Q&A With Park Board Candidate Ray Morrill

Ray Morrill has lived in Wheaton for 36 years, and has been president of the Wheaton Park District board since 2007. He graduated with a bachelor of science in parks and recreation management from Western Illinois University, He is now retired, but currently consulting for Hazzard, Young and Attea, doing job searches for directors for area park districts. He served on the Illinois Park and Recreation board from 1994-1997 (and was president in 1996), the National Park and Recreation Aquatics Board from 1993-2002 (president in 2001), the Center for History Board from 1997-2007, and was elected president of the Kiwanis Club of Wheaton in 2010. 

Patch: What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

Morrill: I'm committed to serving our community and improving the quality of life for our residents and families by offering a varity of recreational activities that everyone can enjoy at a reasonable cost. I believe our entire community deserve access to quality programs, parks and facilities.

Patch: What will be your single most important priority if elected?

Morrill: I have two priorities; First: preserving the open space and gymnasiums at the old Hubble School site for future generations while allowing for light development to add to tax rolls and creating a gateway to downtown Wheaton to benefit our businesses. Second: continue aggressively exploring cost-cutting measures and new initiatives. In an environment of continued financial challenges, the park district must maintain stability through effective coordination of resources, and creating cooperative relationships with other agencies.

Patch: What sets you apart from the other candidates?

Morrill: I have demonstrated my concern and love for this community over the last 38 years. I have the experience and dedication to serve the community and look at the big picture without any individual bias. I understand what it takes to work with other governmental bodies to get things done for the benefit of the community.

Patch: How long have you lived in Wheaton?

Morrill: I moved here in 1972, and except for two years in Carol Stream, my wife and I have lived in Wheaton for almost 36 years.

Patch: What's your favorite thing about Wheaton?

Morrill: It's a great community for raising a family, a great school system , great park district and a great city. It's a community that demands a lot from their taxing bodies and do not accept anything but their best effort. Yet they are very supportive and proud of their rich heritage.

Patch: What is the biggest problem facing the park district?

Morrill: Securing the Hubble site (or a portion of it) is my biggest concern. Living within our financial means is next. Making sure that Arrowhead Golf Course is financially profitable is a major concern for the entire board. Finally, completing the Northside Park renovation project has been something the current and prior boards have taken an interest in and is something that once completed will represent a park we will all be proud of.

Patch: What ideas do you have for the Wheaton Park District—whether new ideas or on current issues facing the board?

Morrill: One new concept is to build a "sensory playground " in cooperation with the Kiwanis, WDSRA and other partnerships with clubs and organizations throughout DuPage County. It would serve children with challenges in an environment where they feel comfortable and develop themselves by challenging their bodies and minds. We do not have a playground aimed at serving this special population. This would be a great asset to what the Wheaton Park District already provides.