Plainfield Park District Names New Director

After 33 years with the Plainfield Park District, Executive Director Greg Bott will retire on June 30, handing over the reins to current Superintendent of Planning Cameron Bettin.

Bott has been with the park district since 1981 and was promoted to superintendent of parks in 1983. He became executive director in 1985, according to a press release from the park district.

Bettin, who was hired by the park district in 2004, will assume the role of assistant executive director on April 1 for a three-month transition period as he prepares to officially take the helm on July 1.

"I'll be under the tutelage and guidance of Greg," Bettin said, adding, "That way, the employees can get used to me being in charge."

Bettin said he'll be taking the helm as the park district's budget process gets under way, and following the election of two new board members.

"I'm excited about the new opportunity and any challenges that are ahead," he said.

Bott said he's been planning to retire since the board last renewed his contract three years ago.

"I've been here a long time, seen a lot of changes," he said, adding with a laugh, "There are some things that I'll miss and some things that I won't."

Bettin is a park district resident and lives in Joliet with his wife, Donna. He has four stepchildren and three grandchildren.

He started his career in 1989 as an intern with the Wheaton Park District, and worked there full time as the assistant superintendent of planning from 1990 to 1998.

Bettin also worked as the Waukegan Park District manager of planning services from 1998 to 2002. He spent two years as a sales representative for manufacturers of park and recreation amenities before joining the Plainfield Park District in 2004.

Bettin is a member of the board of directors of Conservation Plainfield, a non-profit cooperative of government agencies and residents focusing on issues of conservation.

He was also recently appointed to serve on the Illinois Conservation Foundation, a group that works to preserve and enhance the state’s natural resources by supporting and fostering ecological, educational, and recreational programs for the benefit of all citizens of Illinois and future generations.

Park district spokeswoman Marianne Ryan said the park district board of commissioners signed off on Bettin's new contract last week.

She added that while staffers are sad to see Bott leave, they're excited about the changes ahead.

"The staff seems excited, certainly happy for Cameron," she said. "It's kind of an exciting time at the park district."

Bott said Bettin's current position will not be filled immediately, adding it could take a few months for a search for a new superintendent of planning to get under way.