Board of Commissioners

Meet the Commissioners

The Wildwood Park District is governed by five resident-elected, non-compensated Commissioners. All Commissioners who serve on the Board are current Wildwood Park District residents, and serve for a six year term of office.

 

Becky Jante, President

Year Elected: 2019

Term Ends: 2025

Email: bjante@wildwoodparkdistrict.com

Biography

Becky and her husband, Larry, have called Wildwood home since 2004. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Illinois, and worked for State Farm Insurance before raising her two daughters. Becky and her family enjoy all water sports, and she can often be seen enjoying the Wildwood parks and walking her dogs. Becky loves serving on the Wildwood Park District Board of Commissioners, specifically because it allows her to connect with the community and make a positive impact.

 

 

 

 

Matt Brueck, Vice President

Year Elected: 2019

Term Ends: 2025

Email: mbrueck@wildwoodparkdistrict.com

Biography

Matt and his wife, Jen, moved to Wildwood in 2004.  They have two boys who grew up attending the Wildwood Park District Summer Camps and have now been Camp Counselors themselves for several years. Matt never expected to run for the Wildwood Park District Board of Commissioners, but after years of attending board meetings, he saw areas for improvement that he felt confident he could help with and make positive changes for the community. Matt has a Bachelors of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University-West Lafayette and a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. He has worked for Honeywell for 26 years in Technical Sales Engineering Management. In his free time, Matt loves to tournament bass fish.

 

Dan Corrigan, Treasurer

Year Elected: 2023

Term Ends: 2029

Email: dcorrigan@wildwoodparkdistrict.com

Biography

Dan has been a Wildwood resident for the past 10 years, and is happily raising his family in our wonderful community. After graduating from Illinois State University, Dan has been a Police Officer for the past 23 years and has a passion for public service. He has been an active member of Scouts BSA with his son and has held leadership positions within that group. In addition, Dan has sat on the Elmhurst Commission on Youth for several years. He was drawn to becoming a Wildwood Park District Commissioner by wanting to share his knowledge and experience with the board to allow the Park District to continue flourishing and bringing programming to the community. Dan feels that Wildwood’s parks and the residents are our biggest asset to our community.  The amount of green space as well as our access to Gages and Valley Lakes make our Park District, while small, one to be envied. He feels that being a good steward to the land that we have, while being financially responsible, are the most important parts of being a Commissioner. He is passionate about improving our parks and services to better serve and improve the lives of our residents both now and in the future.

 

Anna Nelson, Commissioner

Year Elected: 2023

Term Ends: 2029

Email: anelson@wildwoodparkdistrict.com

Biography

Anna and her family have called Wildwood home for over 30 years. Having had attended Wildwood Park District board meetings for several years; she felt that her experience and understanding of the issues made her a good candidate with the right assets to run for the Board of Commissioners. Anna earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art Communication from the University of Illinois. This educational background led her to start her career with a publishing company. Later work experiences included working for the federal government, teaching at the College of Lake County, and finally working for Special Education Department of Lake County (SEDOL). Anna feels the skills she excelled at in the workforce she is able to bring to the table as a Commissioner. This can be best illustrated with Anna’s Board appointed position as liaison between the Wildwood Park District and Warren Township Special Recreation Association (WSRA). Anna’s two daughters had the enjoyment of participating in many of the Wildwood Park District programs over the years and Anna strives to continue that legacy with strong programming and events. Anna’s passion is to make sure that the Wildwood Park Districts’ parks and lakes are maintained and preserved for future generations.

 

Doug Dietzen, Commissioner

Year Appointed: 2024

Appointment Ends: 2025

Email: ddietzen@wildwoodparkdistrict.com

Biography

Doug and his wife, Ranya, moved from Gurnee to Wildwood in 2020 and have two children that attended Warren Township High School Doug graduated from Marquette University with a degree in Industrial Engineering and has been employed with S&C Electric Company for the past 33 years, currently holding the position of Senior Director of Production Operations overseeing the Franklin, WI manufacturing facility. Since becoming a resident of Wildwood, Doug and his family quickly developed an appreciation for how special the community is and for how fortunate they are to have access to such a wonderful parks system – both contributing factors in Doug wanting to be more directly involved. As a Commissioner, Doug is looking forward to using his experience as a leader and problem-solver to make impactful contributions to the Park District team. Doug enjoys spending time with family and friends on the lake and is also an avid pickle ball player and golfer.

 

Board of Commissioners Roles and Responsibilities

Primary Functions of the Wildwood Park District Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners as a whole is the legal corporate authority of the District. Individual Commissioners do not have the legal authority to determine policy, give direction to district personnel, or to act or speak for the Board unless specifically authorized to do so by official Board action.

The authority of the Board is Section 1205/8-1(d) of The Park District Code, which states as follows: “(d) To pass all necessary ordinances, rules and regulations for the proper management and conduct of business of the board and district and to establish by ordinance all needful rules and regulations for the government and protection of parks, boulevards and driveways and other property under its jurisdiction, and to effect the objects for which such districts are formed.”

To study, develop and adopt policies that will satisfy the park and recreational needs of the community and to see that such policies are effectively administered.

The Board shall appraise and evaluate the District's parks, programs, services, and facilities to establish long range goals and strategies for planning and delivery of recreation programming, land acquisition and development, and capital improvements and operations.

To adopt an annual budget each fiscal year in order to provide the best possible facilities, programs, and services to the public. The budget should be balanced which means that current expenditures/expense should not exceed current revenues and funding sources.

The Board shall establish, pass, and file with the Lake County Clerk a combined Budget and Appropriation Ordinance.  The ordinance appropriates the monies that are necessary to cover the projected expenses and liabilities of the District that may occur in the next fiscal year.

To annually appropriate funds and levy taxes in order that the District’s needs may be met.  Such levies shall provide for the generation of revenue to pay for the cost of operating the District. The Board may accumulate funds for the purposes of building repairs and improvements and may annually levy taxes for such purposes in excess of current requirements for its other purposes but subject to any lawful tax rate limitation. The Board shall pass and file with the Lake County Clerk no later than the last Tuesday in December of each year.

The Board shall evaluate, discipline, direct, and supervise the Park District Manager. Therein the Park District Manager shall report to the President of the Board. The Board also oversees, directs, and evaluates the District’s Accountant (Independent Contractor).

The attorney shall oversee all legal matters and the prosecution and defense of all litigation of the Board/Park District.  The attorney may draft and/or review all ordinances, resolutions and other instruments required by the Board and shall give opinions on all questions referred to him/her by the entire Board, and/or the president and shall attend meetings as requested by the Board.

The auditor shall conduct the annual financial operations audit of the District and present the results of the audit and recommendations to the Board.

The Board of Commissioners may create a resolution, which is used to articulate a position of the Board of Commissioners on a particular issue to respond to request for formal authority or decision.

The Board of Commissioners may create an ordinance (i.e., Parks Ordinance), which is used to designate the enactment of the Board of Commissioners as a legislative body.  An ordinance is the equivalent of a municipal statute, passed by the Board of Commissioners and governs matters not already covered by any other local, state, or federal law.

 

Elections

The Wildwood Park District board is comprised of five resident-elected, non-compensated members called commissioners. Terms are for six years, but the board or the community can elect to change terms to four years. In general, two seats are up for election in the spring of each odd-numbered year. Typically, election information is shared in the Fall of the year prior to the Consolidated Election (the Wildwood Park District does not hold Primary Elections).

Interested individuals should follow the Wildwood Park District Facebook, Instagram, and NextDoor pages, as well as the Board of Commissioners page on the Wildwood Park District website, and subscribe to the Wildwood Park District E-Newsletters for communication regarding the April 2025 Consolidated Election, procedures, and petition packet availability. Please also follow the Lake County Clerk’s marketing channels for pertinent election timeline updates. The Lake County Elections hub can be found here: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/300/Candidate-Services.

For additional questions, please contact the Wildwood Park District office at 847.223.7275 or info@wildwoodparkdistrict.com.

April 2025 Consolidated Election

Two full six (6) year Commissioner terms, as well as one unexpired two (2) year Commissioner term will be up for election during the 2025 Consolidated Election, which will take place on April 1, 2025. Interested individuals should follow the Wildwood Park District Facebook, Instagram, and NextDoor pages, as well as the Board of Commissioners page on the Wildwood Park District website, and subscribe to the Wildwood Park District E-Newsletters for communication regarding the April 2025 Consolidated Election, procedures, and petition packet availability. Please also follow the Lake County Clerk’s marketing channels for pertinent election timeline updates. The Lake County Elections hub can be found here: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/300/Candidate-Services.

By Peter Murphy, President and CEO Illinois Association of Park Districts

If you are appointed or elected to the park board, you will become a leader who has accepted a major civic responsibility. You should be willing to make a commitment to give freely of your time and talents to help strengthen and further the park, recreation and conservation mission of your community.

As a board member, you will take on the responsibility for helping to set goals, formulate policies, and establish services that will meet the present and future needs of the citizens of your district. The success of your agency depends to a great degree on how well you understand your role and how effectively you address your responsibilities as a board member.

More than 2,100 citizens serve on Illinois park district, forest preserve and recreation boards. Effective board members are respected citizens, well known and active in community affairs, and interested in the total recreational needs of their communities.

Serving without compensation, locally elected commissioners represent their fellow citizens and interpret their views. They have the primary responsibility of spending tax monies, fees, and donations designated for park and recreation services. They spend, and spend wisely, millions of dollars every year.

To be eligible to run for the Wildwood Park District Board of Commissioners, an individual must meet the below requirements:

  • Must be a Wildwood resident for at least one year prior to election day.
  • A person is not eligible to serve as park commissioner if that person is in arrears in the payment of a tax or other indebtedness due to the park district or has been convicted in any court located in the United States of any infamous crime, bribery, perjury, or other felony.

As a board member, it is important that you commit to the “big picture” and the long- term effects of the decisions you make. You should use sound judgment by weighing the pros and cons of each issue, be open to new ideas, and make ethical decisions. In addition, it helps to have the capacity to “take the heat” when unpopular, but necessary, decisions are made.

Board Members:

  • Adopt policies that allow the Wildwood Park Distrct to run efficiently, effectively, legally, and ethically.
  • Request, receive, evaluate and make decisions based on well researched guidance from the Park District Manager.
  • Interpret the Wildwood Park District’s mission, values, and vision to the public.
  • Monitor operational and capital finances. Hire, fire, supervise, evaluate and support the Park District Manager.
  • Establish policies after consideration of pros and cons of each issue.
  • Help set a strategic direction that adopts goals relating to the vision and mission of the agency.
  • Act as a resource, a sounding board and as the eyes and ears of the citizens of the community, making sure that the agency is meeting their needs.
  • Develop, maintain and update long-range plans.
  • Adopt and adhere to a code of ethics.

  • Have an attitude of cooperation, open-mindedness and objectivity.
  • Are motivated only by a desire to serve the citizens and the agency.
  • Work with the Park District Manager, not over or around him or her.
  • Inspire the community’s confidence, respect and support. Spend time in board meetings on strategic planning, policies and procedures, not on operational details that are the Park District Manager’s responsibility.
  • Make no disparaging remarks about the agency, other board members or their opinions.
  • Keep high ethical standards.
  • Display a talent for working well with others.
  • Do not promise voting outcomes prior to learning the facts of any issue.
  • Do not make decisions until all sides of an issue have been presented.
  • Support board decisions even when a decision conflicts with personal views.

The Wildwood Park District board is comprised of five resident-elected, non-compensated members called commissioners. To be eligible to serve as an elected commissioner, you must be a Wildwood resident for at least one year prior to election day. Terms are for six years, but the board or the community can elect to change terms to four years. In general, two seats are up for election in the spring of each odd-numbered year.

Steps to Being Elected:

  1. In the fall of an even-numbered year, pick up a statement of economic interest and candidate petitions at the Wildwood Park District office.
  2. Gather signatures of eligible voters so that your name may be placed on the ballot. You must obtain 25 valid signatures or 2 percent of the number of ballots cast for commissioner in the last election, whichever number is greater.
  3. File the nominating petitions and a statement of candidacy with the park district secretary between 113 and 106 days prior to election day (usually in late December of an even-numbered year).
  4. File a statement of economic interests with your county clerk (and a receipt with the park district secretary) on or before the final day for filing petitions.
  5. Choose whether to file with the appropriate official clerk an optional loyalty oath and a voluntary statement of compliance with the Fair Campaign Practices Act.
  6. File campaign finance disclosure forms with the State Board of Elections, if you raise or spend a prescribed amount on your campaign.

For specific details, contact the Wildwood Park District Manager, board secretary, or county clerk. Or, check the State Board of Elections’ website at elections.il.gov.

*Source: Illinois State Board of Elections, "Abbreviated Calendar of Dates for the 2025 Consolidated Primary Election and 2025 Consolidated Election", 2024.

The dates included in this abbreviated calendar are not comprehensive of all dates surrounding the election, and do not include all relevant details. For additional detail and statutory references for any of the dates in this calendar, please consult the 2025 Election and Campaign Finance Calendar.

The dates in this calendar are calculated in accordance with the provisions of Public Act 103-0586 (effective May 3, 2024) and Public Act 103-0600 (effective July 1, 2024) which shift the candidate filing periods and related dates for most offices up by 28 days.

August 20, 2024

Petition Circulation Begins for the Consolidated Election- First day to circulate petitions for candidates seeking election in the 2025 Consolidated Election.
 November 12, 2024

First Day to File Candidate Petitions for the Consolidated Election- First day to file nomination petitions with the local election official or board of election commissioners for the 2025 Consolidated Election.
November 18, 2024

Last Day to File Candidate Petitions for the Consolidated Election- Last day to file nomination petitions with the local election official or board of election commissioners for the 2025 Consolidated Election.
November 25, 2024

Last Day to File Objections to Nomination Papers for the Consolidated Election- Last day to file objections to nomination papers of independent, new party, and nonpartisan candidates (when nonpartisan candidates are not subject to a primary) in the office of the local election official or election authority.
December 9, 2024

First Day to File Caucus Certificate of Nomination- First day established political party caucus certificates of nomination may be filed in the office of the local election official along with Statement of Candidacy and Loyalty Oath (optional) for each candidate. The receipt for filing a Statement of Economic Interest for each candidate may be filed any time during the filing period.
December 16, 2024

Last Day to File Caucus Certificate of Nomination- Last day established political party caucus certificates of nomination may be filed in the office of the local election official along with Statement of Candidacy and Loyalty Oath (optional) for each candidate. The receipt for filing a Statement of Economic Interest for each candidate may be filed any time during the filing period.
December 30, 2024

Last Day to File Petitions for Public Questions for the Consolidated Election- Last day to file petitions with the local election official for the submission of questions of public policy. Exceptions to this date apply for various binding questions or backdoor referenda, please refer to the authorizing statute for the question to confirm the deadline.
January 2, 2025

First Day to Submit Vote by Mail Applications for the Consolidated Election- First day to apply for a vote by mail ballot for the 2025 Consolidated Election. Please note that ballots will not be mailed before Thursday, February 20, 2025.
January 7, 2025

Last Day to File Objections to Petitions for Public Questions for the Consolidated Election- Last day to file objections to petitions for the submission of questions of public policy with the local election official.
January 13, 2025

Last Day for Resolutions for Public Questions for the Consolidated Election- Last day for local governing boards to adopt a resolution to allow a binding or advisory question to be placed on the ballot at the 2025 Consolidated Election.
January 23, 2025

Ballot Certification Deadline for the Consolidated Election- Last day for the local election official to certify candidates and public questions to the election authority to be included on the 2025 Consolidated Election ballot.
February 20, 2025

Early Voting Begins for the Consolidated Election- First day for early voting in the office of the election authority and in any additional locations that may have been designated by the election authority (if a primary was held, this is delayed until March 7, 2025).

Voting by Mail Begins for the Consolidated Election- First day for the election authority to mail an official ballot to a voter who has applied for a vote by mail ballot (if a primary was held, this is delayed until March 7, 2025).
March 4, 2025

Close of Voter Registration- Last day for regular registration or transfers of registration within the office of the election authority.
March 5, 2025

Grace Period Registration and Voting Begins for the Consolidated Election- First day of grace period registration and voting at the office of the election authority or at a location designated for this purpose by the election authority.
March 7, 2025

First Day of Early Voting and Voting by Mail if Primary was Held- First day to vote early or by mail if a primary was held in the election jurisdiction.
March 27, 2025

Last Day to Mail Vote by Mail Ballots for the Consolidated Election- Last day for the election authority to receive, by mail, an application for a vote by mail ballot and mail that ballot to the voter. (Note: 1. An earlier deadline is applicable to UOCAVA voters; 2. In-person applications are still accepted until March 31, 2025)
March 31, 2025

Last Day for Early Voting for the Consolidated Election- Last day for early voting for the 2025 Consolidated Election.
April 1, 2025

Consolidated Election- Date of the 2025 Consolidated Election.

 

Election Resources

Serving on the Wildwood Park District Board- What Does That Mean?

Illinois State Board of Elections- Abbreviated Calendar of Dates for the 2025 Consolidated Elections

State of Illinois 2025 Candidates Guide

2024 Board Meeting Calendar

Board meetings are generally held the third Monday of each month at 7:00pm. All meetings are held at the Rule House, 33325 N. Sears Boulevard Wildwood, IL 60030, and are open to the public. Meeting agendas, minutes, financials, and board packets can be found in PDF form in the calendar table below. A printable PDF version of the 2024 Board Meeting Dates can be downloaded here.

Meeting Date Meeting Type Agendas Minutes Packets
December 9th, 2024. 7:00pm

(Moved to 2nd Monday of month due to upcoming holiday)

 Regular Meeting
November 18th, 2024. 7:00pm Regular Meeting
October 21st, 2024. 7:00pm Regular Meeting Agenda Packet

Financials
September 16th, 2024. 7:00pm Regular Meeting Agenda Packet

Financials
August 19th, 2024. 7:00pm Regular Meeting Agenda Minutes Packet

Financials
July 15th, 2024. 7:00pm Regular Meeting Agenda Minutes Packet

Financials
June 17th, 2024. 7:00pm Regular Meeting Agenda Minutes Packet

Financials
May 20th, 2024 7:00om

 

May 20th, 2024. 7:15pm

 Budget & Appropriation Ordinance Hearing

Regular Meeting

 Agenda

Agenda

 Minutes

Minutes

 Packet

Financials
April 15th, 2024 6:00pm Local Gov’t Efficiency Meeting RESCHEDULED FROM 3/18/2024 Agenda Minutes Presentation Slides
April 15th, 2024. 7:00pm Regular Meeting Agenda Minutes Packet

Financials
April 10th, 2024 7:30pm Special Meeting Agenda Minutes
March 18th, 2024. 7:00pm Regular Meeting Agenda Minutes Packet

Financials
February 20th, 2024 at 6:00pm Local Gov’t Efficiency Meeting Agenda Minutes Presentation Slides
February 20th, 2024 (Tues) 7:00pm

(Moved for President’s Day)

 Regular Meeting Agenda Minutes Packet

Financials
January 22nd, 2024 Local Gov’t Efficiency Meeting Agenda Minutes Presentation Slides

Slideshow Pictures
January 16th, 2024 (Tues) 7:00pm

(Moved for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)

 Regular Meeting Agenda Minutes Board Packet

Financials

 

Archived Minutes and Agendas

Current Brochure

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