Michael Maloney - Landscape Architect, CPSI

After 30+ years in the industry Mike had taken his expertise in the field and founded PLAY Illinois in 2014. He oversees all playground design and site amenities consultations, playground safety inspections and ASTM/CPSI playground audits.

During the course of his career, Mike has worked his way up from Design Team Leader to Principal Landscape Architect and covered every aspect of the industry from design services, managing the bid process, and construction management to establishing a Park and Recreation Construction Division overseeing project management, field and survey layouts and contract administration.

Mike has a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Design and a BS of Science in Landscape Architecture from Ball State University. He is also a licensed landscape architect for the State of Illinois and holds affiliations with the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), National Park and Recreation Association (NPRA) and Midwest Institute of Park Executives (MIPE).

Contact Michael at 630-514-5405 or mike@playil.com.

Cheryl Parson - Design Consultant

Cheryl has been an instrumental player on the PLAY Illinois team for three years, specializing in Design Consultation and Customer Service.

Cheryl has a total of 14 years in the playground industry. The first 11 years having covered every position from Bookkeeper to Inside Sales to Playground Designer. After taking a break from the industry to focus on the most demanding job (motherhood) she just couldn’t stay away and returned to the playground world.

In her spare time, Cheryl loves spending time with her three kids (17, 10 and 1), two boxers and one fat and loveable cat!! As a family they love being outdoors camping and hiking.

Please reach out to Cheryl if you have any questions regarding design, equipment, industry information and standards at 630-200-8759  or cparson@playil.com.

Margaret Chaidez - Project Manager

Margaret’s main focus on the PLAY Illinois team is Sales and Design Consultation. Her first (and most important) inclusive playground – Owen’s Playground at Hillcrest Elementary School in Downers Grove, IL – is truly a testament to her passion, as she oversaw this project based on a promise she had made to her son, Owen, “…you see something, make a change”. She had done the research, raised the funds, and remained steadfast to that promise. But for Margaret building this playground was much more than the promise she made to her son. “It’s not my son in a wheelchair, it’s for kids of all abilities to be inclusive.”

After earning a degree in Journalism from Columbia College, Margaret brings 25 years of digital marketing and strategy to our table.

Margaret lives in Downers Grove, IL where she enjoys spending time with her husband, three boys and two dogs (Bear and Panda). She spends her free time, “Raising awareness for my non-profit “Dream, Build, Play Experience”, which designs, fundraises and builds inclusive playgrounds for children of all abilities. We partner with communities to educate them on the importance of inclusion through recreational play.” 

Cori Green - Project Manager

Cori joined the PLAY Illinois team in April of 2017 and focuses on marketing and complete Customer Satisfaction, ensuring each client who reaches out to PLAY Illinois is fully satisfied not only with their play space but with the entire PLAY Illinois experience.

Cori has a degree in Journalism from Northeastern University and has spent the last 15 years in the organic/natural/specialty food industry managing national tradeshows and corporate events.

Cori has recently relocated to Downers Grove, IL from Boston, MA with her husband, three kids, dog and cat. As a family they enjoy staying active by playing softball/baseball, exercising and most importantly, GRILLING!!! Of course, on a cold winter’s day, a Monopoly marathon is always a possibility.

Please reach out to Cori if you have any questions regarding orders, parts, warranties, company information at 630-501-5326 or cgreen@playil.com.

Cathy Walma - Business Operations

Cathy has worked with PLAY Illinois since its early inception. Her focus has been on special projects, such as setting up and improving business operations and software resources.

Cathy’s career in client focused business services brought her to the Chicago area over 25 years ago. Her diverse experience encompasses supporting start-ups to large multi-national entities and their key executives in the areas of start-up operations, tax research and compliance, technical sales, marketing and customer service.

Cathy has an MBA in Finance from Santa Clara University and a BA in Marketing from Michigan State University.

Jenny Pawluk

Jenny has been an essential part of the PLAY Illinois team since August of 2016 and is responsible for all account management, invoicing and accounts receivable.

Jenny graduated from Lewis University in 2006 where she received a BA in Psychology and Criminal Justice. She has 10+ years of experience in office management, billing, accounts receivable, invoicing and managing expenses.

In her spare time Jenny, “…enjoys raising my 3 young girls with my husband.  We have been lifelong residents of the Chicago western suburbs.  We enjoy visiting the many parks in our area which lends to the passion I have developed for the parks and recreation profession.”

Please reach out to Jenny should you have any questions regarding your account or invoice at jpawluk@playil.com.