Park Cast by the Illinois Association of Park Districts

IAPD

The Illinois Association of Park Districts podcast, called "Park Cast" puts a spotlight on both the work IAPD is doing and the work our membership is doing with park districts, forest preserves, recreation, special recreation and conservation.

  1. Jan 5

    Park Cast #62 - Ben Haberthur, Forest Preserve District of Kane County

    IAPD's Wayne Utterback talks with Forest Preserve District of Kane County Executive Director Ben Haberthur about his district's bicentennial. Intro/Outro by Purple Planet

    20 min
  2. Park Cast #61 - Mike Benard, Wheaton Park District

    11/19/2025

    Park Cast #61 - Mike Benard, Wheaton Park District

    IAPD's Wayne Utterback talks with Wheaton Park District Executive Director Mike Benard on how his agency is meeting the needs of the community through inclusivity and play.

    20 min
  3. Park Cast Episode #60 - Gary Gillis, Pekin Park District, Pt. 2

    10/10/2025

    Park Cast Episode #60 - Gary Gillis, Pekin Park District, Pt. 2

    Park Cast Episode #60 - Gary Gillis, Pekin Park District, Pt. 2 by IAPD

    15 min
  4. Park Cast #59 - Gary Gillis, Pekin Park District (Part 1)

    09/09/2025

    Park Cast #59 - Gary Gillis, Pekin Park District (Part 1)

    Park Cast #59 - Gary Gillis, Pekin Park District (Part 1) by IAPD

    20 min
  5. Park Cast #58 - Northbrook Park District - Arts In The Park

    04/01/2024

    Park Cast #58 - Northbrook Park District - Arts In The Park

    IAPD's Wayne Utterback speaks with the Northbrook Park District Superintendent of Arts & Recreation Erin Sweet, about her agency being recognized with the Arts in the Park Award at the Best of the Best Awards Gala.

    20 min
  6. Park Cast #57 - Steve Gordon, Village of South Elgin Parks & Recreation Department

    03/12/2024

    Park Cast #57 - Steve Gordon, Village of South Elgin Parks & Recreation Department

    IAPD's Wayne Utterback speaks with Outstanding Citizen Volunteer of the Year Award recipient Steve Gordon, nominated by the Village of South Elgin Parks & Recreation Department, about his volunteer efforts being recognized at the Best of the Best Awards Gala.

    20 min
  7. Park Cast Episode #56- Sycamore Park District - Best Friend

    03/05/2024

    Park Cast Episode #56- Sycamore Park District - Best Friend

    IAPD's Wayne Utterback sits down to talk with Best Friend of Illinois Parks - Large Business winners Doty & Sons and the Sycamore Park District about working together to improve their local community.

    10 min
  8. Park Cast #55 - Hoffman Estates Park District - Intergovernmental

    02/20/2024

    Park Cast #55 - Hoffman Estates Park District - Intergovernmental

    Wayne Utterback talks with the winners of the IAPD Best of the Best Awards Gala Intergovernmental Cooperation winners, Craig Talsma, executive director of the Hoffman Estates Park District, and Tracey Crawford, executive director of the Northwest Special Recreation Association, about the award and what it means to them.

    24 min
See All (62)

About

The Illinois Association of Park Districts podcast, called "Park Cast" puts a spotlight on both the work IAPD is doing and the work our membership is doing with park districts, forest preserves, recreation, special recreation and conservation.

Information