IPRA Today
Illinois Park and Recreation
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
This is a great time for professionals to also think about their own professional development and to assess what skills they and their staff will need to build and enhance in the upcoming year. It is IPRAs desire to help its professionals to improve, to enhance and to learn new skills that will not only improve the level of service that they offered their residents and program participants, but also to help position the individual in their career progression. At IPRA, we want to be your first thought and stop when seeking professional development opportunities.
What is professional development? Wikipedia defines it as "skills and knowledge attained for both personal development and career advancement. Professional development encompasses all types of facilitated learning opportunities, ranging from college degrees to formal coursework, conferences and informal learning opportunities situated in practice. It has been described as intensive and collaborative, ideally incorporating an evaluative stage."
Why should I participate in professional development? First, we can always learn something new or find a better way of tackling a common problem. Professional development programs have changed significantly over the last several decades. Today technology allows us the ability to provide instruction to individuals in different cities, counties and states without having to leave our office spaces, so it is easier than ever to learn about a new topic or approach without having to leave your office. Additionally, when you attend a face-to-face training it is a great way to reconnect with your peers and to continue to build your professional network.
What is an outcome of professional development? Granted we can all benefit from attending an educational session and I believe that continuous learners are the most prepared professions. However, if you are a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) you will also be able to earn Continuing Educational Units (CEUs) which are required to maintain your certification. CEUs may be awarded for educational activity, which helps you to maintain, to develop or to increase your knowledge, problem-solving, technical skills or professional performance. The belief is that professionals who are committed to continuous learning can provide better quality of life experiences for their residents and program participants.
How can I participate? IPRA offers a variety of approaches to professional development including round tables, webinars, workshops, schools and conferences. In 2012, we will be adding case studies to our menu of offerings which we believe will not only greatly increase the level of engagement during our educational sessions but also improve networking among professionals.
We are currently preparing our 2012 training calendar and plan to have the calendar available by November 1st, so if there are particular topics that you would like to see IPRA offer, please let me know.
Have a great fall. I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at one of our upcoming trainings: Supervisor Symposium, Professional Development School, Innovation Workshop or one of the many others!
Best,
Jan R. Arnold
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MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD
Here is an update on just a few things that are on the horizon: Next month, IPRA will be relocating to the Park District of LaGrange. This new, more permanent location, will give us the opportunity to continue to improve our member’s services and also have the ability to host meetings, workshop and trainings. Make sure you plan a visit later this fall!
Not only will we have a new home, we will be unveiling a new look, new logo and new website this January. The Communication Committee has dedicated many hours of time and expertise to assure we are equipped with a website that will provide you with resources, connections and educational opportunities to enhance your professional development while visually showing our professionalism and value to the field.
A main priority of rejuvenating IPRA's professional development still remains. If you have been keeping up on our communications, you are aware of the diverse, educated and driven committee that has been assembled to revamp, redevelop and enhance our educational offerings. You will see noticeable changes with your conference offerings and be pleasantly surprised with incredible opportunities that will continue to emerge as the year progresses.
Finally, in regards to streamlining and running IPRA as efficiently as possible, the board has voted to create a Membership Council. To transition our current Board, Section Representatives will be working with an outside facilitator to identify how we can improve efficiencies, create goals and an action plan to effectively operate the Council within IPRA. With the creation of this Council, a new At-Large Board position has been created. We are accepting applications now for a November election.
As you can see, staff, board members and a countless number of volunteers are working hard for you! There is still much to be done and we are pushing forward. Thank you for your support, service and input. As always I would love to hear from you, lkpaden@illinois.edu.
Wishing you a great fall,
LoriKay Paden
Academic Advisor, Recreation Sport Tourism, University of Illinois
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NEWS YOU CAN USE
Application Deadline: October 17, 2011
Each grant engages participating youth in service-learning, an effective teaching and learning strategy that supports student learning, academic achievement, and workplace readiness. The grants encourage semester-long projects that launch on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (January 16, 2012) and culminate on Global Youth Service Day (April 20-22, 2012).
Schools, service-learning coordinators, non-profits, and students in the health professions located in all 50 states and the District of Columbia are eligible to apply for the $500-$1,000 grants.
Click here for more information!
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Event Date: September 8, 2011 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Contact: Heather Weishaar, 630-376-1911
Registration Deadline: September 1, 2011
Speaker: Dennis Snow, Snow & Associates, Inc.
It’s in the execution that service excellence strategies become a reality or simply another "flavor-of-the-month" program. Employees watch to see how committed the organization truly is to customer service and take their cues directly from their leaders. In order to effectively implement an organization-wide service excellence strategy, today’s leaders must rely on the skills of a facilitator and idea champion and must walk the talk of service excellence.
Based on the leadership principles Dennis learned, lived, and taught during his 20-years with Walt Disney World, this presentation highlights specific leadership behaviors that bring a service strategy to life and describes how to "hardwire" service excellence into an organization’s culture.
Participants will learn:
- The behaviors that will define your organization’s service culture.
- Hiring processes that ensure that service-oriented individuals are recruited and selected for employment.
- New-hire and ongoing training practices that reinforce your organization’s service culture.
- Effective communications strategies that keep employees focused on the customer experience.
- Techniques for involving employees in the forward movement of the organization and empowering customer-focused decision making.
- Accountability processes that ensure that service excellence is non-negotiable.
Click here to register!
Event Date: September 13, 2011 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Contact: Heather Weishaar, 630-376-1911
Registration Deadline: 9/7/2011
You can audit and inventory your agency’s current sustainability efforts and use the results to create achievable environmental goals. Energy-cost savings, a safer work/play environment and low maintenance materials can all be outcomes of committing to a greener agency.
Learning Outcomes: 1. Learn how to develop a strategy to identify potential "facility greening" projects, implement them, and then monitor the results 2. Learn how to promote and market their agency’s green changes both to both the Board and Community and provide a side-by-side cost comparison.
Presenters: Carol Sente, Principal – SRBL Architects, Jeff Fougerousse, Executive Director – Vernon Hills Park District, Marty Walsh, Recreation Supervisor – Vernon Hills Park District
Click here to register!
Event Date: September 22, 2011 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Contact: Heather Weishaar, 630-376-1911
Registration Deadline: September 15, 2011
Speaker: Sarah Gadola-Gallagher, Deputy Public Access Counselor, Illinois Attorney General's Office
This presentation will provide public bodies with information about the Freedom of Information Act & their responsibilities under the Act.
Click here to register!
Date: November 13, 2011 - November 16, 2011
Location: Decatur Conference Center and Hotel
Contact: Tim Reinbold
Contact Phone: 630-627-6100
Click here to register!
IPRA’s Administrative and Finance Section conducts an annual three-day workshop (the Professional Development School), which offers a three-year curriculum platform that inducts new members to the school and keeps graduates returning year after year. Attendees learn management skills pertinent to recreation professionals from nationally recognized speakers and from one another.
Click here to download printable form!
NEWS ABOUT MEMBERS
Van Thorre will be responsible for managing Iroquois and Chippewa neighborhood pools and Mystic Waters Family Aquatic Center during the summer as well as Youth Programs including Fantastic Fridays, Middle School Drop Ins, School Day Off Programs, and youth trips.
Van Thorne comes from the Park Ridge Park District having been their Aquatics Supervisor since October 2005. She has extensive experience recruiting, training, and mentoring lifeguard staff, providing in-service training according to Red Cross and PDRMA guidelines, and enforcing pool rules and regulations for staff and residents. She has coordinated the Park Ridge Learn to Swim program and brings hands on experience as well as, having been a lifeguard and Learn to Swim instructor herself. "I am looking forward to the challenges of new facilities and a larger summer staff" said van Thorre. "My goal is to help my summer staff develop a strong work ethic and a conscientious commitment to safety 24/7."
For more information about Des Plaines Park District aquatic programs, visit http://www.dpparks.org/ or call 847-391-5700.
Dohlen began his career with the Park District in October of 2009 as the Facility Maintenance Supervisor for Golf Center Des Plaines and Lake Park. His responsibilities included the management of the golf course, driving range, and building at the Golf Center, as well as the Lake Park Golf Course and the east side of the park. Doug also participated in project management and planning throughout the District.
"Dohlen is perfectly suited to step into this position because of his education and experience managing construction costs and quality control, and coordinating with subcontractors," said Paul Cathey, Superintendent of Parks and Planning.
Dohlen graduated from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Building Construction Technology. He has over twenty years of experience working with various park districts planning and building community centers, aquatic facilities and parks.
As Assistant Superintendent, Dohlen’s first priority is the Lake Park Expansion Project, corner of Lee Street and Howard Avenue, slated for completion in 2011. Dohlen will also supervise the renovation of Chippewa neighborhood pool at 209 8th Avenue, targeted to open summer of 2013, having served on the interview team for the selection of the architects and engineers. He will also oversee the management of the sub-contracted firm who maintains the golf courses, train and supervise maintenance staff, and serve on the safety committee. Dohlen will be involved in all facets of the maintenance operations for the District, working closely with supervisory and hourly staff to provide outstanding service to the community.
"I have had such a positive experience since coming to the Des Plaines Park District. I am excited to be part of such a talented group of individuals here in Des Plaines. Our staff becomes an extension of ones family and our facilities second homes. I look forward to the growth and future of the District," said Dohlen.
For more information about Des Plaines Park District facilities, visit http://www.dpparks.org/.
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Boys has been with the District for 14 years, having served as Aquatics Manager and Assistant Superintendent of Facilities. As Assistant Superintendent of Recreation, Boys will supervise a full time staff of six and oversee all Special Events, Summer Camps, Cultural Arts, Youth Sports and Athletics, Early Childhood, Aquatics, Fitness and Adult programs; as well as Prairie Lakes Community Center, the Administrative and Leisure Center, Mountain View Adventure Center, Mystic Waters, Chippewa and Iroquois Pools.
"We offer one of the most extensive selections of quality programming for all ages in the northwest suburbs," said Boys. "We will continue to look for innovative and interesting ways to give all of our residents an opportunity to be involved, healthy, and active." Boys’ hands on experience working in both programming and in facilities provide her with a clear understanding of what Des Plaines residents are looking for in their Park District programs and events. "I look forward to maintaining an open dialogue between our dedicated staff and our dynamic community, " said Boys.
For more information about Des Plaines Park District programs and events, visit http://www.dpparks.org/ or call 847-391-5700.
Rochau has an Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and is a Journeyman Tool and Die Maker. He has also completed several courses toward becoming a Stationary Engineer. Rochau has worked as a Building Engineer for The Westin Hotel in Chicago, and has electrical, HVAC, boiler, cooling tower, and general building maintenance experience and expertise.
At the Des Plaines Park District, Rochau will be responsible for the daily maintenance at The Administrative and Leisure Center, Prairie Lakes Community Center, the field houses at West and Arndt Parks and The Golf Center Des Plaines. He will manage a full time staff of four and a seasonal part time custodial staff, and work closely with the Recreation Staff meeting special building needs and requests.
For more information about Des Plaines Park District facilities, visit http://www.dpparks.org/.
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Traina replaces Gayle Mountcastle who has been appointed the Executive Director of the Park Ridge Park District.
Traina has been with the Des Plaines Park District for the past 24 years. She has served as Community Center Supervisor, Recreation Supervisor, and Recreation Manager, before assuming her current position of Assistant Superintendent. Traina has supervised and developed Park District Camps; Preschool, Dance, Fitness, and Youth Programs, as well as special events at the Park District and in the community. She has been a driving force behind Fall Fest, Lake Wonderland, the Spring Fun Fair, and Halloween Hoopla, coordinating efforts between the Park District and other Des Plaines agencies.
Over the years, Traina has written major Park policies and grants, including the Athletic Field policy, staff training manuals, and the Department of Justice grant for the Teen Center. She currently chairs the Des Plaines Park District’s Green Team, and has been on both the master plan and the safety committees.
Traina is active in the Des Plaines community organizations including having served as the president of the Des Plaines Arts Council for the seven past years. She has also served on the Healthy Community Partnership, the Des Plaines Youth Commission, and the Taste of Des Plaines committee.
"The Des Plaines Park District has some of the best parks, facilities, and programs in all of the Northwest suburbs. My goal as Superintendent is to see that we reach out to all of our residents and have them experience the beauty, opportunities, and fun we have to offer," said Traina.
Hejnowski has worked at the Golf Center for the past 8 years as a part time facility manager, supervising a staff of more than twenty-five employees. He has extensive front desk customer relations experience, general maintenance experience working on the automatic tee-up system, ball cleaners and washers, and the golf ball picker vehicle, and has Pediatric Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certificates.
Hejnowski has been employed as an EMT-Paramedic for Advance Ambulance in Chicago since October of 2008 and has worked at Top Golf in Wood Dale on the Maintenance Staff. He will report to Brian Panek, Manager of Golf and Facilities, and work out of Golf Center Des Plaines and the Lake Park Golf Course.
"Tom’s in depth knowledge of the day to day operations at Golf Center Des Plaines, his strong work ethic, and his customer service experience make him a valuable addition to the Des Plaines Park District team," said Panek.
For more information about Des Plaines Park District golf facilities, visit http://www.dpparks.org/.
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Yelich will be responsible for organizing existing Park District special events such as the Father Daughter Dance, the Mother Daughter Tea, the Easter Egg Hunts, the Polar Express train rides, Earth and Arbor Day activities, as well as planning new programs. "I look forward to bringing a fresh perspective to the District, as well, as creating new, family based activities," said Yelich.
Yelich has a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Administration from Eastern Illinois University, and a Masters of Business Administration from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. Since 2004, she has been the Recreation Supervisor at the Pleasant Dale Park District, where her responsibilities included coordinating staff, vendors, and security for their July 4 celebrations. She has over fifteen years of experience managing staff, budgets, and recreation programs at both the Hanover and Addison Park District and Galyan’s Trading Company.
Yelich will also be responsible for helping to formulate a social media plan and implementing new systems of electronic communications for the District. Yelich’s first priority will be to work with the recreation staff planning the third annual Fall Fest, a three-day festival at Lake Park, September 16-18.
"We are fortunate to have someone with Cindy’s creativity and management skills step into this position," said Jennifer Boys, Assistant Superintendent of Recreation. "She will make an excellent addition to our team."
For more information about Des Plaines Park District facilities, visit http://www.dpparks.org/.
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