Lisle Park District names garage after board president retiring after 23 years of service
On Thursday, April 15, the Lisle Park District Board of Park Commissioners presented a resolution to name the new parks department vehicle & equipment storage facility "Don's Garage" in grateful recognition of Don Cook's 23 years of dedicated and accomplished service to the residents.
On June 16, 1998, Cook was appointed to the board and was re-elected to six 4-year terms since 1999. For twenty of his 23 years of service on the park district board, he served as park board president, leading continued advancements of the Lisle Park District through the acquisition, development, and ongoing improvements and renovations of numerous parks, facilities, programs, and services in a fiscally responsible manner.
Some of these projects include Sea Lion Aquatic Park; the construction of the River Bend Golf Club Pro Shop and The View Restaurant & Bar (later renamed Wheatstack - A Midwestern Eatery & Tap); The Museums at Lisle Station Park and acquisitions of both the Blacksmith Shop & Waycar; the Community Ramp Park construction; the park district's first comprehensive master plan; development of Woodglen Park, Peach Creek Park, Willow Glen Park, Arboretum Woods Park, Leask Lane Park, and the new all-inclusive Discovery Playground; the recreation center at 1925 Ohio St.; the introduction of honey bees in Community Park; the Van Kampen Stage redevelopment; the creation of the Lisle Veterans Memorial; and last but not least, the construction of "Don's Garage."
Cook resided over his final meeting as the board president April 15. His unwavering support of parks and recreation was a true constant and provided direction, enthusiasm, and a camaraderie that resulted in both tangible and intangible benefits to his fellow park commissioners, Lisle Park District staff, and the Lisle Park District community at large. The resolution to name it as "Don's Garage" was passed on April 20, 2021, in honor of Cook's passion, leadership, level-headedness, expertise, youthful nature, and commitment to the Lisle Park District.
Prior to reading the resolution for the dedication, park board commissioner David Richter addressed Cook with a heartfelt speech reiterating the district's appreciation for his advocacy and service.
"Thank you for the great example you have set for us in how to encourage and lead a board where everyone is free to voice their thoughts, questions, and opinions openly and without judgment. It's truly a board where everyone's voice counts equally," Richter said. "Your tireless work in your various roles as a public servant has left this town safer, happier, and healthier, and I hope you are as proud of yourself as we are to have worked with you. Your guiding leadership will be missed, but your accomplishments, influence, and positive example for Lisle, the Park District, and especially the park board are indelible. Thank you."
A custom sign designed by park district staff commemorating Cook's service to the greater Lisle community and new journey in Colorado is now installed on the storage facility located at 1810 Short St.
In addition, an engraved metal plaque is permanently mounted along the Community Park path adjacent to the parks department headquarters and "Don's Garage." Cook's sincere interest in expressing his appreciation for park district employees and volunteers led him to get to know Lisle Park District personnel at every level by randomly visiting offices, facilities, job sites, programs, and special events. His passion to present the Lisle Park District as not only a premier park district in the area, but as the most approachable, responsive, and cooperative public agency in the community will surely be missed but will continue to guide the Lisle Park District in the future for years to come. Visit lisleparkdistrict.org or call (630) 964-3410.