Naperville park commissioners extend executive director’s contract

Naperville Park District Executive Director Brad Wilson has another year on his contract.

Park board members recently approved an extension, taking Wilson’s contract to 2028.

Wilson started his career with the park district as an intern and was hired as program manager in 1999. After serving as director of recreation and facilities, Wilson was named executive director in 2022.

“I feel fortunate to be part of such a great organization and such a great community,” Wilson said.

Board members unanimously approved the contract extension. Under the terms of the contract, Wilson will earn $191,173.

With Wilson at the helm, the park district will seek voter approval in March for a $120 million borrowing plan to build a new activity center at the Frontier Sports Complex on the south side of Naperville.

If approved, the owner of a $500,000 home would pay an estimated $117 more a year in property taxes to the district based on financing with a term not to exceed 20 years.

The proposed activity center would have three types of indoor pools: an eight-lane by 25-yard lap pool; an activity pool with a family-friendly water slide, play features and additional lap lanes; and a warm-water therapy pool.

The district only operates a seasonal swimming facility: Centennial Beach. And through the years, an indoor park district pool has been perennially floated in Naperville.

“We've actually seen reference to indoor aquatics and that conversation dating back to the 1970s with the park district,” Wilson said last fall.

The proposed new center would also house a fitness center, gymnasiums, a walking-jogging track, indoor playground and other amenities. The district surveyed residents and held a series of open houses in fall 2025 to learn more about what they want in the park district.

“It’s been rewarding engaging the community on this topic and gathering information from residents on what they feel are the top priorities,” Wilson said.

In addition to the referendum effort, Wilson will focus on carrying out the district’s strategic plan, which is currently being updated.

“I just cannot imagine having anyone else leading our organization right now,” said Leslie Ruffing, park board president.

During his tenure, Wilson has worked to continue partnerships that have led to various improvements, including synthetic fields at the Wintrust Athletic Field at Knoch Park.

The district has also worked with DuPage County’s stormwater division for shoreline and pond improvements.