Nominate an Athlete or Volunteer for the Northbrook Park District’s Hall of Fame

April 1, 2024 at 1:57pm

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The Northbrook Park District is soliciting nominations for athletes and volunteers who might deserve a spot in its Hall of Fame.

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. Volunteer baseball coaches Gus Locallo and Stuart Spiegel were inducted into the park district’s Volunteer Hall of Fame. All were recognized in August at a ceremony at Heritage Oaks Golf Club.

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, said Michael Schyman, chairman of the park district’s hall of fame committee.

“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. “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 Northbrook 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. 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 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 hall of fame committee, whose recommendation is examined the park district’s board of commissioners. 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 also will have their name and photo displayed at the Northbrook Sports Center. Nomination forms are available at nbparks.org/hall-of-fame through April 12.

For questions, can contact Joan Scovic by email or at 847-897-6129.