I've been all over spreading the good word of IPRA and building connections and relationships with our various constituency groups. Let me share with you what's been happening.

I had the honor of meeting the 2015-16 Leadership Academy Graduation class in March. This program was launched in 2012 with the intention of building great leaders and strengthening agencies. Just take a moment and look through the instructor biographies! The many professionals are truly our "Industry Leaders."

In October 2012, IPRA launched its Leadership Academy. The Academy is an intensive, six-month program that will benefit you regardless of what stage you are in your career. There are three levels to the Academy, and the curriculum at each level will focus on building great leaders to strengthen parks and recreation agencies.

The Office of Recreation & Park Resources and the Recreation, Sport & Tourism Department of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are the proud sponsors of the IPRA Leadership Academy. As one of the first colleges to offer a degree in parks and recreation, the university understands the importance of leadership and continuing education in our field. At the completion of each level, individuals will receive a Certificate of Completion from the University of Illinois.

On the 50th Anniversary of NRPA, this session peers both into the rear view mirror and the crystal ball. Learning from changes in parks and recreation over the past 50 years will be discussed.

This new additional session is intended for those who took the GIS in the Parks 2015 or 2016 series, or those who believe they already know the basics about GIS and are ready to expand their skill base.

Having a valid plan in place helps agencies to make realistic, justifiable decisions that can easily and quickly be implemented. This session will give an overview of different types of planning projects that can be completed, what they contain, which plan is relevant to which situation, and how to obtain a high quality plan with the least amount of resource investment.

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.

Spend the afternoon networking with your parks and recreation colleagues while enjoying a day at the track.

• Public Information Coordinator
• Adult Program Coordinator
• Golf Course Coordinator
• Program Supervisor - Aquatics & Ice Arena
• Recreation Intern

Visit the IPRA Career Center for details!