Meet Wicker Park's new supervisor

Dan Puente is Wicker Park's new supervisor. A Chicago native he lives in west Logan Square and is a Gordan Tech High School graduate who has attended events in the Park.

"This is going to be my home just as it is yours. I'm happy to be here to help coordinate what the community wants in terms of park use, programming needs and streamlining processes," Puente said to members of the Park's advisory council.

He comes back to the Park District after three years with the Chicago White Sox in community relations where he handled youth baseball programming. His original two-and-a-half years with the Park District was in the Sports and Recreation Department coordinating city-wide leagues and handling a lot of the grant programs. "I'm strong on programming and the coordination side," he said. He returned because he missed being in a recreational environment and working directly with kids.

Puente requested to meet with the members of the Wicker Park Advisory Counsel so that there could be dialogue before the official council meetings. The interchange was positive and honest.

"I'm excited about having Dan as our Park Supervisor," said Susan Fontana, former Co-Pres. of the Council. "His interest in collaboration gives us the opportunity to create successful community programming."

Denise Browning, former fellow Co-Pres. with Fontana, was equally happy, "His knowledge and energy makes me optimistic about the Park's future."

"I look forward to working with Dan and his team," said Tim Kolecke, current Advisory Council President. "I am confident that by working together, we will create exciting events and develop sustainable programs that meet the needs of our community."

As the person who is the coordinator of the Council's activities as well as the Wicker Park Garden Club's park activities, Doug Wood, Council Secretary and  Events and Programming Chairman, said, "I appreciate his great attitudes about working together with the community to create great programming for all ages."

Other council members expressed their optimism about being able to move into the coming season with renewed energy and putting more fun into the community's historic gem--Wicker Park.