April 24, 2024
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Wauconda park district executive director set to retire

Nancy Burton’s last day to be Sept. 10; district’s recreation director to succeed her

By Lake County Journal staff report

Phil's Beach in Wauconda reopened after a $3 million renovation by the Wauconda Park District. The beach was featured in the 1980 film "The Blues Brothers." The beach's reopening is among the accomplishments of Nancy Burton, the park district's outgoing executive director. (Photo provided)

WAUCONDA – The Wauconda Park District announced the retirement of longtime Executive Director Nancy Burton after 25 years of service.

Burton came to the park district from the Wauconda Chamber of Commerce in 1996. Before coming to Wauconda, she worked at the Mundelein Park District for 10 years.

Burton has seen the park district grow tremendously. During her tenure, eight new parks were added to the district. She also was instrumental in securing $1.5 million in grants for the district.

Burton was responsible for overseeing numerous capital projects, including the Cook Park shoreline stabilization and development of the walking path, Fitness First renovations, and the district’s most recent project, the reopening of Phil’s Beach.

“I cannot thank the board, staff and community enough for all their support during my years at the district,” Burton said in a news release. “By working together, we have seen the district grow and achieve many successes. It has truly been an honor and privilege to have served the Wauconda community for all these years.”

Burton’s last day with the district will be Sept. 10.

The Wauconda Park District Board of Commissioners has named Tim Staton, director of recreation, to succeed Burton as the district’s new executive director.

Staton has been in his current role at the district for 18 years. Before coming to Wauconda, he spent three years at the Carol Stream Park District and three years at the Naperville Park District.

“Nancy Burton has been a dedicated leader to the Wauconda Park District and community for 25 years,” Staton said in the release. “I have had the pleasure to work with and learn from her during this time. It is my vision that we will continue to build upon Nancy’s legacy. I am excited about the challenges and opportunities ahead of us, and wish Nancy continued happiness in her retirement.”