District Brings Janitorial Services In-House to Reduce Costs

Mokena Community Park District Meeting | Nov. 2025

Article Summary:
The Park District is transitioning janitorial duties for its main buildings to in-house staff to save money and improve coverage. The maintenance department also reported on recent facility upgrades, including the refurbishment of a dump truck and office painting.

Maintenance Key Points:

• Janitorial Change: In-house staff will take over cleaning for the Administration Building and Program Center from Dec. 2, 2025, to March 31, 2026.

• Equipment Upgrades: A 2012 dump truck was sandblasted, repainted, and repaired to extend its service life.

• Facility Improvements: Staff painted offices in the Administration Building and stained dog park ramps.

• New Equipment: A new ride-on scrubber has arrived for use at The Oaks fieldhouse.

In an effort to save costs, the Mokena Community Park District will transition janitorial duties for the Administration Building and Program Center to in-house maintenance staff, according to a report presented at the Tuesday, November 25, 2025, board meeting.

The coverage change is scheduled to run from December 2, 2025, through March 31, 2026.

Superintendent of Parks and Facilities Jim VanGennep’s report highlighted several recent maintenance projects completed by the department. Staff member Brett Bartnik completed painting offices on the north side of the Administration Building, with work now concentrated on the reception area and south side. Following the painting, the district plans to replace windows and flooring in those areas.

The maintenance team also completed significant work on the district’s 2012 dump truck. Rusted areas were sandblasted and repainted, connections for the salt spreader were replaced, and the vehicle was detailed and readied for the winter season.

Additionally, staff repaired and stained the ramps at the dog park and completed fall tree plantings at London Bridge, Green Meadows, Hecht, and Whisper Creek Parks.