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St. Charles Park District Receives National Recognition for Excellence

The District was honored earlier this month at NRPA’s Annual Congress & Exposition held in Anaheim, California. This award recognizes park and recreational agencies throughout the country for excellence in long-range planning, resource management, citizen support systems, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition.

Pictured from left to right -- Back Row: Bob Carne, James F. Cooke, Karrsten Goetell, Ron Skubicz, Robert Thomson, M. Spencer Reed and Laura Rudow. Front Row: Karin Schindel, Ray Ochromowicz, Gloria Klimek, Jean Cabel, Holly Cabel and Candy Boulay.

The District was a finalist in the population category of 25,001 to 50,000 residents. Other finalists included the Town of Castle Rock Parks and Recreation Department in Colorado, the Town of Leesburg Parks and Recreation Department in Virginia, and West Bend Parks, Recreation and Forestry in Wisconsin.

Ray Ochromowicz, Park District Director, stated, "The Park District is honored to be a Gold Medal Award finalist and to be viewed nationally as a leader in the park and recreation field. Our agency won the award in 1998 and we have been a seven-time finalist over the years. Receiving this national recognition and acclaim is a tribute to the Board of Park Commissioners, the entire staff and the residents of our community. This continual recognition as a finalist is a testimony to the hard work and dedication of many."

This honor is presented by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and Musco Lighting LLC. Agencies are judged on their ability to address the needs of those they serve through the collective energies of citizens, staff and elected officials. Four finalists in each class are chosen to compete for grand honors each year.

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