Libertyville selects new recreation chief; approves playground for Butler Lake Park improvement project
Winter hasn’t slowed progress on the parks front in Libertyville, with the recent appointment of a new recreation director and contract approval for playground equipment as part of a $1.1 million project at Butler Lake Park.
Earlier this month, the village approved Lake Villa resident Patrick “Pat” Bodame as the recreation supervisor. Bodame replaces Matt LaPorte, who left in October after being hired as executive director of the Vernon Hills Park District.
Bodame was among 25 applicants for the job, which pays $137,500 per year.
“I’m super excited for the opportunity and I know there’s a lot we can do for the future,” he said after the board approved his appointment.
According to information provided by the village, Bodame has a Bachelor of Science degree in recreation management and a Master of Science degree in sports management both from Illinois State University.
He previously worked at the Gurnee Park District and his most recent recreation role was as superintendent of recreation for the Hoffman Estates Park District, according to the village. He starts in Libertyville Jan. 2.
At the same meeting, the board also approved a $162,245 contract to buy and install playground equipment from Landscape Structures Inc., a Minnesota firm, as part of the Butler Lake improvement project.
The project includes a new recreation space within Butler Lake Park, adjacent to the lake south of the parking lot that connects to the former band shell area north of Lake Street.
That area is a little-used passive portion of the park targeted for improvements including a playground, plant tunnels, a shelter, permanent chess and checker tables, benches, climbing nets, connected walking path fitness station, a pollinator garden and additional parking.
Libertyville requested three designs from Landscape Structures through the Sourcewell joint purchasing cooperative. The approved features include a hill slide, structure for 2 to 5 year olds with a matchbox car track and a mountain-themed structure for 2 to 5 year olds with slides, climbers and swings for 5 to 12 year olds.
The playground equipment is anticipated to be installed in spring. The overall project is shut down for winter.
The village was awarded a $469,000 Lands Acquisition and Development Grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for the project, estimated to cost between $1.1 million and $1.2 million.