Hoffman Estates parks renames ice rink for cancer-stricken commissioner

During his 13 years on the Hoffman Estates Park District board, Scott Triphahn not only helped construct buildings, he also helped build relationships.

That's why the district's board has decided to rename its ice rink and community center after Triphahn, who is battling cancer.

“I would just like to thank the board, wow, what an amazing honor.” Triphahn said on Tuesday.

Doctors diagnosed Triphahn, 53, with stomach cancer two and a half years ago, but he continued to work and his health was strong enough that Hoffman Estates Mayor William McLeod was going to back him in a bid for village trustee next year.

However, his health deteriorated in recent months and he decided not to run in the April election. He currently rests in hospice care.

Triphahn remained upbeat on Tuesday, talking about the joy of working for the park district. He mentioned seeing happy children playing and going outside to the field to feel the wind in his face.

“It's not a pride thing, I'm just thankful for the time I had with the park district,” he said.

Park District Executive Director Dean Bostrom described Triphahn as an effective communicator with a knack for building consensus.

“He (has) had the vision and the perseverance to know that something is going to be good and that you just needed to battle through the obstacles,” Bostrom said.

Triphahn joined the board at a time of disarray. Commissioners bickered in the aftermath of firing then-Executive Director Ed Haag, who was indicted months later on accusations he misused park district money.

Triphahn quickly set goals for the board and fostered a stronger rapport with the village, as the two agencies rarely worked together previously.

Bostrom said the park district would be an inferior organization without Triphahn's efforts, and officials want to make the public aware of his contributions and while letting him know they appreciate his diligence.

“We wanted to do something,” Bostrom said.

After a ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11, the Community Center and Ice Arena at 1685 W. Higgins Road will be known as the Scott R. Triphahn Community Center and Ice Arena. Abbreviated, it's the Triphahn Center.

Triphahn's efforts were instrumental in the construction of the ice arena, which was completed in 2004. He recalled attending public hearings which were moved to Hoffman Estates High School to accommodate crowds of about 350 residents.

“We made many changes to make the local residents, the neighbors as happy as they could,” Triphahn said.

Bostrom said Triphahn kept the board together, even during harsh criticism.

“Scott would say it's not time to scatter, it's time to circle the wagons,” he said.

Voters first elected Triphahn to the board in 1997, and he served as its president a year later. He ran W-T Engineering and continues to raise money for the park district as president of its fundraising arm, the Friends of the Hoffman Estates Parks Foundation.

He also was heavily involved with the construction of the children's memorial outside village hall and helped with the construction of the Prairie Stone Sports and Wellness Center on the village's west side. He served as president of the Illinois Association of Park Districts in 2008.

State Rep. Fred Crespo, a former Hoffman Estates trustee, said Triphahn taught him the importance of strong partnerships.

“He's a local guy and he obviously cares about Hoffman Estates,” Crespo added.

“We're a first-class community, the village's motto is ‘growing to greatness,'” Triphahn said. “You can't be a great community unless you have a great park district.”