The town of Cicero’s Parks and Recreation Department recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Local elected officials, denizens of the CanTeen and parks employees past and present gathered at the American Legion April 2 for an emotional evening of proclamations, presentations and heartfelt memories of the town’s recreation programs.
A hefty brochure — designed by longtime parks employee C. Dawn Maurer — and a slideshow projected on the wall of the Legion showcased the parks department’s greatest hits, including the CanTeen, the “Young at Heart” Senior Center and updated playgrounds and recreation fields.
“We can all be very glad of these accomplishments because without a doubt they add to the quality of life of the residents in the town,” said Town Supervisor Jessica Zambrano.
State Assemblymember Al Stirpe said Cicero’s parks bring the townspeople together.
“Nowadays, people more and more are isolated. They don’t sit on their porch and talk anymore,” Stirpe said. “Parks and recreation is one place where the community can come together.”
The parks department began in 1965 when resident Peter Cataldi was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Cataldi tagged Dick Bader to become the department’s first part-time director.
Bader’s daughter, Ruth Bader Beasley, shared her memories of her father and his dedication to the parks department.
“Despite the original part-time status of the job, my dad has never done anything part-time,” Beasley said. “[He would say], ‘If you know any successful people, you will find one common quality: enthusiasm.”
Bader broadened parks and rec offerings to include a drama program, swimming lessons, women’s fitness classes and more. He introduced the “Playmobile,” a truck that traveled Cicero’s neighborhoods to bring activities to children who couldn’t access the parks.
Beasley said her grandfather had told her father that he’d “never be able to make a living through playing.” As a physical education teacher and parks director, Bader proved the maxim, “You don’t stop playing because you grow old; you grow old because you stop playing.”
Judy Dickson, director of the senior center, shared a few reflections from senior citizens who participate in the town’s activities for older people.
“The golden years can be beautiful, but you need a purpose in life,” Dickson read. “[The senior center] is an emerald isle at the end of the yellow brick road.”
Many of the speakers credited Parks and Recreation Director Jody Rogers and her staff with the department’s success and longevity.
“We’re lucky to have her,” Zambrano said of Rogers. “She works tirelessly; she’s creative.”
County Legislator Tim Burtis, formerly a Cicero town councilor, said he wished for another 50 successful years for the parks department.
“I believe the future of our parks and rec program is very bright given this stellar group of people,” Zambrano said.
