Board of Commissioners

who are they? what do they do? how can I contact or join them?

Tim Jones, President

Ellen Avery, Vice President

Eric Kirste, Treasurer

Betty Cloud, Secretary

Karl Jackson, Commissioner

Steve Messer, Commissioner

Paul Fries, Commissioner

Contact Our Board of Commissioners

[email protected]

For Board Meeting Information:

All residents are welcome to our Board Meetings held on the fourth Tuesday of each month.  All the meetings will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Gary Morava Recreation Center, 110 West Camp McDonald Road, Prospect Heights, IL 60070.

Election information  

A seven-member elected board governs the park district; each serves a four-year term, with elections every two years. The next consolidated general election is April 1, 2025. Candidates for the 2025 Consolidated Election, including park commissioners, may begin circulating nomination petitions on August 20, 2024. The filing period for nomination petitions for the Consolidated Election is November 12, through November 18, 2024.

The district serves most of the city of Prospect Heights, a small portion of the village of Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights and Wheeling and non-residents from surrounding communities. The estimated population of the district is approximately 15,000.

The purpose of a board member is to develop policies; devise long-range plans, procedures and regulations for operations of the agency; monitor finances; and serve as a voting member. All board members are expected to attend monthly meetings, participating on various committees and attend standing committee meetings if a member. Members must be well-informed and aware of the needs of the community, participate in organizational decision-making, assume leadership roles in all board activities, represent the organization to the public and private industry and contribute skills, knowledge and experience when appropriate.

The Park Board provides equal opportunity in a manner which does not discriminate against any person because of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, marital, civil union or family status. 

Park Commissioner Qualifications:

  • Each member of the Park Board of Commissioners must be a citizen of the United States, 18 years of age or older, a registered voter in the Prospect Heights Park District, a resident of the State of Illinois, and a resident within the Prospect Heights Park District’s jurisdictional boundaries.
  • A person is not eligible to serve as a Park Commissioner if that person is in arrears in the payment of tax or other indebtedness due to the Park District, or has been convicted in any court located in the United States of any infamous crime, bribery, perjury, or other felony.

Basic Expectations of Park Commissioners:

  • Attend Board meetings and functions. Park Commissioners must commit to attending monthly Board meetings, currently held on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
  • Understand the Prospect Heights Park District’s mission, services, policies and programs.
  • Review agenda and supporting Board packet materials before Board meetings.
  • Abide by the policies of the Prospect Heights Park District and Federal and State statutes governing the operations of the Park District.
  • Assist the Board in carrying out its fiduciary duties.

Compensation:

  • Park Commissioners serve in a volunteer capacity and without monetary compensation.

2025 Local Election Officials Handbook

2025 Election and Campaign Finance Calendar 

2025 Abbreviated Calendar for the Consolidated Election and Consolidated Primary

2025 Candidate’s Guide

 IAPD has also developed this informational brochure for citizens who are considering serving on a park board.