Wilmette Park District Bids Farewell to Superintendent of Parks and Planning, Kristi Solberg

The Wilmette Park District announces the upcoming departure of Kristi Solberg, Superintendent of Parks and Planning, who has accepted a new role as Director of Facilities with the Elmhurst Park District. Kristi’s last day with Wilmette will be March 6, 2025.

Since joining the Park District five years ago, Kristi has played a vital role in shaping Wilmette’s parks and facilities, leading key projects that enhance community spaces and sustainability efforts. Her leadership has strengthened the Parks and Planning Department, expanded its capabilities, and provided invaluable support to the Wilmette Park District team.

A Lasting Legacy: Gillson Infrastructure Improvement Plan

Among Kristi’s many accomplishments, one of her most significant contributions has been her leadership in the Gillson Infrastructure Improvement Plan. As one of Wilmette’s most beloved parks and a site listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Gillson Park has long faced infrastructure challenges, including deteriorating roadways, drainage issues, and safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists.

Under Kristi’s guidance, the Park District worked closely with Lakota Group, Woodhouse Tinucci Architects, and Gewalt Hamilton Associates to engage the public, refine the project’s scope, and ensure the plan aligned with the community’s vision. After an extensive three-year planning process, the project broke ground in October 2024 and is scheduled for completion in May 2025.

Key improvements include:

• Resurfacing all roadways to ensure a safer and smoother experience for vehicles and pedestrians.
• Replacing underground sewers to enhance drainage efficiency.
• Adding a dedicated bike lane and sidewalk to improve park accessibility.
• Reconfiguring portions of Harbor Drive to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians while maintaining its iconic curves.
• Shoring up berms with retaining walls to combat erosion.
• Enhancing overall visitor safety and park longevity through sustainable infrastructure updates.

Kristi’s vision and leadership have been instrumental in bringing this long-awaited project to life, ensuring Gillson Park remains a treasured space for generations to come.

A Career of Impact:

Beyond Gillson, Kristi has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including:

• Sustainability advancements – Wilmette’s first electric vehicle, organic fertilizers, and the installation of the community’s first car charging station.
• Park enhancements – Dedicated pickleball courts, new walking paths, outdoor bathrooms, and landscape plans for all parks.
• Community resources – A public GIS tree inventory, improved garden plot management, and expanded platform tennis facilities.
• Capital project planning – Establishing replacement schedules and a site amenity inventory to guide long-term improvements.

Reflecting on her time at Wilmette Park District, Kristi shared:

“I’ve been fortunate to manage and develop many capital projects during my five years with the District. These experiences have given me invaluable insight into planning and implementing large-scale improvements. I’m especially proud of securing Wilmette’s first OSLAD grant for $600,000—an achievement that will leave a lasting impact on our parks.”

Kristi also expressed gratitude for her team and the opportunity to grow the Parks and Planning Department.

“One of the things I’ve enjoyed most is increasing our department’s impact by bringing in key staff members who have strengthened our ability to serve the community.”

A New Chapter in Elmhurst:

Kristi is eager to step into her new role as Director of Facilities with the Elmhurst Park District, where she will be one of the committee members to oversee projects funded by a nearly $90 million referendum approved by Elmhurst residents.

“It’s exciting to work for the community I live in and to be part of the transformational projects ahead,” she said.

A Fond Farewell and Best Wishes

“Elmhurst’s gain is certainly our loss,” said Human Resources and Risk Manager Carol Heafey. “Kristi’s dedication, expertise, and leadership have made a lasting impact on Wilmette. We are grateful for her contributions and wish her continued success in this next chapter.”

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Kristi and look forward to her continued success at the Elmhurst Park District!