This year we saw so many of our great leaders retiring, not just the few names mentioned here today, but so many others too. But these changes mean opportunities for others to progress in their careers and take on new roles. Further, we are seeing an increase in jobs in parks and recreation in Illinois- our job board has doubled in size in two years. Opportunities abound and our industry is booming. As members take on new opportunities, IPRA will be there to serve you in your new roles and we welcome the new faces in our field.

The Conference is over and it's now time to get back to it. Before I headed to the IPRA Conference I read a great article by Susan Ford Collins about "Success Steps." Here are a few of those steps.

Designed with your needs in mind, the Unplug Illinois Transformation Kit is equipped to provide you with the resources, templates, tools and inspiration needed to communicate the value of parks and recreation through education and storytelling.

For more information, visit http://www.ilipra.org/unplug-illinois (scroll down the page for link to order form)

Click here for IPRA Professional Award Winners 

Exceptional Workplace Award Winners

• Batavia Park District
• City of Elgin
• Des Plaines Park District
• Downers Grove Park District
• Lisle Park District
• NWSRA
• Schaumburg Park District

Outstanding Facility & Parks Award

Division I

• Aquatic: Mt Vernon Park District - Aquatic Zoo Water Park

Division II

• Park: South Elgin Parks & Recreation Department - SEBA Park 
• Renovation: Park District of Highland Park - Rosewood Beach

IPRA Outstanding Program or Special Event Award

Division I

• Special Event: St. Charles Park District - Night at the Mooovies
• Ongoing Program: Northbrook Park District - Oliver! The Musical

IPRA Outstanding Sustainability / Conservation Award

 Division I

• Environmental Education:Park Ridge Park District -Wildwood Nature Center’s camp program

The Agency Showcase Competition is the premier communications and marketing competition for park and recreation agencies.

All new for 2016, this session is the cure for those feeling overwhelmed by technology. You'll be WOWed as you're introduced to dozens of FREE tools, applications and programs guaranteed to help you improve everything from graphic designs and presentations to productivity and marketing.

Webinar objectives:

1. To present the Foundation scholarship opportunities for professionals and students
2. To provide insightful tips to help distinguish your application from others
3. To improve your chances of obtaining a Foundation scholarship

Communities work with volunteers and unpaid staff to support their programs in various ways. In many cases, volunteers are essential to providing services beyond limited budgets and staffing restrictions. Using one agency's model, you'll learn how to use volunteerism both as a recreational opportunity and agency resource.

Save the date! Park Pursuit is modeled after the TV show "Amazing Race". It allows members of IPRA to engage in a day-long race where team building, healthy competition and recreation take center stage. Participants navigate through the host town based on clues and complete challenges.

• Early Childhood Program Supervisor
• Permanent Part-time Groundskeeper
• Accounting Assistant – Payables
• Park Specialist II
• Parks & Natural Resources Director

Margaret Resnick, Executive Director of Mundelein Park & Recreation District (www.mundeleinparks.org), has been named Illinois Park and Recreation Association's (IPRA) "Professional of the Year Award" recipient for 2016.

• IPRA Athletic Committee Meeting - 2/9/16
• Diversity Section Meeting - 2/10/16
• 2016 PNRM Section Meeting / MIPE Meeting and Education Session - 2/11/16
• Facility Management Section Meeting - 2/12/16
• Recreation Section Meeting - 2/17/16
• Early Childhood Meeting - 2/19/16