My name is Qiana Carswell. I have lived in Oak Park for 30 years. I am a career scientist, own a local vegan food business, and am a parent and community organizer.
Somewhere along the way, we have moved away from the model of the park district as a community core. For years, the park district, along with our other institutions, served as a significant pillar of Oak Park neighborhoods. The field houses served as places and spaces where families could come together to pursue healthy and communal activities outside of school.
In recent years, the park district has made significant strides in developing our athletic programming and our Ridgeland Common facility. But we must go further to address the desires and needs of all of our communities’ families.
How do we continue to ensure that Oak Park is a world class model of diversity, excellence in education, inclusion, and thoughtfulness in environmental issues?
We must elevate our level of collaboration and connectedness. We must review and enhance our park district programming. We must not overlook the park district’s important role in building strong communities. It must nurture a space in our community for recreation, socialization, relaxation, and cultural and environmental awareness. The Park District of Oak Park must be accessible and inclusive.
I am seeking election to the park board because I am for:
Appropriate after-school and summer programming for middle- and high-school students.
Engaging and convenient programming for seniors within our community.
Entirely accessible youth programming for all interested families, including STEM field programming.
Effective intergovernmental and community collaboration.
Sustainable planning, from an environmental standpoint, and as a community institution.
Please elect me to the board of the Park District of Oak Park, and I will work to address and correct the above issues. My strengths include developing partnerships and collaborations. I am energetic, creative, resourceful, and I work smart. I am committed to building true community.
Together. Stronger.
Qiana Carswell is running for Park District of Oak Park commissioner.