Residents want Naperville park named after Iraq veteran
As an adult, Sgt. Jack Hennessy poured his endless energy into serving his country.
But as a child, he expended that energy playing sports in Winding Creek Park near his Naperville home.
Now his former neighbors would like that park named after Hennessy, who was killed in action in 2004.
The park at 144 W. Bailey Road on the city's south side is currently undergoing renovations including baseball field improvements, new asphalt trails and a picnic pavilion.
Neighbor Renata Gozdziak said it's the "perfect time to change the name and complete the transformation to a park that will be an anchor to our neighborhood."
On Thursday she gave the park board a petition with more than 800 signatures requesting the name be changed to honor Hennessy.
Hennessy, a Naperville Central graduate, was deployed to Iraq in March of 2004. That October, he was killed while monitoring a traffic checkpoint in Baghdad. He was 21.
When he died, friends and family described Hennessy as outgoing, energetic and mischievous with a good sense of humor.
His father Bernie Hennessy on Thursday said he was "truly a neighborhood kid," getting involved in soccer, wrestling, gymnastics, and swimming while in Naperville and also serving as a lifeguard and soccer referee.
While in the army, Bernie said his son volunteered for infantry school, noncommissioned officer school and to be a platoon designated marksman.
He was awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.
Gozdziak told the park board they shouldn't worry about setting a precedent if they rename the park after the soldier because "not every neighborhood has a hero like Jack Hennessy."
"Our neighborhood park should be a reflection of our neighborhood," she said. "Jack Hennessy's legacy is one of a hero. Jack Hennessy was courageous, followed his heart and did what he felt was right as a member of our neighborhood, member of our community and a citizen of our country."
Bernie thanked his neighbors for their support and said he and his wife Cindy are flattered by the gesture.
The park district typically gives its parks geographical or historical names but Commissioner Kirsten Young said it is looking more closely at that policy to determine whether it needs updating.
Executive Director Ray McGury said he has already spoken to the Hennessy family and even if the park isn't named after Jack, there could possibly be a memorial created there to honor him.
Hennessy will also be among the eight veterans from Naperville the city is honoring this weekend for giving their lives in the war on terror.
The VFW and American Legion will install a plaque at the existing granite memorial at the Exchange Club Veterans Plaza along the Riverwalk with the names of Hennessy, Sgt. Bradley Beste, Sgt. David Caruso, Cpl. James Hale, Lance Cpl. Adam Kaiser, Cpl. Anthony Mihalo, Staff Sgt. Andrew Pokorny and Cmdr. Dan Shanower. The ceremony will take place at noon Saturday, Nov. 14.