About The Parks Foundation Board

The West Chicago Parks Foundation began in 2008 with the purpose of providing financial assistance to families in need, in order to use Park District facilities. What started with two people and one yearly fundraiser has turned into a board of ten, along with year-round activities and fundraising. We have expanded our mission to not only providing scholarship opportunities, but also to enrich our community and parks where the need presents itself. We believe that a strong and thriving community enables all of us to be the best and most creative version of ourselves.

A group of volunteers are standing in front of a building at Cantigny Park on a cold day. They appear happy and ready to work.

How You Get Involved

Get involved by volunteering and/or participating at one of our sponsored events, by donating, or by attending our board meetings.

Get Involved
Two volunteers are standing at a table for the West Chicago Parks Foundation collecting food items for a food drive benefitting the local food pantry.

West Chicago Parks Foundation 2024 Meetings

January 16th

March 19th

May 21st

July 16th

September 17th

November 19th

All meetings begin at 4:30 pm. Please contact us for specific information.

Partner

We Partner with West Chicago Park District

 Support

We support West Chicago Parks and Community by aligning with a number of organizations and non-profits in the West Chicago Community.

Scholarships

Every year we provide individuals and families scholarship opportunities to participate in West Chicago Park District Programs and Events. 

 Stewards 

We are steward of the environment and of funds collected for  scholarships and the enrichment of our parks and community. 

Headshot of Board president, Acie Boyd. He is smiling outside on a sunny day.

Acie Boyd- Board President

Having lived and raised my family in West Chicago for over 20 years, I can say that my passion for our community is my motivation to serve in the Foundation.

A headshot of Rebecca Holmes, board secretary, wearing a Foundation polo shirt. She is smiling and sitting outside.

Rebecca Holmes- Board Secretary

I joined the foundation in 2019 because I believe that community and activity are a vital part of everyone’s life, and I want to ensure that everyone has access to these things as West Chicago residents. I am excited to see what this group can do when we come together with the community.

A headshot of Board Treasurer, Omar Espinosa. He is smiling seated outside on a sunny day with foliage in the background

Omar Espinosa- Board Treasurer

As a business person in the  city of West Chicago, giving back to the community that I serve is important to me. I am proud to be a part of this great group of people.

A headshot of SueEllen Edwards, standing in front of a door smiling. She is wearing a black shirt and has long brown hair.

SueEllen Edwards - Board Member

I am honored to be on the board of the West Chicago Parks Foundation! Supporting our community as a whole is important to me, as well as helping to assure that all kids have the opportunity to enjoy everything that the park district has to offer regardless of the ability to pay.

A headshot of Shawn Preuss. She is wearing a Foundation polo shirt and is seated outside smiling.

Shawn Preuss-Board Member

I’ve been involved in park districts for thirty years and know firsthand the value of recreation in a person’s life.  I’m thankful to be part of this group and a supporter of recreation for all. 

A headshot of Fil Guipoco. He is smiling and wearing a suit and tie against a blue background.

Fil Guipoco-Board Member

As a bicultural non-profit leader with a long history of community leadership, I have worked to be recognized for inclusive thought-partnership, moving equity forward, and amplifying collective impact in the non-profit sector. I joined the Foundation to ensure all community members had an opportunity to utilize park resources, stay physically active and build community.

A headshot of Jesse Felix. He is standing outside smiling, wearing a Foundation polo shirt and holding a walking stick.

Jesse Felix-Board Member

I served as Superintendent of Parks for 28 years in West Chicago. Now is an opportunity to give back to where my mom grew up, my grandparents and uncle lived, and my dad moved to before becoming Superintendent of Grounds at Cantigny.

A headshot of Board Memeber, Sara Witteck. She is wearing a Parks Foundation shirt, smiling seated outside on a sunny day with foliage in the background

Sara Witteck-Board Member

As a Recreation Manager for the West Chicago Park District and an elected official for the Carol Stream Park District, I have a passion for parks and recreation and the immeasurable benefits to the community. As part of the Foundation, I enjoy working together to ensure that all residents, regardless of their economic status, have access to Park District programs and events.

A headshot of Ben Nelson. He is outside wearing a Park District polo shirt. He is wearing glasses and smiling.

Ben Nelson-Board Member

As the superintendent of Recreation at the West Chicago Park District, I have a passion for creating engaging recreation programs and events for the community. I joined the board in 2024 and look forward to being a part of the collaborative effort to enhance inclusive recreation opportunities for West Chicago residents.

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