Hoffman Estates renames arena for commissioner
Hoffman Estates community members sniffled and wiped tears Saturday morning at a ceremony dedicating the Ice Arena and Community Center to park district Commissioner Scott R. Triphahn.
But Triphahn's son, Troy, said his father, who is nearing the end of a 2-1/2-year battle with stomach cancer, would not want the ceremony to be a time of sadness.
“I think my dad would say right now that this is way cool, it's a really awesome day,” Troy Triphahn said. “Today is about accomplishing success and building something awesome.”
Others who know Triphahn said he accomplished much during his time with the park district, building parks and partnerships, community spirit and cooperation.
As the crowd of more than 300 people all invited because they know Triphahn filed into the gym where the ceremony was held, they saw Triphahn's name already adorns signs at the main entrances, officially renaming the building the Scott R. Triphahn Ice Arena and Community Center, or the Triphahn Center.
Triphahn's name is synonymous with community service and dedication, said Peter Murphy, president and CEO of the Illinois Association of Park Districts.
“My hope is that as people use this wonderful facility, they will think of the name Scott Triphahn and what it means, and that they will strive to embody the qualities of Scott, which will last forever and are unchangeable,” Murphy said.
Even during the dedication ceremony, the facility was in use, as children took skating lessons on the ice rink and adults walked a second-floor track around the gym.
“That's exactly what Scott always wanted to see this place hustling and bustling,” park district Commissioner Craig Bernacki said.
Triphahn, 53, started his adult career with the Hoffman Estates Park District as a volunteer basketball and baseball coach. But as a lifelong resident of the village, his involvement began sooner, said Dean Bostrom, the park district's executive director.
“Scott really started his journey as a kid here when he played in the parks and ball fields,” Bostrom said.
He continued by winning election to the park district's board of commissioners in 1997.
Triphahn's friends and co-workers took turns speaking, while he watched video of the ceremony on a computer from a nearby room with his wife, Sue, and son, Ryan. As more people spoke, the ceremony turned into a listing of Triphahn's accomplishments.
In 1999, he became the founding president of the Friends of HE Parks Foundation, which provides opportunities for financially disadvantaged children to participate in park district programs. He helped secure a land donation that allowed the park district to construct the Prairie Stone Sports and Wellness Center. He testified for parks and recreation funding in front of the state legislature.
“He was involved in every good cause,” Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod said, calling Triphahn one of the most important people in the village's history. “He is the model of a good citizen.”
Bostrom said Triphahn's community service is especially amazing in light of his fight with cancer.
“I think we all show a deep respect for everything that Scott represented,” Bostrom said. “He's continued to serve others and continued to give of his time and talent even though he's been in pain and suffering.”