Naperville's new park director meets community leaders

Naperville's movers and shakers greeted new park district Executive Director Daniel Betts Thursday.

Betts made his debut during an invitation-only reception at Tessa's restaurant in preparation for officially taking the helm Monday.

Joined by his wife and two daughters, Betts spent the evening chatting with representatives from the city, schools, businesses and community groups.

"I'm still meeting folks, but it has been nice to begin to start putting some names with some faces, so it's been a good thing," he said. "I'm hoping as we move forward I'm going to be able to work with many of the folks in the room."

Born and raised in Chicago, Betts was most recently Denver's deputy manager of recreation and facility services. The Naperville Park District approved hiring the 40-year-old Betts last month and signed him to a three-year contract with a starting salary of $145,000 a year.

Betts replaces Barbara Heller, who resigned last year in the midst of a long-running dispute over a proposed indoor recreation center. He will be the park district's eighth director in 12 years.

Business Services Director Mindy Munn has been serving as interim director for the past year but said Betts needs no advice from her.

"He knows he needs to ask the community what the community wants. He's a person that manages by consensus," Munn said. "So I think he's going to bring a lot of energy to the park district and he's going to do a great job. I have all the confidence in the world."

Park commissioner Ron Ory also likes Betts' energy as well as his directness. The two had a chance to have lunch together Thursday afternoon, and Ory found they were already in sync on priorities for the district.

"I think he needs to provide a clear focus of our mission and vision and clearly define the path to get there," Ory said.

As Naperville Unit District 203 prepares to undergo extensive facility renovations, Community Relations Director Nina Menis said she is looking forward to talking to Betts about both new and existing partnerships between the two groups.

"Naperville is such a wonderful community and there are a lot of people willing to step forward and help out, and I think he'll enjoy the culture of Naperville," Menis said. "(There are) a lot of volunteers, a lot of strong heritage in the community but also an interest in moving forward."

Mayor George Pradel also greeted Betts Thursday and called him "very outgoing, a very nice person." He hopes to see the new director actively participate in events around the community.

"I think it's going to be a good match for Naperville," he said.