Meet the Candidates: Wilmette Park Board, 6 candidates for 3 seats

JUMP TO: Anastasia Royal | Patrick Duffy (i) | Allison Frazier (i) | Kara Kosloskus (i) | Paul McKinley | Nancy Johnson
(i: incumbent)

Six candidates, including three incumbents, are competing for three open seats on the Wilmette Park District Board of Commissioners.

Below are basic profiles of the six individuals, each of whom submitted a digital form upon request from The Record. The order they are presented was selected at random.

These profiles are just one layer of The Record’s election coverage and are meant to provide community members with basic information about those running for public office. Prior to the election on April 1, The Record will also conduct and publish independent interviews with the candidates.

Name: Anastasia Royal

Professional experience: Piano teacher/performer

Community experience: As a piano teacher and performer, I have listened to Wilmette families’ concerns, hopes and dreams. I raised my children here and they have participated in the local programs in our vibrant community. As a New Trier graduate, I am also involved in the network of alumni and activities.

Why are you running for this public office/reelection?

I am running for Wilmette Park Board because I want to contribute to a more transparent and accountable board. Over the past decade, I have noticed the board increasingly treating our parks and programs like commodities rather than resources to steward and preserve in alignment with the needs of Wilmette residents. In 2016, the landslide victory against the Wilmette Park Board made clear that the public overwhelmingly supported open and free access to our parks. Recently, community input has been disregarded, culminating in the 2024 fence and fees at Gillson Park. I pledge to listen to Wilmette residents.

Name: Patrick Duffy

Professional experience: Real estate professional

Community experience: I have volunteered in our community for many years from my daughters’ Adventure Guides programs to serving on Wilmette’s Zoning Board of Appeals for 10 years. Additionally, I was instrumental in the creation of Elmwood Dunes Preserve. For four years I have served as a commissioner on the Park Board.

Why are you running for this public office/reelection?

To continue to be of service to the community; to be instrumental in selecting our next executive director; to complete the projects at our lakefront parks; to advocate for programs for which the public has shown desire in our last survey.

As one of two commissioners to vote against the historic 7.44% tax increase the board passed I have fought to keep our taxes low. Currently, our taxes support a mere 25% of our budget. The board needs to keep in mind the district is not about one park or one facility. We serve a broad community of unique individuals.

Name: Allison Frazier

Professional experience: Ringleader of the Frazier Family

Community experience: As WPD Board commissioner:
• Led efforts with Village to hire sustainability coordinator
• Shaped long-term vision through Strategic & Comprehensive Plans
• Championed infrastructure and accessibility upgrades at Gillson Park
• Supported ADA enhancements and bluff restoration at Langdon Park
• Helped hire the first female executive director

Why are you running for this public office/reelection?

I’m running for reelection to the Park Board to ensure every generation in Wilmette has a voice. As the only candidate with young children (ages 2 to 13), I believe it’s vital that families are represented in shaping our community’s future.

My decisions are guided by three perspectives — my mother’s, my children’s, and mine. With 70% of our district’s revenue from recreational programs, it’s crucial to have a board member who understands their value. This insight is key to sustaining the financial success we’ve seen over the past decade. Representation matters, and I am committed to serving our entire community.

Name: Kara Kosloskus

Professional experience: Consultant

Community experience/involvement: Wilmette Park Board, 2021-2025
Past Volunteer Involvement: D39 PTO, NTHS Parent Advisory, USA Swimming Official

Why are you running for this public office/reelection?

I am seeking reelection because the Wilmette Park District needs continuity and strong leadership over the next few years. We have major capital projects underway which I am committed to seeing through completion, as well as the search for a new executive director. I can provide leadership through this period of change, while remaining focused on our mission and vision.

Name: Paul McKinley

Professional experience: Trader

Community experience/involvement: My wife Sarah and I moved to Wilmette in 2017 after spending several years living a short walk away. By the time you read this, we’ll have welcomed our first child into our family. As new parents and proud residents, we’re deeply invested in the future of Wilmette’s park district.

Why are you running for this public office/reelection?

I decided to run for park commissioner to help preserve the values we want to instill in our son — ensuring that Wilmette’s parks remain welcoming, accessible, and vibrant for all. I believe decisions should be consistently guided by resident feedback and data-driven insights. Challenges like high staff turnover need to be addressed proactively, before they escalate into larger issues. Reinstating individual standing committees would be an important first step toward greater accountability and transparency.

Name: Nancy Johnson

Professional experience: Realtor and property manager

Community experience/involvement: 47-year Wilmette resident; lifetime parkgoer

Why are you running for this public office/reelection?

The board installed the fence and fees at Gillson without asking the residents for suggestions on how to handle the problems there. They (lacked transparency about) the purchase of Beth Hillel for $5.5 million … and it has no green space. They kept the current director although a lawsuit was pending and (several) staff members resigned. I would advocate for better communication with residents. I would reinstate the Finance Committee to monitor expenditures and find grants and partnerships to make improvements. We need more transparency and better fiscal responsibility.

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