IPRA continues to evolve. A year ago, I was able to stand in front of you and share that IPRA was growing, healthy, and strong. I told you that we were financially healthy and able to invest in new programs which better serve our members, I shared that both student and professional member numbers were the highest they had been in years, and that member satisfaction was at an all-time high.

I would like to thank you for this wonderful opportunity to serve as Chairman of the Board of IPRA for 2017. I’m extremely excited about what is ahead for all of us in the field of parks and recreation and IPRA.

Click on the links below for information on award winners! Congratulations to all! A full list of award winners can be found here.

• 2017 Agency Showcase
  
• 2017 Conference Agency Awards
  
• 2017 Conference Individual Awards

Funding program developed in partnership with Illinois Park and Recreation Association will assist with the development of 18 new playgrounds throughout the state of Illinois.

We are pleased to unveil the Unplug Illinois PSA! Feel free to share on your park and recreation agency website, social media outlet, etc!

Have you purchased your Unplug Illinois Transformation Kit? If not, what are you waiting for? 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. Order yours today at unplugillinois.org.

We will be giving the IPRA Today newsletter a refresh, so we will be taking a break in February. Expect the newsletter to return to your inbox in March!

Register today for the 2017 Skills Development Webinar Series! This opportunity brings online professional development right to your home or office. The 2017 lineup of sessions includes: The Many Faces of Diversity, Effective Workplace Communication and Social Media Across the Generations. IPRA Members pay $250, which includes access to all 2017 recorded webinars!

Providing professionals in the recreation field a curriculum that builds a strong foundation of basic skills needed to obtain a supervisory position. Sessions provide opportunities to increase knowledge, which can be implemented immediately and expose participants to emerging trends that can help advance their career in the recreation field.

Teens have fun learning to carve perfect turns, race down a slalom course, or master tricks in the terrain park with park district friends from all over Illinois. Wilmot Mountain in Wisconsin has 25 unique runs that will be engaging for novice and expert ski/snowboarders alike. Registration includes lift tickets; there are additional charges for ski, snowboard and helmet rentals, as well as lessons.

All registrations are due to IPRA by 4pm, Feb. 3, which means your agency will need to set an earlier deadline to allow you time to provide necessary information to IPRA.

Modeled after the Amazing Race, Park Pursuit allows members of IPRA to engage in a day-long race where team building, healthy competition and recreation take center stage. Participants are challenged physically and mentally as they race through the streets of Park Ridge. Clue cards direct teams to various parks and landmarks where tasks are performed .

• Preserve Maintenance Worker
• Recreational Fellowship Opportunity
• Aquatic Coordinator (Summer Seasonal Only)
• Summer Intern
  

Visit the IPRA Career Center for details!

• Special Events Committee Meeting - 2/1/17
• Membership Council Meeting - 2/3/17
• IPRA Athletic Committee Meeting - 2/7/17
• Recreation Section Meeting - 2/8/17
• HR Committee Meeting - 2/9/17
• Teen Committee Meeting - 2/9/17
• Facility Management Section Meeting - 2/10/17
• IPRF Meeting - 2/10/17

 For more information on these, and other upcoming section & committee meetings, click here!