The Naperville Park Board has proposed renaming the Fort Hill Activity Center’s 8,600-square-foot fitness center for former Naperville Park District Executive Director Raymond J. McGury.
A resolution starting the renaming process was approved Thursday, triggering a 60-day period in which a formal proposal will be made and the public will have a chance to offer feedback.
The board also proposed naming the new pickleball courts to be built at the Frontier Sports Complex for Jim Rothermel, the man whose Rothermel Family Fund of DuPage Foundation provided a $100,000 to help pay for the $240,000 project.
It will go through the same process.
McGury, who resigned in February after 13 years with the district to become executive director of the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, was at the helm when the Fort Hill Activity Center was built.
His successor, Brad Wilson, told the board McGury is deserving of the honor.
“Naming the facility’s fitness center in his honor recognizes the significant positive impact he had in promoting and expanding health and wellness opportunities for all ages and abilities,” Wilson said.
McGury said he would not comment on the proposal until it is approved or rejected.
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Construction of the pickleball courts that could bear the Rothermel name will begin this year and are to be ready for use by Aug. 1, 2023.
“The park district is grateful for this grant that will allow the park district to build more courts that will be accessible to players of all ages,” Wilson said in a news release.
“Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports, is easy to learn and provides opportunities for healthy exercise in a friendly, social context,” he said.