events on the Green, Fourthfest & Fireworks Survey
The Winnetka Park District takes great pride in all of our programs, facilities and special events. Please share your thoughts regarding the recent Fourth of July Celebration, including:
- Parade
- Events on the Green
- Fourthfest
- Fireworks
Your valuable input helps with the continued growth and success of this event.
