Waukegan, Illinois (May 15, 2024) – The Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners elected and appointed officers at their meeting on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. The newly elected officers are: President Anton L. Mathews, Vice President George Bridges, and Treasurer Jeremiah Johnson. Commissioners Jacqueline Herrera Giron and Janet E. Kilkelly also serve on the Board.
Commissioner appointments to serve on the advisory committees and as liaison to the Waukegan Parks Foundation Board of Directors were also approved for a one-year term. Appointments are: Jeremiah Johnson, Golf Advisory Committee; George Bridges and Jacqueline Herrera Giron, Recreation Advisory Committee; and Anton L. Mathews, Waukegan Parks Foundation Board of Directors.
Anton L. Mathews, President of the Board of Commissioners, stated, “I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to lead the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners. Our parks and facilities are the heart of our community, providing spaces for families to gather, for children to play, and for individuals to connect with nature and each other. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.”
Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “I look forward to working with President Anton L. Mathews to ensure that we continue to offer award-winning parks, facilities, and programming for individuals and families in the community. I appreciate former President Jeremiah Johnson’s leadership and commitment that resulted in many outstanding accomplishments and much success during his term.”
About the Waukegan Park District
Established on December 26, 1916, the Waukegan Park District (WPD) has 53 properties and more than 742 acres of land, including the 18-hole Bonnie Brook and 9-hole Greenshire Golf Courses. Properties are managed to the highest environmental and conservation standards. Facilities operated by the WPD include the Field House Sports, Fitness and Aquatics Center, Waukegan’s Greg Petry SportsPark, Waukegan Skate Park, BMX Track, SplashZone, Percussion Playground, recreational centers, disc golf course, dog exercise area and agility course, outdoor sports fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, splash pads, and sports courts including basketball, tennis and pickleball. A full range of programs and services are offered year-round for all ages, from infants to seniors, as well as special need populations. Healthy lifestyles, wellness initiatives, and a connection with the outdoors and nature are integrated throughout programs, services, and special events. Arts and cultural activities are provided by the Jack Benny Center for the Arts, Waukegan Symphony Orchestra and Concert Chorus, and the Waukegan History Museum. We offer something for everyone!
A member of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD), Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA), and the Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA), the WPD employs 73 full-time and 219 part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees and is recognized by the IPRA as an Exceptional Workplace.
Nationally accredited by the NRPA Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and State accredited through the IAPD Distinguished Agency Accreditation, the WPD has received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Triple Crown Award for receiving the GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. The WPD was awarded the NRPA National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management in 2013, and was named a Gold Medal Finalist in 2012, 2013, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Media Contact
Josue Pasillas, MPA
Communications Supervisor
Waukegan Park District
(847) 360-4789
jpasillas@waukeganparks.org
waukeganparks.org