Naperville Park District to Honor Marge Walsh: First Centennial Beach Female Lifeguard

The Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners will honor Marge Wehrli Walsh with a resolution and special presentation at the May 12, 2016 meeting, which takes place at City Council Chambers in the Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St. at 5:30 p.m.

On the occasion of Marge's 95th birthday and the 85th anniversary of Centennial Beach, the Naperville Park District will recognized Marge as Centennial Beach's first female lifeguard, serving from 1942-1945.

Marge Wehrli Walsh was 21 years old when she stepped into a role that was formerly reserved for young men. As a Centennial Beach lifeguard during the height of World War II, Marge took on the physical challenges of deep water training, conditioning and endurance required for the important and respected role of lifeguard. As an example of Naperville's own "Rosie the Riveter," Marge led the way for women to flourish in hundreds of other roles in their future careers and in the community.

The Naperville Park District is proud to honor Marge for her special place in the history of Centennial Beach and in Naperville's history.