On October 13, 2020, the Palatine Park District Board of Commissioners accepted a letter of resignation from Commissioner Nick Sawyer. Sawyer has served as Park Board Commissioner for nearly 12 years and has been involved in multiple successes for the District. The biggest accomplishments while Sawyer served included the Intergovernmental Agreement with Harper College, the District earning State Accreditation Status, and various significant improvements at Palatine Hills Golf Course including the renovation of the golf course clubhouse and the short game practice area.
Long time Palatine resident, Greg Sammons, was selected to fill the vacant seat. The Park Board noticed Sammons’ interest in becoming more involved with the Park District and Park Board since 2015. When the Board vacancy became available, Sammons was a perfect candidate to hit the ground running as he had been attending past Board meetings and acquired knowledge of the workings of the Park District. Sammons will have to run for the seat in the April 2021 election. Commissioners are elected to serve six-year terms and volunteer their time.
Executive Director, Mike Clark said “[I am] excited to have Greg join our Park Board … Greg has shown interest in the past of serving his community by being a Park Board Commissioner and the time I have spent getting to know him and answer his questions has been great.”
Sammons has participated as a parent volunteer in various Park District Affiliate Programs including Celtic Soccer, Palatine Youth Baseball, and the Tiger Shark Swim Team. Sammons graduated from Marquette University with an electrical engineering degree and has since earned his MBA from Roosevelt University. Sammons is currently employed at AT&T and leads a global software development team that specializes in network monitoring and management applications.
When asked about serving on the Park Board, Sammons said, “I’m thankful for the opportunity and thrilled to serve the community as an interim commissioner … I would like to carry on the inspiring work Sawyer has performed for the last 12 years.”
In addition, Commissioner Jay Cozza announced that he will not be running for re-election. Thus, there will be 2 Palatine Park District Park Board seats on the ballot in the April 2021 election. Cozza has served on the Park Board for 30 years and has been a part of major innovations at the District. When asked what he will miss most, Cozza said, “My fellow commissioners, the great Palatine Park District staff, our thousands of volunteers and the feeling that what we are doing is the best work of life… making our community stronger through our efforts.”
Cozza was instrumental in the completion of numerous projects over the years. These projects include the lighted athletic fields at Ron Gbur Sports Fields, the installation of several indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, and the improvements and extension of the Palatine Trail.
The District will greatly miss both Cozza and Sawyer’s dedication and presence on the Park Board. Executive Director Mike Clark along with the entire district staff, would like to extend their deepest gratitude to both retiring Commissioners.
Individuals interested in running for a position as a Palatine Park District Commissioner in the April 6, 2021 Consolidated Election, candidate information can be found at cookcountyclerk.com. Those interested in running for a Palatine Park District Commissioner seat must be a registered voter, and have been a resident of Palatine Park District for at least one year prior to the election. Candidates with questions can contact Trish Feid, Board Secretary, at 847.496.6235.