News for IPRA Members

Print this article | Send to Colleague

We have been busy implementing elements of the 2011-2014 Strategic Plan. I would like to share with you a few steps forward that IPRA has taken:

IPRA Headquarters will be relocating to the LaGrange Park Districtin October. We accepted proposals this summer and selected the LaGrange Park District as IPRA's new home. We are very excited about moving our offices into a more permanent location and we look forward to a visit from you.

Additionally,IPRA is working on a new website. This new website will be more user-friendly and packed with resources to help you in your job. That said, if there is a specific template, manual, or other type of resource that you would like to be added, please let me know. As always, I would love to hear from you, jan@ilipra.org.

TheBoard voted to create a Membership Councilthat will provide an opportunity for the seven sections to work more closely to meet the needs and expectations of our members. Two of the major elements are (1) to improve efficiencies and (2) reduce redundancies. Brian Meyer will be working with an outside facilitator and the other six Board Section Representatives to create a Charter and goals for this group. This is a very exciting time and I look forward to keeping you posted on their progress.

With the creation of the Membership Council, a new Board position has been created:At-Large Representative.Applications are currently being accepted for individuals interested in this position. If you would like an application and a copy of the election guidelines, please contact either John Curran at john.curran@tinleyparkdistrict.orgor me at jan@ilipra.org.

Opportunities to get involved:

It is hard to believe that the summer is wrapping up, but there is still at least a month of great fun left including a trip to theIllinois State Fair.I hope that you will be able to join us in celebrating entertainers from over 45 parks and recreation agencies as they perform during Park District Conservation Day at the State Fair on Saturday, August 20th.

The BMW Championshipis fast approaching. If you are interested in volunteering, please register today at www.ilipra.org. This is a great chance to experience one of golf's best events. As many of you know, the BMW will not be in Chicago next year so if you are a golf enthusiast this is definitely the event for you. I hope to see you there! Make it a great month!

Best,
Jan R. Arnold