Huntley Park District’s director of parks and facilities to retire after 33 years of service
HUNTLEY—At the March 10 Village of Huntley Board meeting, Mayor Tim Hoeft announced that the board and staff would be recognizing Paul Ostrander, the Huntley Park District’s director of parks and facilities, who was set to retire after 33 years of working at the park district.
“Paul began his career with the park district as a landscaper, maintenance worker, planner, and most of all, as a get it done without question master of all projects,” said Hoeft. “Paul was promoted to the title of director of parks and facilities and guided his team to maintain the growing network of buildings and parks throughout Huntley.”
Huntley Mayor Tim Hoeft (Left) honored Paul Ostrander (Right) at the March 10 Village Board meeting for serving 33 years at the Huntley Park District.
Back in October 2017, the park district unveiled the newly constructed Paul Ostrander Park Maintenance Facility to honor Ostrander and his dedication to the Huntley Park District and the community.
“The Paul Ostrander Maintenance Facility will be the working headquarters for maintaining all the beautiful Huntley parks and will allow for expanded services to the entire district. The Village of Huntley is proud to be partners with the Huntley Park District as the community continues to grow, and as a team, we strive to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors,” former Mayor Chuck Sass said during the 2017 ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new facility.
Hoeft told board members that he is thankful to Ostrander for another not as well-known role Ostrander played in the village.
“He’s one of the reasons I’m where I am today because he picked my butt up from school and made sure I got there every day in first and second grade on the bus,” Hoeft said. “So, not only did he do everything with the park district, he was also a bus driver and helped the school out wherever he could in our early days there.”
After having been presented with a certificate from the village board and staff, Ostrander got the opportunity to say a few words.
“I’d like to thank the village. It’s a first-class village and it’s been a pleasure working with all of [the] people. Charlie (Nordman), I don’t know all of your names, Niko (Kanakaris), Dave (Johnson), thank you,” said Ostrander.
He continued, “Dan Ruggles (Huntley Public Work’s streets and underground superintendent), I’d like to thank him too. It was a pleasure working with him. You guys are always there for the park and for me. So, you know, I appreciate that. Truly honored. It’s a first-class town and I wouldn’t have it any other way working for any other town. Thank you very much.”
