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Woodridge honors retiring parks superintendent, Seven Bridges and tornado recovery at June 18 meeting
Summary
The Woodridge Board of Trustees presented proclamations recognizing Don Ritter's retirement, the 35th anniversary of Seven Bridges Golf Club and the fifth anniversary of the 2021 EF3 tornado, scheduling a community gratitude gathering and inviting residents to Jubilee Days events.
The Village of Woodridge on Thursday recognized several local milestones and community recovery efforts, presenting proclamations for a retiring parks official, a longtime golf club and the five‑year anniversary of the 2021 Father’s Day tornado.
Mayor Gina Cunningham opened the meeting with a moment of silence and invited residents to mark the death of Jefferson Junior High student Dylan Andrews by placing green ribbons in honor of the family. The board then led the Pledge of Allegiance and paused to recognize Don Ritter, the superintendent of recreation and deputy director of the Woodridge Park District, who the proclamation noted joined the district in 1995 and served more than 30 years.
"This proclamation after more than 30 years of outstanding service, the Woodridge community proudly recognizes the retirement of Don Ritter," Trustee Kagan read. Don Ritter told the board he was grateful for "an incredible 43‑year run" in parks and recreation and said "time is right" to retire.
Why it matters: The proclamations highlight long‑running community institutions and the volunteers and staff who support seasonal events such as Jubilee Days. The board used the recognition time to thank staff and community partners and to announce related summer events.
The board also read a proclamation marking the 35th anniversary of Seven Bridges Golf Club and declaring a July 2026 day of recognition. The proclamation text read in the meeting contains inconsistent day numbers for the July date; the board and a Seven Bridges representative confirmed the club will hold an anniversary celebration in July 2026. The club's representative accepted the proclamation and said he was stepping back from day‑to‑day management after many years.
Finally, Trustee Antelles read a proclamation marking the fifth anniversary of the EF3 tornado that struck the area on June 20, 2021. The proclamation declared June 20, 2026 "Woodridge Strong Day" and invited residents to a Gathering of Gratitude on Sunday, June 21 at 10:30 a.m. at Duffy Pavilion next to the Woodridge ARK.
The meeting moved on after the recognitions; Mayor Cunningham reminded residents that Jubilee Days runs through June 21 and previewed Fourth of July events and the joint fireworks show with Downers Grove.
What’s next: The board will host the announced community events and the proclamations create no formal policy change. The administration will continue scheduled event planning and coordination with the park district and community organizations.
