15 Years of Progress, Passion, and People: A Letter to the Community

15 Years of Progress, Passion, and People: A Letter to the Community
By Laure Kosey, Ph.D., Executive Director, Oak Brook Park District

Fifteen years ago, I began a journey with the Oak Brook Park District.  As I reflect on all we’ve accomplished together, I’m filled with pride—not just in our award-winning parks, facilities, and programs—but in the incredible community that makes this work so meaningful.

Oak Brook is a special place. Our residents are invested in our core values of holistic wellness, environmental stewardship, inclusion, teamwork, community engagement and open communication. We have made tremendous strides in making that vision a reality.

Community input has been a part of this hard work every step of the way to create facilities that serve the evolving needs of our residents. Renovations to the Family Recreation Center brought state-of-the-art fitness and aquatic amenities, and family locker rooms to the heart of Oak Brook.  The Tennis Center was resuscitated into an award-winning facility and a successful referendum created the open space north of Ginger Creek. These are places where kids learn to swim, neighbors become friends, and lifelong health begins.

From inclusive programming for individuals with special needs to growing youth sports leagues and dynamic wellness classes, we’ve expanded our services to ensure everyone feels welcome and supported. Our talented team has worked tirelessly to deliver high-quality, meaningful experiences, and I’ve had the joy of watching Oak Brook thrive as a result.

We continue to celebrate our environmental stewardship with planting trees, restoring native prairies at Central Park, revitalizing the banks of Ginger Creek and reducing our energy footprint with LED lighting.  We remain committed to protecting the natural beauty that defines Oak Brook. These efforts not only benefit today’s residents but leave a legacy for future generations.

The Park District Board and staff have always strived to make decisions in the best interest of the community. Every dollar we invest is done with care and purpose. We’ve embraced grant opportunities, collaborated with partners, and engaged in transparent, responsible planning to ensure our long-term sustainability—both fiscally and operationally.

The Oak Brook Park District’s commitment to accountability and excellence has not gone unnoticed. The Oak Brook Park District is an Illinois Distinguished Agency, a nationally Commissioned for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agency (CAPRA), as well as the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Excellence for Financial Accounting.  The District has received multiple awards from the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association and the National Recreation and Park Association, including the prestigious Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.

The results have been tabulated from the 2025 consolidated election. Oak Brook stands at a crossroads—not politically, but communally. Now is the time for healing, for listening, and most importantly, for coming together. No matter how passionately opinions were held during the election, what unites us is far greater than what divides us: a shared love for our Oak Brook community, the future, and the values we hold dear.

While I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved, I am very excited to work with this new Board of Commissioners for what is on the horizon. Our team is applying for the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, continuing to execute the $1.4 million grant received for bridge improvements, and embracing the first year of our strategic plan. We remain focused on improving access to recreation, enhancing outdoor spaces, and leveraging innovation to better serve our residents.

Most of all, we’ll continue to listen and work every day to make sure the Oak Brook Park District is a place where people of all ages feel valued, energized, and inspired. Let’s commit to building a stronger, more cohesive Oak Brook—one that reflects the values and aspirations of all its residents. The work of building community is never finished. Let us move forward with optimism, humility, and a renewed focus on what we can accomplish—together. Together, we can create a future that honors our shared history and embraces the promise of tomorrow.

Thank you for allowing me the honor of serving as your Executive Director. It’s a joy to do this work alongside such a passionate and engaged community. 

With gratitude,
Laure Kosey, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Oak Brook Park District