Naperville Park District to Dedicate Bill Young Athletic Fields on June 11

The Naperville Park District invites the community to a ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on Sat., June 11 dedicating the athletic fields on West Street as the Bill Young Athletic Fields.

The event will take place at the athletic fields, which are located just south of the Ron Ory Community Garden Plots and west of Edward Hospital at the intersection of West Street and Emerald Drive.

The Park Board voted on April 14, 2016 to name the athletic fields on West Street in honor of former Naperville Park District Police Chief and former Naperville Central High School Dean Bill Young, whose lasting contributions to the community centered on inspiring young people in athletics and in life.

William E. "Bill" Young, a longtime Naperville resident, was born on May 20, 1935 and passed away on June 4, 2014. Mr. Young worked for the Park District in the 1960s alongside Mayor Emeritus George Pradel as the first members of the park police. Mr. Young went on to serve as a Naperville Park District commissioner and later as interim executive director and park police chief for the District. His career at Naperville Central High School included teaching physical education and driver's education, coaching wrestling and serving as dean of students.

"Bill's impact on the community spanned decades, and in his roles as teacher, coach, dean and police officer he encouraged kids to be the best they could be," said Executive Director Ray McGury. "We are proud to dedicate the athletic fields in his honor."