A Talk in the Park

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Latest Episodes:

Long Standing Employees featuring Rob Sperl, Director of Parks and Planning Oct 26, 2021

Enjoy the final episode in A Talk in the Park’s mini series, Long Standing Employees, featuring Rob Sperl! Being at the district for over 20 years, he has gotten to be a part of many exciting projects and has seen the district evolve. Tune in and learn more about Rob’s experience and hear his park recommendations.

Long Standing Employees featuring Ray Morrill, Park Board Commissioner Oct 12, 2021

Enjoy the next episode of long standing employees at Wheaton Park District featuring Ray Morrill! Since 1972, Ray has been integral for the district in aquatics and programming and he now serves as a Park Board Commissioner. Tune in to learn more history and Ray’s experience at Wheaton Park.

Long Standing Employees featuring Sue Wahlgren, Cosley Zoo Director Sep 07, 2021

Enjoy the first of several interviews with Wheaton Park District long standing employees as a part of DuPage County’s Historical Museum (DCHM) Oral Histories! On this episode, Zach Bishop, DCHM Curator sits down with Sue Wahlgren, Cosley Zoo Director, to discuss her time with Wheaton Park District and Cosley Zoo over the last 37 years.

Curating DuPage History Mar 18, 2021

This month, Amy and Mark talk with Zach Bishop, DuPage County’s Historical Museum Curator. He discusses past and upcoming exhibits including celebrating a recent award. He also shares interesting facts abought Northside Park and walks us through the exhibit planning process. Have something to donate to an upcoming exhibit? Want a tour of the Museum? Email Zach Bishop at zbishop@wheatonparks.org!

Best of 2020 Feb 01, 2021

Amy and Mark choose their favorite podcast moments from 2020. Thank you for a great year, A Talk in the Park listeners!

Play, Socialization and Kindergarten Readiness with Wide Horizons Preschool Oct 27, 2020

Ms. Kelly, Wide Horizons Preschool Coordinator, joins Amy and Mark to discuss how Wide Horizons Preschool staff provide students with a positive and enjoyable learning experience and how they continue to remain creative with their daily operations. She also shares fun, easy and free ways to keep children engaged at home!

Behind the Scenes at Cosley Zoo with Jenny Theuman Jul 23, 2020

Jenny Theuman, Lead Zookeeper & Animal Welfare Coordinator, joins Mark and Amy to discuss a Wheaton favorite location, Cosley Zoo. Learn more about the oldest animal at the zoo, what her typical day is like and more.

Create, Discover, Play Wherever You Are, Starting Now! Jun 16, 2020

Wheaton Park District presents, The Virtual Recreation Center. Join our in-house experts and community partners for a variety of FREE programming and resources for staying active at home. Learn more and explore at wheatonparkdistrict.com/virtualrec.

All Things Green - From the Golf Course to Green Team Mar 10, 2020

Justin Kirtland, Golf Course Superintendent of Arrowhead Golf Club, joins Amy and Mark on this month’s episode to discuss what a typical day looks like for him and his staff, if fertilizer actually works and shares the district’s accomplishments as a Green Team Member.

Inclusion Matters Feb 11, 2020

Rick Napier, Community Center Day Manager, joins Amy and Mark on this month’s episode to discuss inclusion efforts at the Wheaton Park District. He explains the process on obtaining program/activity aides for children and shares his journey as part of the Play For All Playground & Garden Foundation board. Learn more about the Play For All Playground & Garden Foundation and the current phase of Sensory Garden Playground by visiting playforalldupage.org.

A Year in Review and Looking Ahead with Mike Benard Jan 14, 2020

In this episode, Amy and Mark sit down with Mike Benard, Executive Director of the Wheaton Park District. They discuss his experience in the parks and recreation world and how he’s seen the park district evolve since he started over 10 years ago. Learn more about the park district’s biggest success stories of the last year and what’s to come in 2020.

Jump Start your New Year's Resolutions with the Wheaton Park District Nov 12, 2019

According to U.S. News, approximately 80% of resolutions fail by the second week of February. Don’t feel discouraged, use that as motivation to start your resolutions now! In this episode, Amy and Mark discuss the five most popular resolutions and how to achieve them at the Wheaton Park District. With the help of Parks Plus Fitness Center Personal Trainer Mitch Policky, they share tips on staying in shape all year and conquering everyone’s #1 resolution: weight loss. Share your resolutions at podcast@wheatonparks.org.

Hair Raising Artifacts at the DuPage County Historical Museum Oct 08, 2019

On today’s episode, Amy and Mark dive into our county’s history with DuPage County Historical Museum’s manager, Michelle Podkowa. Learn about unique pieces the Museum showcases, upcoming exhibits and how to get involved. For more information about the DuPage County Historical Museum, visit dupagemuseum.org.

‘YOU’nique Programs to Know at Wheaton Park District Sep 10, 2019

On today’s episode, Amy and Mark explore unique programs the Wheaton Park District offers residents. Jason Garvett, owner of Mobile Escape and Axe Throwing, discusses the trend of axe throwing and the league coming to the park district this fall. Megann Panek, Mary Lubko Center manager, shares an exclusive trip you won’t want to miss. Interested in more information for the programs/trips mentioned in today’s episode? Learn more and register at wheatonparkdistrict.com/register. Have a question? Email us at podcast@wheatonparks.org to be featured in an upcoming episode.

Sports Safety with Northwestern Medicine Aug 13, 2019

On this month’s episode of A Talk in the Park, Northwestern Medicine Athletic Trainer, Taeopae Wetterman joins us to talk about her role as an Athletic Trainer and shares her experience on working with concussions. We also speak with Athletic Manager, Adam Lewandowski, who oversees Wheaton Rams Football & Cheer. We explore how the Wheaton Rams program educates their coaches on the risk of injuries and concussions as well as a preview for the upcoming 2019 season. Disclaimer: if you suspect a concussion has occurred, always seek a medical professional. Have a question? Email us at podcast@wheatonparks.org to be featured in an upcoming episode.

Game On, Nature’s calling and wants you to come out and play! Jul 09, 2019

July is national parks and recreation month and the theme this year is Game On. It’s all about getting outside and playing. We speak with Terra Johnson, Lincoln Marsh Program Manager, to discuss nature play, the newly opened Prairie Patch Play Area, and programs offered at Lincoln Marsh. Discover Wheaton Park District segment talks about some upcoming events you should check out this month. Have a question, email us at podcast@wheatonparks.org and we may answer it on the next episode.

Sneak Peek Episode Jun 25, 2019

Hosts Amy Seklecki and Mark Dolphin discuss Wheaton events, activities and more each month. Follow the Wheaton Park District on Facebook at Wheaton Park District and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode. First episode arrives July 9! Want to submit a question for the Mail Bag? Email podcast@wheatonparks.org

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