Longtime Waukegan Park District Superintendent to retire

Submitted by the Waukegan Park District

Alicia A. Mentell has been the Superintendent of Recreation at the Waukegan Park District since 1993. Retiring in July after 20 years of outstanding leadership to the Recreation Department, she leaves a remarkable legacy.

Alicia professionalized the department, developed, and implemented comprehensive recreation programs and services, and provided leadership and oversight for management staff, programs, special events, facilities, and citizen committees. Several events under her leadership have received awards from the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association including: Halloweenfest, American Independence Parade and Festival, and Polar Bear Plunge. The Live Green Family Festival, introduced this past April, was her most recent vision and the event was very successful.

She oversaw the successful openings of two premier, state of the art facilities: the Field House Sports and Fitness Center and the Waukegan Sports Park. Both facilities have received local and state recognition. The Field House marketing plan won the 2009 award from Learning Resource Network, an international professional organization. This past year, tournaments at the two facilities contributed more than $15 million to the area economy.

Alicia, a true parks and recreation professional, played an important part in the Waukegan Park District acquiring accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies and becoming a National Recreation and Park Association Gold Medal Finalist. Both are pinnacles of national recognition in the parks and recreation professions. She serves as a CAPRA Visitor, evaluating other Districts’ operations and outcomes. She takes pride in the growth and development of young professionals as they mature in their careers and personal lives.

Her most recent efforts have led to the expansion of the Park District’s dog programs and facilities, including the Dog Agility Playground, which is scheduled to open Sept. 7 at Callahan Franklin Dog Exercise Area, 1720 Western Ave. She personally sponsored four pieces of agility equipment at the park.

The Waukegan Park District board and staff extend their heartfelt thanks and wish her well.

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