Round Lake Area Park District director Robert Rolek stepped down Monday from the position he has held for 15 years to join the Chicago law firm of Ancel, Glink, Diamond, Cope and Bush.
Rolek will specialize in government law.
“Bob Rolek is leaving this community with much to be proud of,” said John Peterson, president of the Park District Board of Commissioners.
During Rolek’s tenure as director, the Park District acquired hundreds of acres, including the 18-hole Renwood Golf Course, and built the 45,000-square-foot outdoor pool at the community center.
Rolek also is credited with getting more than $1 million in federal and state grants for the Park District and overseeing an annual budget of $4 million. He was a member of the governing board of the Park District Risk Management Agency, the Illinois Park Employees Health Network and the Special Recreation Association of Round Lake, Zion and Lindenhurst.
Former assistant director Jim Rock will succeed Rolek, who also is president of the Lake Bluff Elementary District 65 Board of Education.
Rock started working at the Park District as athletic supervisor 14 years ago, and later was promoted to superintendent of recreation. He was named business manager four years ago and assistant director 18 months ago.