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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF ALTHERMAN (“A.J.”) JACKSON
WHEREAS, Mr. Altherman Jackson will be retiring on December 31, 2021 from the Forest Preserves of Cook County after serving eight years as Regional Superintendent of the South and Southeast region and then two years as Deputy Director of the Landscape Maintenance Department; and
WHEREAS, prior to his eight years with the Forest Preserves, he spent thirty-three years in public service with the Chicago Park District as a Park Supervisor and Area Manager, and an additional ten years in the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Jackson attended North Park College and received certifications in Computer Science, Recreation and Leadership, Management and Supervision, and Coaching and Counseling; and
WHEREAS, throughout his career at the Chicago Park District, Mr. Jackson was known for his ability to develop community partnerships, drive innovative projects, and develop quality recreational programs and services that enhanced local communities. Mr. Jackson managed large and historic parks such as Washington Park, Jackson Park, Midway Plaisance, and the South Shore Cultural Center and was responsible for twenty recreation centers, eight pools, one ice skating rink, two golf courses, four special use facilities, thirty unstaffed playgrounds, three hundred employees, and numerous special events. Mr. Jackson coordinated the Adventure Recreation Team Building Program on Bynum Island located in Washington Park, spearheaded the renovations at the Sherwood Park Field House, facilitated the planning and opening of the Midway Plaisance Ice Rink, the Nichols Park Field House, and the Harris Park Field House, and also assisted with coordinating the Midweek at the Midway Movie/Concert Series; and
WHEREAS, throughout his career at the Forest Preserves of Cook County as a Regional Superintendent, Mr. Jackson managed the daily operations of the historic Dan Ryan Woods in the Calumet Division and the Thorn Creek Division with over sixty groves, six trails, six fishing lakes, one aquatic center, three sledding hills, two snowmobile fields, two model airplane fields, one special event pavilion, one visitors’ center, and the Dan Ryan Woods Nature Play Area. Under his leadership, the Calumet Division of the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s Landscape Maintenance department received the “Best Division Award” three years in a row for its pristine groves and highly scored patron surveys, and the “All Time Safety Award” two years in a row for having the least amount of vehicle and equipment incidents at the Thorn Creek Division; and
WHEREAS, the true legacy of A.J. Jackson lives in his transparency, integrity, leadership abilities, and dedication to the mission and values of the organizations he serves.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Toni Preckwinkle, President, along with the members of the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners, General Superintendent Arnold L. Randall, and on behalf of all citizens of Cook County, do hereby congratulate A.J. Jackson on a long career in public service and thank him for his many contributions to the Forest Preserves of Cook County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that suitable copies of this resolution be tendered to him and his family in recognition of his career, contributions to the Forest Preserves of Cook County, service to residents and visitors, and his passion for public service.
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