River Trails Park District announces new executive director
River Trails Park District welcomes Bret Fahnstrom as its new executive director.
With 24 years of experience in the parks and recreation field, Fahnstrom's background will help continue to lead the River Trails Park District into its next strategic plan toward an even stronger agency.
Fahnstrom has served as executive director for the Golf-Maine Park District for the past six years and previously held the position as superintendent of recreation. He has also worked for the Park District of Oak Park as a facility manager and as a teen coordinator. His skills have driven financial stability during the economic downturn, developing grants with OSLAD and PARC and initiating green projects such as lighting buildings through cost effective ways.
Fahnstrom earned a bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Administration from western Kentucky University and a minor in Environmental Studies. He has also earned his Certified Parks and Recreation Professional Certificate along with attending National Parks and Recreation Association Revenue Development School. Fahnstrom served on Illinois Parks and Recreation Association Rec Section and Professional Development School Board of Regents.
"I am looking forward to working with all the great experienced staff at River Trails. I will be joining a team that has already accomplished a 98 percent grade for PDRMA's Loss Control Safety Review and received the Distinguished Agency award for the third time. This shows the high quality and team effort from this great staff along with a well-balanced board with an excellent vision of their district," said Fahnstrom.
New director Bret Fahnstrom began at River Trails Park District Monday, June 2.
The mission of the River Trails Park District is to provide safe, quality leisure activities to enrich the lives of all people, regardless of age, while preserving open space, protecting the environment and educating the community on the importance of conservation and personal wellness.
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