Welcome, Dave Merrill

9/20/23 – A warm welcome to the Wilmette Park District’s new Superintendent of Recreation, Dave Merrill! Dedicated to his field, Dave has spent his entire career in recreation with various positions around Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota and even Arkansas! His most recent post was Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry for the City of Austin, MN.

Dave and his family are no strangers to the northern suburbs where they lived for more than a decade while he worked at Northeastern Illinois University as a director and faculty member. Decade in education aside, the calling of municipal recreation was strong in this one, and it eventually brought him to us at Wilmette. “Finding a community that met my needs as a professional and a parent became very important to me,” explains Dave. Wilmette’s active and healthy community presented a terrific opportunity for Dave and his family to grow. “It’s important for me and my family to be a part of the community we serve, and Wilmette felt like a natural fit immediately!”

And he is fitting in nicely, indeed! Dave has spent his first couple of weeks meeting and greeting his co-workers and the community. “I am excited about participating in the Project Parks and Play (PPP) planning project to help guide the future of the Wilmette Park District,” he says. It’s a great time to join the District, with so many unique planning processes going on – between master plans, strategic plans, sustainability, and lakefront projects, there are plenty of ways to be a part of the positive changes and impactful decisions taking place.

When Dave isn’t busy at work, he and his wife, Angie, are with their two sons seeking adventure in the great outdoors, playing sports, or enjoying a concert or beach vacation. Be sure to say hello and welcome to our newest teammate, Dave!