IPRA Today

Illinois Park and Recreation

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

One of the major values that your professional organization can provide you is meaningful networking opportunities.   These opportunities can be gained in a variety of ways including section meetings, committee meetings and educational workshops.

Networking is a vital function to your professional development and it is equally important to build a diverse network.  IPRA is working to develop a variety of opportunities for you to meet other professionals throughout the state and step outside your comfort zone.  As you can imagine, while networking is important, building a diverse network is most beneficial as it allows you a variety of contacts that you would not obtain if you just networked with the folks in similar roles as you. 

This summer I challenge each of you to attempt to meet at least ten new people and to begin to building your network.  Just think about it: if you meet ten new people and each of those people knows at least ten people, you have just built your network by one hundred individuals in a very short timeframe.

Donna Fisher and Sandy Vilas, in Power Networking, define networking as "making links from people we know to people they know, in an organized way, for a specific purpose, while remaining committed to doing our part, expecting nothing in return."  Through genuine networking, each of us builds meaningful networks that can help us grow as professionals as well as individuals.

In Never Eat Alone, Keith Ferrazzi explains how connecting the world around him is based on generosity and helping friends connect with other friends.  He highlights that honest relationship-building is what is important and not the glad-handing usually associated with networking. He then explains his system of reaching out to people and relates them to proven principles such as:

  • Don't keep score--it is important to make sure that both individuals feel the relationship is beneficial;
  • Stay in touch--make sure that you are communicate with individuals throughout the year, not just when you want something; and
  • Make sure to make a positive impression--don’t just fade into the past.

IPRA wants to help you reach your full potential and that includes providing meaningful networking opportunities.  Make sure to stretch yourself and sometimes put yourself in less than comfortable situations so that you can in turn grow and stretch yourself.  Use this summer as a time to stretch yourself and grow your network.  It will plant seeds for future professional growth. 

Best,
Jan Arnold, Executive Director, Illinois Park and Recreation Association

 
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD

The known summertime tasks and unexpected happenings require extra hours and more energy and RESOURCES.    Resources:  Time, Money, People, Information!  Where do you get your resources?

In 2009 IPRA had some unexpected happenings.  It took resources, energy and time to work on "fixing" IPRA.  We still have people from all over the state working on committees and task forces to make sure our foundation is rock solid.  Over the past year many have asked, "What can IPRA do for me"?  "What is the value"? As you keep up with our status by reading the IPRA TODAY, mailings and communicating with your IPRA Board representative, you can clearly see that in a very short time we haven’t "re-built"  IPRA  as it was, we have been "Re-Creating" it!  You are talking; we are listening and taking action!  We are using our resources to better serve you.

How about you?  When dealing with the "expected & surprises" such as: a leaking pool, loss of key staff, need information on liquor licenses, proper marketing techniques, ethical issues, evaluation tools, staff training, etc., who do you ask? Your four closest colleagues in the field?  WHY not TAP into the ENTIRE state, through IPRA?  Executive Director, Jan Arnold, has been diligently working within the industry and reaching out to agencies, businesses and professionals with skills, information and services that can assist you with your diverse issues, questions and situations.  We want you to contact IPRA with your questions, concerns and needs.  It is our goal to guide you and direct you to the resources that will assist you and advance you professionally.  Our communication committee led by Allison Niemela is diligently working to create a website and communication plan that will provide you with information at the click of a button.....coming before the end of 2012.  Until then, all you have to do is ask.  Contact IPRA 630.376.1911 or zip an email to jan@ilipra.org.

As always, any questions, suggestions or if you want to talk, please feel free to contact me at lkpaden@Illinois.edu or 217.333.9082.

LoriKay Paden
Academic Advisor - Recreation Sport Tourism, University of Illinois

 
NEWS YOU CAN USE

A request for proposals (RFP) has been released for IPRA to secure space and relocate its headquarters.  If you are interested in having your agency submit a proposal, please contact  Jan Arnold.

The deadline for responding is June 17.

 

The exercise that comes with outdoor play and recreation improves weight loss, lowers high blood pressure and contribute to an overall improvement in physical health and fitness. Young people who spend time in nature are also more likely to be strong advocates for the environment as adults.

To learn more about Chicago Wilderness’ Leave No Child Inside initiative visit www.kidsoutside.info.

Is your organization hosting a Leave No Child Inside Event? Need help promoting? Let us know when and where and we will add it to our community calendar: Jon.Woods@illinois.gov.

 

The Tony Hawk Foundation seeks to foster lasting improvements in society, with an emphasis on supporting and empowering youth.

Click here for more information!

 
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

June 9, 2011 - 10:00 AM

Click here to register!

Description: This session isn’t intended for experts, but rather for all practitioners in the industry who are looking to expand their knowledge base by applying the tools shared with your agency. GIS is one of the most powerful methods of using data that is being used by more and more park and recreation agencies.

This webinar will review the basic components of GIS (Geographic Information Systems), explain the data behind the geography and provide attendees with examples of the types of data that can be tracked, analyzed and used for better decision-making. A few examples include: tracking and planning for assets, defining service areas and gaps in service, identifying patterns of resident and non-resident use, measuring geography, identifying primary and secondary marketing areas.

Learning Outcomes: Participants will be able to recite the basics of GIS and will develop ideas about using GIS in their agency.

Speakers: Mary Gardocki, Consulting Associate, Heller and Heller Consulting & Barbara Heller, President, Heller and Heller Consulting

 

Date: June 17, 2011 - 10:00 AM
Location: Addison Park District, Links & Tees Golf Facility, 800 W. Lake St., Addison
Contact: Sheila Mulvey-Tatoris, 630-376-1911

Click here to register!

Have you ever been challenged by the "know-it-all" team member or wished you could find ways to engage the "timid" one? We will provide tips for dealing with these situations and how to effectively manage and diffuse conflict in a meeting situation to maintain harmony and productivity in your meetings.
During the second portion of the workshop, you will learn how and when to use focus group discussions, how to write effective questions, and how to facilitate a meaningful and productive focus group meeting.

Who Should Attend? This workshop is tailored to mid- to upper-level management professionals; however, entry-level staff may also find the workshop useful, especially those who manage and supervise many part- or full-time staff.

Presented by: Laura L. Payne, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in the Office of Recreation and Park Resources (ORPR) and Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism at the at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has directed the Illinois Rural Recreation Development Project (IRRDP), Illinois Senior Wellness Initiative, and other statewide recreation and wellness programs. She has conducted numerous community park and recreation needs assessment/evaluation studies throughout Illinois and assists parks and recreation agencies with agency planning, organizational development, evaluation, and other management processes. LoriKay Paden, M.S. is academic advisor in the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism and an outreach coordinator for the Office of Recreation and Park Resources (ORPR) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She consults, advises, evaluates and provides training and staff development for administrative staff, supervisors, personal trainers, fitness instructors, and front line staff in public and private recreation and park agencies at the state and national level.

Learning Outcomes: 1. Learn strategies for managing group dynamics to optimize productivity and a positive group experience in board, staff and community meetings. 2. Learn and practice the process of developing and implementing a focus group discussion. 3. Learn and practice writing effective focus group questions. 4. Learn how to analyze and summarize focus group data/information once focus group discussions have been conducted.

Fee includes box lunch.

 

Date: June 21, 2011 - 10:00 AM
Location: online
Contact: Heather Weishaar, 630-376-1911

Click here to register!

Additionally, strategies for enhancing and maintaining park safety & encouraging citizen engagement in safety initiatives will be discussed.

Participants will learn park safety strategies and initiative that they can evaluate for implementation within their own communities. Participants will gain an understanding of the ways in which park district police enhance park safety and how they integrate into the community and with other law enforcement personnel.

Speakers: Ray McGury, Executive Director, Naperville Park District, Carl Schnibben, Park Police Chief, Naperville Park District

Registration Deadline: 6/14/2011

 

Date: July 8, 2011 - 10:30 AM
Location: Addison Park District, 1776 W. Centennial Place, Addison, IL
Contact: Kim Passini, Lemont Park District, (630) 257-6787

Click here to register!

Through this program, veterans benefit from a free one-year membership, learn about universal design fitness center equipment and enjoy free personal training sessions and monthly socials. After lunch, participants will have the opportunity to tour the Centennial Recreation Center.
Learning Outcomes

Participants will: (1) learn how to implement a health and fitness program for injured service members in their community; (2) create beneficial partnerships with affiliate groups as a means of identifying individuals for the program.

Presented by Donna Sebok has been working with the Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies program since its inception at Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association. She has been an integral part in the development of this program. Working as a CTRS for more than 18 years, the past year has been solely committed to veterans with disabilities at NEDSRA. Donna has been a speaker at state and national conferences.

Greg Vitale has been in the field for 11 years. His most recent position is Manager of Fitness Center Operations for the Addison Park District’s Club Fitness. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation and Sports Management from Indiana State University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Governor’s State University. Greg is a an experienced speaker/presenter at the annual IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference as well as other venues. FEE INLCUDES LUNCH.

Click here to download printable form!

 

Registration available soon!


IPRA MEMBER Registration Fee: 

  • By September 2   Single Room = $695; Double Room = $575 S
  • September 3 – October 28  Single Room = $790; Double Room = $610  

 

NON-MEMBER Registration Fee:

  • Single Room = $865; Double Room = $81

Your registration fee covers:
Overnight accommodations at Decatur Conference Center and Hotel for arrival on Sunday, November 13 and departure on Wednesday, November 16. All meals as outlined in the PDS Schedule of Events, All PDS materials, 1.5 CEUs


Registration Deadlines

Early Registration Deadline: Friday, September 2, 2011
Registration Deadline:  Friday, October 28, 2011
 
CALENDAR/UPCOMING EVENTS

Click here for registration form!


Event Date: July 6, 2011 9:00 AM - July 22, 2011 4:00 PM
Location: Various through six counties
Contact: Teresa Grodsky, 847-692-3597

  • Call the Park Ridge Senior Center (847-692-3597) for entry forms
  • Entry fee is $14.00 for one day, $20.00 for two or more days
  • Extra fee for golf, bowling, team sports, trap shoot
  • Ages 50 and up
 
RESOURCES/SURVEYS
Don’t add a sugary, calorie-rich drink to an already unhealthy meal. Water is available everywhere and is good for you. Drinking a large glass of water with your meal will help you feel fuller earlier.
 
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