Top La Grange Park District Official Leaving

LA GRANGE, IL — Dean Bissias, the longtime executive director of the Park District of La Grange, is retiring.

At a February meeting, Bissias announced his retirement on April 30 to the district's board. He has been with the park district for 28 years, the last 16 as the executive director.

In an email to Patch on Friday, Bissias said his time as director was the most enjoyable. He also said he was not going anywhere, "other than enjoy as much time as I have left with my family, especially my grandkids. It's time for me to sit back and enjoy."

Bissias said he started working for the park district when it operated in a 1,200-square-foot building at 4903 Gilbert Ave. The park district is now in a 125,000-square-foot building at 536 East Ave.

He said he has lived in the community for 44 years.

"I still plan to help and volunteer with the park district for whatever they need," he said.

At a meeting Monday, the park board plans to consider approving a contract with Executive Decisions to help search for a new executive director.

In the 2020 budget year, the district employed 18 full-timers and 201 part-timers, according to its annual financial report. Its budget was $6.2 million.