Donald R. Jessen Pavilion
Lake Manor Nature Preserve
The Board of Directors of the Addison Park District dedicated the new pavilion in Lake Manor Nature Preserve in honor of Donald R. “Don” Jessen for his tireless work and commitment to the District, which spans over 50 years of service in various roles on the park district’s Board of Commissioners and on its non-profit foundation, the Addison Parks & Recreation Foundation.
Don’s history with Addison Park District began when the park district was only 10 years in development. The District has now grown to encompass 284 acres with 25 park sites; the development of Community Recreation Center, Centennial Recreation Center, Links & Tees Golf Facility, Lake Manor Nature Preserve, Club Fitness, and the partnership with NEDSRA have all become a reality during his time with the District.
His passion has been limitless for recreation and parks for everyone, from the development of early childhood programming to senior citizens; he believes in having a place to go to be inspired, to enjoy the outdoors by taking a walk in the park, and to meet friends and socialize. Don has also been an advocate for parks and recreation on a legislative level where his skillful lobbying and legislative efforts have benefited park and recreation agencies statewide, as well as nationally through Open Space Land Acquisition grants and Land and Water Conservation funding, both of which go directly to units of local government to directly benefit residents. His efforts to secure funding contributed hugely to the growth of the Addison Park District.
At the state level, Don served on the Illinois Association of Park Districts for 28 years as a citizen volunteer; he was the President of the Board of Directors in 1993, and was named Commissioner of the Year in 1995. On the national level, he has served on the Board of Trustees of the National Parks and Recreation Association for 15 years, and he also served as an ambassador to Parks and Recreation in Japan at their national conferences, and hosted a Japanese delegation at the National Congress.
In 2003, Don was a co-founder of the Addison Parks & Recreation Foundation, a non-profit 501-3C organization. Its mission is to support and enhance the park experience for all Addison Park District residents through tax-deductible donations and fund-raising. The Foundation provides financial aid for park district participants, has funded projects, such as the Doggie Waste Disposal Stations in all of our parks and provided volunteer opportunities and recognition. Don also sits on the Advisory Council of the National Association of Park Foundations.
Because of his efforts, in 2005, he was presented with a resolution honoring his service by the Illinois General Assembly.
Despite Don’s numerous accomplishments, he has never lost sight of connecting with the community on a personal level. For years, sleeves rolled up, Don cooked and served his famous sloppy joes for our Seniors in an annual free luncheon.
Thank you Don for your service and dedication to Addison Park District and
to this community.
