Hoffman Estates fills vacant park board seat

The Hoffman Estates Park District appointed a familiar face to fill the vacant seat left after the death of Commissioner Scott Triphahn.

The board on Tuesday night named Mike Bickham as the new commissioner. He’ll fill Triphahn’s unexpired term which ends in April 2013. There are seven members on the full board.

“I am honored to have been selected by the board and look forward to the opportunities ahead working on behalf of our residents and community,” Bickham said.

Bickham has served the park district as a Hoffman Estates community representative since 2001 on all the park district’s committees. He’s also a member of the village’s youth commission.

“Mike has a deep passion for the park district,” Park District Executive Director Dean Bostrom said. “His enthusiasm and vision for the park district is inspiring and we welcome the opportunity to work with him toward our common goal of providing the best recreation and leisure services to our community.”

Triphahn died on Dec. 21 from stomach cancer. The 53-year-old was a former president of the park board and was well-known throughout the village for his work, which included pushing for the construction of the children’s memorial outside of Hoffman Estates village hall.

Officials began soliciting applications for the vacant seat in late January. Board members interviewed five candidates. Park District Commissioner Craig Bernacki said all were qualified and it was a tough decision.

“No one will ever fill Scott’s shoes; however, Mike will do a great job,” he said.