Community Corner
Palatine Park District Clinches Three Awards at IAPD/IPRA Conference
The annual conference was held in late January, and the park district executive director, public information department and superintendent of recreation all placed first in different categories.
Staff members from the Palatine Park District were presented with several awards at the annual Soaring to New Heights Conference presented by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA). The conference was held January 24-26 in Chicago, Illinois.
Palatine Park District Executive Director, Mike Clark, was presented with the IPRA Chairman’s Award for his service in 2012 as the Board President of the IPRA Foundation. Mike’s dedication to revitalizing the foundation’s vision and fundraising efforts was recognized by 2012 IPRA Chairman, John Curran of the Tinley Park Park District.
The IPRA Foundation exists to provide educational programming and research that will benefit the Illinois Park and Recreation Association and its members. Mike will continue in his role as President of the Foundation Board in 2013, encouraging more experienced professionals in the industry to “pay it forward,” affording the newer generation of parks and recreation staff members with additional educational opportunities and resources.
The Public Information Department participated in this year’s Agency Showcase competition. The Agency Showcase Competition is the premier communications and marketing competition for park and recreation agencies. Agencies from across the state are invited to nominate their best communication and marketing materials for judging and display at the Soaring to New Heights Conference.
This year, Palatine Park District was awarded 1st Place in the Public Relations Category. The department consists of Public Information Manager, Deb Owen, Marketing and Sponsorship Coordinator, Joan Scovic, and Public Information Assistant, Linda Freitag.
Illinois Parks and Recreation magazine is a publication jointly produced by IAPD and IPRA. Annually, the editorial staff invites park district members to enter their “Hit Us With Your Best Shot” photo contest. The contest encompasses four categories: Recreation/People at Play, Sports, Wildlife, and Nature/Landscapes.
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This year, PPD Superintendent of Recreation, Keith Williams, was awarded first place in the Sports category for his photo entitled Mixed Emotions taken during Palatine Youth Baseball/Softball’s Baseball Day. Keith’s photograph was on display this year at the conference, and will be published in an upcoming edition of IP&R magazine.
Palatine Park District is grateful for the acknowledgement received at this year’s IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference.
The mission of Palatine Park District is to provide a variety of safe, enjoyable and affordable parks and recreation facilities and activities that will enhance the quality of life by promoting good health and well-being for all residents and visitors of the Palatine Park District.
