The Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) recently recognized park district professionals during the annual All-Section Awards Luncheon. The association consists of seven sections and their sub-committees, allowing for unlimited educational, networking and problem-solving opportunities. Each fall, members of IPRA are invited to nominate their peers for professional recognition awards for each section. In November 2013, two professionals who work for park districts serving the Palatine community received awards.
Jonelle Bailey, Superintendent of Recreation at Salt Creek Rural Park District, was awarded the Diversity Section’s Rising Star Award. During 2013, Bailey served as the secretary for the section, was active with several committees, and was instrumental in the development of the vision, goals and direction of the section. According to her nominator, Jonelle is “passionate and dedicated to the field of recreation and the Salt Creek Rural Park District.” The application went on to describe Jonelle as “professional, dependable, intelligent, independent, organized, personable, hard-working, educated, reliable, and dedicated. But the number one quality that she has to offer is passion. Jonelle is passionate about the Diversity Section and recreation.”
Joan Scovic, Marketing Coordinator for Palatine Park District, was awarded the Communication and Marketing Section’s Professional of the Year Award. During 2013, Joan served as the Section Director of IPRA’s Communications and Marketing Section. In that role, she helped plan educational, networking, and professional opportunities for section members, increased meeting attendance, and increased communication with the section through a variety of methods. During 2013 she had two articles published in IP&R Magazine: “Greening Your Technology” co-written with Palatine Park District IT Manager Dan Mangum in March, and “Program Promotion From A to Z” in November. In September she offered an educational session during IPRA’s Supervisor Symposium also entitled “Program Promotion from A to The mission of IPRA is to provide and promote exceptional standards of education, networking, and resources for all professionals in the Illinois park, recreation, and conservation communities.
Visit www.ilipra.org for more information.
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. Visit www.palatineparks.org for more information.
It is the mission of the Salt Creek Rural Park District to provide for the community a quality park and recreation system that is committed to excellence in service and facilities, as well as being sensitive to individuals and economics. Visit http://saltcreek.multisportsystems.com/ for more information.
