Lemont Park District Plants Tree in Founder's Honor

LEMONT, IL — Flashback to 1966: a group of Lemont residents band together with a mission and a vision to make a difference. This dream became a reality and the Lemont Park District continues to grow year after year.

The Lemont Township Park District originated as an idea formed by Township Supervisor Lewis N. Ruppert during his first year in office in the early 1960s. He received many inquiries from residents regarding recreational facilities. He realized as Township Supervisor he could not legally do anything to satisfy the recreational needs and requirements of the citizens. So, he proactively suggested to them that the Township needed a Park District.

In the fall of 1965, Ruppert enlisted the help of the Lemont Jaycees to take a sample poll of the community as to whether the voters favored the formation of a Park District. Seventy-five percent of the 500 people polled were in favor With the majority ruling, Ruppert contacted the Township Attorney, who agreed to do all the necessary legal work at no charge to file a petition requesting an election for voter approval.

The election date was the April 16 1966, from noon to 6 p.m. There were three polling places: Lemont Township High School, Bloom’s Service Station and the Meyer Residence. Each owner donated their facilities. The results of this election to determine whether to form a Park District and to elect five commissioners were as follows: 196 residents voted “yes” and 152 residents voted “no.” So, it was on April 16, 1966, The Lemont Park District was formed thanks to Ruppert’s hard work and passionate spirit.

Today, the Lemont Park District operates over 500 recreation programs and special events annually. The Park District is headquartered at Centennial Campus, 16028 127th Street in Lemont. The campus, measuring over 1,700,000 square feet in its entirety, is home to three buildings operated by the Park District – Centennial Community Center, The Lemont Park District CORE Fitness & Aquatic Complex, and the “Barn” the District’s Maintenance Facility. Centennial Campus includes several outdoor amenities such as the Centennial Outdoor Aquatic Center with Spray and Water Park Amenities; Picnic Pavilion; a Shade-Covered Picnic Pad; five lighted Baseball-Softball Fields; The Lemont Park District Miracle Ball Field; three Basketball Courts; three Tennis Courts; the ”Rock Pit" Skate Park; five Soccer Fields; an outdoor Walking Path (1.14 miles or 6,020 ft); two Fully Accessible Shaded Picnic Groves and Nature Area; and the Lemont Jr. Women's Club (LJWC) Playground. In addition to Centennial Campus, which hosts approximately 250,000 visitors per year, the Lemont Park District also provides and maintains 22 park sites that include various play pieces; tennis and basketball courts; and numerous ball fields.

On Monday, September 5, Ruppert was presented with a plaque and a tree planted in his honor at a dedication program that took place at Centennial Campus. Family, District officials and staff were all present to show gratitude to Mr. Ruppert for all his efforts.

“I feel privileged and honored to serve this great community and continue the legacy in which Mr. Lewis Ruppert began just over 50 years ago,” said Lemont Park District Board President Brian Pepich, at the dedication event. “I’d like to personally give a big thank you to Mr. Ruppert. This tree has been planted in your honor and will forever symbolize the seed you planted as our visionary 50 years ago. We will forever be grateful for your efforts."

In addition to being the Lemont Township Supervisor and forming the Park District, Ruppert also served as a volunteer fireman and policeman. He has devoted much time and efforts to help make the great community of Lemont what it is today.

—Photos and Story Submitted by the Lemont Park District