A few reminders for busy professionals...

A few reminders for busy professionals:

• We are currently accepting nominations for our conference awards and section awards. Click here for details. The application deadline is October 10, 2016.

• Coming up in August is the IPRA/IAPD Park District and Conservation Day at the State Fair in Springfield on Saturday, August 20. We are looking for volunteers to come and help us with this event. Information is available here.

• Also in August is the IPRA/IAPD Legislative Picnic which is a family oriented event for park and recreation professionals, commissioners, elected officials and everyone’s families. This event was about 250 people last year and has been growing and growing. I hope you join us for this free event, Saturday, August 27, 2016, 10 am -2 Pm, Joliet Park District, Inwood Park. Register through IAPD.

• Registration is open for the Joint Section Golf Outing on September 16 (rain date of September 23) at Tanna Farms. This event benefits scholarships through the foundation. We hope that you will come out and support this fundraiser. 

If you’re busy this summer and you wish you had more time, I would encourage you to look into Unplug Illinois and the Transformation Kit that the task force has put together to help you save time and tell your story better. This tool kit can be purchased here and comes with a hard copy book as well as a flash drive of all the electronic files which includes research, resources, templates, tools and inspiration needed to communicate the value of parks and recreation through education and storytelling. Save time and get help today. For more information on this statewide campaign, click here.

It is a busy time for park and recreation professionals. I hope you have a fantastic summer and the weather cooperates with all your programs and special events.

Debbie Trueblood, CAE

Executive Director