From news release
    Rock River Current
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    ROCKFORD — The Rockford Park District is looking to fill a vacancy on its board of commissioners after Board President Scott Olson opted not to seek re-election and no candidates ran for the role.

    Olson had served on the board since 2016, when he was appointed to fill the seat of Doug Brooks. He then was elected to a six-year term in 2017, and he served as board president since 2020.

    “It has truly been an honor to serve the community and to work alongside the men and women of the Rockford Park District,” Olson said in a news release. “During this time, I have learned so much about how the Rockford Park District impacts not only the youth in the community, but really everyone benefits by all the Park District provides throughout the community.”

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    Olson served as board liaison to Burpee Museum of Natural History, Discovery Center Museum, Midway Village Museum, Rockford Art Museum and Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum. He was also on the district’s equity committee, operations advisory committee and silent sports trails committee.

    “I look forward to staying involved in a few aspects or passion points of mine in the Rockford Park District, but right now I would like to focus on my family and business,” Olson said. “I will miss serving the community, but have a strong belief that changing leadership always has a positive impact on an
    organization. I trust my fellow commissioners will appoint someone who will bring a strong set of values and fresh ideas for many years to come.”

    Olson is on the operating board of Northern Illinois Hospice and the founder of Santa for All, which provides hundreds of gifts to seniors during the holidays who do not have families.

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    “We were very lucky to have Scott on the board for so many years. He has been a strong supporter of the values the Park District brings to the community, and has extensive knowledge of the community he served,” Executive Director Jay Sandine said in a news release. “We cannot thank him enough for the countless hours he volunteered over the years, and the many times he connected someone to resources or opportunities to recreate and enjoy life.

    “He was involved in many initiatives over the years, including securing funding for the Help Me Play fee assistance program and a cross country skiing trail groomer. He also was instrumental in a variety of tennis initiatives, and the creation and expansion of the Atwood Trails.”

    Whomever the board of commissioners appoints to fill Olson’s role will serve until the seat is up for election in April 2025. Applicants must be a registered voter and must have resided within the Rockford Park District boundaries for a minimum of one year.

    How to apply

    Anyone interested may submit an application from April 17 until 5 p.m. May 1.

    You can get the application at rockfordparkdistrict.org/board starting April 17, when they will also be available for pickup at the UW Health Sports Factory, Carlson Ice Arena and Mercyhealth Sportscore Two.


     

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