Recreation Leader Jane Hodgkinson Retires

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The lifelong Illinois resident was selected as the IPRA Chairman in 2004 and was previously honored by her peers with the Robert Artz Award in 1999, the Fellow Award in 1998, and the Professional Award in 1990.  Hodgkinson also served with the IPRA Therapeutic Recreation Section and Administration and Finance Section as well as with the Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Park District Risk Management Association. 

In addition, her legislative efforts on behalf of WDSRA have allowed special recreation services to be expanded in Illinois. Hodgkinson was also a founding Board Member for the Illinois Special Olympics in 1976.

She has published more than 30 articles for professional publications including NRPA, Florida Parks and Recreation, Illinois Park and Recreation, Sports and Spokes, Athletic Business, and Special Parent.  She is also a co-author of three books; Introduction to Recreation and Leisure, Arts for All: Making It Happen, and Volunteers – the Key to Successful Special Olympic Programs.

Her career has always emphasized Equal Fun for Everyone.  "Helping people with disabilities to realize their potential and access everyday life has been my goal for over 40 years," said Hodgkinson.

WDSRA is a two-time winner of the National Gold Medal Award (1982, 1993), and Hodgkinson currently serves as the National Gold Medal Award Board Chair. Last year, she was named a Legend by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration as one of the top 100 professionals in the country.

As an extension of nine member park districts in Chicago's western suburbs, WDSRA offers year-round recreational programs such as Special Olympics, wheelchair sports, drama, arts, camping, social clubs, disability awareness, and inclusion into park district programs. In 2010, WDSRA recorded nearly 4,500 participations for children, teens, and adults who benefitted from WDSRA's 1,500 programs, special events, and community awareness activities.

Hodgkinson is a graduate of Southern Illinois University with a BS and MS in Recreation Administration.  She is succeeded by Sandy Gbur who comes to WDSRA from a similar position with the West Suburban Special Recreation Association in Franklin Park.  For more information about WDSRA, visit www.wdsra.com or call (630) 681-0962.