Park District Director Retiring

After more than a decade serving as the Executive Director at Mundelein Park & Recreation District, Margaret Resnick will be passing the torch to a new director in May. Resnick started her park district career in 1989 as the Executive Director for five years at Clyde Park District in Cicero. She then served as Deputy Director at Bolingbrook Park District for 12 years and has served as Executive Director at Mundelein Park & Recreation District for the past 13 years.

Resnick earned a state-wide reputation as a dedicated park and recreational professional. She currently serves on the board of Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA). She has served on numerous sections and committees including Director of the Administration and Finance Section (two terms), Chair of the Distinguished Accreditation Committee, Chair of the Joint Conference Committee and Board Member of Women in Leisure Services. Resnick was awarded the Illinois Association of Park District's (IAPD) Chairman Citation Award in 2012, and received the IPRA Professional of the year twice (2005 & 2015), an honor presented to professionals in the field who have made an impact in the community to which they serve.

Under Resnick's direction, Mundelein Park & Recreation District has been recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the IPRA for demonstrating sound management practices in providing quality park and recreation services to the community. The District has received this distinction twice (each a 6 year award).

"It's encouraging to see that the District is changing along with the community. We have to recognize that what our community wants is different than what we've offered for the last 20 years," said Resnick. During her tenure, recreation programs have expanded and participation has increased. The District added a new park (Holcomb Park) and Recreation Center (Dunbar Recreation Center).

"We at the Park District are so lucky that we get to have a positive impact on people's lives," said Resnick, "from helping them to be healthier, improving their property values and enriching their lives. That is just the most rewarding thing in the world!"

"Margaret has been a real treasure for Mundelein Park & Recreation District." said Jesse Ortega, Board of Commissioners President. "From policies and procedures, financials and employee standards, Margaret raises the bar on how a district should perform. She has the respect of all her peers within Illinois and will be sorely missed."

Resnick's dedication to the community expands beyond her role at the Park District. Locally she serves as the Chair on the Mundelein Community Days Commission, Rotary Club of Mundelein/Vernon Hills, Diamond Lake Preservation Alliance and is the Park District Liaison to the Mundelein Historical Commission,

What's next for Margaret Resnick? Besides tennis, kayaking, paddle boarding, pickle ball, golf, bike riding and possibly learning Spanish, "I want to spend more time with family," she added.

She is due to be a grandma for the 2nd time in May.

Margaret will be working with the soon to be selected Executive Director the beginning of May and then handing the reins over the end of the month.