IPRF MISSION

IPRF VISION

• To promote the health and well-being of Illinois' citizens
• To increase the community-building impact of parks and recreation 
• To enhance the quality of life among Illinois residents
• To expand the positive impact of parks and recreation on local economies in Illinois communities

IPRF PROGRAMS

COMMEMORATING THE PAST
Memorial Program Sponsorships
Named Scholarships
Training Center Naming Opportunities

ENRICHING THE PRESENT
Public Awareness and Education
Individual & Agency Training and Support

ENSURING THE FUTURE
Research
Scholarship
Training Facility Acquisition & Support
Promotion of Profession and Park & Recreation Careers
Facilitate the acquisition and preservation of open space

IPRF VALUES

• Building Strong Communities
• Providing educational tools and resources necessary to enhance the lives of Illinois' citizens
• Supporting competent park and recreation professionals throughout their careers
• Ensuring the availability of well-trained park and recreation professionals on an ongoing basis through recruitment, education and professional development
• Promoting the park and recreation profession and field
• Valuing and embracing diversity within the park and recreation profession and among the citizens we serve

IPRF EVOLUTION

For years, the Illinois Park and Recreation Association raised and distributed scholarship funds through a foundation (the Illinois Conservation, Park and Recreation Foundation.) In 1998, IPRA purchased its headquarters and training center and the "Partners for the Future" campaign was born. The Partners campaign has significantly reduced the building debt and financed important building repairs and updates.

With the creation of the Illinois Park and Recreation Foundation (IPRF) in 2002, the Partners campaign and mission will be incorporated into the efforts of the Foundation. Similarly, support of scholarship and college and university educators will fall under the purview of IPRF.

IPRF contributes to the success of students and instructors, and enhances educational development through its support of Illinois' only park and recreation industry training facility. IPRF will remain true to its roots and committed to fulfilling the promise of professional development for this generation and those to follow. Utilizing prior initiatives as a launching-pad, IPRF will move far beyond the original intent of all previous efforts…breaking new ground in programming, research and support of parks and recreation in Illinois.

To meet the challenges presented by an ever-changing world and translate our vision of the future into reality, IPRF looks to you for help. Make an annual statement of your support for parks and recreation in Illinois by becoming involved in our Annual Campaign. The level you contribute is less important than your involvement…so please, join us today!

IPRF SUPPORT

• Prior contributions to "Partners for the Future" campaign are added to Annual Campaign support, allowing donors to ascend the "giving tree" and receive increased recognition of their ongoing generosity.
• Life-long support results in long-term benefits for the profession & expanded recognition for you.

IPRF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tim Bartlett, Urbana Park District
Tracy Crawford, Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association
Elizabeth S. Kessler, MBA, CPRA, Skokie Park District
Ken Kutska, Wheaton Park District
Lorraine Molyneux, Illinois Park and Recreation Association
Mike Rylko, Buffalo Grove Park District
Mike Schram, Park & Recreation Supply
Ralph Voris, Retired Park & Recreation Professional
Bill Wald, Illinois Park and Recreation Association