North Berwyn Park District Mourns Passing of Board of Commissioners President Ann Mackin Long-Time Berwyn Resident, 96, Helped Establish The NBPD in 1976

The North Berwyn Park District (NBPD) extends its sincere condolences and prayers to the family, friends, colleagues and neighbors of Ann Mackin, president of the NBPD Board of Commissioners, who passed away on July 12.

A respected and highly active member of the Berwyn community since 1951, Mackin made a lasting and significant impact on the district and city, including leading the establishment in 1976 of the North Berwyn Park District. She began serving as board secretary while raising three daughters, and was elected to the district’s first Board of Commissioners in 1977. Mackin served continuously as a commissioner for 44 years, including the last 14 years as president.

She was the longest-serving park district board member in Illinois and in the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. Mackin’s leadership was key in the park district providing logistical support of popular special events and programs.

Mackin was instrumental in the park district’s impact on the business community through community-based events that attracted literally thousands of visitors to Berwyn over the years, including: Think Green, a citywide cleanup that brings more than 400 residents and businesses to promote environmental health; Nuestra Raices Back to School Fiesta; The Best of Berwyn, an annual recognition of the top 8th grade students in Berwyn; the 16th Street Theater, which was founded in 2007 to serve and give voice to everyone in the community; and the Corrida del Mariachi 5K Run, Berwyn’s first CARA-certified 5k run that attracted more than 700 runners and 2,000 spectators in its inaugural year.

Berwyn Mayor Robert J. Lovero said: “The North Berwyn Park District and the city of Berwyn are a better place to raise a family because of Ann Mackin. The contributions she made will never be realized by all she touched. There is a void that won’t be filled.”

“The citizens of Berwyn whose children were in a sports program, preschool classes, summer camp or had a summer job have Ann Mackin to thank,” said NBPD Executive Director Joseph C. Vallez. “She, to her last days on earth, was concerned about the safety of residents we served and the employees who served them during these challenging times. I will personally miss her guidance, leadership and concern for all.”

In special recognition of her distinguished service, at a special ceremony in June at her home, the board of commissioners honored Mackin with the 2020 Joseph C. Vallez Award as “a community member who emulates outstanding service, exceptional leadership, visionary guidance and dedication in improving the quality of life in the City of Berwyn.” The board also appointed Mackin as president emeritus.

In honor of her steadfast service and stewardship, on January 22, 2019, Mackin received the 34th annual Charles E. Piper Award that honors recipients for their business achievements and/or their contribution to the economic vitality Berwyn. The award celebrates Berwyn’s Business Person of the Year and their exceptional contribution of time, talent and treasures.

Aside from her work with the NBPD, Ann volunteered for the United Way for many years. Additionally, she was a parishioner of St. Mary of Celle Church. In addition to her lasting contributions to the NBPD, Mackin volunteered for the United Way for many years, and as a parishioner of St. Mary of Celle Church, she traveled with Club 55 and enjoyed sporting events with her seven grandchildren.

Please take a moment to reflect on Ann's life and celebrate her legacy.