Rolling Meadows Park District Executive Director Kevin Romejko reflects before heading to Bartlett Park District
As he prepares to take on a new role as executive director of the Bartlett Park District, Kevin Romejko has much to be proud of during his four years of leadership at Rolling Meadows Park District.
Romejko began serving as Rolling Meadows Park District executive director in March 2020, following the retirement of Amy Charlesworth, whose 39-year career with the district included 17 as executive director. His initial months involved leading Rolling Meadows Park District during a global pandemic, working with staff to provide programming opportunities to the public within ever-changing COVID-19 guidelines. Recognizing the importance of the words play, learn and grow within the park district’s “Vision,” he adopted the words as the district’s tagline, inspiring staff to embody them in every program, activity and event.
“Rolling Meadows Park District is a special place with wonderful people,” Romejko said. “Each and every team member comes to work every day wanting to make a positive difference in the Rolling Meadows community. The wonderful thing about parks and recreation is we provide opportunities for all individuals to re-create, no matter their interests — just like the Vision of Rolling Meadows Park District — to inspire our community to live happier and healthier lives by providing exceptional opportunities to play, learn and grow. The goal of a leader is to leave the agency in a better place than when you started. I can only hope team members and the community believe I did that.”
Charlesworth will return as interim executive director and assist the park district in the search for a new director.
Romejko’s tenure as executive director of Rolling Meadows Park District has been marked by several notable achievements. He is proud of his success in upholding the positive atmosphere cultivated by his predecessors Charlesworth and Rudy Nelson, ensuring Rolling Meadows Park District maintains its reputation as an excellent place to work.
Romejko also feels a sense of accomplishment in securing a $600,000 OSLAD Grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for renovations at Community Center Park. Additions planned to the park, located behind the Community Center at 3705 Pheasant Drive, include a Ninja-Warrior-style challenge course, fitness court, two dedicated pickleball courts, nine-hole miniature golf course and in-ground baggo and ladder ball. The new amenities will encourage outdoor play, making full use of the popular Community Center Park space and creating a multigenerational hub for families and friends to gather, connect and stay active.
“I cannot wait to come back and bring my children to Community Center Park once the project is complete,” Romejko said. “I will be at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, I just won’t be holding the microphone.”
Other significant projects accomplished under Romejko’s leadership include the StoryWalk® installation with Rolling Meadows Library along the path from Community Center Park to North Salk Park and a new inclusive playground with dedicated pickleball courts at Cardinal Drive Park. The district received a $321,600 OSLAD matching grant for the Cardinal Drive Park project, which included a complete renovation of the park, originally constructed in 1961.
“I will always cherish my four plus years as executive director at Rolling Meadows Park District,” Romejko said. “I have nothing but wonderful memories. Thank you to team members, the park board and community of Rolling Meadows for allowing me to play, learn and grow with you!”