Dr. Shari Demitrowicz joined the City of Chicago Heights management team as the Superintendent of the Park District early in 2022 and hit the ground running with a mission to deliver a new era of family engagement, education, and exploration opportunities to the community. Her passion to revitalize the Park District in ways that engage residents of all generations is boldly spoken as she articulates her vision and plan for the future. The recreation center will become a multifunctional center where educational programs, health and wellness, recreation/leisure, and fitness will be offered. Through her efforts in securing grant funding of $600,000 from Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD), there is a plan to develop two soccer fields with lighting and spectator seating. And closest to her heart, as a professional educator, is her clear and unwavering commitment to building strong partnerships with the schools, and offering state of the art programs that ignite an excitement for learning within the spirit of kids of all ages. Demitrowicz articulates a vision where the doors of the community open to a laboratory of outdoor education experiences that capture the essence of STEAM education with science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics at the center of rich problem-based learning experiences. “I try to imagine the workplace and community two decades from now; and the expectations that will be held for our kids as they become young adults. Albert Einstein reminded us that play is the highest form of research. Kids love play and they love exploration and problem solving. I am anxious to build programs that bring high level learning and play into an exciting new venue.”
Demitrowicz also commends Mayor David Gonzalez, the Board President, and Park District Commissioners for their leadership in the community. Mayor Gonzalez’s vision to recreate the Parks and Recreation division with new initiatives, equipment, and extended programming set the course for an exciting new era.
Superintendent Demitrowicz reminds us that most importantly, the Park District is here as a viable resource to the community and an avenue to reconnect community members and bring them together. As the future unfolds, she looks forward to expanding opportunities and opening the doors of the Park District to work collaboratively with all community stakeholders. “We all play a vital role in our community. Whether it be schools, businesses, parents, faith based organizations, or the Park District, we all have the same goals. We want to hear the voices of those we serve. And together we can do so much more!”
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