Clark leaving to take Palatine job

Michael Clark, the Batavia Park District’s executive director, is leaving to work in the same capacity at the Palatine Park District.

The resignation was announced Wednesday.

Clark, 47, has had the Batavia job for 11 years. Before that, he was deputy director for the Bloomingdale Park District.

While at Batavia, Clark started its capital development plan, a capital improvement program, and a playground replacement program.

The district became an Illinois Distinguished Agency, meeting standards for park and recreation services, and was twice a National Gold Medal Finalist.

Also during Clark’s tenure, voters rejected two projects. In 2008, they refused to allow the district to build a recreation center at a revamped Harold Hall Quarry Beach. In 2010, they refused to allow the district to borrow money to build a recreation center at Houston Street and Island Avenue. It was to have been part of a private development.

“We wish Mike Clark and his family all the best with his new position,” Batavia Park Board President Pat Callahan said.

The board is in discussions to develop a transition plan for the district, Callahan said.

“We know the Batavia Park District is in good hands moving forward. We have full faith in the staff’s leadership skills and abilities,” he said.

The park district serves about 26,000 people.