Administrator Cermak to retire after 34 years with the Park District

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In the letter, Cermak praised the dedication, loyalty and talent of the staff and board members with whom he worked throughout his 34 year tenure with the Park District. "One of my professional goals, throughout the years, has been to leave the District better than it was when I first began my work here," states Cermak, "I believe that goal has been accomplished by the strong efforts and cooperation of committed, diligent and visionary staff, board and community members."

During his 34 years with the Park District, Cermak played a key role in advancing the agencies services, programs and facilities including a new golf course driving range and learning center in 1994, a new golf course clubhouse in 1995, plus the rebuilding of all greens, tees, bunkers and the reconfiguration of the course in the early 1990’s. In 2003, the construction of the Recreation & Fitness Center and the William F. Sherman Jr. Interpretive Center was completed along with multiple land acquisitions at Lyman Woods. In addition, Cermak provided oversight in the acquisition and renovation of the District Administration and Maintenance facility on Warrenville Road, the construction of the Museum Annex, the Whitlock Park renovation in the mid 90’s, the installation of the Doerhoefer Park synthetic turf field in 2005, and the original construction of McCollum Park in the early 80’s and the renovation occurring now. Cermak has also been involved with multiple District-wide land acquisitions, the Fishel Park bandshell construction, Barth Pond shoreline improvements, and intergovernmental agreements for Washington and McCollum Parks among others. He has been instrumental in the tremendous growth in recreation programming as well as improved conditions throughout the park system.

Cermak is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional, an Illinois Park and Recreation and Association speaker and past facilities section director, as well as an active member of the Downers Grove Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Commission, Conservation Foundation, DuPage County Stream Bank Coalition Board of Directors and Committee Chairman.

The Downers Grove Park District is dedicated to providing a wide variety of year-round recreation programs, facilities, parks, open space and natural areas that respond to the articulated needs and desires of residents. For more information, call (630) 963-1300, or visit www.dgparks.org.