William Van Giesen
Endorsed by Journal & Topics! Vote today for Palatine Park District Commissioners: Sue Gould and William Van Giesen.
Read on to learn more about Candidate William Van Giesen.
General Background
How long have you lived in the Palatine Park District?
William: 7 years
What is your favorite thing about living in Palatine?
William: My favorite thing about living in Palatine is the sense of community, especially during special events. Whether it’s the Fourth of July parade, Street Fest, or the holiday tree lighting, these events bring people together and showcase the spirit of our town. They remind me why I love calling Palatine home, it’s a place where families, friends, and neighbors come together to celebrate and create lasting memories.
Park District Involvement & Vision
What inspired you to run for the Palatine Park District Board of Commissioners?
William: I am running for Park Commissioner because I am deeply committed to enhancing the quality and accessibility of our park district programs for all Palatine residents. As a parent, my family has been actively involved in park district programs since my son was two years old. Over the years, my wife and I, along with many other parents, have observed that program schedules often do not align well with the needs of working families. Through conversations with other parents it has become clear that this is a widespread concern.
Why do you believe the Palatine Park District is important to the community?
William: My educational background in Recreation has shown me the vital role parks and recreational programs play in building strong, healthy communities. The Palatine Park District is more than just a collection of facilities—it’s a place where families connect, children learn, and residents find joy and belonging. It’s a cornerstone of our community that defines who we are.
The closure of the Palatine Stables was a devastating loss for many and hearing the stories of those impacted broke my heart. It’s a reminder of how much these spaces mean to people. That’s why I’m committed to fighting for our Park District and ensuring it meets the needs of all residents. Whether it’s preserving unique assets like the stables or expanding programs and services, I believe in the power of parks to bring people together and enrich lives.
What is your vision for the future of the Palatine Park District?
William: My vision is to not only address scheduling challenges but also to elevate the overall quality of our programs. I am driven by a competitive spirit and a desire to ensure that Palatine offers the very best park district programs in the region. I want our community to be known for its exceptional park district, a place where residents can proudly say, “You live in Palatine? They have an amazing park district!” To achieve this, I am dedicated to fostering high standards across the board: improving communication, ensuring transparency, enhancing facility operations, and expanding program offerings. My goal is to create a park district that is inclusive, well-run, and truly serves the needs of all families in our community.
Palatine Stables & Park District Facilities
The closure of Palatine Stables this year was a controversial issue. How do you feel the situation was handled? What would you have done differently?
William: The closure of Palatine Stables was a disappointing situation that could have been avoided with better planning and communication. The Park District failed to properly maintain the facilities, and the way the closure was handled left many feeling unheard.
For issues like this, I would start by getting a clear estimate of repair costs, reviewing safety reports, and engaging directly with the community—especially those who use the stables. Together, we could explore options like grants, partnerships, and working with local representatives to find solutions.
I believe the stables are a unique and valuable asset to our community, not just for their programs but for the therapeutic and educational benefits horses provide. I would fight to keep them open and ensure they are maintained for future generations.
If elected, how will you advocate for the future of Palatine Stables and other park district facilities?
William: If elected, I will continue to advocate for the future of Palatine Stables and all park district facilities. The overwhelming support from residents, evidenced by the signatures collected, shows how much this community values the stables. Instead of building a new facility at a higher cost, I believe we should repair and improve the existing stables, working closely with the community to ensure they are safe and sustainable for years to come.
To ensure all park district facilities are well-maintained, I will prioritize transparency and accountability. Supervisor of Facilities needs to report maintenance plans, address challenges, and identify solutions. I also propose periodic, unannounced tours of facilities with the Supervisor to see firsthand the issues they face and ensure we are proactively addressing them.
Community Engagement & Fiscal Responsibility
How do you plan to ensure that the Park District remains transparent and accountable to the residents?
William: Transparency and accountability are essential to building trust with residents. If elected, I will push for better communication through regular newsletters, similar to those sent by the village, School District 15, and the library. These newsletters would keep residents informed about park district events, programs, and updates on how their tax dollars are being used.
I also believe the Park District should follow the example of School District 15 by sharing board meeting summaries in their newsletter. This would give residents a clear understanding of the decisions being made and the challenges we’re addressing.
My goal is to create a Park District that is open, responsive, and accountable to the community it serves.
How will you engage with the community to ensure their voices are heard in decisions affecting the Park District?
William: I will actively engage with the community to ensure their voices are heard in every decision affecting the Park District. My approach is simple: listen, act, and empower. I will make myself available for conversations at community events, programs, and public forums, whether my family is directly involved or not.
As a parent, I already have the opportunity to connect with other families during my son’s Park District activities, but I won’t stop there. I plan to attend special events, visit programs, and be present in the community to hear your comments, concerns, and ideas.
Listening is just the first step—I will work hard to act on what I hear. You deserve a representative who not only listens but also takes meaningful steps to address your needs. Together, we can build a Park District that truly reflects the values and priorities of our community.
