FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
Coming to Allerton as a kid, my brother and I couldn’t wait to see the Bear and Gorilla statues.

BEST PART OF YOUR DAY ALLERTON
First thing everyday I try to make the guys I’m working with laugh or smile. I want them to know work can be fun!

FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
Proposing to my wife in the middle of the woods at night.

MOST EXCITING DAY ON THE JOB
Probably any of the days spent in a helicopter counting deer, or catching ginseng poachers in the act.

FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
Walking my dog on the trails on my birthday.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT ALLERTON
Being part of a community of wonderful people—staff, volunteers, supporters, visitors!

FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
Attending the Family Campout with my son and playing football with him and the Don Moyer’s Boys & Girls Club kids until my arm hurt.

MOST EXCITING DAY ON THE JOB
I would have to say every day. I get to do something different almost every day.

FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
Working as a counselor at Allerton’s summer day camps while I was in high school and college. I knew I was lucky to have such a fun job in a beautiful setting. Something I am still thankful for!

MOST EXCITING DAY ON THE JOB
When Dave and Debra Rathje decided to donate a million dollars!

FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
Walking with my husband, Ted, and our dog, Pepper, on the Allerton trails.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT ALLERTON
Working with such friendly, skilled, and dedicated people who are devoted to building the Allerton legacy.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT ALLERTON
My favorite thing about Allerton is the truly unique blending of formal and informal greenspace. From the freshly trimmed hedges and neatly spaced ornamental flowers in the gardens, to the wildness of walking on the trails or spotting a great blue heron wading along the edge of the Sangamon.

FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
Wandering through the woods from my grandparents’ and stumbling upon the Sun Singer for the first time.

FAVORITE SPOT AT ALLERTON
The McDonald Family Trail along the bluff edge, in the fall especially!

FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
My wife and I were married at Allerton. It was a wonderful way to start off a life together.

FAVORITE SPOT AT ALLERTON
I love the solitude. The gardens are lovely, and present themselves in the idea of “rooms.” Each garden has an opportunity to sneak away and sort out problems you might be having.

FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
July 12, 2009 in the Sunken Garden—my wedding day!

FAVORITE SPOT AT ALLERTON
The river overlook on the Orange/Yellow Trail shortcut past the Mansion Pond.  It is a beautiful and cozy space which stands on top of Allerton’s old pump house originally used to irrigate the gardens.

FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
Growing up in the area allowed me to make memory after memory at the Park – including sledding in the meadow, hiking and photographing the grounds and wildlife, and having picnics with family and friends.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT ALLERTON
No two events are alike, and no matter what time of year you visit the Park you will always see something new.

MOST EXCITING DAY ON THE JOB
EVERYDAY is exciting at Allerton Park! There’s always something going on and no two days are the same.

MOST EXCITING DAY ON THE JOB
Allerton event days! When the grounds are bustling with guests, park visitors, and staff all buzzing with excitement and energy.

FAVORITE SPOT AT ALLERTON
The path between the Mansion and the Visitor Center/Regency— not everyone gets such a beautiful walk to and from meetings to gather your thoughts and reflect.

FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
Listening to stories from a former coworker, Jo Ann. Her father was fortunate enough to work for Mr. Allerton, so she lived in the Mansion with her family growing up as a small child. Later she worked at Allerton Park as an adult after Mr. Allerton donated the Mansion to the University. The stories she shared made you feel as if you were here with her growing up.

FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
Growing up near Allerton meant many days spent exploring the park with family and friends.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT ALLERTON
When you enter the park, you feel as though you’ve found a magical place with so much to explore. History, nature and public events provide everyone with something to enjoy at Allerton!

FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
I was raised in Monticello and visited Allerton often while growing up.  Now I enjoy bringing my boys out to the Park to enjoy the unique and magical destination. We enjoy touring the Mansion, strolling the formal gardens, hiking, and every summer we experience the sounds of the Concert Series.

FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
My husband’s and my wedding day!  A ceremony in the Barn, an outdoor tented reception under the stars, a fire pit for those late-nighters, and all of our family and friends staying overnight on the property was perfect! You can’t find an atmosphere or surroundings like you can here.