Item 3B. Special Matters: Resolution of Appreciation to Arla Carmichiel
Superintendent's Recommendation:
MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-20; A RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO ARLA CARMICHIEL UPON HER RETIREMENT FROM THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT.
Prepared By: Paul Kortebein, Senior Manager of Forestry and Horticulture
Background:
Arla Carmichiel served the Park District for more than 47 years, beginning her time here as a seasonal gardener in 1978 and becoming full-time on September 4, 1984. She was promoted to Garden Operations Specialist in 1993 and from there to the Horticulture Operations Supervisor in May of 2006.
Arla was present for the very beginning of the Park District’s Horticulture program. She was mentored by Ray Ford, the last caretaker for the Lora Hoppe estate. Her time here saw the expansion of the Horticulture program from mainly Noerenberg Gardens to having a footprint at nearly every facility, golf course, and parking lot that the Park District manages. The evolution of the Horticulture program under her watch included the development of landscape maintenance tiers to prioritize efforts, as well as rain garden installations and their maintenance.
While the Horticulture program has evolved over time, Arla has maintained a consistently high standard for her full-time staff and all of the numerous seasonals and volunteers who have worked for her through the years. Arla has spent much of her time training and developing the next cohort of gardeners and horticulture stewards at Three Rivers, thereby creating a lasting legacy for this program.
Arla’s years of dedicated service to the Park District helped shape the look and quality of its landscapes, as well as create a welcoming first impression for all park guests. Throughout her tenure with the Park District, Arla applied her extensive knowledge, skills, and experience in garden design, plant selection, landscape installation, and customer service to improve the everyday encounters here for current and future generations. Arla’s last day of work will be October 31, 2025.
The attached Resolution of Appreciation is presented for Board consideration, recognizing Arla’s service to the Park District.
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