Chuck Papanos Honored by Rotary Club of Naperville

At an awards luncheon on May 10, the Rotary Club of Naperville named the Naperville Park District’s Park Operations Manager Chuck Papanos a Paul Harris Fellow. Papanos, along with nine others, received the award, which is given to individuals who meet high professional and personal standards set forth by Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary.

Chuck Papanos has been with the Naperville Park District since 2001, starting as a park specialist. Chuck soon began overseeing the Riverwalk as well as North Parks, and has represented the Park District on the Naperville Riverwalk Commission for many years. Chuck’s staff plan and maintain the beautiful floral displays along the Riverwalk, work with community groups to prepare for events such as Last Fling, and manage a variety of parks including Nike Sports Complex, Seager Park and Country Lakes Park.

“When you think about the Naperville Riverwalk, names immediately come to mind if you've been in this community for a while,” said Executive Director Ray McGury. “Rick Hitchcock, Cliff Preston, Jim Moser, Mayor Chet Rybicki and Chuck Papanos. I've had the honor of working with Chuck since I started at the Naperville Park District in 2008. In rain, sleet, snow, blazing heat...if you’re looking for Chuck, don't check his office. He's on the Riverwalk working with his dedicated staff to make sure the Riverwalk remains the crown jewel that it is for our community. This award is a great gesture by the Rotary Club of Naperville for a great man whom I'm honored to work with.”