The Schaumburg Park District and Schaumburg community are mourning the recent passing of former longtime park board commissioner, Mike Daniels. Daniels passed away on Nov. 22, 2022.

Daniels, 74, stepped down from the park board after 26 years of service on April 1, 2021, as he and his wife, Sandy, retired in Arizona.

"Mike was a visionary leader who made a huge positive impact on parks and recreation services in Schaumburg," said Tony LaFrenere, executive director of Schaumburg Park District. "He brought insight, forethought and a great sense of humor to the Schaumburg Board of Park Commissioners. He will be greatly missed."

Daniels was an avid golfer and Schaumburg Park District recently honored Daniels by dedicating a lake to him, Lake Daniels, at Schaumburg Golf Club.

Daniels, who moved to Schaumburg in 1973, was first elected to the Board of Park Commissioners in 1995. He played a key role in many of the District's major projects during his tenure, including The Sport Center, K-9 Dog Park, Ken Alley Safety Park, Atcher Island Water Park, Bison's Bluff Nature Playground, Olympic Park, and the Schaumburg Golf Club renovation.

Commissioner Daniels was also instrumental in the District obtaining the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Gold Medal Award for excellence in parks and recreation as well as NRPA elite CAPRA accreditation status. He also helped the District achieve numerous Distinguished Accreditation awards from the Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association.

Along with his service to the Park District, Daniels was a longtime member of the Jaycees, including serving as club president and national senator. He also was a member of the Village of Schaumburg Septemberfest Committee for 20 years, including 12 years as chairman.

Arrangements were pending as of Friday.

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