At the May 21 , 2026, Park Board Meeting, the Downers Grove Park District proudly recognized and celebrated the remarkable career and lasting legacy of Executive Director Bill McAdam as he enters retirement after more than 35 years of dedicated public service.
Earlier this year, Bill received one of the highest honors in the parks and recreation profession — the Illinois Park and Recreation Association’s (IPRA) Robert Artz Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious recognition is reserved for individuals whose careers demonstrate exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and a profound impact on communities across Illinois.
For anyone who has had the privilege of working alongside Bill, the honor comes as no surprise.
Throughout his career, Bill has devoted himself to strengthening communities through parks, recreation, conservation, and public service. His leadership has helped preserve more than 500 acres of public land across Illinois, creating spaces where families gather, children play, neighbors connect, and natural resources are protected for generations to come.
Here in Downers Grove, Bill’s influence can be seen throughout the community. Under his leadership, the District expanded and enhanced some of the community’s most cherished spaces, including Gelwicks Park, Lyman Woods, McCollum Park, and Doerhoefer Park. These parks are far more than recreational amenities — they are part of the fabric of the community and reflect Bill’s vision for creating spaces that improve quality of life for residents of all ages.
Yet Bill’s legacy extends well beyond park development.
He has been a respected mentor, advocate, and leader within the parks and recreation profession. Over the years, he has served as Chairman of the IPRA Board, contributed to accreditation and professional standards initiatives, mentored emerging professionals through ProConnect, and served as a CAPRA reviewer — consistently helping raise the standard of excellence across the field.
Bill’s commitment to public service has also remained steadfast throughout his career. Since 2014, he has served as a commissioner for the Lemont Park District, where his own journey in parks and recreation first began as a teenage lifeguard. In that role, he has helped lead significant land acquisition efforts, park development projects, inclusive recreation initiatives, and a successful referendum that will positively impact the Lemont community for years to come.
A passionate advocate for inclusion and accessibility, Bill also played a key role in championing opportunities for individuals of all abilities. Through his leadership at the District and his partnership with SEASPAR, he helped bring the District’s first inclusive playground to Constitution Park and expanded recreational opportunities for residents throughout the community.
Over the course of his distinguished career, Bill has earned numerous professional honors, including being named IPRA Professional of the Year and election to the American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration. But beyond the awards and accolades, what truly defines Bill’s career is his unwavering dedication to the people and communities he has served.
His leadership, compassion, and passion for parks and recreation have left a lasting impact on countless residents and helped strengthen communities for generations to come.
On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, staff, and the entire Downers Grove community, we extend our deepest gratitude to Bill McAdam for his decades of service, leadership, and commitment.
Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement, Bill. Your legacy will continue to inspire our community for years to come.