Park District Appreciates its Volunteers

The Downers Grove Park District held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Reception and thanked its volunteers for the more than 12,000 hours they dedicated in 2010 in the areas of parks, recreation, the Museum and Natural Areas. 

Gordon Goodman and Charlie Smart of the Downers Grove Heritage Preservation Corporation received the parks division “Volunteer of the Year” award from Director of Parks Todd Reese in recognition of their work to restore the 1846 Blodgett House in cooperation with the Park District.

Gina Leo, a Downers Grove North High School student, was honored by Natural Resources Manager Shannon Forsythe. Forsythe recognized the student's more than 180 volunteer hours during the past year as a camp assistant: helping out with summer camps, winter camps and spring break camps.

The Museum honored Diane Mizener, a long-time volunteer, who identified pictures as part of the Downers Grove Reporter photo project and also helped with research requests by finding genealogical information and researching local historic houses.

The event was held  April 27 at the Downers Grove Golf Club.

The Downers Grove Park District provides a variety of year-round recreation programs, facilities, parks, open space and natural areas that respond to the articulated needs and desires of residents. For more information, call (630) 963-1300, or visit www.dgparks.org.