New Sycamore park named for longtime community figure Dr. John Ovitz

SYCAMORE – A large crowd turned out Saturday morning in Sycamore to celebrate the dedication of a new park and the dedication of the man it was named after, Dr. John Ovitz.

“We’re very excited about this park,” said Dan Gibble, executive director of the Sycamore Park District. “And probably more importantly, the name has lent itself perfectly to a park, with all the generations of the Ovitz family that have been a part of this community … the history that this family has with the park district is just phenomenal and we couldn’t be more proud.”

The land for the 4.95-acre park was purchased by the Sycamore Creek Homeowners Association and donated to the park district, after the developer of the subdivision went bankrupt.

“Really, the credit goes to the homeowners association. They made it happen, and we were just the beneficiary,” said Ted Strack, president of the Sycamore Park District Board.

After a contest was held for Sycamore elementary school students to name the park and over 60 entries were received, the three finalists were presented to the Sycamore Park District Board. According to Strack, the final decision was an easy one.

“’When Dr. John Ovitz’s name came up, everybody on the board said, ‘That’s it! That’s an appropriate way to honor that family.’ They have meant so much to Sycamore over the years,” said Strack.

Ovitz died in April 2013 at age 99. He served as a medic during World War II after completing medical school at Northwestern University. Upon returning from the war, he served the Sycamore community as a physician for over 50 years, as well as serving in the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce and on the Sycamore School District Board.

He was a founding member of the DeKalb County Family Service Agency. He initiated a scholarship fund for youth pursuing medical careers, and was a Sycamore Rotary Club member for 60 years. In fact, the chapter’s Rotarian of the Year award is named after Ovitz.

His father, also named Dr. John Ovitz, served during World War I, practiced medicine in Sycamore for several decades himself, and was a member of the Sycamore Park District Board many years ago.

“The Ovitzes have put down rich, healthy roots in this community and they’ve cared for it, and without their love and attention and support the park district and Sycamore wouldn’t be the place that we love and care about today,” said Michelle Schulz, vice president of the park district board.

Ovitz’s wife, Jane, spoke at the ceremony, along with her son, Robert. All five of John Ovitz’s children were in attendance, as well as many other family members.

Also in attendance were Sycamore Mayor Ken Mundy, State Rep. Bob Pritchard, Sycamore School Board President Jim Dombek, Sycamore City Manager Brian Gregory, the entire Sycamore Park District Board of Commissioners, members of the Sycamore Creek Homeowners Association, and many Sycamore Rotary Club members.

Bob Ovitz shared several stories that demonstrated his father’s character and commitment to serving his community. He later attempted to speak on behalf of his late father, while holding back tears.

“If he were here today, at this event, in front of this audience, he would be the very first to acknowledge and say to you that his town was very, very good to him,” said Bob Ovitz.

As if to return the favor to North Grove Elementary fifth-grader Ella Follman for nominating Dr. Ovitz in the park-naming contest, Jane Ovitz announced one of the trees in the park would be named in honor of Ella. The recently-planted tree is a new strain of elm from the Morton Arboretum that is resistant to disease.

“I hope that it and you grow strong and have a happy, long life,” said Jane Ovitz, while speaking directly to Ella.

“I have a tree named after me! It’s kind of neat,” Ella said afterwards. “I think it was cool to see this and be here.”

Dr. Ovitz was said to have delivered over 2,000 babies before retiring in 1999 at the age of 85. Matt Personette of Lombard, who attended the ceremony Saturday, was delivered by Dr. Ovitz forty years ago.

“[It] makes me think about my own life – what am I doing to give back to the community? I just really appreciated him as an individual and as a man,” said Personette.