Anastasia Royal
Wilmette Park district
candidate video
responses to voter guide questions
Introduce who you are, your qualifications, and why you are running.
I have a history of community involvement as a musician, performer, and activist. Raised on the North Shore, I graduated from New Trier and have lived in Wilmette for almost 30 years. My children attended local schools here. I have also been a piano teacher for the past 40 years and I have been honored to be involved in the lives of hundreds of families. In this role, I have heard their ideas, concerns and dreams about our wonderful community. My unique perspective will allow me to be an effective Commissioner for the Wilmette Park District.
I was prompted to run for the board because of recent decisions by the Wilmette Park District that blindsided the community. Residents from Wilmette and surrounding villages voiced strong opposition to these changes. I, too, felt compelled to speak out and attend the Park District meetings. Wilmette is a vibrant, engaged community, and I want to ensure that its leadership reflects and respects the will of its residents. I would be honored to contribute my energy and commitment to the future of parks and recreational programs.
I would love to work hard and be part of that energy and commitment to the future.
What is the most pressing issue facing the Park District and how would you address it as Commissioner?
The most pressing issue facing the Park District is maintaining our beautiful parks, lakefront and programs while being responsive to the needs of Wilmette residents, fiscally responsible, and sensitive to the aesthetic of our community.
The most pressing issue facing the Park District is its lack of transparency, accountability, and effective governance, which has come to a head over the past 12 months. Because of major policy changes made without proper community input, such as, the installation of fences and fees at Gillson Park, the 5.4 million purchase of Beth Hillel without a clear plan for its use, and a chaotic program registration system, the Park District board has eroded the public trust.
While attending board meetings this past summer, I was deeply troubled by how the commissioners literally and figuratively turned their backs on residents, configuring their table so that they faced away from the public while people spoke passionately to them. I believe discussion should be promoted and dissent should be heard.
I learned a lot from those meetings. It was disturbing to learn that the current board failed to address longstanding issues with senior management that led to a $5 million lawsuit that has diminished public trust and taxpayer dollars.
This is particularly sad because, over the years, the Wilmette Park District has done a lot of good to enhance the quality of life here in Wilmette. The recent Block Party was a huge success.
With that said, the current lack of transparency between residents and Wilmette Park District's board is not acceptable. The WPD works for the people of Wilmette—people who have an extraordinary amount of knowledge, business and financial acumen, and life experience. Communication between the Park District and its residents is essential. I believe discussion should be promoted and dissent heard, so that decisions emerge from collaboration and consensus; through such dialogue, we can honor the views of our community and, at the same time, satisfy fiscal and policy requirements that the board must adhere to.
As a Commissioner, I will advocate for transparency, accountability, and public participation.
I will listen to Wilmette residents and learn from the diversity of their opinions and experience. I will ensure that no resident of Wilmette will feel excluded from decisions that impact them. Afterall, the Park District serves the people of Wilmette. I will also work to ensure that all board meetings, including those held at Mallinckrodt, are recorded and accessible to all residents. I will prioritize more publicized, open, and regular town halls and more policies and programs that reflect our community’s values of inclusivity and accessibility for all ages and income levels.
What are your financial priorities for the Park District and how would you ensure they are realized?
Financial health begins with transparency and community trust. The Park District’s financial decisions should reflect the needs and priorities of Wilmette residents, yet the current board has made costly, controversial choices, such as fencing and private security at Gillson Park, Beth Hill’s acquisition, and the legal costs of a $5 million lawsuit, without public input.
The board’s decision-making structure lacks sufficient oversight. The dissolution of key committees such as the Lakefront Committee and Real Estate committee has limited the board’s ability to address financial matters with the level of detail and scrutiny they deserve. As a Commissioner, I would advocate to reinstate these committees. I am also concerned about the possibility of the village appropriating land from Howard Park for construction of a new police department.
Additionally, rather than increasing fees that limit access to public spaces, I would prioritize expanding revenue through sponsorships, partnerships, and expanded program offerings. Resources should be directed in alignment with the Park District’s stated mission, toward initiatives that promote inclusivity, sustainability, and accessibility, rather than measures that exclude members of our community.
In March 2024, the Wilmette Park District announced it would implement access controls at “South Beach” 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.
Gillson Park is Wilmette’s crown jewel—a place that has been free, open, and accessible to all for over 100 years, and our Park District’s recent handling of this treasure has not been their finest moment.
Back in 2016 when a comprehensive survey was done, the #1 issue of agreement among residents was the continued maintenance of an open and accessible Gillson Park. Eight years later, the public has spoken even more forcefully against the fence and fees, yet the board refuses to listen. As a Commissioner, I will work to restore Gillson’s free and open access, ensuring that Wilmette honors its historic responsibility as a steward of the lakefront, not a gatekeeper.
I strongly oppose restricting public access to the southernmost beach at Gillson Park. These measures shocked so many of us, particularly in their disregard for the elderly and disabled who could no longer see the lake from their cars or the park benches, and also their utter indifference to families and people who lacked the income to afford the newly-imposed fees.
An effective policy might be to allow free entry to anyone who walks or bikes into Gillson Park. This would encourage healthy habits and naturally control crowds and over-bringing. Parking for cars could still have a fee, and the historically-paid beach could remain paid.
I also think there should be unimpeded adult swimming from the rocks to the sailing beach. Adult and teenage activities on the beach should be encouraged: gatherings, fire circles, climbing walls, trampolines, and polar plunge areas. To my mind, a real safety concern is the lack of lights on bikes in Wilmette. I think lights on a bike should be mandatory and enforced. Another option could be bike paths that glow in the night and are solar-charged during the day.
I also believe the lakefront should have longer hours in the evening (as it used to have) so we could enjoy walks in the later evening. I remember many midnight walks, years ago, as a teenager with my New Trier friends. Perhaps Wilmette residents could have an all-access, all-hours pass. Is it really necessary to bull-horn people off the beach at 8:30 pm during the summer when it is still light out and threaten them with a fine from the police?
As a person who still goes to the beach often, and even swims in cold weather, I find the invasive and overly-controlling management style of the Park District at Gillson Park troubling and tragic. This past summer, I witnessed countless people, young and old, turned away from enjoying a once-evocative lake and beach vista. And we have all been screamed at countless times over the years for putting our toes in the water or rinsing off a toddler at the beach. Our ancestors would find it ludicrous that one isn’t allowed to go in the lake at a beach! I do too. The justifications provided—such as safety concerns—lack credulity and evidence.
Young people and alcohol have existed for many years; unruly individuals are a known commodity; and all over the world, people swim at their own risk. I know the Park District can manage better and more humanely. I have lived in Wilmette for a long time and, in my opinion, other park boards have done so.
Our magical, freshwater Great Lake is a not owned by the Park District. Lake Michigan is a gift we all share and a beloved resource; it is not a doled-out commodity only for those who can pay.
I believe the lakefront can return to a more relaxed, fun, and meditative sanctuary, protected by a respectful and collegial staff, that will, once again, enhance our residents’ quality of life.
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?
Under the guidance of the Sustainability Coordinator, the Wilmette Park District provided good leadership by developing the Guide to Green Sustainability Plan. The plan addresses key sustainability goals and educational initiatives that foster environmental awareness within the community.
I would love to discuss the implementation timeline of these goals and initiatives. Clean energy adoption and waste management require accelerated action. The pressing nature of climate change make it necessary for the Park District to boldly address water conservation, like rain water barrel usage and energy efficiency upgrades. Could there be more focus on strengthening collaboration with the Village of Wilmette and local organizations to forge a deeper commitment to climate resilience? And, during the hottest temperatures ever recorded on Planet Earth, is there anywhere to go for a swim? I’m asking for us to band together to face these challenging conditions. I am asking for leaders, advocates, sincere, authentic voices. I’m asking for a friend.
I have a history of community involvement as a musician, performer, and activist. Raised on the North Shore, I graduated from New Trier and have lived in Wilmette for almost 30 years. My children attended local schools here. I have also been a piano teacher for the past 40 years and I have been honored to be involved in the lives of hundreds of families. In this role, I have heard their ideas, concerns and dreams about our wonderful community. My unique perspective will allow me to be an effective Commissioner for the Wilmette Park District.
I was prompted to run for the board because of recent decisions by the Wilmette Park District that blindsided the community. Residents from Wilmette and surrounding villages voiced strong opposition to these changes. I, too, felt compelled to speak out and attend the Park District meetings. Wilmette is a vibrant, engaged community, and I want to ensure that its leadership reflects and respects the will of its residents. I would be honored to contribute my energy and commitment to the future of parks and recreational programs.
I would love to work hard and be part of that energy and commitment to the future.
What is the most pressing issue facing the Park District and how would you address it as Commissioner?
The most pressing issue facing the Park District is maintaining our beautiful parks, lakefront and programs while being responsive to the needs of Wilmette residents, fiscally responsible, and sensitive to the aesthetic of our community.
The most pressing issue facing the Park District is its lack of transparency, accountability, and effective governance, which has come to a head over the past 12 months. Because of major policy changes made without proper community input, such as, the installation of fences and fees at Gillson Park, the 5.4 million purchase of Beth Hillel without a clear plan for its use, and a chaotic program registration system, the Park District board has eroded the public trust.
While attending board meetings this past summer, I was deeply troubled by how the commissioners literally and figuratively turned their backs on residents, configuring their table so that they faced away from the public while people spoke passionately to them. I believe discussion should be promoted and dissent should be heard.
I learned a lot from those meetings. It was disturbing to learn that the current board failed to address longstanding issues with senior management that led to a $5 million lawsuit that has diminished public trust and taxpayer dollars.
This is particularly sad because, over the years, the Wilmette Park District has done a lot of good to enhance the quality of life here in Wilmette. The recent Block Party was a huge success.
With that said, the current lack of transparency between residents and Wilmette Park District's board is not acceptable. The WPD works for the people of Wilmette—people who have an extraordinary amount of knowledge, business and financial acumen, and life experience. Communication between the Park District and its residents is essential. I believe discussion should be promoted and dissent heard, so that decisions emerge from collaboration and consensus; through such dialogue, we can honor the views of our community and, at the same time, satisfy fiscal and policy requirements that the board must adhere to.
As a Commissioner, I will advocate for transparency, accountability, and public participation.
I will listen to Wilmette residents and learn from the diversity of their opinions and experience. I will ensure that no resident of Wilmette will feel excluded from decisions that impact them. Afterall, the Park District serves the people of Wilmette. I will also work to ensure that all board meetings, including those held at Mallinckrodt, are recorded and accessible to all residents. I will prioritize more publicized, open, and regular town halls and more policies and programs that reflect our community’s values of inclusivity and accessibility for all ages and income levels.
What are your financial priorities for the Park District and how would you ensure they are realized?
Financial health begins with transparency and community trust. The Park District’s financial decisions should reflect the needs and priorities of Wilmette residents, yet the current board has made costly, controversial choices, such as fencing and private security at Gillson Park, Beth Hill’s acquisition, and the legal costs of a $5 million lawsuit, without public input.
The board’s decision-making structure lacks sufficient oversight. The dissolution of key committees such as the Lakefront Committee and Real Estate committee has limited the board’s ability to address financial matters with the level of detail and scrutiny they deserve. As a Commissioner, I would advocate to reinstate these committees. I am also concerned about the possibility of the village appropriating land from Howard Park for construction of a new police department.
Additionally, rather than increasing fees that limit access to public spaces, I would prioritize expanding revenue through sponsorships, partnerships, and expanded program offerings. Resources should be directed in alignment with the Park District’s stated mission, toward initiatives that promote inclusivity, sustainability, and accessibility, rather than measures that exclude members of our community.
In March 2024, the Wilmette Park District announced it would implement access controls at “South Beach” 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.
Gillson Park is Wilmette’s crown jewel—a place that has been free, open, and accessible to all for over 100 years, and our Park District’s recent handling of this treasure has not been their finest moment.
Back in 2016 when a comprehensive survey was done, the #1 issue of agreement among residents was the continued maintenance of an open and accessible Gillson Park. Eight years later, the public has spoken even more forcefully against the fence and fees, yet the board refuses to listen. As a Commissioner, I will work to restore Gillson’s free and open access, ensuring that Wilmette honors its historic responsibility as a steward of the lakefront, not a gatekeeper.
I strongly oppose restricting public access to the southernmost beach at Gillson Park. These measures shocked so many of us, particularly in their disregard for the elderly and disabled who could no longer see the lake from their cars or the park benches, and also their utter indifference to families and people who lacked the income to afford the newly-imposed fees.
An effective policy might be to allow free entry to anyone who walks or bikes into Gillson Park. This would encourage healthy habits and naturally control crowds and over-bringing. Parking for cars could still have a fee, and the historically-paid beach could remain paid.
I also think there should be unimpeded adult swimming from the rocks to the sailing beach. Adult and teenage activities on the beach should be encouraged: gatherings, fire circles, climbing walls, trampolines, and polar plunge areas. To my mind, a real safety concern is the lack of lights on bikes in Wilmette. I think lights on a bike should be mandatory and enforced. Another option could be bike paths that glow in the night and are solar-charged during the day.
I also believe the lakefront should have longer hours in the evening (as it used to have) so we could enjoy walks in the later evening. I remember many midnight walks, years ago, as a teenager with my New Trier friends. Perhaps Wilmette residents could have an all-access, all-hours pass. Is it really necessary to bull-horn people off the beach at 8:30 pm during the summer when it is still light out and threaten them with a fine from the police?
As a person who still goes to the beach often, and even swims in cold weather, I find the invasive and overly-controlling management style of the Park District at Gillson Park troubling and tragic. This past summer, I witnessed countless people, young and old, turned away from enjoying a once-evocative lake and beach vista. And we have all been screamed at countless times over the years for putting our toes in the water or rinsing off a toddler at the beach. Our ancestors would find it ludicrous that one isn’t allowed to go in the lake at a beach! I do too. The justifications provided—such as safety concerns—lack credulity and evidence.
Young people and alcohol have existed for many years; unruly individuals are a known commodity; and all over the world, people swim at their own risk. I know the Park District can manage better and more humanely. I have lived in Wilmette for a long time and, in my opinion, other park boards have done so.
Our magical, freshwater Great Lake is a not owned by the Park District. Lake Michigan is a gift we all share and a beloved resource; it is not a doled-out commodity only for those who can pay.
I believe the lakefront can return to a more relaxed, fun, and meditative sanctuary, protected by a respectful and collegial staff, that will, once again, enhance our residents’ quality of life.
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?
Under the guidance of the Sustainability Coordinator, the Wilmette Park District provided good leadership by developing the Guide to Green Sustainability Plan. The plan addresses key sustainability goals and educational initiatives that foster environmental awareness within the community.
I would love to discuss the implementation timeline of these goals and initiatives. Clean energy adoption and waste management require accelerated action. The pressing nature of climate change make it necessary for the Park District to boldly address water conservation, like rain water barrel usage and energy efficiency upgrades. Could there be more focus on strengthening collaboration with the Village of Wilmette and local organizations to forge a deeper commitment to climate resilience? And, during the hottest temperatures ever recorded on Planet Earth, is there anywhere to go for a swim? I’m asking for us to band together to face these challenging conditions. I am asking for leaders, advocates, sincere, authentic voices. I’m asking for a friend.