The South East Association of Special Parks and Recreation recently honored a Western Springs resident as its Virtuous Volunteer. The annual award was given to John Coll for his longtime service to the organization, which provides year-round recreational activities and programs to individuals with developmental disabilities.

SEASPAR is supported by the Villages of Western Springs, Indian Head Park and Brookfield; and the Park Districts of Downers Grove, La Grange Park, La Grange, Darien, Clarendon Hills, Lisle, Westmont and Woodridge.

Susan Friend, executive director of SEASPAR, said that Coll was chosen by the full-time staff at SEASPAR.

“They’re asked to look at our volunteers, who they serve, how they serve. They look at people who distinguish themselves in a variety of ways — their impact, their contribution to the agency, their relationships with the athletes and families. All of those things come into play,” she said. “We look for someone with a special relationship with the participants, someone with dependability, reliability, zeal — all those kinds of factors.”

Coll first started volunteering at SEASPAR in 1991.

“Who’d have guessed that 17 years later, he’d still be here” Friend said.

Coll has been involved primarily as a coach for different athletic programs, including Special Olympics.

“He’s best known for his leadership and coaching of the swim team, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and track and field. He’s involved year-round in some capacity,” Friend said.

Overall, Coll works with more than 50 athletes each year, some of whom are involved in more than one of his sports.

“He’s always putting the athletes first. He helps them set goals and then pushes them to be their best. He’s well respected by the athletes, families and fellow coaches,” Friend said.

“John has a very relaxed but very consistent demeanor, which works for all of our participants. He’s relaxed and easy to talk to and takes a big interest with each individual athlete. He expects nothing less than the very best at every practice. And the athletes respond really well. No one wants to disappoint Coach John,” Friend said. “They know at the end of any event, they’ve put out their very best.”

After receiving his award from SEASPAR, Coll was recognized at a Western Springs Village Board meeting.

“They indicated that they were proud that one of their residents was so active with SEASPAR,” Friend said. “The Village has been so supportive of the agency and to know that a resident had put such a vested interest into SEASPAR made them very grateful and proud of his accomplishments.”

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