Arlington Heights park board mourns loss of longtime member
By Eileen O. Daday
Daily Herald correspondent
Patrons of the Arlington Heights park system owe a lot to Sandra Fernstrom, say former colleagues, adding her 20 years on the park board were instrumental in transforming the agency.
Nicknamed 'The Screaming Eagle' for her tenacious questioning of staff at board meetings, Fernstrom died May 27. The former 35-year resident of Arlington Heights, most recently of Huntley, was 74.
"I am not sure Arlington Heights would be enjoying all the park amenities without Sandy Fernstrom's leadership," says Roger Key, former executive director of the park district, who was superintendent of recreation when Fernstrom was on the board.
Key said Fernstrom had enormous foresight and provided thoughtful direction on major capital development projects, including Arlington Lakes and Nickol Knoll golf courses, North School Park, Lake Arlington, Melas Park - jointly developed with the Mount Prospect Park District - and the renovation of all the outdoor pools.
Arlene Mulder, former mayor of Arlington Heights, started her political career on the park board, when she was appointed to fill a position in 1979. She ran for election in 1981, the same year as Fernstrom, and together they won their seats.
"Sandy took great interest in the flood control projects, that resulted in Arlington Lakes and Lake Arlington," Mulder said. "She was very interested in the legislative process and together we'd often drive to Springfield to lobby for grant money for Lake Arlington."
Steve Scholten, current executive director of the Arlington Heights Park District, said Fernstrom was instrumental in the park district acquiring 143 additional acres of open land and also helped acquire more than $3 million in local, state and federal grant money.
"Those who live in Arlington Heights and benefit from the breadth of programming and facilities that the park district has to offer, owe Sandy a heartfelt thank you," Scholten says.
As a park commissioner, Mulder said, Fernstrom attended all of the dedications and ceremonies, and she always showed up Arbor Day to plant a new tree. By extension, Fernstrom always came to board meetings prepared.
"She didn't just show up," Mulder said. "She always read her materials and came with questions."
Staff members like Key were the ones who hung the "Screaming Eagle" nickname on Fernstrom. She was proud enough of it to put it on her license plate.
"Even though she could push the envelope at times she was liked and highly respected by her fellow commissioners and the staff," Key said. "You could tell that she had a passion for creating and maintaining parks to serve all age groups and interests."
Fernstrom is survived by her sons Robert (Amanda), Daniel (Christine) and Eric (Carmelita), and seven grandchildren.
Services have been held.