From the Marengo Park District:
MARENGO PARK DISTRICT ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE TRANSITION; BOARD HIGHLIGHTS CAPITAL ACHIEVEMENTS AND FISCAL STABILITY
MARENGO, IL — July 14, 2026 — The Marengo Park District Board of Commissioners today announced the upcoming conclusion of its independent contractor consulting agreement with Executive Director Dr. Dan Bertrand.
Dr. Bertrand submitted his formal 30-day termination notice on July 4, 2026, with an official effective date of August 3, 2026.
The Board of Commissioners extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Bertrand for his dedicated service, his collaborative work with the corporate authorities, and his commitment to enhancing community assets.
Dr. Bertrand originally entered into his Independent Consulting Agreement with the District on February 1, 2021.
His tenure began immediately following a critical fiscal milestone executed by the Board of Commissioners: the comprehensive refinancing of the District’s bond debt.
By aggressively taking advantage of historically low interest rates, the Board successfully freed up substantial operational funding.
This strategic financial positioning allowed the District to embark on a multi-year wave of capital improvements while strictly maintaining the Board’s primary, non-negotiable directive to the community: doing so without raising local property taxes.
Operating under the policy direction, legislative approval, and financial strategy of the Board of Commissioners, a series of long-sought community developments were successfully executed over the last five years:
- Basketball & Pickleball Court Conversion: The wholesale redevelopment of the
legacy tennis courts into a modern, combined Basketball and Pickleball facility. This
project was funded via a Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)
grant alongside matching funds secured through the Community Foundation of McHenry
County. - The Venue in the Park: The successful construction of the highly anticipated “Venue in
the Park” pavilion complex, which was unlocked following the Board’s authorization and
successful application for the state’s Open Space Land Acquisition and Development
(OSLAD) grant program. - Deferred Maintenance Backlog: The resolution of dozens of critical infrastructure and
facility maintenance upgrades that had been indefinitely sidelined prior to the Board’s
aggressive restructuring of its corporate bond debt.
Beyond his administrative and strategic oversight, the Board of Commissioners wishes to recognize Dr. Bertrand’s exceptional, hands-on dedication to the District’s daily operations.
While contractually engaged to provide high-level management, Dr. Bertrand routinely went well beyond standard executive expectations, volunteering his personal time to work directly alongside the maintenance and operations teams.
The Board extends its sincere appreciation for his willingness to step outside the traditional scope of his agreement to serve the community.
Whether he was assisting with mowing the grounds, watering the turf, operating equipment to set up for the annual Day in the Park
celebration, or physically laying sod with the staff, his tireless work ethic and deep personal commitment to the District have left a tangible, lasting impact on our parks.
“Dan worked hand-in-hand with this Board to turn our legislative and financial visions into tangible community realities,” said Board President Marty Mohr.
“He leaves the Marengo Park District in a significantly stronger operational position than he found it.
“We thank him for his years of hard work—both behind the director’s desk and in the field and wish him the absolute bes in his next chapter.”
The Board of Commissioners has already implemented a structured administrative transition plan to ensure zero disruption to ongoing programming, facility maintenance, and grant management.
As part of this forward-looking transition framework, the Board is currently accepting resumes for the position of Interim Director of Park Operations.
Interested candidates are instructed to submit their professional qualifications directly to the Board President.
Position Opening: Interim Park District Director (Consultant) Marengo Park District — Marengo, IL
Are you a strategic leader with a background in local government, an experienced parks and recreation professional, or a civic-minded visionary with a strong passion for improving community parks and recreation?
The Marengo Park District Board of Commissioners is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking leader to step in as our Interim Park District Director on an independent consulting basis.
What You’ll Do (The Scope)
In this vital role, you will serve as our Chief Operating Officer, providing essential administrative oversight, overseeing day-to-day operations, and driving key strategic initiatives under the Illinois Park District Code (70 ILCS 1205/1-1, et seq.).
- Provide Administrative Oversight & Team Leadership: Deliver top-tier administrative oversight for all
District operations, including finance, risk management, purchasing, human resources, and community
outreach. Effectively manage the team and collaborate closely with key department leaders, including the
Building and Grounds Supervisor, Recreation Director, Front Desk/Office Manager, and Venue Managers. - Engage the Community: Actively interact with the community and maintain a visible, welcoming presence
by being present during District and Community events. - Build Local Partnerships & Seek Grants: Act as the primary liaison with local units of government, state,
and federal entities to build effective, mutually beneficial partnerships for the community. Aggressively
research and seek alternative revenue streams, including public and private grants, to fund capital
improvements. - Manage Financial Strategy & Policy: Act as our primary liaison for ongoing bond management, guide long-
term financial partnerships, and collaborate with the Board to review and update the District Policies as needed to remain current with local, state, and federal regulations.
Why You’ll Love This Role (The Perks & Flexibility)
- Set Your Own Schedule: Enjoy true professional autonomy! This is an independent contractor relationship
where you have the freedom to set your own schedule and work off-site when appropriate, provided District
duties are satisfactorily met. - Contract Flexibility: Flexible month-to-month automatic renewal structure with a mutual 30-day written
cancellation clause. The Board fully supports outside employment, consulting duties or board positions,
provided they do not conflict with your District duties or create a conflict in law. - Professional Connections: Keep your network strong—the District budgets and pays for your annual Illinois
Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) membership. - Family Fun Included: You and your immediate family will receive complimentary access to all Marengo
Park District programs and facilities (excluding room rentals)!
Contract Details - Position Type: Independent Consultant / Director of Park Operations
- Term: Month-to-Month Contract
- Compensation: Negotiable
- Expenses: Reasonable, job-affiliated professional expenses are fully reimbursed within the District budget.
Ready to Apply or Learn More?
If you have the ability to manage a team effectively, the vision to lead our parks, and the drive to build strong local partnerships, we want to hear from you!
To express interest or submit a resume, please contact:
Marty Mohr, Board President
mmohr@marengoparkdistrict.org
(303) 854-4633 (cell)
