This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

H-F Park District to See Change in Leadership

Dallas Collins, the new H-F Park District Commissioner wants you to get moving.

Look out Homewood-Flossmoor couch potatoes: there’s a new commissioner in town. 

Her name is Dallas Collins and she is the newest addition to the H-F Park District Board of Commissioners. And she says that no matter who you are, there's a recreational H-F Park District program with your name on it.

"Trying something new is always great," said Collins. "Now is a great time to get out there."

Find out what's happening in Homewood-Flossmoorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

With 365 acres of land, a skatepark, dog park, 12 soccer fields, 12 baseball fields and 25 outdoor tennis courts, and the Millennium Park Splash Pad (set to open on Memorial Day) the Park District offers a variety of opportunities for H-F citizens to get out and get active.

Collins, 29, says her young family has especially enjoyed the district's tennis and karate programs. Collins feels it's especially important that kids get exercise.

Find out what's happening in Homewood-Flossmoorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“(Childhood obesity is) definitely a concern," she said. "We don't utilize our open space as much as we should."

However, for many Collins election to the board is bittersweet. She defeated incumbent Park District Commissioner Peter Camin, who had been working on the board since 2003. But, according to Collins, the election fight was no grudge match.

"There's nothing that I would glaringly change about the park district," said Collins. "It's just that I felt at this point in my life, it was time."

Camin says he'll continue to serve in an advisory capacity locally, as well as with the National Recreation and Parks Association. An avid swimmer and golfer, Camin, 55, said he will continue using the Park District's facilities as a health-conscious citizen.

"I always tell people the streets are the arteries of the village and the parks are the lungs," he said. "They provide life…There's a phrase, 'it starts in the park.”

And Collins is extremely focused on nurturing these integral parts of the H-F community as commissioner. Her priorities in the months ahead including encouraging volunteers, and "maintaining a balanced budget without sacrificing things."

Collins is also confident that she can get more people out and utilizing the parks of H-F.

"Just walking in the park is good, just take a dog or grab a friend and walk," she said.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?