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.
Next up is Superintendent of Equine Services Amanda Bergman. Amanda is one of the District’s longest-tenured employees, having been with the Park District since 2005. After graduating from the University of Findlay (Ohio) in 2005 with bachelor’s degrees in Equestrian Studies and Business Management, she came straight to the PPD.
“The stars aligned upon graduation when a childhood acquaintance contacted me about working for the Park District,” Bergman said. “I was able to follow my love of horses.”
Amanda began as the assistant manager at the Park District’s Normantown Equestrian Center and was later promoted to manager, director and finally superintendent in 2021. Normantown Equestrian Center is one of only three park district-owned equestrian centers in Illinois.
“It’s great to be able to provide an affordable equine experience for first-timers,” Bergmann said. “The normal business model of most private barns tends to focus on pushing people toward horse ownership and showing, whereas we are a pressure-free place for the community to dip their toes into the horse world.”
In addition to overseeing the entire operation at Normantown Equestrian Center, Amanda also teaches a wide variety of classes, creates new programs, and holds multiple shows and special events throughout the year.
“I was born an animal lover so being around horses every day brings me joy, but I also really enjoy meeting and working with people who share the same passions,” Bergman said. “I’ve had the pleasure of sharing my experience and horses with students and seeing them grow not only as riders but as people.”
As for March being Women’s History Month, “I love to see that women work in all areas and levels of the parks and recreation field impacting lives in many different ways.”
