A Talk in the Park

Enjoy the final episode in A Talk in the Park’s mini series, Long Standing Employees, featuring Rob Sperl! Being at the district for over 20 years, he has gotten to be a part of many exciting projects and has seen the district evolve. Tune in and learn more about Rob’s experience and hear his park recommendations.

Enjoy the next episode of long standing employees at Wheaton Park District featuring Ray Morrill! Since 1972, Ray has been integral for the district in aquatics and programming and he now serves as a Park Board Commissioner. Tune in to learn more history and Ray’s experience at Wheaton Park.

Enjoy the first of several interviews with Wheaton Park District long standing employees as a part of DuPage County’s Historical Museum (DCHM) Oral Histories! On this episode, Zach Bishop, DCHM Curator sits down with Sue Wahlgren, Cosley Zoo Director, to discuss her time with Wheaton Park District and Cosley Zoo over the last 37 years.

This month, Amy and Mark talk with Zach Bishop, DuPage County’s Historical Museum Curator. He discusses past and upcoming exhibits including celebrating a recent award. He also shares interesting facts abought Northside Park and walks us through the exhibit planning process. Have something to donate to an upcoming exhibit? Want a tour of the Museum? Email Zach Bishop at zbishop@wheatonparks.org!

Amy and Mark choose their favorite podcast moments from 2020. Thank you for a great year, A Talk in the Park listeners!

Ms. Kelly, Wide Horizons Preschool Coordinator, joins Amy and Mark to discuss how Wide Horizons Preschool staff provide students with a positive and enjoyable learning experience and how they continue to remain creative with their daily operations. She also shares fun, easy and free ways to keep children engaged at home!

Nicole Chesak, Assistant Athletic Director, joins Amy and Mark to review the All Sports Policy recently released by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO). She discusses how Wheaton Park District is modifying leagues and programs to adhere to the guidelines and addresses common concerns. For additional questions or more information, contact Nicole Chesak at nchesak@wheatonparks.org or visit wpdathletics.org.

Jenny Theuman, Lead Zookeeper & Animal Welfare Coordinator, joins Mark and Amy to discuss a Wheaton favorite location, Cosley Zoo. Learn more about the oldest animal at the zoo, what her typical day is like and more.

Wheaton Park District presents, The Virtual Recreation Center. Join our in-house experts and community partners for a variety of FREE programming and resources for staying active at home. Learn more and explore at wheatonparkdistrict.com/virtualrec.

Justin Kirtland, Golf Course Superintendent of Arrowhead Golf Club, joins Amy and Mark on this month’s episode to discuss what a typical day looks like for him and his staff, if fertilizer actually works and shares the district’s accomplishments as a Green Team Member.

Rick Napier, Community Center Day Manager, joins Amy and Mark on this month’s episode to discuss inclusion efforts at the Wheaton Park District. He explains the process on obtaining program/activity aides for children and shares his journey as part of the Play For All Playground & Garden Foundation board. Learn more about the Play For All Playground & Garden Foundation and the current phase of Sensory Garden Playground by visiting playforalldupage.org.

In this episode, Amy and Mark sit down with Mike Benard, Executive Director of the Wheaton Park District. They discuss his experience in the parks and recreation world and how he’s seen the park district evolve since he started over 10 years ago. Learn more about the park district’s biggest success stories of the last year and what’s to come in 2020.

According to U.S. News, approximately 80% of resolutions fail by the second week of February. Don’t feel discouraged, use that as motivation to start your resolutions now! In this episode, Amy and Mark discuss the five most popular resolutions and how to achieve them at the Wheaton Park District. With the help of Parks Plus Fitness Center Personal Trainer Mitch Policky, they share tips on staying in shape all year and conquering everyone’s #1 resolution: weight loss. Share your resolutions at podcast@wheatonparks.org.

On today’s episode, Amy and Mark dive into our county’s history with DuPage County Historical Museum’s manager, Michelle Podkowa. Learn about unique pieces the Museum showcases, upcoming exhibits and how to get involved. For more information about the DuPage County Historical Museum, visit dupagemuseum.org.

On today’s episode, Amy and Mark explore unique programs the Wheaton Park District offers residents. Jason Garvett, owner of Mobile Escape and Axe Throwing, discusses the trend of axe throwing and the league coming to the park district this fall. Megann Panek, Mary Lubko Center manager, shares an exclusive trip you won’t want to miss. Interested in more information for the programs/trips mentioned in today’s episode? Learn more and register at wheatonparkdistrict.com/register. Have a question? Email us at podcast@wheatonparks.org to be featured in an upcoming episode.

On this month’s episode of A Talk in the Park, Northwestern Medicine Athletic Trainer, Taeopae Wetterman joins us to talk about her role as an Athletic Trainer and shares her experience on working with concussions. We also speak with Athletic Manager, Adam Lewandowski, who oversees Wheaton Rams Football & Cheer. We explore how the Wheaton Rams program educates their coaches on the risk of injuries and concussions as well as a preview for the upcoming 2019 season. Disclaimer: if you suspect a concussion has occurred, always seek a medical professional. Have a question? Email us at podcast@wheatonparks.org to be featured in an upcoming episode.

July is national parks and recreation month and the theme this year is Game On. It’s all about getting outside and playing. We speak with Terra Johnson, Lincoln Marsh Program Manager, to discuss nature play, the newly opened Prairie Patch Play Area, and programs offered at Lincoln Marsh. Discover Wheaton Park District segment talks about some upcoming events you should check out this month. Have a question, email us at podcast@wheatonparks.org and we may answer it on the next episode.

Hosts Amy Seklecki and Mark Dolphin discuss Wheaton events, activities and more each month. Follow the Wheaton Park District on Facebook at Wheaton Park District and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode. First episode arrives July 9! Want to submit a question for the Mail Bag? Email podcast@wheatonparks.org