Paul Mckinley
Wilmette Park district
candidate video
responses to voter guide questions
Introduction:
Please tell us about yourself, your qualifications, and what prompted you to run for Park Commissioner?
My wife Sarah and I moved to Wilmette in 2017 after having lived nearby for several years. We are excited to be welcoming our first child in early February. I decided to run for Park Commissioner to help preserve the values we want to instill in our son—including ensuring that Wilmette’s parks remain welcoming and accessible.
Earlier in my career, I went back to school and earned a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. While my life has taken me down a financial focused career path rather than teaching, I remain passionate about education and helping both our youth and adults improve their lives. Over the past decade, my work as a trader has taught me a critical lesson: success comes from setting aside ego and truly listening to the market. I will apply that same mindset as a Park Commissioner—prioritizing residents' voices to make thoughtful, community-driven decisions.
Questions:
What do you believe is the most pressing issue facing the Park District, and how would you address it as a Park Commissioner?
A third-party review of hiring and promotional practices was conducted, but the findings have not been made public. A June 2024 article from The Record quoted employees as saying morale had worsened since the investigation. Without transparency, the public is left in the dark about what specific actions have been taken.
The decision to purchase the Beth Hillel property was also done without full public feedback or a definite purpose for the land. While the cost to buy the property may be under the defined need for a referendum, the cost to develop the land may be higher than the purchase price itself. I believe the public should have been involved in the decision.
What are your financial priorities for the Park District and how would you ensure they are realized?
I support the Park District’s past financial history of maintaining self-sustaining recreational programs and facilities, and traditionally staying within budget. However, I do not support the recent trend of issuing debt without a clear need and resident support. Taking on debt raises the risk of being financially hamstrung in the future.
The Beth Hillel property was purchased with property tax supported bonds without full public discussion. Referendums should be held for major capital expenditures that cannot be funded from excess operational funds; while the $5.4 million purchase price falls under the required need for a referendum, the additional development costs could bring the total significantly higher. If quick action had been absolutely necessary to acquire the land, the exact purpose and estimated total cost after development should of been stated and supported by data. I would support brining a referendum on the Beth Hillel purchase; If the referendum fails I would support selling the land.
I also support increasing the budget for technology to enhance community services. Exploring improvements to the registration system, including a lottery system that allows parents to select classes at their convenience, is a priority. Additionally, I would consider supporting the development of an app or other means to make it easier for residents to engage in Park District decisions.
In March 2024, the Wilmette Park District announced it would implement access controls at South Beach in Gillson Park by installing a fence and charging entrance fees. In December 2024, it was announced that the Board of Park Commissioners had committed to continue managing access to South Beach in 2025. Please explain your position on managed access control at South Beach in Gillson Park.
A park district’s role is to facilitate public enjoyment of nature, not restrict it. While I understand the need to manage park resources responsibly, I firmly believe that Lake Michigan’s shoreline—something we inherited, not created should remain open, accessible, and free to the public—just as it has for the past century.
As someone who regularly visits Gillson Park, I have personally witnessed how the fence and fees have diminished the experience for many. Seniors and those with mobility challenges who once enjoyed the benches now face additional obstacles. Families with young children have also expressed that they are attending less—or not at all—due to the costs.
This policy was enacted without a public survey or data-driven justification. The board has not demonstrated that an additional swim beach or entrance fees were necessary or even desired. Previous community surveys have consistently shown strong support for preserving open space and little demand for restricted beach access. This lack of transparency and public input has eroded trust in the decision-making process.
I recognize the importance of ensuring a safe and well-managed environment, and I support reasonable measures such as designated entry points where staff can screen for safety/alcohol violations during times when violations occur. Additionally, I would support a low-visibility barrier to protect sensitive dune areas while maintaining lake views. Other creative solutions—such as designated areas where visitors can cool off without needing to enter the lake—should also be explored.
Ultimately, we must balance responsible park management with the community’s right to access its most treasured natural resource. The current approach is too restrictive, and I believe we should prioritize solutions that enhance public enjoyment rather than limit it.
In 2023, Wilmette government agencies hired a shared Sustainability Coordinator to implement programs that protect our environment, conserve natural resources, and address the climate crisis. In what areas do you feel the Park District has made the best use of this Coordinator's time, and where would you like to see increased focus?
Sustainability is not only a social and environmental responsibility anymore – it also provides economic opportunities and dividends. The International Labor Organization estimates that sustainability related industries will generate 100 million new jobs globally between 2023 and 2030. I am very excited about the planned development of early childhood education and summer camp curriculum as detailed in the Guide to Green. We can combine bettering the environment with preparing our youth for future employment opportunities.
It is important that we teach by example; The Guide to Green Sustainability Plan is a great roadmap towards that goal. I really like the idea of signage explaining the sustainable features – I’d like to increase the educational signage goal from two a year to wherever applicable; can point out potential cost savings from practices such as dark sky lighting, electric cars/charging stations, paperless practices. By clearly communicating both the immediate cost savings (where applicable) and long-term environmental benefits, we can build stronger community buy-in for sustainability initiatives
Introduction:
Please tell us about yourself, your qualifications, and what prompted you to run for Park Commissioner?
My wife Sarah and I moved to Wilmette in 2017 after having lived nearby for several years. We are excited to be welcoming our first child in early February. I decided to run for Park Commissioner to help preserve the values we want to instill in our son—including ensuring that Wilmette’s parks remain welcoming and accessible.
Earlier in my career, I went back to school and earned a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. While my life has taken me down a financial focused career path rather than teaching, I remain passionate about education and helping both our youth and adults improve their lives. Over the past decade, my work as a trader has taught me a critical lesson: success comes from setting aside ego and truly listening to the market. I will apply that same mindset as a Park Commissioner—prioritizing residents' voices to make thoughtful, community-driven decisions.
Questions:
What do you believe is the most pressing issue facing the Park District, and how would you address it as a Park Commissioner?
- Restoring Accountability Through Committees
- Staff Turnover & Organizational Instability
Since commissions were abolished in summer 2022, the Park District has faced numerous issues without clear explanations. High staff turnover has seen the departure of nine manager-level staff members between May 2023 and May 2024. Looking further back, only two of the nine administrative staff members from February 2020 remain.
A third-party review of hiring and promotional practices was conducted, but the findings have not been made public. A June 2024 article from The Record quoted employees as saying morale had worsened since the investigation. Without transparency, the public is left in the dark about what specific actions have been taken.
- Legal & Financial Implications
Concurrent with the staff turnover, a lawsuit has been filed against the Park District related to incidents in 2023. While I firmly believe in innocent until proven guilty, defending against a lawsuit will still incur legal costs that possibly could have been avoided if the board had been proactive in addressing staff culture.
- South Beach Fees & Lack of Public Input
Another major issue is the decision to fence off and charge fees for South Beach at Gillson Park—a move made without resident input or supporting data. Gillson is the most frequently used park in the district and plays a crucial role in the community. Such a major policy change should have been preceded by a public survey, alternative solutions to keeping a safe environment, and transparent data to justify the decision. Instead, the board has already committed to continuing fees in 2025.
The decision to purchase the Beth Hillel property was also done without full public feedback or a definite purpose for the land. While the cost to buy the property may be under the defined need for a referendum, the cost to develop the land may be higher than the purchase price itself. I believe the public should have been involved in the decision.
What are your financial priorities for the Park District and how would you ensure they are realized?
I support the Park District’s past financial history of maintaining self-sustaining recreational programs and facilities, and traditionally staying within budget. However, I do not support the recent trend of issuing debt without a clear need and resident support. Taking on debt raises the risk of being financially hamstrung in the future.
The Beth Hillel property was purchased with property tax supported bonds without full public discussion. Referendums should be held for major capital expenditures that cannot be funded from excess operational funds; while the $5.4 million purchase price falls under the required need for a referendum, the additional development costs could bring the total significantly higher. If quick action had been absolutely necessary to acquire the land, the exact purpose and estimated total cost after development should of been stated and supported by data. I would support brining a referendum on the Beth Hillel purchase; If the referendum fails I would support selling the land.
I also support increasing the budget for technology to enhance community services. Exploring improvements to the registration system, including a lottery system that allows parents to select classes at their convenience, is a priority. Additionally, I would consider supporting the development of an app or other means to make it easier for residents to engage in Park District decisions.
In March 2024, the Wilmette Park District announced it would implement access controls at South Beach in Gillson Park by installing a fence and charging entrance fees. In December 2024, it was announced that the Board of Park Commissioners had committed to continue managing access to South Beach in 2025. Please explain your position on managed access control at South Beach in Gillson Park.
A park district’s role is to facilitate public enjoyment of nature, not restrict it. While I understand the need to manage park resources responsibly, I firmly believe that Lake Michigan’s shoreline—something we inherited, not created should remain open, accessible, and free to the public—just as it has for the past century.
As someone who regularly visits Gillson Park, I have personally witnessed how the fence and fees have diminished the experience for many. Seniors and those with mobility challenges who once enjoyed the benches now face additional obstacles. Families with young children have also expressed that they are attending less—or not at all—due to the costs.
This policy was enacted without a public survey or data-driven justification. The board has not demonstrated that an additional swim beach or entrance fees were necessary or even desired. Previous community surveys have consistently shown strong support for preserving open space and little demand for restricted beach access. This lack of transparency and public input has eroded trust in the decision-making process.
I recognize the importance of ensuring a safe and well-managed environment, and I support reasonable measures such as designated entry points where staff can screen for safety/alcohol violations during times when violations occur. Additionally, I would support a low-visibility barrier to protect sensitive dune areas while maintaining lake views. Other creative solutions—such as designated areas where visitors can cool off without needing to enter the lake—should also be explored.
Ultimately, we must balance responsible park management with the community’s right to access its most treasured natural resource. The current approach is too restrictive, and I believe we should prioritize solutions that enhance public enjoyment rather than limit it.
In 2023, Wilmette government agencies hired a shared Sustainability Coordinator to implement programs that protect our environment, conserve natural resources, and address the climate crisis. In what areas do you feel the Park District has made the best use of this Coordinator's time, and where would you like to see increased focus?
Sustainability is not only a social and environmental responsibility anymore – it also provides economic opportunities and dividends. The International Labor Organization estimates that sustainability related industries will generate 100 million new jobs globally between 2023 and 2030. I am very excited about the planned development of early childhood education and summer camp curriculum as detailed in the Guide to Green. We can combine bettering the environment with preparing our youth for future employment opportunities.
It is important that we teach by example; The Guide to Green Sustainability Plan is a great roadmap towards that goal. I really like the idea of signage explaining the sustainable features – I’d like to increase the educational signage goal from two a year to wherever applicable; can point out potential cost savings from practices such as dark sky lighting, electric cars/charging stations, paperless practices. By clearly communicating both the immediate cost savings (where applicable) and long-term environmental benefits, we can build stronger community buy-in for sustainability initiatives