MAY/JUNE 2025
COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
Upcoming 2025 EventsMARK YOUR CALENDARS!!
The official election results are in ... and we have new members of our Park Board! The elected members will take their Oath of Office during the New Business section of the meeting and two of our current Commissioners will step off the Board. Meet your Park Board effective May 14, 2025:
DAVID NICHOLS (Remaining on the Board)
Term: 2023-2027 David has lived in Grandwood Park with his wife Pat for the past 38 years. He has 2 children and 4 grandchildren. David coached softball in the area for over 30 years. He recently started coaching his granddaughter with the Grayslake softball program. He is a member of Saint Paul the Apostle Church. David had been a Production Supervisor with multiple manufacturing companies for the past 38 years. He has been supervising the manufacturing of everything from punched paper to large tractors and transmissions. His last employer was Filtran LLC. Which manufactures transmission filters for most automakers. David’s interests include golf, gardening, bike riding, softball, and travelling. He enjoys spending time with his four grandchildren and family. He also spends some of his spare time remodeling homes. David’s desire for the Grandwood Park Park District is to continue to improve our facilities and utilize his previous skills to make solid decisions for future projects and help guide those projects for the residents of the community.
TOMMY DUNNE (Appointee - remaining on the Board)
Term: 2025-2027 I have been a resident of Grandwood Park since 2006 (19 years). My wife, Kerry, and I have three children. Twin boys and one girl who all enjoy the parks and activities in our community. Our family loves to go camping, visiting many National Parks and enjoying the outdoors. I have been fortunate to have a career in municipal work for over 20 years and look forward to the opportunity to contribute to my community and work with our residents of our neighborhood.
TORI NYGREN (Elected for a full 4-year term)
Term 2025-2029 Tori has been a resident of Grandwood Park for 4 years. She recently retired from Abbott and enjoys spending time with her two adult daughters, volunteering, and being outdoors. Tori previously served as Treasurer of the Hutchins Oaks Townhome Association HOA and looks forward to serving on the GPPD board. Tori was originally appointed to the board on August 14th to complete the term that ended April 30, 2025. Congratulations Tori!
CHRISTOPHER GANO (Elected for a full 4-year term)
Term 2025-2029 Christopher Gano is a seasoned facilities management professional residing in Gurnee, Illinois. He currently serves as the Senior Engineering Manager at Amsino Healthcare, a global medical device/supplies solutions provider. Chris' academic background includes a degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and he is an alumnus of Naperville North High School. Beyond his professional endeavors,Chris is actively engaged in his local community. Having held multiple positions with the Grandwood Park Civic Association and Grandwood Park Park District, indicating his dedication to enhancing local
recreational facilities and services. Chris has resided in Grandwood Park in Gurnee for more than 20 years, reflecting his long-term commitment to the community. Congratulations Chris!
AL OLLER (Elected to an open seat with 2 years remaining in the term)
Term: 2025-2027 Al Oller was originally elected as Park Commissioner for the Grandwood Park Park District in 2003. He served for 6 years and was once again elected in 2009. During a term as President of the Park District, the Community Center was expanded and renovated, the Lake Park was updated, and several improvements were made to the Pole Barn and Adams Park. Al is a decorated Veteran of the US Air Force and has been an active member of the Rotary Club of Waukegan for 30 years. He also volunteers with the Patriot Guard Riders and serves as an Assistant Senior Ride Captain for the Illinois Patriot Guard. Al is semi-retired and lives with his wife Dianne and a Malti-Poo named Frosty. They have been homeowners in Grandwood Park for 36 years and on occasion can be seen riding their bicycles or being walked by Frosty through-out the neighborhood. Congratulations Al!
MEET & GREET/OPEN HOUSE - MARCH 4TH
On March 4th, we were pleased to visit with several Grandwood Park residents who attended our "Meet the Commissioners" event. At the event, residents were invited to complete a brief survey on their satisfaction with the GPPD and share any ideas they may have. We received 4 survey results with very similar feedback. All respondents responded that they were 'satisfied' (4 out of 5) with the GPPD. In terms of priorities, we received strong responses to improving existing parks and expanding playgrounds for older children and ADA accessibility. We appreciate your feedback!
ADOPT A HIGHWAY SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, MAY 10TH
CALLING FOR VOLUNTEERS to participate in our next Adopt-a-Highway clean-up. This one is scheduled for Saturday, May 10th beginning at 10am. The park district has partnered with Lake County to maintain Hutchins Rd. from Stearns School Road to Grand Avenue. Per our agreement, we get a volunteer crew together twice a year to clean-up along the sides of the road. It usually only takes an hour. This is a great way for students to earn community service hours! Lake County supplies safety vests, and the park district
supplies the bags and pick-up tools. If you have a pair of work gloves, feel free to bring them. Water will be available to all volunteers. If you have an hour and would like to help out, please contact Leslie Cassidy in the park district office by email at parkdistrict@grandwoodpark.net, or by telephone at 847-356-0008.
TOUCH A TRUCK
RETURNS - JUNE 6TH
5:30-7:30PM
2025 MUSIC BY THE LAKE
CONCERT SERIES LINE-UP
2025 SCRAPBOOK CROP SCHEDULE
RENT A PARK DISTRICT FACILITY FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT
By simply dialing 211 or texting a ZIP code to 898-211, residents of Lake County can connect with live, highly trained experts who navigate callers to the help they need. These services range from addressing food insecurity and housing challenges to finding health care, behavioral health services and much more. “Help is just one phone call or text away,” said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. “211 is here, 24/7, for residents who are facing life’s challenges. Whether it’s putting food on the table, finding a safe place to live or accessing critical health services, 211 is there to guide and
support our community.” Since its inception in 2019, 211 has facilitated more than 375,000 connections for people in Lake County. The service is free, confidential and accessible in every ZIP code across the county. The 211 team can interpret more than 150 languages. “We deeply appreciate the unwavering partnership and generous support from Lake County since the launch of 211 in 2019,” said Kristi Long, President and CEO of United Way of Lake County. “211 Day serves as an excellent opportunity to spotlight this essential resource that uplifts individuals, enhances lives and fosters a stronger, more connected Lake County.” Operated by United Way, 211 represents a partnership dedicated to improving lives and building a stronger community. Lake County plays a key role in raising awareness of 211 and provides financial support to sustain its services. “211 is helping people get connected to resources they may not even know exist,” said J. Kevin Hunter, Lake County Board representative on the 211 Advisory Council. “We encourage everyone to tell their friends and family about 211. It could just change someone’s life.” Today, 211 is
available to 99 percent of America’s population, offering a lifeline to those in need. To learn more about 211 and the resources it provides, visit 211LakeCounty.org.
CLEAN THE LAKE DAY
April 26th
On Saturday, April 26th, several members of the Grandwood Park community joined the commissioners to clean up Lake Park. Accomplishments include picking up garbage in both Lake Park and Adam's Park, trimming low branches of trees throughout the park, and planting a Tree, bushes, and several perennials at the Grandwood Park and Traer entrances to Lake Park. Thank you to all who participated!
Warren Township E-News You can read the latest E-Newsletter from Warren Township by clicking HERE
Warren Township Teen Center Summer Program
Warren Special Recreation Association (WSRA)
Warren Township Highway Department
This summer, Warren Township Highway Dept. will be resurfacing Grandwood Drive from Grand Avenue to Center Street. The highway department understands construction can be an inconvenience and would appreciate everyone’s patience during these improvements. QUESTIONS? Call the Highway Department
847-244-1101 ext. 301, Monday thru Friday 7am-3:30pm.
The Lake County Coyotes R.F.C. is proud to call Hutchins Athletic Field their HOME Field. Come out and enjoy a practice, or a game or two! Everyone is always welcome!! 2025 Spring Practice Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays: March 18 – May 15
2025 Spring Home Games: Saturdays, 1:00pm. Dates: April 5 & 26 / May 10 & 11
Lake County Youth Coyotes
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Opportunities as low as $100! Want more information? Please email us for a copy of our Sponsorship Guide, or call us at 847-356-0008
WHY MARKET YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH OUR PARK DISTRICT THROUGH AN EVENT SPONSORSHIP OR GENERAL DONATION?
•Increase Business Visibility – Your business will be featured in promotional materials giving your business another venue to not only increase visibility but also to create a year-round positive image.
•Connect with the Community – Choose from a variety of Park District events to show your support for the community. •Find the Right Fit – Whatever your budget, the Park District offers several options for businesses of all sizes. Your sponsorship and/or general donation includes advertising in our e-Newsletter, on our website, Facebook page, Instagram, and
fliers distributed at all our events.
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS/SERVICE IN THIS NEWSLETTER
|