HE Parks dedicates fields to local family

HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS. It was a beautiful morning at Fabbrini Park, May 4, 2019, as Hoffman Estates Park District dedicated the park's three ball fields to Steven and Connie Johnson for their work developing youth athletics in Hoffman Estates.

Hoffman Estates Park District Executive Director Craig Talsma spoke on the impact the Johnsons' had on Hoffman Estates, "without their passion, baseball and softball in the area would not be the thriving sports they are today."

Stephen and Connie Johnson moved to Hoffman Estates in 1976 and became fixtures in the community's Little League program. During the 20 years they served on the Board of Hoffman Estates Baseball and Softball Association (HEBSA) the league grew into one of the best programs in the northwest suburbs serving tens of thousands of children. Steve was involved in every aspect of the association including serving as Board President, umpire, team coach and working in the concession stands with his wife, Connie. When the Johnsons stepped down from the HEBSA, the park district took over running baseball and softball in the area. Steve passed away on June 20, 2018.

Park Board President Robert Kaplan read the dedication plaque as the fields were officially named the Steve Field, the Connie Field and Johnson Field.

Sophomore, James Marompon, from Hoffman Estates High School, performed the National Anthem after the Hoffman Estates Phillies, Hoffman Estates White Sox and Palatine Scrappers lined up on the field.

Todd Johnson, the son of Steve and Connie Johnson, threw out the first pitch to the Hoffman Estates Phillies catcher.

Representing the Johnson family at the dedication were Connie Johnson, Todd Johnson, Emma Johnson, Aly Johnson and Samantha Johnson. Also present at the event were Hoffman Estates Park District Board President Robert Kaplan, Vice President Pat Kinnane, Treasurer Keith Evans, Assistant Secretary Pat McGinn, Commissioner Mike Bickham, Commissioner Lili Kilbridge, Executive Director Craig Talsma, Superintendent of Recreation Colleen Palmer and Athletic Manager Kyle Thomas. Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod, Village Clerk Bev Romanoff, Village Trustee Karen Mills, Village Trustee Anna Newell, Village Trustee Michael Gaeta and Village Trustee Karen Arnet also attended the ceremony.