Park District Recreation Manager Retires After 21 Years

PLAINFIELD, IL — After working 21 years at the Plainfield Park District, Kathy Whalen officially retired Tuesday. Having served in various roles, including her most recent position as recreation manager of adult services, she made the Plainfield Township Community Center a "much different place," staff said.

Whalen joined the park district in April 2001 to work as the organization's first senior citizen coordinator. Prior to her taking on the role, it was a joint position with the park district and Plainfield Township, officials said in a Wednesday news release.

"She has formed some wonderful and long-lasting friendships with senior citizens that have participated in programs and events over the years," coworker Misty Bartlett said in a statement. "She will definitely be missed, but we wish her all the best."

Whalen got her start in the field working at Franklin Park's park district where she served as recreation supervisor for more than 10 years. While there, she also worked with seniors and oversaw early childhood and preschool programs. Before coming to Plainfield, she also worked for five years at Darien Park District, where she was in charge of seniors as well as early childhood and special events.

"The fact she remembers our names and our health conditions is so impressive," Dorothy Curry, a long-time PTCC participant, said in a statement. "If you were sick or in the hospital, she wants to know how you're doing. She's such a wonderful, caring person. She’ll be tough to replace."

Regular participant Joan Ospalik echoed others' sentiments and said people will miss her. In a statement, she said Whalen "makes you feel at home."

Now that she's retired, Whalen said in a statement her plan "is to sit on my boat, with the sun in my face, breeze at my back, reading a good book."

The long-time park district staff member was also honored by the Plainfield Park District Board of Commissioners during a Jan. 12 meeting. By passing a resolution, Jan. 12, 2022, will be remembered "in honor of Kathy Whalen for her commitment and extraordinary contributions to the Plainfield Park District."