IPRA Today - Conference Registration Information!

Learn. Connect. Inspire.

In the next few months there are some great learning opportunities for people at every professional level. In October, we start with the first ever Leadership Academy that will provide training and learning opportunities for the young professional, mid-level professional and senior-level professional. The curriculum at each level will focus on building great leaders to strengthen parks and recreation agencies. Congratulations to all the professionals on your acceptance into the inaugural Leadership Academy. Special thanks to Rick Hanetho and his committee.

Professional Development School: Blazing New Trails in Parks and Recreation will be held Nov. 11-14, 2012 at the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel in Decatur, Illinois. PDS is the longest-standing educational and networking opportunity offered by IPRA. Professional Development School is a two-year program that provides the opportunity to experience high-quality education in a small, student-focused atmosphere. There is still time to register for PDS.

The Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course (CPSI) will be held Oct. 23 to 25 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Tinley Park – Park District. If you are not able to travel to educational opportunities then check out the IPRA webinars online from the comfort of your office. The next webinar is Ethics and Ethical Dilemmas on Oct. 17, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. As our profession has grown more diverse, IPRA has responded with a wide variety of educational opportunities.

Networking opportunities bring our members together in a way that allows them to share informally and develop trusted professional relationships. Some of my best friends and trusted colleagues have been met through IPRA networking opportunities. These are the professionals I rely on for support and advice in my career. For those of you who are attending the NRPA Congress in Anaheim, IPRA will host a networking social for Illinois professionals on Thursday, Oct. 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Watch your emails for the yet to be determined location. Mark your calendar for the mega networking opportunity of the year from Jan. 24 -26, 2013 at the IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference at Hyatt Chicago.

Are you looking for inspiration? IPRA strives to offer its members a comprehensive centralized depository of a variety of resources making IPRA your first stop when looking for samples such as policies, position descriptions, manuals, etc. IPRA has a Professional Services Committee led by Mike Kies from Hoffman Estates Park District which is developing a case management program and resource papers to help the professional address issues that are critical to our profession. IPRA is also working with an intern to update the resource library with new manuals, job descriptions and best practices to assist the professional.

One of the best parts of being a park and recreation professional is the willingness to share both our successes and failures to help improve each other’s operations. The Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation Committee, led by Margaret Resnick from Mundelein Park & Recreation District, provides an opportunity for agencies to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your operation and develop the highest standards to provide the best leisure services to your local community. If you’re inspired, contact Margaret for more information on accreditation.

Learn. Connect. Inspire. IPRA provides the opportunities, now you have to take advantage of those opportunities.

– John Curran, IPRA Chairman

Ancel, Glink, Diamond, Bush, DiCianni & Rolek, P.C.

536 East Avenue, LaGrange, IL 60525 | Phone: 708-588-2280 | Fax : 708-354-0535