The New Lenox Community Park District (NLCPD) bids a fond farewell to George Travnicek, a dedicated member of our team who has decided to embark on a new chapter of life: retirement. With an illustrious career spanning nearly three decades, George has left an indelible mark on our community and the parks we cherish.
George began his journey at NLCPD on May 23, 1996, accepting the position of Grounds Supervisor in the Parks Department. Due to his unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence, he quickly gained recognition and progressed through various roles, eventually becoming the Parks Maintenance Superintendent and Director of Parks Maintenance. Travnicek expressed, “In my nearly twenty-eight years with New Lenox Community Park District, I have had the privilege of working alongside dedicated and skilled staff and volunteers. Our focus has always been on enhancing the quality of life in our community. I am genuinely proud of the accomplishments our district has achieved.”
Throughout his tenure, George has been instrumental in the enhancement and expansion of our park facilities. His leadership and vision have been pivotal in securing over $4 million in OSLAD grants, which have facilitated the realization of numerous projects, including the establishment of NLCPD’s first Skate Park, Tennis Courts, Pickleball Courts, and Splash Pads. Under his stewardship, NLCPD has achieved significant milestones, setting new standards of recreational excellence for the community.
George has been a driving force behind the collaborative efforts with Athletic Associations, fostering successful partnerships that have enriched the recreational experiences of countless individuals within our community. His passion for promoting active lifestyles and fostering community engagement has left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
George has played an integral role in the transformation of New Lenox’s Park landscape. Every park site within our district has either undergone revitalization with innovative play areas or been constructed anew during his tenure. George Travnicek, stated. “To develop a park on a bare stretch of land and witness families coming together to use and enjoy what our district has created has always been my pay off.”
As George embarks on this new chapter of retirement, we express our heartfelt gratitude for his invaluable contributions to NLCPD and the New Lenox community. His unwavering dedication, exemplary leadership, and boundless passion have left a lasting mark on our organization and the lives of those we serve.
Beginning July 1, we are pleased to announce the promotions of Ken Stephens and Gary Wilde. Ken Stephens, with 16 years of dedicated service to NLCPD, has been promoted to the new Director of Parks-Maintenance. Ken’s extensive experience and deep understanding of our parks system make him an invaluable asset in this leadership role. Joining him is Gary Wilde, CPSI, who has been with NLCPD for 8 years and will step into the role of Parks-Maintenance Assistant Director. Gary’s commitment to excellence and his passion for maintaining our parks to the highest standards will further strengthen our team. Please join us in congratulating Ken and Gary on their new positions and wishing George all the best in his future endeavors!