The Northbrook Park District is looking for nominations for athletes and volunteers who might deserve a spot in its Hall of Fame.
According to a news release, more than 60 athletes and volunteers have been inducted since 1978 into the Park District’s Hall of Fame, which consists of the Sports Hall of Fame and the Volunteer Hall of Fame.
The most recent inductees into the Sports Hall of Fame were professional hockey player J.T. Compher, Olympic speed skaters Brian Hansen and Lana Gehring, and Olympic hockey player Jesse Compher, the release said. Volunteer baseball coaches Gus Locallo and Stuart Spiegel were inducted into the park district’s Volunteer Hall of Fame. All were recognized in August 2023 during a ceremony at Heritage Oaks Golf Club.
Michael Schyman, chairman of the park district’s Hall of Fame committee, said It’s essential to recognize the inspiring achievements of the accomplished athletes who call Northbrook home, and the invaluable contributions of the dedicated volunteers who devote their time to making the park district such a great place.
“Highlighting positive role models is important for the community at large, and especially for young people who can be motivated to follow in the footsteps of such outstanding individuals,” Schyman said in the release. “On a personal note, this is one of the most enjoyable things I get to do as a board member. I always look forward to reviewing nominations and growing our wonderful list of Hall of Fame inductees.”
The Park District recognizes the accomplishments of athletes who either live or lived in Northbrook, or trained at Northbrook Park District facilities for at least three years, according to the release. Eligible nominees must have participated in a sport at the national, international, Olympic, or professional levels. In addition, they must meet one of the following criteria:
• Won a national championship on a sports team or in an individual sport
• Competed on a world or Olympic team, or received a medal in any Olympic sport
• Achieved All-American recognition
• Reached professional status in a sport
The Volunteer Hall of Fame recognizes volunteers in the community who have given their time and effort to improve the quality of district recreation offerings, the release said. The criteria for nomination are:
• Nominees must have volunteered with the park district or one of its affiliates significantly for at least five years.
• Nominees must have served as role models for the community, especially its youth.
• Nominees cannot have received payment for their service or volunteered only to benefit a family member.
Nominations are reviewed by the Park District’s all of fame committee, whose recommendation is examined by the Park District’s Board of Commissioners, the release said. The board then votes to approve the inductees.
This year’s induction ceremony — to which relatives, friends, and community members are invited — will take place later this year at Heritage Oaks Golf Club in Northbrook. The inductees will also display their names and photos at the Northbrook Sports Center.
Nomination forms are available at nbparks.org/get-involved/hall-of-fame/ through April 12.
For questions, please contact Joan Scovic at jscovic@nbparks.org or 847-897-6129.
