October 15, 2024
On a typical afternoon at Falcon Park Recreation Center, you may find Kate Hutchinson and her son Ray Torres rounding the indoor track. In fact, they’ve been visiting the facility for almost 12 years. “We’ve gotten to know all the front desk workers,” Hutchinson said. “Alice, Rich, and Tiffany are some of our favorites! Ray has autism, and he loves meeting new people and learning a little bit about them. Everyone has been incredibly friendly towards us, and we think of many employees as our friends.”
Friends, the iconic television show, is the theme of Palatine Park District’s Customer Appreciation Week. Friends-inspired giveaways and photo opportunities adorn many District facilities.
“I am an enthusiastic supporter of Palatine Park District and specifically Falcon Park,” Hutchinson said. “We walk along the track year-round and are very appreciative of having the opportunity to do this, especially when the weather is bad. Ray and I both know how important it is to exercise, and it also helps improve our mood and reduce his anxiety. We enjoy seeing athletes and partygoers enjoying the facilities as we walk our laps above the gym. The track-goers are very friendly, and we often see the same people. We live near Hamilton Reservoir, and we also walk there on nice days. It’s another gem! Overall, our park district is just the best!”
Bekah Weber is mom to girls Violet and Annie. “Currently Violet is in a beginning ballet class and loving it,” she said. “She’ll also be in Multi-Sport Mania in November which will be her first sports class.” Weber chose the Palatine Park District because of the variety of classes. “It’s been so nice to have classes they can go to at each stage of development. Classes are also at good times of the day that work in our schedule and the pricing is within our small budget. For Violet, it’s been so sweet for her to grow up in these classes and start to recognize friends in the community or at other classes. I also like getting to know other parents, chatting with them in class, and hearing from Violet’s teachers about how she’s progressing.” Weber has some advice for those who are new to Palatine Park District. “Visiting is a great place to start, especially if you have questions about any program. Everyone who works at Community Center is just the best. They are so sweet and caring and helpful to me and my daughters.”
Vicky Faber is a long-time member of the Palatine community. “We have lived in Palatine for 33 years and raised our boys here,” she said. “They all attended preschool at Parkside and were active in many programs like golf, tennis, PAFA , archery, swim, and art classes.” Presently Faber and her husband are utilizing the District’s facilities. “My husband plays in a golf league at Palatine Hills and has taken some private golf lessons after retiring to up his game,” she said. “He putts and chips and uses the driving range weekly. We also enjoy the Sounds of Summer concerts, walking the track at OST Field and the disc golf course at Margreth Riemer Reservoir. I enjoy going to Birchwood Pool for adult swim where I tread water for low impact resistance on my joints. The employees know me as the woman who treads water for an hour in the deep pool!”
Many employees, especially the Customer Service Representatives, enjoy engaging with customers. “We are their first contact,” said Lynn Lauterbach, Customer Service Coordinator. “That initial communication sets up the rest of their experience,” she said. “We assist in answering questions and registering patrons. We know many of the patrons’ life stories as they stop by registration to chat on their way to their activities. Many have been coming here for years for the quality and variety of classes, and the camaraderie of fellow patrons.” What is Lauterbach’s advice for being a first-rate Customer Service Representative? “Always be welcoming, patient, interested, and of course, smile,” she said. “Put the customer first. Treat everyone the same. Listen to their needs and accommodate them to the best of your ability. If you do not have the answer, find someone who does.”
“I get to know my customers very well, especially my regular customers,” said Tiffany Wilhoite, Customer Service Representative. “If I haven’t seen them in a while, I let them know they’re missed and I’m glad they’re back. There are so many reasons why I love Falcon. I love being able to tell customers about new programs. I love how parents come up with clever ways to convince their children that the vending machines don’t work! I love to see the kids encourage one another, whether they win or lose a game.”
So, if it hasn’t been your day, your week, your month, or even your year, come to Palatine Park District. We’ll be there for you! And know you are appreciated!
