April 1, 2022 at 10:57am

⚠️ Please Note: This article was published in 2022. Visit our Events Calendar to view current upcoming events.

The Northbrook Park District is currently accepting Hall of Fame nominations through April 22. Since 1978, the Northbrook Park District has been honoring volunteers and athletes in the community with its Hall of Fame and Sports Hall of Fame. More than 60 individuals have been inducted since the project’s inception. Nominations are accepted by the Hall of Fame Committee and the Committee’s recommendation is then reviewed by the Board of Commissioners who vote for inductions.

The Northbrook Park District Hall of Fame recognizes volunteers in the community who have given their time and effort to improve the quality of District recreation offerings. 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.

With the significant number of talented athletes in Northbrook, from outdoor sports like baseball and soccer to ice sports such as hockey, figure skating and speed skating, a Sports Hall of Fame category was added in 1995. The Sports Hall of Fame recognizes accomplishments of athletes who are from Northbrook or who have utilized Northbrook Park District facilities as their primary training location. Eligible nominees must have participated in a sport at the national, Olympic, international, or professional level. In addition, they need to meet one of the following criteria:

  • Won a National Championship on a sports team or in an individual sport
  • Completed on a World or Olympic team or received a medal in any Olympic sport
  • Achieved All-American recognition
  • Reached professional status in a sport

In 2020, the Park Board of Commissioners voted to approve the induction of hockey player JT Compher and speed skater Brian Hansen into the Sports Hall of Fame. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a celebration of their induction was postponed. The District hopes to recognize both athletes at a joint ceremony with this year’s inductees. Other Sports Hall of Fame inductees include National Collegiate Figure Skating Champion Heather Aseltine and professional baseball player Jason Kipnis. Volunteers inducted into the Hall of Fame include Glenbrook North High School Coach Darryl Skale, Northbrook Action Baseball Director Mark Gerstein and George Garner who was inducted for his volunteerism across cycling, hockey, soccer and football programs in Northbrook.

“It is an honor to acknowledge the amazing volunteers and athletes who have made an impact in Northbrook and beyond. We encourage members of the community to recognize volunteers and athletes through nomination to the Hall of Fame.”

Director of Marketing and Communications Joan Scovic

Nomination forms are available to submit electronically through our website. Online submission of nominations is due by April 22. Submission of a nomination form does not guarantee acceptance into the Hall of Fame. Questions can be directed to Joan Scovic at 847-897-6129.

Serving the community since 1927, the Mission of the Northbrook Park District is to enhance the community by providing outstanding services, parks and facilities through environmental, social and financial stewardship.