March is Women’s History Month, commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history. In honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (March 8), we are highlighting some of the amazing women that work at the Plainfield Park District.
Today’s honoree is Director of Recreation Andrea Juricic. Andrea came to Plainfield in June of 2023 after serving as the superintendent of recreation for the DeKalb Park District for two-plus years. At DeKalb, she was responsible for the administration and leadership of all operations within the recreation department for a community of 40,000+ people, overseeing programming efforts in recreation, aquatics and special events for all ages and interest groups. She also oversaw management of the DeKalb Park District’s Sports and Recreation Center, Haish Gymnasium and Hopkins Community Pool.
Prior to DeKalb, Juricic was the facilities supervisor at Elmhurst Park District (2018-2021) and the variety and athletics supervisor at Glenview Park District (2012-2018).
“The most enjoyable takeaway from working in the field of park and recreation is the joy that it brings our patrons,” Juricic said. “There aren’t many fields where your main objective is bringing people and the community together through play and other enjoyable activities.”
Andrea is a 2011 graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a bachelor’s degree in recreation, sport and tourism.
“This field became a career outlet for me when I was in college,” Juricic said. “At the time, I was studying to be a large animal veterinarian. Due to sudden life circumstances, it was not feasible for me to consider medical school anymore and I had to graduate within the allotted four years typically given for a bachelor’s degree. As I walked back into the dorm, a sign was posted for RST (Recreation, Sport, and Tourism). I contacted my advisor and realized I had been working in the field of recreation all along as a camp counselor, lifeguard, front desk attendant, etc. Once realizing this is a career path, my major was promptly changed, and I haven’t looked back since.”
Andrea is a Certified Park & Recreation Professional (CPRP) and Certified Illinois Swimming Pool Operator (CPO) while also being American Red Cross Adult, Child and Infant CPR/AED and medic first-aid certified.
In her leisure time, she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, gardening, reading and being outdoors.
As for March being Women’s History Month and today being International Women’s Day, “I am 110% supportive of other women in any field of work including parks and recreation. Us girls need to stick together and be supportive of one another. I have had many wonderful mentors over the years, many of whom were women.”
