Village resident tabbed as Antioch’s new parks director
Antioch's new director of parks and recreation is a village resident with 20 years experience in the field.
Katie Kotloski was selected from more than 25 applicants for the position, which comes with an annual base salary of $110,000. The post had been filled on an interim basis by retired Highland Park District executive Jeff Nehila since Mary Quilty retired in August.
Kotloski has overseen recreation programs for the Lindenhurst and Northbrook park districts and managed cooperative programs for the Highland Park-based Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association.
“Katie’s expertise will be instrumental in enhancing our recreation programs here in Antioch,” said Mayor Scott Gartner.
Her experience includes programming recreational activities from camps and sports leagues to special events.
“As a mom whose children are growing up in Antioch's recreational activities, I am eager to do my part to ensure quality parks and recreation programs for my fellow residents,” she said in a village announcement.
Priorities will include the revitalization of Centennial Park east of Anita Avenue, designed and built in 1992 with the help of families and children. The village received a $600,000 matching state grant for the project, which will include a new shelter, tennis court updates, trails, signage, landscaping and increased accessibility.
“She's got a lot on her plate,” said Jim Moran, assistant village administrator. “One of the first things she'll do is establish a realistic timeline for the project.”
Camp Crayon, the parks department's long-running preschool program, is another pressing matter. Gartner closed the program about a month ago due to concerns about state licensing exemptions. Kotloski is working with a village-hired consultant to determine next steps.
She also is tasked with redeveloping the village's summer camp and other youth programming, readying the Antioch Aqua Center for the season, and planning events such as the Easter parade and egg hunts.
Kotloski will meet the community and discuss the department's vision from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13, at the former senior center building, 817 Holbeck Drive.
She and staff also will be handing out information about upcoming programs at the Shamrock Jam & (Almost) 5K from 10 a.m. to noon March 22, at Sequoit Creek Park, 845 Main St.