News

Park District Instructor Wins Most Votes in Palatine Chamber of Commerce
"Chairs to Palatine"

Dave Ogorzaly has been working part-time as a Fine Art Instructor for the Palatine Park District for nine years. Last year, he painted the Park District's bench for the Palatine Chamber's “Best Seats in Town”, which sold for the highest amount at the Auction. The Bench can be seen at the Clayson House  Historical Society in Palatine.

Dave grew up in the working-class neighborhood of South Chicago, across the street from U.S. Steel. At Leo High School, he honed his skills by doing artwork for the yearbook, newspaper, and poster club.  While enrolled at Northern Illinois University, he majored in painting and drawing.  It was at that school in the cornfields of DeKalb, IL that he created his first “watermelon painting,” and thereafter the large green fruit would be a recurring motif in his repertoire. He joined the Village of Schaumburg Public Works Department, where he used his skills designing, drawing, painting and even “creative routing” for a multitude of Village projects. When he transferred to the Engineering department, artwork had become such a part of his job that he was known as “the Village Artist.” More

Susannah's Gift

A scholarship fund has been established in memory of Susannah Kist through the Palatine Park Foundation. This program will assist Palatine Park District residents or groups who need financial assistance to participate in Palatine Park District cultural arts activities.

Susannah Kist taught theater, music and  craft classes for the Palatine Park District for sixteen years. She lost her battle with breast cancer on December 4, 2009. Susannah wanted everyone to enjoy the arts right here in Palatine.

Donations may be made to the Palatine Park Foundation and mailed to:
Carol Lange
Palatine Park District
250 E. Wood Street
Palatine, IL 60067

For more information, please contact Carol at 847-705-5123 x237 or clange@palatineparks.org.

Military Discounts

The Palatine Park District's Board of Park Commissioners has recently adopted a new policy of awarding discounts for Park District residents who are active U.S. military personnel and their immediate families.

This policy will allow resident active military personnel, their spouses and their children to participate in two programs per registrant per season at a 50% discount. Additionally, they will be admitted to the Park District's swimming pools and recreation centers for 50% off daily admissions and golf at Palatine Hills Golf Course for the guest fee.

To obtain this discount, please bring proof of active U.S. military status to the Community Center at 250 E. Wood Street, Palatine, IL. U.S. military families will be issued park district identification cards which will enable them to receive services at the reduced rate.

For more information, please call the Park District Register, Christine Rice, at 847-991-0333 ext. 223.