It is with both immense gratitude and heartfelt admiration that the Gurnee Park District announces the retirement of our Executive Director, Susie Kuruvilla, effective April 30, 2025. Susie has been a cornerstone of the District since joining as Director of Business Services in June 1997. Over her 27-year tenure, including 18 years as Executive Director, Susie’s commitment and leadership have left a significant mark on the District and the Gurnee community.

With Susie at the helm, and the incredible teamwork of the Board and staff, Gurnee Park District has become a vibrant center of activity and community spirit. From the Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center to the Hunt Club Park Community Center, the transformation of Gold’s Gym into FitNation, and the beautiful parks and playgrounds throughout the District, Susie’s leadership has provided us with spaces where fun and fitness thrive.

In 2010, under Susie’s leadership, the District received the National Gold Medal Award for excellence, showcasing the District’s commitment to serving the community at a high standard.

During Susie’s tenure, the District experienced significant growth. Through careful management, financial sustainability has been achieved, while expanded programming has helped to bring new opportunities. Additionally, enhanced teamwork cultivated strong collaborations among District staff, Board members, and community partners.

Beyond Gurnee Park District, Susie has been a dedicated advocate and leader in the field of Parks and Recreation. She served on several Boards and Committees, including as Treasurer of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), Judge for the National Gold Medal Award (2015 to 2019), Chair of the Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA) Health Benefit Committee, member of the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) Joint Legislative Committee, Board member for Warren Special Recreation Association (WSRA), and Board member for HR Source. These roles have earned Susie respect, solidifying the District’s standing in the field of Parks and Recreation both locally and nationally.

As Susie steps into her next exciting chapter, we celebrate the legacy she leaves behind at Gurnee Park District and in the field of Parks and Recreation. Susie looks forward to traveling the world, achieving her goal of visiting every U.S. National Park, while also spending quality time with family and friends, diving into some good books, and picking up fun new hobbies, confident that “the best is yet to come!”

“Parks and Recreation have profoundly shaped my life,” shares Susie. “Throughout my journey with the Gurnee Park District, I not only grew professionally but also watched my children thrive—participating in programs and exploring our parks and playgrounds. This role has been so much more than a career; it has been a way of life, deeply intertwined with my personal and professional growth.”

Please join us in thanking Susie for nearly three decades of dedicated service to the Gurnee community. While we will miss her leadership, we are excited for what the future holds for both Susie and the Gurnee Park District.

In the months to come, the Park Board will select a new Executive Director to take the District forward.

The Board of Commissioners
Gurnee Park District