Carol Stream Park District to Honor Retiring Commissioners
Brenda Gramann and Brian Sokolowski, will be retiring from their positions as Park Board Commissioners. Their last meeting will be Monday, May 12. Each of these dedicated Commissioners have dedicated 24 years of outstanding volunteer service to the Park District and our community. On behalf of the staff, fellow Board Members and the entire Carol Stream Community, we thank Brenda and Brian for everything they have contributed to making Carol Stream such a wonderful place to live and play.
They became interested in serving on the Board when the District successfully passed a $12 million referendum in 2000, which provided critical funding for repairs, maintenance, and improvements to park district properties. Their leadership during the 2010 $37million referendum guided the building of Fountain View Recreation Center and McCaslin Park.
Brenda is a Master Board Member, and served as Board President for 7 years. Brian is also a Master Board Member, and served as Board President for 3 years. During their tenure, the Carol Stream Park District was recognized as a Distinguished Agency in 2007, 2013, and 2018 and won the prestigious National Gold Medal Award in 2002 and 2008. The Park District was a finalist for the National Gold Metal Award in 2001, 2002 and 2014.
In the last 24 years, multiple properties were acquired, developed or renovated, including the following parks: Armstrong, Bierman, Cambridge, Carolshire, Charger Court, Community, Friendship, Hampe, Horizon, Jirsa, Memorial, Papoose Tot Lot, Park on the Green, Red Hawk, Sundance, Shining Waters, Slepicka Homestead, Stonebridge, Tedrahn, Volunteer, Walter, and Weeks. Additional projects included the Glenbard North High School Turf Field, connection to the Great Western Trail, Bierman Lake Trail, Mitchell Lakes Trail, Pleasant Hill Trail, Maintenance facility, and renovations to Elk Trail Recreation Center, Coyote Crossing Mini Golf, Coral Cove Water Park, and Simkus Recreation Center.
Multiple grants were awarded, in excess of $7 million from PARC, CBDG, DCEO, OSLAD, IDNR, IL Clean Energy, DuPage County Clean Water, and DuPage Tourism. Partnerships were developed with the IDNR, IDOT, Forest Preserve of DuPage County, Village of Carol Stream, Village of Glendale Heights, Winfield, Wayne and Milton Townships, Carol Stream Public Library, Glenbard School District 87, Community Consolidated School District 93, Benjamin School District 25, School District U46, and Community Unit School District 200, which created cost savings and improved recreational amenities for residents.
Commissioners Gramann and Sokolowski encouraged strong financial management as evidenced by the District earning the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting during the last 24 years and tax savings from refinancing debt at lower interest rates. In addition, they encouraged higher standards of park district services by increasing staff training opportunities, better equipped maintenance crews, planting more than 400 trees, enhancing accessibility and continuous program participation increases reflect their support of the Park District operations.
Congratulations to our Volunteer of the Month! Volunteers are essential to the success of the Park District!
Read about Kristen Derrico
The Carol Stream Park District is proud to share that Executive Director Sue Rini was recognized at the annual Women to Watch event held at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield on April 22.
Hosted by State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro, this inspiring event celebrates emerging women leaders from across Illinois who are making a difference in their communities and professions. Sue was invited to join a distinguished group of women leaders, representing fields from marketing and science to park district management and local government.
We extend our sincere thanks to Representative Sanalitro for her invitation and continued support of the Carol Stream Park District. Congratulations to Sue for this well-deserved recognition — we are thrilled to see her leadership, passion, and dedication celebrated on such a meaningful platform!
#WomenToWatch #Leadership #CarolStreamParks #CommunityImpact #WomenInLeadership
Bike Fix-It Station to Dave Creighton. Dave was a passionate bike riding enthusiast and a valued member of the club from 2017 until his passing in 2023. Throughout his years with the club, Dave promoted bike safety, bike maintenance, and long-distance ride preparation. He also volunteered with an organization, working alongside high school students to refurbish dilapidated bicycles and donate them to families in need. 
Thank you to all who came out!
along local trails in DuPage and Kane Counties. Rides take place on the 2nd Thursday and 4th Saturday of each month from April through October. Membership fees are donated to the Parks Foundation. Sign up anytime at csparks.org! 
This week the Carol Stream Park District, along with Bedrock Earthscapes, have been conducting controlled burns at several park locations. Yesterday, 3/31, burns were conducted at Fountain View Recreation Center and Jan Smith, Slepicka and Tedrahn parks. Today, 4/1, burns are being conducted at McCaslin, Evergreen and Hampe parks.
A controlled burn, also known as a prescribed burn, is a planned fire intentionally set by trained professionals under specific weather and safety conditions. Its purpose is to manage natural landscapes, reduce the buildup of dead vegetation, control invasive species, promote the growth of native plants, and maintain the health of certain ecosystems.
Prescribed burns are carefully monitored and follow a burn plan that outlines when, where, and how the fire will be conducted to ensure it stays controlled and meets ecological or land management goals. In the Midwest, controlled burns are typically done in the early spring and late fall.
See short video at McCaslin Park.
Photographed from left to right: Park Board Commissioners Dan Bird, Brian Sokolowski and Jackie Jeffrey; Steve Ravanesi and his wife Karen and daughter Angela; Park Board Commissioners Brenda Gramann, Sara Witteck, Adam Parisi and Tim Powers. For more photos, see our Flickr album.
At the March 10, 2025, Carol Stream Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting, the Board unanimously approved Resolution No. 25-01, honoring Steve Ravanesi for more than 30 years of dedicated service to the Park District and the Carol Stream community.
Steve’s impact on the Park District is nothing short of extraordinary. From his years as a Park Board Commissioner (1994-2001) to his work as a volunteer soccer coach, and later as a project manager through McDonough & Company, Steve has played a vital role in shaping the parks, trails, and facilities that our community enjoys today.
A Champion for Parks and Trails
Steve’s leadership helped guide the rapid growth of the Park District, and his work was instrumental in bringing to life major projects, including:
✅ Fountain View Recreation Center
✅ McCaslin Park
✅ Coral Cove Water Park
✅ Elk Trail and Simkus Recreation Centers
✅ Memorial Park and Veterans Lake Trail
✅ Hampe Skate Park and Bierman Park Path
His vision extended beyond just recreation spaces—he played a crucial role in the development of the bike trail from Volunteer Park to Red Hawk Park and successfully advocated for the Route 64/North Avenue underpass, which created a safe and essential connection to the Great Western Trail. In recognition of his leadership, the Steve Ravanesi Trail was named in his honor.
A Passion for Biking and Community
Steve’s love for biking started early, thanks to his mother. During his remarks at the Board Meeting, he credited her with allowing him to ride his bike everywhere as a child, starting at just 11 years old. That early freedom and sense of adventure inspired him to start the Carol Stream Foundation Bike Club, bringing together cyclists of all ages to enjoy the trails he helped create.
During the meeting, he recognized several Bike Club members in attendance who played a key role in helping the club grow. He also announced that Larry Driscoll would take over organizing rides following his retirement from the club.
Supporting the Parks Foundation
Executive Director Rini reminded everyone that 100% of Bike Club memberships go directly to the Carol Stream Parks Foundation, ensuring that Steve’s commitment to parks and trails continues to benefit the community for years to come.
A Heartfelt Thank You
When asked about this recognition, Steve shared these words of gratitude:
“I am truly honored to receive this recognition from the Carol Stream Park District. Over the past 30 years, it has been my privilege to be part of so many projects that have enhanced our parks, trails, and recreational opportunities. These spaces bring people together, promote wellness, and make Carol Stream a better place to live. I am thankful for the partnerships and friendships that have made this journey so rewarding. Thank you to the Park Board, staff, and the entire Carol Stream community for allowing me to be part of something so special.”
A Well-Deserved Honor
The Carol Stream Park District Board of Commissioners extends its deepest appreciation to Steve Ravanesi for his incredible contributions. His vision, leadership, and dedication will continue to leave a lasting legacy in Carol Stream’s parks and recreation spaces.
👏 Thank you, Steve!
Click: Year in Review 2024
The Carol Stream Park District’s 2024 Year in Review celebrates a year marked by growth, community connection, and impactful initiatives under the theme “Building Community Together.” Executive Director Sue Rini highlights the District’s achievements, emphasizing the collective effort that has driven progress throughout the year.
2024 Highlights: Parks and Projects
The Park District completed several significant projects in 2024, enhancing community spaces and recreation opportunities:
Enriching Lives Through Programs and Activities
The Park District’s programs continued to “Enrich Lives” through a broad spectrum of activities. Athletics, fitness, and recreational programs remained at the core of community engagement. Facilities and rental opportunities thrived, with Coral Cove Water Park and Coyote Crossing Mini Golf welcoming thousands of visitors.
Carol Stream Parks Foundation: Giving Back
The Carol Stream Parks Foundation made a meaningful impact through initiatives such as the annual Duck Race and the Bike Club, alongside generous contributions to support the Park District’s scholarship program.
Partnering for Impact and Inclusivity
The “Partnering for Impact” section of the review showcases collaborations with local businesses, partner organizations, and volunteers who helped bring new opportunities and resources to the community. The “Voices for All” initiative highlighted the District’s commitment to inclusivity, with the continuation of installaing communication boards at parks to create welcoming recreational spaces for all.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on 2024, the Carol Stream Park District remains dedicated to fostering connections, promoting active lifestyles, and enhancing the quality of life for everyone in our community. There’s much more to explore in this Year in Review, but the overarching message is clear: Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant Carol Stream.
In addition to the publication, you can view a short video linked here:
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 March 31, 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.
This week, the Carol Stream Fire District conducted ice rescue training at Veterans Lake, sharpening their skills to respond to winter emergencies. The Carol Stream Park District is proud to support first responders by providing a realistic training environment where they can prepare for situations that could save lives.
While our community heroes are trained for ice rescues, we hope they never have to use these skills. The best rescue is the one that never has to happen. That’s why we’re reminding everyone to stay off the ice—no ice is safe ice! Even if it looks solid, changes in temperature and water movement can make it dangerously unpredictable.
Thank you to the Carol Stream Fire District for their dedication to keeping our community safe!
