July 03, 2025
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Princeton Park District bids farewell to longtime board member

Robert Halberg steps down after serving 12 years

By Becky Kramer
Bureau County Metro Center

Bureau County Metro Center (Shaw Local News Network)

PRINCETON — The Princeton Park District bid farewell to Park Board Secretary and Commissioner Robert Halberg during Monday night’s meeting.

Halberg has served on the board for 12 years and decided to not seek re-election this time around.

Executive Director Tammy Lange said, “We can’t thank you enough. I have enjoyed working side by side with you. We wish you the best of luck and we will miss having you here on the board.”

Ethics Officer and Commissioner Abbie Cochran thanked Halberg for always looking out for what is best for the park district and Commissioner Brandon Nyman told Halberg that he learned a lot from him by being on the board together.

Halberg said, “I want to thank you all for being good teammates.”

In other news:

• Superintendent of Parks Matt Wright said the park department has been busy with spring work. Two new workers started this week and will be working at City County Park. There is some cleanup to be done before the park is opened. Wright anticipates it to reopen in a few weeks.

Work is being done at West Side Park on the light fixtures that were damaged when the derecho winds hit Princeton last summer. Wright said that there is a 12U Princeton Travel League Team that will be using the field at West Side Park.

• Assistant Director Nick Davis updated the board on upcoming programs and said that numbers are increasing in all areas. Memberships are increasing, as well as more people are attending programs and classes. Many parents have shown interest in the summer day camp that is offered by the Metro Center.

Davis said that Aqua Tots is a popular program and that another session was added so that more children could participate.

A few more lifeguards have been hired for the summer season. Davis is waiting for guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health on how the pool will need to be run. Davis is hoping restrictions will loosen up.

The Sand Volleyball League will begin on May 1. Youth basketball will be finishing up in approximately one week. Other programs that are being offered include adult basketball, youth and adult flag football.

The next Princeton Park District meeting will take place on Monday, April 19, at 5 p.m. in Shoemake Hall.