Geneseo Park District's

RESPECT Award

The purpose of the Geneseo Park District's recognition program is to recognize employees and volunteers who consistently seek ways to help others throughout the park district, demonstrate environmental excellence/innovation and make a significant contribution to advancing the Core Values and Mission of the Geneseo Park District.

This program is for employees, customers, and volunteers to recognize Park District staff or volunteers who consistently demonstrate our Core Value criteria of RESPECT.

Employees, customers, or volunteers nominate Park District staff and volunteers by completing a nomination form and turning it in to Administrative Assistant. Nominations will be collected on a quarterly basis and distributed to Board in Board Packet. If there is more than one nominee, the Board will vote on the recipient.

RESPECT Nomination Form

RESPECT Award Recipient

2nd Quarter 2026

The recipient of the 1st Quarter “RESPECT” Award is Leah Roemer. Leah is an Aquatics Center Assistant Manager and was nominated by Nathaniel Hines. Here is what Nathaniel had to say ….

Leah has a personality trait that is more valuable than it often gets credit for, she laughs through things. Even in the hardest moments, when it’s 100 degrees, or pouring rain, when everyone is about to “crash out” as they like to say, Leah finds a way to bring humor and lightness into the situation. That ability to reset the tone of a moment is tough, and she is a master at this task.

The Aquatic Center is a demanding environment. Long hours, unpredictable weather, constant patron needs, and the responsibility of safety create a setting where stress can build quickly. In that kind of environment, it is easy for energy to drop and frustration to take over.  I’m more guilty of this than anyone.  Leah consistently helps prevent that. She brings a sense of perspective and levity that helps the team reset and keep moving forward.

What stands out most is that her positivity is not forced. It is genuine. She is not ignoring the challenges of the job, she is choosing how to respond to them. That distinction matters, especially in a role where attitude directly impacts both team performance and guest experience.

Leah also understands when to step in and when to lighten the moment. That balance is rare. She contributes to a culture where people can work hard, handle stress, and still find moments of humor and connection throughout the day.

In a job that can be physically and mentally exhausting, Leah helps make the work sustainable. She reminds the team that while the job is serious, we also have to take care of each other along the way.

Leah exemplifies each value of “RESPECT” through her ability to bring steadiness and humor into challenging moments.