Lisle, IL – On Thursday, April 15, the Lisle Park District Board of Park Commissioners presented a resolution to name the new Parks Department Vehicle & Equipment Storage Facility "Don's Garage" in grateful recognition of Don Cook's twenty-three years of dedicated and accomplished service to the residents of the Lisle Park District.

On June 16, 1998, Don Cook was appointed to the Lisle Park District Board of Park Commissioners and was re-elected to full terms in 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019. For twenty of his twenty-three years of service on the Park District Board, he served as Park Board President, leading continued advancements of the Lisle Park District through the acquisition, development, and ongoing improvements and renovations of numerous parks, facilities, programs, and services in a fiscally responsible manner. Some of these projects include Sea Lion Aquatic Park; the construction of the River Bend Golf Club Pro Shop and The View Restaurant & Bar (later renamed Wheatstack – A Midwestern Eatery & Tap); The Museums at Lisle Station Park and acquisitions of both the Blacksmith Shop & Waycar; the Community Ramp Park construction; the Park Districts' first comprehensive Master Plan; development of Woodglen Park, Peach Creek Park, Willow Glen Park, Arboretum Woods Park, Leask Lane Park, and the new all-inclusive Discovery Playground; the Recreation Center at 1925 Ohio Street; the introduction of honey bees in Community Park; the Van Kampen Stage redevelopment; the creation of the Lisle Veterans Memorial; and last but not least, the construction of the Parks Department Vehicle & Equipment Storage Facility, now named "Don's Garage" to commemorate his service to the greater Lisle community.

On April 15, 2021, Don Cook resided over his final meeting as the President of the Board of Park Commissioners. His unwavering support of parks and recreation was a true constant at the Lisle Park District and provided direction, enthusiasm, and a unique camaraderie that resulted in both tangible and intangible benefits to his fellow Park Commissioners, Lisle Park District staff, and the Lisle Park District community at large. The resolution to name the Parks Department Vehicle & Equipment Storage Facility "Don's Garage" was passed on April 20, 2021, in honor of Don's passion, leadership, level-headedness, expertise, youthful nature, and commitment to the Lisle Park District.

Prior to reading the resolution for the dedication of the Parks Garage, Park Board Commissioner David Richter addressed Don with a heartfelt speech reiterating the District's appreciation for his advocacy and service. “Thank you for the great example you have set for us in how to encourage and lead a board where everyone is free to voice their thoughts, questions, and opinions openly and without judgment. It's truly a board where everyone's voice counts equally.… Your tireless work in your various roles as a public servant has left this town safer, happier, and healthier, and I hope you are as proud of yourself as we are to have worked with you.… Your guiding leadership will be missed, but your accomplishments, influence, and positive example for Lisle, the Park District, and especially the Park Board are indelible. Thank you.”

A custom sign designed by Park District staff commemorating Don's service to the greater Lisle community and new journey in Colorado is now installed on the Parks Department Vehicle and Equipment Storage Facility located at 1810 Short Street in Lisle. In addition, an engraved metal plaque is permanently mounted along the Community Park path adjacent to the Parks Department Headquarters and "Don's Garage." Don's sincere interest in expressing his appreciation for Park District employees and volunteers led him to get to know Lisle Park District personnel at every level by randomly visiting offices, facilities, job sites, programs, and special events. His passion to present the Lisle Park District as not only a premier park district in the area, but as the most approachable, responsive, and cooperative public agency in the community will surely be missed but will continue to guide the Lisle Park District in the future for years to come.

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The Lisle Park District provides a variety of leisure activities for people of all ages throughout the year. Park district facilities include Lisle Community Park, home to the all-inclusive Discovery Playground and Community Park Public Boat Launch; the Recreation Center, which houses Gentle Learning Preschool, SEASPAR, the Senior Center, and multipurpose rooms; the Community Center, which contains Community Park Fitness and studios for dance and group fitness classes; Sea Lion Aquatic Park; The Museums at Lisle Station Park; River Bend Golf Course and numerous neighborhood playgrounds and park amenities, such as tennis courts, pickleball courts, ball fields, soccer fields, walking paths and picnic areas totaling close to 400 acres. It is the mission of the Lisle Park District to enrich the quality of life for people of all ages by providing constructive and creative leisure opportunities. For more information about the Lisle Park District, visit lisleparkdistrict.org. or call 630-964-3410.