Building Fun Since 1995!

Parkreation started in 1995 with a simple mission: To build something fun. Following this mantra helped us develop countless amazing outdoor parks and recreation areas across Illinois and Indiana. Our product lines have expanded to include shades, shelters, and safety surfacing along with a huge variety of other site amenities. Parkreation is family owned and operated, and our team works together to provide our customers with the best products and customer service possible. Whether we are working with a park district, school, or independent organization, we promise to be transparent with our pricing and offer only the equipment ideal for your project and area. We will pair you with one of our local sales representatives to ensure someone is there to meet with you, facilitate the delivery and installation process, and is available to handle any issues along the way.

We know that building parks should be all about fun, and we want to ensure you enjoy the process as much as we do!

Say hello! Contact us today!

Meet Our Team

John J. Simonaitis

President & Founder

I am a 1986 graduate with a business degree from St. Norbert College. In 1995 I started Parkreation the year after my daughter was born and the year that my son was born. 23 years later and I am still enjoying every day. The business grew along with my kids and we have since designed hundreds of parks. I am thankful for all the people who work with me at Parkreation and have helped to create a place we all are proud to be a part of. I am also thankful to the customers who trusted in us and gave us the opportunity to serve them. I look forward to a healthy future and many more years of building fun.

E-Mail: John@Parkreation.com

Paul Gozder

Sales Representative for Chicago South Suburbs & Central Illinos

For 25+ years, I have had the pleasure of providing commercial recreational products and services to the park and recreation industry; as well as schools, day care facilities and unique special projects. I have watched my children grow up on the playgrounds that I had designed. Back in the day, I used to bring them and their friends to playground photo shoots for the Little Tikes Commercial catalog. When I am not working on park stuff, I enjoy boating on Lake Holiday, Bee Keeping with my wife, and spending time with our three daughters. I look forward to working with you on your ‘special’ playground, or park shelter, or creating a cool space with our shade units.

E-Mail: Paul@Parkreation.com

Lani Chaplik

Sales Representative for Chicago North & Northwest Suburbs

I’m one of the lucky people who truly love what they do for work. Filling our communities with amazing outdoor spaces for family and friends to enjoy is what makes my job so special. Creating inclusive parks is my passion; all kids should have the opportunity to play together! When I’m not working, I enjoy time with my dog Pearl, my home away from home Mexico, gardening, and cooking for family and friends.

E-Mail: Lani@Parkreation.com

Parker John Simonaitis, CPSI

Sales Representative for Chicago

With the name Parker, I’ve grown up knowing I was born for the park business. I joined my father and our team at Parkreation in 2018 after graduating from DePaul University. I am passionate about putting together unique designs and proposals that are creative and fun for everyone! My background in graphic design also transfers naturally over to playground and web design. After hours, you might catch me on stage playing the drums or singing a song!

E-Mail: Parker@Parkreation.com

Mary and Tom Sanders

Sales Representatives for Northern & Central Indiana

Mary started in 1995 and has been a CPSI since 1996, while Tom started in 2002. Together we work as a team to create outdoor recreation spaces for children and families around the state of Indiana as well as in our hometown Valparaiso. Both of us are skilled at approaching solutions from various perspectives and our years of experience enable us to educate, recommend, and find solutions for outdoor fun.

E-Mail: IndianaOffice@Parkreation.com

Lora Dolan

Office Manager

In February of 1998, my youngest son started kindergarten and John asked me to come in for one day to answer phones. Twenty years later, I continue to work for Parkreation and try to provide the best service for all of our customers. In my spare time, I love traveling, music, cooking, a good red wine, the Chicago Cubs and spending time with family and friends.

E-Mail: IllinoisOffice@Parkreation.com