M
PEOPLE AT THE PARKS
eet Mary Dankowski and Jerry “Stoney” Stonequist, the
dynamic duo of youth and adult athletics at the Des Plaines Park District.
Mary and Stoney have been with the Des Plaines Park District for 23 and 34 years
respectively. They are the Adult Softball coordinators; the Youth Soccer Coordinators;
the Youth Basketball Coordinators for Grades 3–8; the Men’s Basketball Supervisors,
and the High School Co-Rec Softball Supervisors. In addition, Stoney is a Youth
Basketball Official and Mary is the Boy’s Freshman/Sophomore Basketball supervisor.
During the Summer months, you can find them at Prairie Lakes supervising our Sports
Xplosion Camps, teaching young athletes the importance of good sportsmanship, fair
play, self-respect and respect for their team mates; and how to have fun.
“Mary and Stoney are my teammates and share my passion for athletics,” said Joshua
Cantres, Park District Athletic Supervisor. “They know what sports can do for children.
Many times, out on the field, parents who were in our Athletic programs twenty years
ago and who now have their children in our programs thank Mary and Stoney for their
tireless commitment to the District. Their high standards and strong work ethic rubs
off on the referees, camp counselors, and athletes.”
In addition to their commitment to the Park District, Mary is a full-time Teacher’s Assistant at Maine West and works with LD students. She also
is an athletic field supervisor for the Athletic Director at Maine West and is the Chair for? the Youth Commission. Stoney is a retired Chippewa
Middle School teacher, and continues to substitute teach at both Chippewa and Maine West.
Q. Which athletic program is your favorite and why? Mary: “Middle school basketball, definitely. This is a program where athletes of all skill levels
come together to have fun. Leaders are born in this program, and the encouraging camaraderie between players makes this my favorite.”
Stoney: “Middle school basketball! These kids would play year round if we let them. They really enjoy their time on the court as they develop their
skills and their ability to work together towards a common goal.”
Q. What do you like best about working at Sports Xplosion camp? Mary: “It’s fun everyday! This camp teaches the children not only the individual
skills necessary to play a sport, but also the importance of good sportsmanship. Participating in sports help a child develop good listening skills
and the concept that everyone on a team contributes to the overall success.” Stoney: “Being with the kids. I love working with all age groups,
exposing them to the life skills that are inherent in team sports – working together, developing self-confidence, fair play, and how every team
member’s effort is important. We encourage kids to try new sports in a relaxed setting, find their niche, and then sign up for their favorite
individual sport during the year.”
Q. What is your favorite sport? Mary: “Basketball.” Stoney: “I love our adult 16” softball and I love to coach basketball.”
Q. Why do you think sports are important for kids