Congratulations again to the newly elected leaders for IPRA. Thank you to everyone who voted. We had 476 members voting in the recent elections. Those elected are listed below. Thank you to everyone who ran in the elections.

Election Time All Around-- I don't know about your feelings, but I think most people will be glad when all the elections are over. On the high note, congrats to all our newly elected volunteers! IPRA can't thank you enough for stepping up and running for office.

The 2017 National Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference will convene in New Orleans September 26-28. NRPA has started to accept educational session proposals.

Do you have a success at your agency to share with your peers from throughout the country? Heard a great speaker at another conference or workshop? NOW is the time to advance it for consideration to be presented in New Orleans!

All proposals are submitted online. Visit www.nrpa.org/proposals for instructions. The deadline to submit is November 18.

As the premier state conference for parks and recreation, forest preserves and conservation agencies in Illinois, the IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights conference brings together more than 4,400 professionals and elected officials for three exciting days of quality educational programming, networking and professional development. Featuring 16 pre-conference workshops, more than 150 educational sessions, and an exhibit hall where more than 325 exhibitors showcase their latest and greatest products and services, the 2017 conference is THE place to be! The early registration deadline is 12/5/16!

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.

Today, park and recreation leaders are seeking innovative ways to encourage active healthy behavior in parks. Through a recent partnership with PlayCore, and its GameTime brand, IPRA is joining in a common goal to promote play and health to positively impact the quality of life across the state of Illinois, through research-based best practices and the development of National Demonstration Sites - outdoor environments that greatly enrich and enhance the quality of life where citizens of Illinois live, work, and play. Through the IPRA Promotes Play State-wide Training and Action Grant program Illinois agencies have the opportunity to attend dynamic, interactive professional development sessions throughout the state, network with like minded agencies, learn research-based best practices about the design, implementation, and programming of play spaces, and then apply for grant funding to bring their visions to life.

Currently the IPRF Board is seeking potential candidates for one at-large position. Those who have applied before will be considered again without the need to submit a new application. In accordance with the bylaws of the Foundation, current board members will review and interview the candidates identified to determine eligibility and appointments selected must be approved by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association Board of Directors.

This annual co-op workshop hosted by IPRA and SIPRA is an all day event. Topics discussed will include Customer Service, Programming, Playground Maintenance, Development and Planning to name a few.

Stress and adversity is a normal part of everyday life. It's not the negative incidences that matter the most, but rather how we choose to tackle and overcome them. This webinar will help you identify your strengths and build a plan for living a healthier and happier life.

Certification is important to demonstrate that you have an understanding of the basic competencies needed to be successful in the park and recreation profession. In addition, maintaining the certification shows you have a willingness to continue to learn and grow throughout your career. This workshop consists of four sections and will prepare you to become a Certified Park & Recreation Professional. This training course builds on the basic areas for taking the CPRP Test.

• Urban Forester
• Program Coordinator
• Golf Course Vehicle Maintenance Foreman
• Fitness Supervisor

Visit the IPRA Career Center for details!

• C&M Section Volunteer Event - 11/16/16
• Sports Court Workshop and MIPE/PNRMS Meeting - 11/17/16
• Membership Council Meeting - 11/18/16
• Early Childhood Meeting - 11/18/16