The IPRA Board recently approved the new version of the rolling five year strategic plan, giving us the new 2017-2021 plan. This article is a summary of the high points of the plan for next year, 2017.

It's time that you join more than 2,700 of your colleagues and become a member of one of the largest park and recreation state associations in the country - the Illinois Park & Recreation Association.

IPRA is teaming up with PlayCore and GameTime to promote play and health to positively impact the quality of life across the state of Illinois.

IPRA, PlayCore and GameTime are aligning resources and strategically partnering to promote state-wide implementation of research-based professional development and regional action grant projects to positively impact the quality of life across the state of Illinois.

It's that time of year again! Donate to the 2017 IPRF Silent Auction! The Silent Auction is a way in which the Illinois Park and Recreation Foundation (IPRF) raises funds for the Illinois Park and Recreation Student Scholarship Fund. The scholarship fund has been created to give high-achieving students the opportunity to attend professional development conferences and workshops. The IPRF provides resources to park and recreation agencies and professionals statewide, and this scholarship is an important aspect of this commitment, as they work toward developing students professionally through networking and education.

Your participation is encouraged!

The Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA) has selected Matt Corso, CPRP, CTRS Superintendent of Program Development at South East Association for Special Parks and Recreation (SEASPAR) as its 2017 Chair-Elect.

We bring the professional development right to you, in the convenience of your home or office.

This educational session, offered in partnership with IPRA & PlayCore/GameTime will be offered at five different locations throughout Illinois. Click on the link below for details, and to register!

Professional Development School (PDS) is the longest standing educational and networking opportunity offered by Illinois Park and Recreation Association. The tradition of Illinois park and recreation professionals attending PDS goes back many years creating thousands of graduates. This professional level school provides park and recreation professionals the opportunity to experience a high quality education in a small, student-focused atmosphere.

At the September 29, 2016 Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA) Board meeting, the board approved the 2017 Slate of Candidates for the IPRA Board of Directors and Section Board positions. Professional members, current in their dues, may vote. Ballots will be sent via email on Monday, October 17 and must be submitted by Friday, October 21 at 4:00p.m. Ballots will be mailed to professional members without a valid email address.

If you do not receive your ballot on October 17, please contact Heather@ilipra.org. Members across the state and in all sections may vote in all portions of the ballot. Result of the election will be announced the week of October 31 after all candidates have been contacted directly. Those elected will take office at the swearing in ceremony at the IPRA Annual Business Meeting on Friday, January 20, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. at the Hilton Chicago.

• Races, Athletic Events & Community Challenges - 10/12/16
• Special Events Committee Meeting - 10/12/16
• TR Section Board Meeting - 10/13/16
• New Professionals Committee Meeting - 10/13/16
• C&M Section Meeting & Education Presentation - 10/13/16
• Early Childhood Meeting - 10/14/16
• Facility Management Section Meeting - 10/14/16
• Recreation Section Meeting - 10/19/16