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ParkTalk Podcast
Naperville Park District, serving a large Chicago suburb, shares stories of people passionate about health, nature, sports, community and everything related to parks and recreation.
Listen on
Send us your questions and ideas for future episodes!
Email Sameera at sluthman@napervilleparks.org or Sue at somanson@napervilleparks.org
Listed by Series and Episode
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S17 Episode 03: Water Quality in our Streams: A County Perspective
May 28, 2020
NaperParks · S17 Episode 03: Water Quality in Our Streams: A County Perspective Mary Beth Falsey, water quality supervisor at DuPage County Stormwater Management, discusses county-wide programs and projects to improve water quality in our rivers and streams. This episode is part of Series 17: Protecting Our River For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit...
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S17 Episode 02: What Makes a River Healthy?
May 13, 2020
Jennifer Hammer, director of watershed programs and ecological restoration for The Conservation Foundation, explains regional efforts to improve water quality and habitat in the DuPage River, mentioning both success stories and challenges. This episode is part of Series 17: Protecting Our River For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS. Confluence...
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S17 Episode 01: Healthy Shoreline, Healthy River
April 23, 2020
Project Manager Peggy Motta explains how native plants along the river shoreline prevent erosion and protect water quality, provide habitat for pollinators, discourage Canada geese from nesting along the shoreline, and provide a beautiful place to enjoy. This episode is part of Series 17: Protecting Our River For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit...
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S16 Episode 02: Stories from the Classroom
April 6, 2020
Preschool teachers and program managers explain the basic units of the new preschool curriculum and share success stories from the classroom. This episode is part of Series 16: Play with a Purpose. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS. Quotes from the episode: “We have five thematic units. Family, Friends, Wind and Water, Shadows and...
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S16 Episode 01: The “Why” Behind our New Preschool Curriculum
March 23, 2020
Preschool teachers and program managers share their excitement about a new curriculum that helps kids learn and thrive.This episode is part of Series 16: Play with a Purpose. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS. Pre-K students painting with straws as part of the Wind and Water unit Quotes from the episode: “As a preschool program we have always...
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S15 The 2020 State of the Naperville Park District Address
March 11, 2020
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 third 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.
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S14 Episode 03: Drop-In Painting Group Nurtures Creativity
January 2, 2020
Three members of a drop-in painting group talk about the creative process and how this group nurtures their art.This episode is part of Series 14: Creative Pursuits Joe Rizzo, one of the members of the Drop-In Painting Group, occasionally demonstrates special techniques he has learned. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS. Quotes from the episode: “We show up here...
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S14 Episode 02: Floral Artwork in the Parks
December 10, 2019
Listen to what goes into planning the beautiful floral displays at the Naperville Riverwalk and the wildflower gardens in Park District’s natural areas, and why staff enjoys designing these ever-changing works of art in the parks. This episode is part of Series 14: Creative Pursuits For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS. Quotes from the...
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S14 Episode 01: Zumba for Creativity and Energy
November 22, 2019
Zumba teacher Temeka tells how she discovered Zumba dancing and how it transformed her life and fosters creativity, energy and social connections for her students. Zumba teachers at Fort Hill Activity Center, 2018. Temeka is in the middle. This episode is part of Series 14: Creative Pursuits For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS. Quote from...
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S13 Episode 02: From Our Veterans
November 4, 2019
Wayne Fischer, Senior Vice Commander of the Illinois American Legion, Joe Strebel, Naperville’s American Legion Post 43 historian, and Lew Breese, past commander of the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 explain the history behind our veterans organizations and how people can continue to support our service men and women. This episode is part of Series 13: Healing Field of Honor. Listen to the companion...
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S13 Episode 01: Healing Field Stories
October 23, 2019
Go behind the scenes of Naperville's 2019 Healing Field of Honor with Dave Wentz, Marty Walker and Sue Liston, who tell stories of what moves them to orchestrate this community event to honor and support veterans and active duty service men and women. (L to R) Dave Wentz, Marty Walker, Sue Liston and Sue Omanson This episode is part of Series 13: Healing Field of Honor. The second episode is now...
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S12 Episode 04: A Meditation – Releasing Tension
October 9, 2019
This is a meditation led by yoga teacher Sarah Weyenberg that you can use at home or wherever you can listen and relax for about 9 minutes. For an introduction to meditation, including the benefits of meditation and how to begin, go to Episode 02: Yoga Meditation – Introduction. For the second meditation, also led by Sarah, go to Episode 03: A Meditation - Start Your Day with Gratitude These...
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S12 Episode 03: A Meditation – Start Your Day With Gratitude
October 9, 2019
This is a meditation led by yoga teacher Sarah Weyenberg that you can use at home or wherever you can listen and relax for about 9 minutes. For an introduction to meditation, including the benefits of meditation and how to begin, go to Episode 02: Yoga Meditation – Introduction. For the second meditation, also led by Sarah, go to Episode 04: Releasing Tension. These episodes are part of Series 12:...
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S12 Episode 02: Yoga Meditations - Introduction
October 9, 2019
Experienced yoga teacher Sarah Weyenberg explains the benefits of meditation and how to begin. This is an introduction to Episodes 03 and 04, which are meditations that you can use. This episode is part of Series 12: Yoga. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS. Quote from the episode: “Anytime someone is nervous about starting meditation, I say,...
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S12 Episode 01: Health Benefits of Yoga
September 19, 2019
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. Quote from the episode: “You get the flexibility benefits (of yoga), of course, but there are so many more,...
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S11 Episode 04: Commissioners as Volunteers-Josh McBroom
September 4, 2019
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 visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS. Quote from the episode: “I want to be a good steward of the taxpayers’ dollars. My understanding is that we...
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S11 Episode 03: Commissioners as Volunteers - Mike Reilly
August 22, 2019
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 visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS. Quote from the episode: “Every commissioner has to have a...
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S11 Episode 02: Theater Crew: Part of the Family
August 9, 2019
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 visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS. Quote from the episode: “We work well together. Each of the components of...
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S11 Episode 01: Coaching Kids Sports
July 26, 2019
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 visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS. Quote from the episode: “One of the lessons I’ve learned is that in soccer in particular, the coaching happens...
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S10 Episode 04: Why Players Love Pickleball – A Social Sport
July 15, 2019
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 visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS. Quotes from the episode: “You have a Saturday afternoon pickleball session for a couple of hours, and then fire up the grill...
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Financial Experts Share Their Best Practices for Staying on Mission as a Top-Rated Park District
July 5, 2019
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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S10 Episode 03: Why Players Love Pickleball - a Healthy Sport
June 28, 2019
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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S10 Episode 02: Play Pickleball at the Naperville Park District
June 13, 2019
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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S10 Episode 01: Chicago Pickleball Open
May 31, 2019
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 visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS. Please help us make the podcast even...
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S9 Episode 03: Fun and Fitness at the Riverwalk
May 2, 2019
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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S9 Episode 02: Outdoor Fitness in Parks
April 10, 2019
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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S9 Episode 01: Playgrounds
March 25, 2019
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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S8 Episode 03: Keep Sharp with Table Tennis
March 11, 2019
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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S8 Episode 02: Fencing for Fun and Fitness
February 28, 2019
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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S8 Episode 01: Beginning Ballet as an Adult
February 14, 2019
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 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 don’t have to worry about...
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S7 The 2019 State of the Naperville Park District Address
February 1, 2019
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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S6 Episode 02: Partnering to End Hunger
December 14, 2018
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 visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS. Quotes from the episode: “That fresh...
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S6 Episode 01: Giving Gardens
December 14, 2018
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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S5 Episode 06: 3 Stories of How the Park District Helps Students Beat Stress
November 28, 2018
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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S5 Episode 05: Address the Stress
November 14, 2018
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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S5 Episode 04: State of the Kids
October 19, 2018
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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S5 Episode 03: Nature Play for Young Children
October 5, 2018
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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S5 Episode 02: Nature Therapy
September 12, 2018
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 visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS. Quote from the episode: "Research coming out of the public health domain suggests that zip code is more important than genetic code,...
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S5 Episode 01: Health and the Park District Mission
August 31, 2018
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 visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS. Quote from the episode: “What we do as...
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S4 Episode 05: WellFit for Balance and Strength
August 14, 2018
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 visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS. Quote from the episode: "Statistics say that one...
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S4 Episode 04: Riverwalk Adult Day Services
July 31, 2018
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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S4 Episode 03: Wood Carving
July 23, 2018
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
July 11, 2018
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. RAN was created as a result of needs...
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S4 Episode 01 Fitness, Fun, Friends and Learning for Adults 50+
June 25, 2018
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 visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS. Quotes from the podcast...
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S3 Episode 04: Organic Gardening and Healthy Soil
May 18, 2018
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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S3 Episode 03: MADScientists: Fertilizers and Water Quality
May 11, 2018
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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S3 Episode 02: Honey Bees and Native Bees
May 1, 2018
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 then worked 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 of...
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S3 Episode 01: Composting for Healthy Soil
April 9, 2018
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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S2 Episode 02: Ultimate Frisbee®
March 29, 2018
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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S2 Episode 01: Field Hockey Breaks Ground in Naperville
March 2, 2018
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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S1 The 2018 State of the Naperville Park District Address
February 1, 2018
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...
Connect your business’s brand with a well-known and respected one like the Naperville
Park District’s and reach a large, active and diverse audience.
To learn more about our sponsorship opportunities contact
Stacey Fontechia Sales and Sponsorship Manager at 630-848-3575 or at sfontechia@napervilleparks.org.
Looking for an opportunity to have a positive impact on people’s lives while building a fun and dynamic career? Consider the Naperville Park District! It takes all kinds of skills, knowledge and talent to serve the recreation needs of the Naperville community. If you’re passionate about the outdoors, staying active, having fun and encouraging others to do the same, then check out our part-time and full-time career opportunities.
