Bensenville, Ill. (January 30, 2024) —The Bensenville Park District named Nicole Chesak, CPRP, life coach, as the new superintendent of recreation, effective January 30. Chesak was hired by the park district as recreation supervisor in December 2023. With an extensive background in managing diverse recreational programs and facilities, Chesak brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to her new role.
“Nicole Chesak’s extensive resume reflects her commitment to excellence in the field of parks and recreation,” says Bensenville Park District Executive Director Joe Vallez. “We welcome her as a valuable addition to our leadership team, confident in her ability to contribute to the district’s continued success.”
Chesak, a former women’s basketball standout, earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Francis. She is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) and has been an active member of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) since January 2001. She has held various leadership positions within the organization, including serving as the IPRA Annual Conference Workshop Chair and the IPRA Recreation Section Director. In 2006, Chesak was recognized with the IPRA Young Professional of the Year Award.
Chesak’s career highlights include her role as the director of the White Deer Run Golf Club, where she successfully managed all aspects of the club’s operations, including activities, guest relations and community engagement. Her accomplishments at the club include coordinating policies, developing operating procedures and overseeing budget implementation.
In her position as the director of athletics at the Wheaton Park District, Chesak demonstrated exceptional leadership skills by restructuring the department and managing a $5.9 million budget. Her achievements include directing the Wings Spring Classic Tournament with 260 teams and securing significant annual sponsorships for athletic programs. She also played a pivotal role in the $500,000 renovation of the athletic complex.
As the superintendent of recreation at Hoffman Estates Park District, Chesak managed an $8 million recreation department budget, overseeing full-time and seasonal staff. She increased field rentals by 30 percent, implemented an anti-bully policy and developed the HE University staff training program. Chesak also partnered a with school district for iCompete, a mentoring initiative for at-risk youth.
Chesak’s tenure at the Glendale Heights Parks and Recreation Department showcased her skills in managing a $3.4 million budget and leading a $6 million facility renovation project. She developed and implemented various programs, including a scholarship program and a customer service training program. Chesak’s dedication to community engagement was evident in her role as a committee member for Character Counts and the Senior Committees.
“I am thrilled to serve as the superintendent of recreation,” says Chesak, noting the opportunity to oversee the Bensenville Water Park in addition to recreational programs. “I look forward to the challenge and leveraging my experience to enhance the recreational offerings and community engagement in the district.”
