Category: Parks & Recreation

Citizens Council membership likely to spike this week as group readies to endorse public office seekers

The La Grange Citizens Council is expecting a surge of residents to apply for membership at its regular meeting Wednesday night as the group prepares to vet and endorse candidates seeking public election next April to seats on the boards of the village, park district and library. Membership in the non-partisan, volunteer council, whose origin… Continue reading Citizens Council membership likely to spike this week as group readies to endorse public office seekers

Mary Ellen Penicook is Park District’s new president

Mary Ellen Penicook tonight was elected president of the Park District of La Grange. Mary Ellen PenicookClick photo for larger image Brad Belcaster is the newly elected vice president. Steve Paczholt was re-elected treasurer. Dean Bissias, the district's executive director, retains the position of secretary, a decision made by the park board in June.  

Park sale objectors respond to commissioner criticism

The Friends of La Grange Parks, a group of residents who filed formal objections to the Park District of La Grange's latest petition seeking court permission to sell a portion of Gordon Park, yesterday issued a written response to harsh comments recently and publicly directed at the group by Park Board President Tim Kelpsas and… Continue reading Park sale objectors respond to commissioner criticism

Ashby steams over park sale objectors: “They stink”

Bob Ashby, vice president of the Park District of La Grange board of commissioners, rarely has lashed out in public at the residents with whom the district has been embroiled in a nearly three-year legal battle over its efforts to sell a portion of Gordon Park to a developer Atlantic Realty Partners. Likely it was… Continue reading Ashby steams over park sale objectors: “They stink”

Gordon Park renovation plans proceed cautiously as park commissioners wrestle with funding concerns

Commissioners for the Park District of La Grange last Thursday authorized the solicitation of bids for the construction of the first phase of its long-promised renovation of Gordon Park. But commissioners tabled a vote to approve a $2.2 million construction budget for the first-phase work, relenting to concerns expressed by Bob Ashby, the park board's… Continue reading Gordon Park renovation plans proceed cautiously as park commissioners wrestle with funding concerns

Kelpsas likely to be replaced as park board president

Tim Kelpsas appears likely to be replaced as president of the Park District of La Grange board of commissioners when the board holds its annual election of officers at a special meeting Aug. 26. "My personal observation is I think that Tim is busy and stressed and that the organization would benefit from having somebody… Continue reading Kelpsas likely to be replaced as park board president

Register for PDLG fall programs either in person or online beginning at 8 am Saturday, Aug. 7

Residents of the Park District of La Grange can register for fall season programs beginning at 8 a.m. tomorrow morning, Saturday, Aug. 7. Registration can be made either in person at the Park District offices in the recreation center, 536 East Ave, or can be made online. Residents opting for walk-in registration may sign up… Continue reading Register for PDLG fall programs either in person or online beginning at 8 am Saturday, Aug. 7

Best Windy City hot dog eating contest says mouthful

Best Windy City Hot Dogs in La Grange Park July 24 held its first hot dog eating contest. Promoted as an appetizer to the village's first-ever Jazz & Blues Fest held that evening in Memorial Park, the contest drew a somewhat small but enthusiastic crowd who cheered on their favorite participants in three age divisions.… Continue reading Best Windy City hot dog eating contest says mouthful

Court hearing in Gordon Park sale effort postponed

A court  hearing scheduled for this afternoon on the Park District of La Grange's latest petition effort to sell a portion of Gordon Park to developer Atlantic Realty partners was postponed until Aug. 27 at the request of Judge Susan Fox Gillis, who presides over the case. Gillis gave no specific reason  for the postponement,… Continue reading Court hearing in Gordon Park sale effort postponed