New Sycamore Rotarian Jonelle Bailey gave her classification talk at this week’s club meeting. Bailey is the new Executive Director of the Sycamore Park District. She comes to Sycamore after working in the Chicago area for the Salvation Army Kroc Center and has been a member of the Saint Charles and Palatine Rotary Clubs. She grew up in Elburn (her parents have now retired to Florida), then spent time in the Washington, D.C. area where she met her husband. They are parents to two children, ages 11 and 12. The family came back to the Chicago area after the birth of their youngest child. She holds a bachelor degree in park and recreation administration from Western Illinois University and a master degree in organizational leadership from Lewis University.
Bailey is passionate about residents experiencing the benefits of parks and recreation activities. She noted how it helps one’s physical, social and emotional needs. On a personal level, this included her attendance at the American Wilderness Leadership School in Wyoming. There she was immersed in outdoor educational experiences such as a high ropes challenge course and whitewater rafting. She combines her recreational commitment with her interests of photography, travel, nature, and music/literature and theater. Her favorite spots include National Parks and the country of Ireland.
Bailey looks forward to creating more connection opportunities for residents using Sycamore Park District facilities as Covid-19 restrictions loosen. This includes ensuring everyone feels welcome. To that end, Bailey is part of a state parks group with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Bailey also wants to build on community collaborations. She gave as an example the Park District working with the Sycamore Library on interpretive signs for the Great Western Trail hiking and biking path.
Sycamore Rotary gives a warm welcome to Jonelle Bailey!
Bailey is passionate about residents experiencing the benefits of parks and recreation activities. She noted how it helps one’s physical, social and emotional needs. On a personal level, this included her attendance at the American Wilderness Leadership School in Wyoming. There she was immersed in outdoor educational experiences such as a high ropes challenge course and whitewater rafting. She combines her recreational commitment with her interests of photography, travel, nature, and music/literature and theater. Her favorite spots include National Parks and the country of Ireland.
Bailey looks forward to creating more connection opportunities for residents using Sycamore Park District facilities as Covid-19 restrictions loosen. This includes ensuring everyone feels welcome. To that end, Bailey is part of a state parks group with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Bailey also wants to build on community collaborations. She gave as an example the Park District working with the Sycamore Library on interpretive signs for the Great Western Trail hiking and biking path.
Sycamore Rotary gives a warm welcome to Jonelle Bailey!