A Wilmette Park District commissioner will continue to serve on the board after an independent investigation confirmed his residency in Wilmette. At the same time, a vacancy was created when former Board President Kara Kosloskus submitted her resignation, and the Wilmette Park District is accepting applications from residents interested in serving the rest of her term on the Board.
Kosloskus plans to move out of the district, according to a news release. Wilmette Park commissioners are elected, as are Board members in most units of local government, and, according to state law, must reside in the district they serve.
The district hired an outside Chicago law firm to look into whether Commissioner Michael Murdock lives in the district after community members raised questions about his residency, per district documents.
Executive Director Chris Lindgren read a statement on the matter at the Aug. 11 Board of Commissioners Meeting.
“After hearing questions raised in the community about Murdock’s residency, the district hired the law firm Ancel Glink to conduct an independent investigation. Ancel Glink reported that based on the totality of its investigation, it found Murdock’s answers to be credible. It also collected information from public records and other sources. Overall, Ancel Glink concluded that a court would more likely find Murdock retains his residency in Wilmette and remains qualified to serve as a Park Commissioner. Ancel Glink does not recommend further pursuing the matter at this time based on the information it was able to review.”
“We are excited to put this behind us and close out the investigation,” Lindgren added.
JP NcNamara, the district’s marketing and communications manager, told Pioneer Press that the district hired the law firm after hearing questions raised in the community about Murdock’s residency.
“The goal was to provide clarity for the Board, the community, and the Commissioner [Murdock] himself — and we believe this was achieved,” he said.
When asked what the law firm did to investigate, McNamara said, “I can share that Ancel Glink reviewed applicable law and policy, examined public records and gathered information directly from the Commissioner as part of its investigation. Beyond that, we are not able to discuss [attorney-client] privileged matters.”
To date, the district spent $1,350 to hire the law firm, McNamara said. A final price is still pending, he said, but not anticipated to be much higher.
Also at the Aug. 11 meeting, the Board read a resolution in honor of Kosloskus’ years of service. She was elected to the board in 2021, re-elected in 2025, and leaves the Board on “distinctive Board member” status, Lindgren said.
“It’s definitely with mixed emotions that today I submitted a letter of resignation to the Park Board, effective tomorrow,” Kosloskus said at the meeting. “My family is moving out of the village, and this came as a quick decision, but things lined up; this is a great opportunity for our family.”
“The hardest part about this decision has been preparing for tonight and saying goodbye to this position. As much as I would like to remain at this desk, it’s the right thing to do to pass this seat on to someone who will fully reside here and participate in the day to day of Wilmette life,” she said.
During her tenure on the Board, she served one two-year term as president and one two-year term as vice president.
“Throughout her tenure, Kara guided Wilmette Park District during executive transitions and the completion of major capital projects. She led the Park District through pivotal changes, including implementing managed access at South Beach, pursuing sustainability goals under the Guide to Green Plan and strategically acquiring the Beth Hillel property,” a park district news release said.
“Wilmette Park District is deeply grateful for Kara’s service, vision, and dedication to the community. Her departure marks a significant transition for the Board and the broader Park District,” the district said.
Wilmette residents who have lived in the district for at least one year are eligible to apply for the vacancy caused by Kosloskus’ departure. Additional requirements include being a registered voter, along with being “committed to upholding the values and responsibilities of public service,” per the district’s requirements.
Applicants must submit a written statement answering the 2025 Board of Park Commissioners Vacancy Questionnaire (found online at wilmettepark.org) to be considered for appointment. Applicants can turn in their statement by mail or in person to the Wilmette Park District Administration Center at 1200 Wilmette Avenue or by email at mparson@wilpark.org or online on the district’s website.
All submissions must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 2. The district’s administrative offices will be closed Sept. 1 in observance of Labor Day.