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Featured News

2005 Western Open - Volunteer Today!

The tradition...the legacy...the Western Open. Isn't is time you volunteered at the tournament? IPRA volunteers have consistently found their experiences with the general public and guests of corporate sponsors very rewarding...so much so that they donate their time year after year. We hope you will join us in another successful golf tournament!

Register online by May 30 by clicking here.

 

2006 IPRA Board of Director Nomination Forms

IPRA is seeking to fill three (3) positions on the 2006 IPRA Board of Directors. These positions include to following:

• At-Large Board Member (3-year term)
• Central Illinois Regional Representative (3-year term)
• Chicago Metro - Central Region (3-year term)

Click here to download the Nomination and Information Forms.

 

eNewsletter Opt-In Procedure

In order to ensure the delivery of your monthly eNewsletter and abide by strict anti-SPAM laws we ask that you subscribe to this month in...Parks & Recreation today. A SUBSCRIBE button is located at the top of ILipra.org. This is a free service provided to you by IPRA...don't miss out on the latest trends, news, meeting & event dates and resources.

Everyone must subscribe in order to receive future eNewsletters. Please make sure that you have double opted-in by clicking on the designated logo in the pop-up box. Some people have not done this correctly and are only viewed as "Subscription Pending".

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Cement ponds are out.
Today's swimmer prefers a steep slide to a laid-back back float, and amusement parks and park districts are competing to please. Long gone are the days of the rectangular cement municipal pool with its accompanying tot pond. From Bloomingdale to Gurnee to Elk Grove Village, communities and companies are responding to the mania for water parks by installing sky-high water slides, slow-moving rivers for inner tubing and gonzo playgrounds that shoot, dump and spray cataracts of water. Read more from the Chicago Tribune.

The Oasis, Bloomingdale Park District
Learn more about The Oasis

Gold Medal Finalists Announced
The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recently announced the finalists for the 2005 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.

Congratulations to the following Illinois agencies competing for this prestigious award:

• Class III (population 50,000-100,000): Bolingbrook Park District, Wheaton Park District
• Class IV (population 25,001-50,000): Homewood-Flossmoor Park District
• Class V (population less than 25,000): Bloomingdale Park District, City of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation, Frankfort Square Park District

Click here to view the press release.

Where Will I Get the Money to do That?!
Sound Familiar? No matter where you live or how rich or poor your community is we have all asked ourselves that question many times!  Traditionally, Parks & Recreation agencies have to fight for funding in one form or another and this has led to lots of creative solutions to how we get things done. Click here for the complete story and some old ideas with a new twist that might help you and your agency out.

Saturday, August 20 marks the 12th anniversary of one of IAPD/IPRA's greatest public awareness events: Park District Conservation Day at the Illinois State Fair.

Help promote park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies by volunteering to assist with this special day. Volunteers receive a Park District Conservation Day t-shirt, free parking and admission to the fair. Please register by July 15. Click here to download a Volunteer Form.

New this year is the opportunity for "mini-performances" or demonstrations in a high-traffic area of the Illinois Building. Groups can give samples of longer performances that will take place on other stages. Small clinics can be conducted and brief sessions can be given. Entertainers, exhibitors and demonstrators receive t-shirts, free parking and admission to the fair. Please register by May 30. Click here to download a registration form.

Agencies or individuals interested in purchasing tickets for families, friends or bus trips may order advance paid tickets in books of 10 for $20 by calling the Illinois State Fair at 217/782-1979 between June 1 and August 1. This is a $1 discount per ticket. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $3. (Ages 12 and under receive free admission, ages 60+ are $2) - Prices subject to change.