Schaumburg park leader named state's Commissioner of the Year

Dave Johnson, a 44-year veteran of the Schaumburg Park District board, was named Commissioner of the Year by the Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association Friday.

Johnson was surprised by the announcement during the associations' annual conference in Chicago.

Schaumburg Park District staff members added their voices to the praise that came with the award.

"Dave is a visionary leader in parks and recreation who worked tirelessly to propel the Schaumburg Park District through a time of significant growth and development," Executive Director Tony LaFrenere said. "His efforts have played a major role in the success and quality programs of the district today."

Johnson and his family moved to Schaumburg in 1968. Since he became a commissioner in 1973, the park district has grown from a mere two neighborhood centers and an outdoor pool to an organization with 15 major facilities, 110 parks and more than 1,000 programs and events each year.

Johnson said his proudest achievements include the acquisition of the land that would become the 135-acre Spring Valley Nature Sanctuary and Volkening Heritage Farm. During the 1990s, he helped relocate an 1880s-era barn from a former Schaumburg homestead to its current site on the farm.

Johnson credited all these accomplishments to the teamwork of his fellow commissioners, fiscal responsibility, accountability and the district's dedicated staff members.

He is also a volunteer on the village of Schaumburg's Airport Commission, Sister Cities Association and Bikeways Committee, as well as being an active member of the Spring Valley Nature Club, Schaumburg Community Garden Club and Schaumburg Park Foundation.

"Dave's advocacy for creating recreation opportunities in Schaumburg will be his legacy," LaFrenere said. "His foresight for preserving open spaces and protecting natural areas is something that will benefit future generations for years to come."