Landscape Architect Joins Plainfield Park District As Planning Manager

PLAINFIELD, IL — A new planning manager has joined the Plainfield Park District team.

A landscape architect, Sue Rohner has experience in public and private practice with an emphasis on parks and recreation in urban settings, officials said. Her skills include land planning, landscape design, low maintenance planting techniques, project management, grant writing and construction administration, among others.

Rohner comes to Plainfield after serving as the senior landscape designer at Terra Engineering, where she provided production support, including 3D graphics, for various projects and clients. Besides time spent working for other park districts, forest preserves and towns, Rohner has developed business and engaged not-for-profits, including grant writing for DuPage Children's Museum.

"Sue's specialisms in landscape architecture include designing for longevity, sustainability and ecology-based solutions that strike a balance for both people and wildlife to enjoy park sites," park district staff said in a news release. "She is also passionate about creative designs or strategic planning that support birds, pollinators, weather resilient trees and green infrastructure."

Officials said Rohner is excited to join the Plainfield Park District because of their "land preservation focus, growing community and to be a part of the expansion of recreational opportunities for the community."

Rohner graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture. She holds a Certified Arborist credential from the International Society of Arborists and is also working toward a Landscape Architect state licensure.

The park district's new planning manager resides in Brookfield with her husband, Tom, two sons and rescue dogs. In her spare time, Rohner helps her husband design and fix up their 1907 American Foursquare, officials said.