The Naperville Park District owes heartfelt thanks to all of our volunteers who lend their time and talents to support programs such as youth soccer and keep our parks beautiful. 

James Lee

We are especially thankful this year for James Lee, one of our volunteers who devoted countless hours over the past few years taking care of Walnut Woods Park.  Lee worked closely with Naperville Park District staff to coordinate his efforts with what Park District staff is doing to remove invasive species of plants, such as garlic mustard, with the goal of restoring the native woodland understory. As of July 2010, Lee spent 228 hours pulling invasive plants from the woods at Walnut Woods Park, with his family contributing an additional 29 hours.

Central Parks Manager Carl Gorra praised Lee for the way he communicates with staff, and for his helpfulness. “Mr. Lee has helped us make progress in controlling the garlic mustard at Walnut Woods. It’s amazing to see what one person can do. We appreciate his willingness to work within the guidelines for what volunteers can do.”

Thanks to James Lee and his family, there will be more room for beautiful spring wildflowers at Walnut Woods next year and the native woodland will be on its way to full restoration.

James Lee, park volunteer

Sheridan Carroll

Volunteer opportunities at the Naperville Park District are not limited to adults. In fact, hundreds of youth volunteers assist the Park District with special events and projects each year.  We are thankful for each of them. We were proud to be able to honor one of our high school volunteers at the recent Kidsmatter Youth Service Awards ceremony at City Hall. Sheridan Carroll, our nominee for the 2010 Youth Service Award, is in her third year as a volunteer with the Naperville Park District. Sheridan not only volunteers for Park District special events herself, but also recruits groups of students to assist with those events. As Vice President of Naperville Central High School’s Rotary Interact Club, Sheridan is a leader who is able to inspire others to join her in giving back to the community.

So far in 2010, Sheridan has served over 34 hours with the Park District, helping with events such as the Daddy Daughter Luau, Flashlight Egg Hunt, and more. Over the past few years, Sheridan has recruited many volunteers for Halloween Happening, Santa House, and events, both large and small.

Sheridan’s responses to the Park District’s requests for volunteers have always been prompt, courteous, and caring. She is reliable, sincere and committed to helping her community. In fact, her volunteer service goes far beyond her contribution to the Park District. Sheridan also volunteers for Loaves and Fishes, PADS, and other organizations. Her passion is to help people with basic needs, such as food and housing, and to see their lives turn around.

The Park District has come to rely on Sheridan’s help at our events, and we will miss her next year. With her character, leadership skills, and commitment to helping others, she will be an asset to any organization as well as to her community.

Sheridan Carroll, youth volunteer