This is a reminder to stay off frozen bodies of water. Our lakes and ponds have constant water flow (under the ice as well), therefore freezing in inconsistent/variable depths, and it is unsafe for individuals to enter the water or ice.
SECTION 23: WINTER SPORTS-FROZEN WATERS
It shall be unlawful for any person on any Park District property to:
We have been notified that people, specifically at Heritage Lake, have been out on the ice. Like all our ponds/lakes, there is flowing water at all times beneath any ice that forms – therefore making freezing levels of water inconsistent and unsafe for any type of entry. Please, stay off the ice.
Read all of Parks Rules and Regulations Ordinance 411
The Carol Stream Park District Commissioners and staff extend condolences to the family of Barbara O’Rahilly, a dedicated community leader and long-time resident of Carol Stream who passed away on December 1. Barbara’s contributions shaped Carol Stream’s history, parks, and civic life, leaving a lasting legacy.
Barbara moved to Carol Stream in 1959 and quickly became a cornerstone of the community. She co-founded the Carol Stream Woman’s Club and Historical Society, playing a vital role in preserving the Village’s history, including the establishment of the Historical Farmhouse on Lies Road.
Her 24-year career with the Carol Stream Park District began as a volunteer swimming instructor and progressed to roles including Superintendent of Parks and Executive Director. During her tenure, Barbara oversaw significant growth, introduced innovative programs, and organized beloved community events. In 1993, Volunteer Park was renamed Barbara O’Rahilly Volunteer Park in recognition of her leadership and dedication.
Barbara also served as vice chairperson of the Village’s 25th-anniversary commission, helping to establish a local post office branch, and remained actively involved in numerous civic organizations throughout her life.
Her impact on Carol Stream will be remembered for generations. We extend our sincere condolences to her family and honor her legacy of service and leadership.
The Carol Stream Park District is partnering with the Rotary Club of Carol Stream and other community partners – Village of Carol Stream and Benjamin Middle School (District 25) to collect winter coats, hats, scarves, mittens and gloves through February 28, 2025.
Donations can be dropped off at the following facilities during operating hours:
All donations will go to Repeat Boutique in Carol Stream. They provide clothing and practical household goods to people in need.
This annual coat drive demonstrates the power of community partnerships in addressing local challenges and making a lasting impact.
We’re proud to highlight Tony Chesrow, a custodian at the Carol Stream Park District and an accomplished hockey player for Team USA Blind Hockey. At 30 years old, Tony has been representing the United States in international blind hockey competition for the past eight years, after starting out with a local team in Chicago. When his vision qualified him for the USA team, he was invited to tryouts, and he successfully made the roster.
Tony’s love for hockey started at age 13, leading him to play at both Holy Cross and Lewis University, and even in the Junior A’s, just one level below Major Junior. However, as he grew older, a genetic eye disease called “Best” (Best vitelliform macular dystrophy) began to affect his central vision, leaving him with fluctuating blind spots. Tony describes the visual experience as seeing fireworks of colors like purple, green, and orange.
Despite this challenge, Tony hasn’t let it slow him down. Blind hockey players use standard hockey sticks, but the puck is adapted—it’s larger, slower, and makes noise so players can track it. Tony describes the sound as being similar to a cowbell. The nets are smaller, and players’ levels of vision vary. Some have around 10% vision, while goalies are often completely blind. Yet, these athletes block and save shots with amazing skill.
Tony’s journey has come with physical challenges, including two broken collarbones, but he says it’s been the most humbling experience of his life. Competing in a sport he loves, on an even playing field with others who share his vision impairment, has been incredibly rewarding.
His advice to others with vision impairments or any disability is simple: check if your sport has an adaptive option. “There’s a strong sense of community in adaptive sports,” he says. “In blind hockey, we’re like a family—you know you’re not going through vision loss alone.”
Tony’s story reminds us that with determination and a supportive community, any obstacle can be overcome.
Food Collection Bin located at Carol Stream Park District Fountain View Recreation Center, 910 N. Gary Ave, Carol Stream
Pictured from Left to Right:
Sue Rini, Executive Director, Carol Stream Park District
Greg Schwarze, DuPage County Commissioner, District 6
Dan Bird, Carol Stream Park District Board Commissioner
Tony Scerbo, Carol Stream Park District Parks Specialist
The Carol Stream Park District is partnering with the County of DuPage, in support of their Food Pantry Program. By serving as a year-round collection site, the Carol Stream Park District will help fight hunger and food insecurity in the community. Donations will be distributed to the Carol Stream Outreach Community Center and Wayne Township food banks.
Donations can be dropped off at the following park district facilities during operating hours:
Unexpired goods and nonperishable items needed include:
This initiative to keep local food pantries stocked year-round was spearheaded by County Commissioner Greg Schwarze, DuPage County Board District 6, after being approached by the Northern Illinois Food Bank regarding the ongoing need. Collaborating with Schwarze, Carol Stream Park District Executive Director Sue Rini requested the parks department to build special donation boxes designed to stand out as food collection boxes.
“We are committed to supporting our community in every way we can,” said Sue Rini. “This partnership allows us to take action against food insecurity and offer our facilities as accessible collection points for residents who want to help.”
The marketing awareness campaign, “You can make a difference: GIVE FOOD ALL YEAR ROUND,” will include monthly email reminders to customers, social media posts, and a webpage with more information and links to community donation sites and pantries. Recreation staff are also considering incentives to include the food drive in their programming.
Community facilities near Carol Stream that accept donations and also provide food pantry items to those in need are listed below. If you are in need of food pantry assistance, please check the websites or call for days and hours.
This ongoing effort demonstrates the power of community partnerships in addressing local challenges and making a lasting impact.
See our GIVE FOOD ALL YEAR ROUND webpage.
The following photos may be downloaded from the Carol Stream Park District Dropbox:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/qr094zc81hmjc49afpeyt/AMBuoeoGrYBVD3nERTB910k?rlkey=uiyuafaaldczmnvb56kvzy9k2&st=3mzshbsc&dl=0
Food Collection Bin located at Carol Stream Park District Fountain View Recreation Center, 910 N. Gary Ave, Carol Stream
Pictured from Left to Right:
Sue Rini, Executive Director, Carol Stream Park District
Greg Schwarze, DuPage County Commissioner, District 6
Dan Bird, Carol Stream Park District Board Commissioner
Tony Scerbo, Carol Stream Park District Parks Specialist
Food Collection Bin located at Carol Stream Park District Fountain View Recreation Center, 910 N. Gary Ave, Carol Stream
Pictured from Left to Right:
Greg Schwarze, DuPage County Commissioner, District 6
Dan Bird, Carol Stream Park District Board Commissioner
Food Collection Bin located at Carol Stream Park District Fountain View Recreation Center, 910 N. Gary Ave, Carol Stream
Pictured: Tony Scerbo, Carol Stream Park District Parks Specialist (food box creator & builder
Food Collection Bin located at Carol Stream Park District Simkus Recreation Center lobby, 849 W. Lies Rd, Carol Stream
Food Collection Bin located at Carol Stream Park District Simkus Recreation Center lobby, 849 W. Lies Rd, Carol Stream
Food Collection bin located at Carol Stream Park District, Simkus Recreation Center lobby, 849 W. Lies Rd, Carol Stream.
Pictured are: Sue Rini, Executive Director and Tony Scerbo, Parks Specialist
Photo gallery from left to right showing location of bins:
The Carol Stream Park District is partnering with the County of DuPage, in support of their Food Pantry Program. By serving as a year-round collection site, the Carol Stream Park District will help fight hunger and food insecurity in the community. Donations will be distributed to the Carol Stream Outreach Community Center and Wayne Township food banks.
Donations can be dropped off at the following park district facilities during operating hours:
Unexpired goods and nonperishable items needed include:
This initiative to keep local food pantries stocked year-round was spearheaded by County Commissioner Greg Schwarze, DuPage County Board District 6, after being approached by the Northern Illinois Food Bank regarding the ongoing need. Collaborating with Schwarze, Carol Stream Park District Executive Director Sue Rini requested the parks department to build special donation boxes designed to stand out as food collection boxes.
“We are committed to supporting our community in every way we can,” said Sue Rini. “This partnership allows us to take action against food insecurity and offer our facilities as accessible collection points for residents who want to help.”
The marketing awareness campaign, “You can make a difference: GIVE FOOD ALL YEAR ROUND,” will include monthly email reminders to customers, social media posts, and a webpage with more information and links to community donation sites and pantries. Recreation staff are also considering incentives to include the food drive in their programming.
Community facilities near Carol Stream that accept donations and also provide food pantry items to those in need are listed below. If you are in need of food pantry assistance, please check the websites or call for days and hours.
This ongoing effort demonstrates the power of community partnerships in addressing local challenges and making a lasting impact.
Photo gallery from left to right showing location of bins:
CAROL STREAM, IL – The Carol Stream Park District Board of Commissioners is inviting residents to run for election of three open positions on the Park District Board of Commissioners. These positions, each with a four-year term, will be up for election on April 1, 2025.
Eligibility Process:
To be eligible, candidates must be:
Election Application Packet:
Potential candidates can obtain an election information packet, including petitions and other necessary forms, at the Simkus Recreation Center, located at 849 W. Lies Road, Carol Stream. The packets are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, starting August 20, 2024.
Petition Circulation and Filing Dates:
Candidates must also file a Statement of Economic Interest with the DuPage County Clerk before submitting their packets.
Role and Responsibilities:
Park Board Commissioners play a vital role in setting policies and guiding the Park District’s future. In addition, elected Park Board Commissioners are responsible for:
Commissioners receive no compensation for their service.
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For more information on candidate packets please contact:
Debbie Greninger
630-784-6125 or at debbieg@csparks.org
For further information on the roles and responsibilities of the position, please contact:
Sue Rini, Executive Director
630-784-6194 or at suer@csparks.org
For more information on the Election and procedures please visit:
DuPage County Elections Board or 2025 Candidate’s Guide
The Carol Stream Park District celebrated the grand re-opening of the newly renovated Community Park with a ribbon cutting on Monday, September 9. Located at 725 Thornhill Drive, the park is set to become a vibrant recreational hub for the entire community, bringing new life to an area that greatly benefits from public open space. Local legislators, Park District Board members, staff, and community members came together to celebrate this significant park renovation.
Present were Park District Board Commissioners Jeffery, Gramann, Sokolowski, Bird, Powers and Witteck. Park District staff included Executive Director Rini, Directors Bachewicz, Hamilton and Quinn, Superintendent Adamson, Division Manager Mondlock, Managers Anderson, Kintzel and Sisco, and multiple supervisors
Commissioner Jeffery welcomed all who attended this event, including special guests:
Senator Glowiak-Hilton, Representatives Grant and Sanalitro, DuPage County Commissioners Rutledge, Schwarze, and Zay, DuPage County Grant Administrator Miller, Village of Carol Stream Mayor Saverino, Trustees Anselmo, Gieser, McCarthy, and Zalak, Village Manager Holmer, Village Clerk Schwarze, and Carol Stream Police Officer Heckermann.
Carol Stream Police Blue Scoops handed out ice cream.
Without these partnerships this park project would not be possible.
Important Notice for Bark Park Members
As of September 15, the parking lot at the old motel near the Bark Park will no longer be available due to new ownership. The existing motel is scheduled for demolition. The new construction will not provide open parking for Bark Park members. We understand that many of you have been using this lot for its convenience and want to keep you informed of this upcoming change.
We kindly ask all members to park at Barb O’Rahilly Volunteer Park, located at 302 Kuhn Rd. From this park a paved path will lead you to the Bark Park. We hope you’ll see it as an opportunity to enjoy a pleasant walk with your dogs before they play.
Thank you for being a part of our community, and we look forward to seeing you and your furry friends at the Bark Park!
CAROL STREAM, IL – The Carol Stream Park District is pleased to announce the grand opening of the newly renovated Community Park on Monday, September 9, at 6:00 pm. Located at 725 Thornhill Drive, the park is set to become a vibrant recreational hub for the entire community, bringing new life to an area that greatly benefits from public open space. Local legislators, Park District Board members, staff, and community members will come together to celebrate this significant park renovation.
Event Details:
New Amenities:
Community Park has undergone a park-wide renovation with amenities designed to cater to residents of all ages and interests. The renovated park features:
These amenities will provide residents with a variety of recreational opportunities, making the park a central gathering place for families, sports enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.
Community Impact:
Community Park serves a densely populated area of Carol Stream where public open space is essential for recreation. The park’s upgrades and new features provide much-needed recreational space for residents, particularly those living in adjacent high-density housing complexes such as Belmont Village, Colony Park, West Haven, St. Charles Square, Autumn Ridge, and Carol Stream Crossing.
“The enhancements at Community Park are a reflection of our commitment to providing quality recreational opportunities for our community,” said Executive Director Sue Rini. “We are excited to offer a space where residents can enjoy outdoor activities, connect with nature, and come together as a community.”
Project Background:
The Community Park renovation project was made possible through a generous grant from the DuPage County Community Development Block Grant, a land donation from the Village of Carol Stream, and the dedication of the Carol Stream Park District’s Board.
Planning for the park’s redevelopment began in 2021, with surrounding community input shaping the final design. The project aimed to address the needs and desires of residents, ensuring the park would serve as a valuable asset for years to come.
“The Burke playground design was chosen for its inclusivity and ability to meet the community’s needs,” said Parks Director Shane Hamilton. “We are proud to offer a playground that accommodates children ages 2-12, including features like swings, a zipline, and a Ninja course, all designed to foster physical activity and creativity.”
Join Us:
The Carol Stream Park District invites all community members to join us for the grand opening celebration on September 9. This is an opportunity to explore the park’s new features and celebrate with fellow residents.
