Naperville Park District's Brad Wilson receives Community Impact Award

On Jan. 24, Brad Wilson, Director of Recreation and Facilities, received the 2019 Illinois Park and Recreation Association Community Impact Award at the annual state park and recreation conference in Chicago.

This statewide award recognizes his leadership and positive impact on the community and is given to only one park and recreation professional each year.

"Although the announcement on Friday was a surprise to Brad, it was not at all surprising to me that he was honored by our prestigious state park and recreation organizations," said Executive Director Ray McGury. "I've had a front-row seat watching Brad's leadership and community impact grow over my past 11 years with the park district. Brad is a great example of a professional leader who enjoys working with others for the greater good."

Wilson joined the park district in 1998 as an intern from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. Upon completion of his internship he remained with the district as a program manager where he focused primarily on managing youth athletic programs. Brad was promoted to superintendent of facilities and athletics in 2003 and currently directs the entire recreation department, including both programming and facilities.

Previously honored by the Naperville Jaycees and the Rotary Club of Naperville for his community service, Wilson has worked with individuals and organizations to make recreation more accessible to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. He has helped create or strengthen partnerships between the Naperville Park District and a variety of organizations, including KidsMatter, Ride Assist Naperville, Naperville's two school districts, the Healing Field of Honor, the Xilin Association, and others.

The benefits for the community range from combating youth stress, to increasing seniors' mobility, to providing shared athletic fields and the community's first recreation center.