When she finishes her final term in May, Marie Todd will have served 18 years on the Naperville Park Board, and her tenure will be recognized by naming the new 18th green practice facility at Naperbrook Golf Course in her honor.
A resolution formally approving the Marie Todd Practice Facility, which is to be built next year, was approved by the park board last week.
More Top Picks Page 3
“Commissioner Todd has helped lead the district in accomplishing more than we imagined over the past 18 years,” Executive Director Brad Wilson said at the board meeting. “We greatly appreciate her commitment and longstanding service to the park district and the community.”
Among the highlights of her time with the board were renovations to Centennial Beach and the Naperbrook and Springbrook golf courses; development of Knoch Knolls Nature Center; expansion of Nike Sports Complex; and construction of Fort Hill Activity Center, Wolf’s Crossing Community Park and 95th Street Community Plaza.
Todd, who chose not to run for reelection in April, said she’s also proud of the Seager Park interpretive center, the South and Central maintenance facilities, and artificial turf being installed at Nike, Commissioners and Knoch parks.
She served as board president from 2006 to 2007 to 2021 to 2022, and vice president from 2008 to 2009.
“It has been an honor to serve the Naperville community for 18 years,” she said. “It’s also been an honor to be able to see how dedicated the staff of the park district is — from the parks folks who get up at 4 in the morning to make sure the riverwalk is cleared on a snowy day to the leadership team who directs the day-to-day activities of the district.
“These folks are always focused on serving the community the best way they can and making sure that any park district activity is the best that it can be.”
Naming the practice facility for Todd is also fitting because she is an avid golfer. She plays and practices at both of Naperville public courses, and said the staff knows her well.
“There are so many decisions made on a regular basis that keep the grass seed coming and fertilizer purchased and equipment purchased so staff can do their jobs in an efficient and effective manner. I am very proud to have contributed to the success of the park district (and now) it’s time to step aside and allow others to also be involved.”
Giles Bruce is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.