Naperville parks to host ceremony honoring late director

The Naperville Park District is hosting a ceremony at 4 p.m. Tuesday to honor the late Glen Ekey, former executive director known for his love of recreation, golf and the outdoors.

The park district flourished under Ekey's leadership from 1981 to 1996, officials said, resulting in the preservation of open space, the development of community partnerships and the creation of facilities such as the Naperbrook Golf Course, where the driving range is now named after him. The Naperville resident also is credited for bringing the idea for Ribfest to the Exchange Club of Naperville.

Ekey died Oct. 23, 2020, from cancer at the age of 79. A plaque will be unveiled in his honor during the ceremony at the Naperbrook Golf Course, 22204 W. 111th St./Hassert Boulevard in Plainfield.

The district's annual Naperville Senior Amateur Championship golf tournament held Aug. 18 and 19, has also been renamed in his memory.