Mission Statement

The Watseka Park District Mission is to “open the door for recreational and social opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities in Watseka and the surrounding communities.”

History

The Watseka Park District was formed in 1999. The first office space was located on Walnut Street in Watseka inside the old Kohl building. The Watseka Park District purchased the building where they are currently located in 2008. The building located at 110 South Third Street in Watseka currently provides office and staffing in the front portion as well as hosting many events and programs as well as the Toddler Program and After School Program in the back portion of the building.

Board of Directors

Todd Oster – President

Todd Oster, Watseka Park District President, resides in Watseka. Todd and his wife Lisa, have 4 children and 2 grand daughters. He has been on the board since 2008. Todd has been a coach for the park district and an active board member. Todd and the rest of the board members have been instrumental in securing permanent soccer fields, the office building, and improvements. Todd is positive about the park district and wants to see it grow and continue to offer rewarding programming and opportunities to Watseka and the surrounding communities.

Rich Moyer – Vice-President

Rich Moyers, Watseka Park District Vice-President, resides in Watseka. He and his wife Lynette, have 3 grown boys. Rich graduated from Clifton Central High School. He has lived in Watseka for more than 28 years and was actively involved with the Little League program for 17 years. Rich has been with Pence Oil for 30 years. Rich has been instrumental in capital improvements at the park district including the kitchen, classroom and storage remodel project as well as the securement of the permanent soccer fields.

Dawn Howe- Secretary

Dawn Howe has been a resident of Watseka her whole life. She attended Eastern Illinois University for both her Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences- Family Services. She is a diehard sports fan; some of her favorite teams are the Chicago Cubs and the New England Patriots. She has been a softball coach during the summer for 7 years, and this summer will be her 8th year. She loves softball and enjoys being able to pass her passion for the sport to others. She loves being involved and giving back to her community. She is on the Park District board because she wants to help create programs for those who live in our community, and to be involved.

Christopher Both- Treasurer

Christopher Both, Watseka Park District Treasurer, resides in Watseka with his wife and child.  He graduated from Franklin University with a Bachelor is Business Administration and is currently Senior Lender and Senior Vice President of Kentland Bank.  He has a passion for helping others and the community he lives in.  He has worked with many community groups including the Boy Scouts, 4-H, United Way, Masonic Lodge, Juvenile Justice Council, and more.  He is on the Park District board because he feels it provides valuable programming to encourage the personal growth of the youth in our community. 

Chris Meredith

My name is Chris Meredith and I am the newest member of the Watseka Park District Board. I was born in Downey California and moved to Watseka in the 2^nd grade. I live in Watseka with my wife of 19 years, Melissa, our 15-year-old son, Quentin, and our 4 cats, dog and 2 snakes. My hobbies include computers, fishing, bowling, amateur radio, weather spotting and camping. I work as the IT Manager for T&D Metal Products for the last 10 years. I have served as the Iroquois County Amateur radio club president, vice president and treasurer. I have volunteered on the Red Cross Board and have also been the chairman for the Iroquois County Relay for Life. I am also an EMA volunteer and serve as the Emergency Coordinator for Iroquois County for the ARRL. I look forward to serving the community as part of the Watseka Park District Board and hope to bring some of my passions to the programs that the park district offers.