Longtime Park District director announces retirement

By Kevin Stahr

Staff writer

After playing a key role in much of the Downers Grove Park District's growth for more than three decades, Director of Parks Gene Cromwell has announced his retirement.

Cromwell started with the district in 1971 and he became parks foreman four years later. In 1981, he was promoted into the position he has held for the past 25 years. His last day on the job will be Monday, April 3.

During his tenure, Cromwell had more than a helping hand in planning for athletic fields and lighting, playgrounds, picnic pavilions, land acquisition, McCollum Park and its miniature golf course, the administrative office, Lincoln Center, the district museum, Barth and Prince ponds enhancements, and the Mar-Duke Farm garden plots.

"In 35 years, he basically has seen it all and been part of the teamwork that has made it happen," Park Administrator Daniel Cermak said. "The district has really matured during the past 30 years."

Cromwell has been recognized nationally when the district won the National Park and Recreation Association's Gold Medal Award and when the McCollum Park tennis courts were honored as an Outstanding Public Tennis Facility by the United States Tennis Association.

Attempts to reach Cromwell for comment were unsuccessful. Cermak said Cromwell was generally liked by everyone and was a hard worker.

"He has always been willing to do whatever I asked, evening, weekends. He has always accepted assignments no matter what they were," Cermak said.

The district has hired Todd Reese to replace Cromwell. Reese has previously worked at Northbrook and Hoffman Estates park districts along with the Lake Forest Park and Recreation Department.

Cermak said Reese will "bring a lot to the table" with management experience, park planning and a landscape architect background.

Kevin Stahr's e-mail address is:
kstahr@libertysuburban.com