Physical therapist and yoga instructor Dr. Allison Mitch discusses some of the many benefits of yoga both for the general population and for those with medical conditions or special needs. This episode is part of Series 12: Yoga. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS We would love to hear your feedback and ideas! Email Sue at This email address...

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Park Commissioner Josh McBroom, the newest member of the Park Board, explains why he chose to run and what he looks forward to over the next four years.   This episode is part of Series 11: Volunteers. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS Quote from the episode: “I want to be a good steward of the taxpayers’...

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  Park Commissioner Mike Reilly reflects on his ten years on the Park District Board, what he learned, what the District has accomplished, and why he encourages others to consider running for office in the future. This episode is part of Series 11: Volunteers. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS Quote from the...

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Volunteer Donna Kent, who creates costumes for Magical Starlight Theatre, tells why she loves being part of the musical theater productions each year and how others can get involved. This episode is part of Series 11: Volunteers. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS Quote from the episode: “We work well together. Each of the...

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Volunteer coach Bryan Duncan gives tips for youth sports coaches and explains why he has loved coaching multiple teams over the past 13 years. This episode is part of Series 11: Volunteers. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS Quote from the episode: “One of the lessons I’ve learned is that in soccer in...

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Local pickleball player and organizer Jim Wehrli explains the social benefits of the game and how beginners can get involved. This episode is part of Series 10: Pickleball in the Parks.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS Quotes from the episode: “You have a Saturday afternoon pickleball session for a couple...

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Finance professionals Sue Stanish, Tom Sawyer and Eric Anderson shed light on financial strategies that help maintain the Naperville Park District’s Aaa bond rating and readiness to meet future challenges. This episode was recorded in June 2019 as an informational interview for interested residents and anyone who wants to know more about local government finances.  For a list of other ParkTalk...

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Physical therapist Mary Rachford and occupational therapist Dina Kartsonas explain health benefits of pickleball and why they enjoy playing. Mary Rachford, PT - owner of Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers NapervilleDina Kartsonas, OTR/L - owner of Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers Naperville  This episode is part of Series 10: Pickleball in the Parks.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series...

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Program Manager Brock Atwell describes the growth of pickleball in Naperville, where beginners can play, and new courts planned for the future. This episode is part of Series 10: Pickleball in the Parks.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS For information about the July 16-21 Chicago Pickleball Open - a regional tournament coming to Nike...

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Ken Herrmann, executive director of Chicago Metro Pickleball, talks about the first Chicago-area pickleball tournament coming July 16-21 to Naperville and why pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the nation. This episode is part of Series 10: Pickleball in the Parks.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS...

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Naperville Park District staff members Jackie Gonzalez and Brad Wilson highlight favorite summer activities and what's new in 2019 at the Riverwalk, Centennial Beach, Rotary Hill, the Paddleboat Quarry and the Millennium Carillon. Audience at Rock the Hill, 2018 Centennial Beach This episode is part of Series 9: Outdoor Play and Fitness Destinations.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to...

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Guests Kristina McGrath and Mike Piszynski discuss the outdoor fitness opportunities that Naperville Park District offers currently and will offer in the near future. Kristina explains how to use the fitness stations at 3 parks and previews a new outdoor fitness class coming this spring.  Mike talks about the fitness area, challenge course and multi-purpose hill planned for the new park opening in...

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Landscape architect Jessica Burgdorf explains what goes into the design and construction of playgrounds in our public parks. We also take a quick audio visit to a playground to hear what a parent has to say. This episode is part of Series 9: Outdoor Play and Fitness Destinations.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit...

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Table tennis players explain why they enjoy and benefit from weekly games at the local table tennis club. This episode is part of Series 8: Healthy Indoor Activities in Winter.   For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS Quotes from the episode about the health benefits of table tennis: “It’s a lot of fun,...

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Coach Peter Habala, five-time national champion from Team Romania, explains the challenges of fencing and why it's great both for adults and kids. This episode is part of Series 8: Healthy Indoor Activities in Winter.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS Quote from the episode: “Fencing is a multi-layered mental game and at the same...

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Three adult ballet students talk about the fun and benefits of beginning ballet as an adult. This episode is part of Series 8: Healthy Indoor Activities in Winter.   For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS Quotes from the episode:  “(Ballet) is a stress reliever because you’re focusing on just one small thing, and you...

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This 6-episode series features interviews with Park District leaders and elected officials who share insights into current and future Park District projects and plans. This is the second year that we have offered the State of the Naperville Park District as a podcast series hosted by Sameera Luthman, Director of Marketing and Communications. Listen now to the 2019 State of the Naperville Park...

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Nancy Wiersum from Loaves & Fishes Community Services and Brad Wilson from Naperville Park District discuss the impact of donations like garden fresh produce and pumpkin pies on ending hunger in our community. This episode is part of Series 6: A Season of Giving.   For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS    Quotes from the...

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Master Gardener Jan Gricus talks about the joys and challenges of growing vegetables at our community gardens and how donations of produce bring nutritious food to families in need. This episode is part of Series 6: A Season of Giving.   For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS Quote from the episode:  “This year, on...

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Three high school students explain how their workouts or dance activities at the Naperville Park District benefit them and relieve stress. This episode is part of Series 5: Parks, Recreation and Health.   For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS Quotes from the episode:  “Sometimes after a long day at school, you kind of have to forget about...

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KidsMatter CEO and Executive Director Kamala Martinez returns to talk about 3 initiatives to help students beat stress: free online tutoring, a digital leader program and a job fair for high school and college students. This episode is part of Series 5: Parks, Recreation and Health.   For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit...

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KidsMatter CEO and Executive Director Kamala Martinez reports the results of an eye-opening survey of youth stress and new resources to help kids and parents recognize and deal with stress in a healthy way. This episode is part of Series 5: Parks, Recreation and Health.   For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS Quote from...

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Knoch Knolls Nature Center Manager Angelique Harshman and Naturalist Barbara Vrchota talk about a new program for young children, Nature Playtime, and other ways for busy families to enjoy nature. This episode is part of Series 5: Parks, Recreation and Health.   For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS Quote from the episode: “We want...

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Physical therapist Dr. Allison Mitch discusses health benefits of spending time in nature for both adults and children. This episode is part of Series 5: Nature and Health.   For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS Quote from the episode: "Research coming out of the public health domain suggests that zip code is...

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Executive Director Ray McGury explains what's behind the new mission statement of the Naperville Park District, which is to provide recreation and park experiences that promote healthy lives, healthy minds and a healthy community. This episode is part of Series 5: Parks, Recreation and Health.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit...

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Occupational therapist Dina Kartsonas describes the benefits for seniors of her WellFit Seated Strength Training and Better Balance and Core classes at the Naperville Park District. This episode is part of Series 4: Senior Adult Connections and Resources.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.   Quote from the...

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Executive Director Laura Milligan of Riverwalk Adult Day Services explains how providing a safe, social, stimulating environment for adults of all ages in need of daytime care benefits participants and their caregivers. This episode is part of Series 4: Senior Adult Connections and Resources.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit...

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Award-winning wood carver Shelly Weiser tells how he began carving at age 75, learned from a master carver and teaches kids and adults at the Naperville Park District. Shelly Weiser with some of his artwork. This episode is part of Series 4: Senior Adult Connections and Resources.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit...

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S4 Episode 02: Ride Assist Naperville Guest Karen Courney explains a new transportation service available for Naperville seniors—how it works, her hopes for expanding in the future and opportunities to support this valuable and successful program. Ride Assist Naperville (RAN) was founded in 2016 and has been offering rides to medical and dental appointments for Naperville seniors since May 2017....

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Program Manager Lorraine Ouellette invites adults 50 and up to enjoy free or low-cost activities, classes and resources that can lead to better health, fitness, social connections and lifelong learning. This episode is part of Series 4: Senior Adult Connections and Resources.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit...

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Organic gardener Kelly Foster explains what organic gardening is, how it helps nurture healthy soil, and how you can take a step toward more of an organic approach to your home garden. This episode is part of Series 3: Celebrating Earth Day. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS. Quotes from the podcast...

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Four sixth grade students in Naperville, Illinois discuss their experiment comparing phosphorus runoff from natural and artificial fertilizers. They entered their research in the U.S. Army’s eCyberMission competition. As one of only five sixth grade National Finalist Teams, they  competed in nationals in Virginia the week of June 17-22, 2018 and won first place in their division!...

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Entomologist Brittany Buckles explains how and why to protect both honey bees and native bees. Brittany served as the beekeeper for the honey bee hives at the Ron Ory Community Garden Plots in 2017 and now is working with the US Fish and Wildlife's rusty patched bumble bee protection and recovery project in the Chicagoland area. This episode is part of Series 3: Celebrating Earth Day. For a list...

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Kay McKeen, founder and executive director of SCARCE, an environmental nonprofit in DuPage County, Illinois, talks about how composting can benefit one of our most valuable natural resources: the soil. Learn how to start your own compost bin or join with neighbors in curbside composting. Kay McKeen, founder and executive director of SCARCE This is the first episode in Series 3: Celebrating Earth Day....

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Arnoush Javaherian, also known as Coach Java, founded the Ultimate Frisbee® Club at Neuqua Valley High School in 2007, where he has helped the sport grow to include more than 200 students each year and to win the state championship 5 of the last 7 years. Java also coaches youth Ultimate at the Naperville Park District and is passionate about growing the sport worldwide.   This is our second...

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Parent and volunteer coach Monica Lodge tells the story of how she brought field hockey to Naperville, why it's a great sport for young, female athletes, and how the story continues to unfold with the help of parents, schools and the park district. This is episode 01 in Series 2: Emerging Sports. See a list of all ParkTalk podcast series and episodes here. For more information, check the...

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This 7-episode series features interviews with Park District leaders and elected officials who share insights into current and future Park District projects and plans. Presented in past years as a talk to a live audience, the State of the Naperville Park District is now offered as a podcast series hosted by Sameera Luthman, Director of Marketing and Communications. Listen now to the 2018 State...

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