Jim Rogers, Executive Director, Elmhurst Park District

With over thirty years of experience, Jim Rogers oversees the team that keeps our green spaces so well-manicured and inviting. And with 832 seasonal employees (79 full-time) and thirty park sites, that’s no small task. It’s a balance of listening and acting on information collected, while prioritizing the greatest need.

For Rogers, Elmhurst Park District’s success has been largely due to listening to his employees and involving them in decision-making. “I think of my leadership style as ‘participative management,’ said Rogers. “I guide my employees while encouraging them to provide feedback and be involved with decisions.” The style seems to bode well across the varied groups of employees that work on EPD’s broad range of responsibilities.

Another reason EPD is so successful is that it makes an effort to listen carefully to the needs of the community directly. “In the parks” meetups involve “open houses,” in which members are welcome to come out to specific parks at certain times and speak to EPD staff directly to voice requests and concerns.

According to Rogers, EPD takes great pride in its efforts to engage with the community to prioritize tax dollars allotted toward park projects. Online surveys are routinely taken to update the team on what citizens would like to see changed or suggestions for improvement. “The Park District relies on its comprehensive and strategic plans to guide decision making and prioritization of resources,” said Rogers. “Both are based on a tremendous amount of feedback and community input.” The organization also reaches out to neighbors through direct mailings and social media.

In any community, park safety is always a matter of concern. Elmhurst is no exception. “Safety is always at the forefront of every park district offering,” said Rogers. Safety and security are ensured through a proactive approach to risk management in order to anticipate challenges in advance and reduce the chances of a negative situation.

Rogers and the EPD team are very proud to be in the midst of implementing the projects that were included in the November 2024 referendum, which was approved by a majority of voters. Among these projects are the replacement of Wagner Community Center and the building of a community bandshell at Wilder Park. Permanent, heated restrooms are on the docket for three other parks and also along the Prairie Path. The grass field at Berens Park will soon be converted to artificial turf.

One of the first things you notice about a town is its green spaces. The beauty of Elmhurst is in good hands with Rogers and his team at the helm of these efforts.