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IPRA celebrates 75 years of supporting the professionals in the field of parks and recreation in 2019. We would like to thank you for helping us reach this milestone!

We have many exciting things planned for 2019, please enjoy our 75 Stories publication, a written collection of stories from IPRA members and leaders that celebrates the moments, memories, challenges and successes that have made IPRA what it is today.

Throughout 2019 we will be randomly selecting winners of $75 gift cards at IPRA events. And Debbie Trueblood, IPRA Executive Director, will be traveling the state for 75 Conversations, a statewide, yearlong road trip to meet face to face with the members that are our leaders (current and future!)

We are excited to see what the future holds for IPRA. Thank you for making us look good.

We are excited to announce that on July 13th, 2019, we are launching Unplug Illinois Day!
This is the next step in bringing awareness of the Unplug Illinois campaign to Illinois residents. While this will not be a stand-alone event, we encourage you to include Unplug Illinois Day on any programming you may already have scheduled for that day, or as an overall message to get your community out to enjoy all that your park and recreation agency has to offer!

To obtain a series of promotional posters to display at your facilities, and access to template media and press releases, please email heather@ilipra.org

Sponsored by the Illinois Park and Recreation Foundation (IPRF), these events are for groups or individuals interested in catching a game and supporting the IPRF. Organize a group trip for your agency, offer the event in your seasonal brochure for community members to purchase individually, or simply bring your family!

The IPRF will receive a financial contribution form each team solely based upon the number of tickets sold. 100% of the funds raised will be used for the Foundation's professional and student scholarship programs. Please click below for event details.

Chicago Dogs: June 30, 2019
Joliet Slammers: July 20, 2019
Kane County Cougars: August 4, 2019
Chicago Red Stars: September 28, 2019

Park District Conservation Day is coming to the Illinois State Fair on Saturday, August 17 – Join Us for the Fun!

The Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) are looking for park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies to bring their groups to perform or exhibit for thousands of fairgoers at one of our many high-traffic areas throughout the fairgrounds. Please see below for some FAQs on the day:

What kind of groups are you looking for?
Singers, dancers, tumblers, cheer squads, theater groups, zoos, bands, orchestras – or any other talent that your agency promotes through your programs!

How long do the performances have to be?
We have had performances range from 15 minutes to more than an hour. You can select the amount of time you would like to perform. If they choose, groups may perform more than once during the day.

What if my agency only has a few performers who want to come?
There is no limit to the number of performers. We have had performances with as few as 2 participants or as many as 50+

Is there an age limit for performers?
We take all ages of performers! We have had performers from 3-5 years old to senior line dance groups!

Do we have to pay to get into the fair?
All performers (and a limited number of their chaperones) receive FREE parking and FREE admission to the fair on Park District Conservation Day.

Are there t-shirts?
YES! Each performer will receive a complimentary Park District Conservation Day t-shirt upon their arrival to the fairgrounds.

What time would we perform?
Most Park District Conservation Day performances take place between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. You may select the ‘general performance time’ on the sign-up sheet. We do our best to accommodate each preference.

Is there a fee to sign up?
No. Participation in Park District Conservation Day is complimentary.

Is there a preferred hotel for Park District Conservation Day?
Yes. IAPD and IPRA have secured a discounted room block at the Springfield Crowne Plaza hotel at a rate of $113.00 single/double. Use the group code: IAPD Conservation Day P9Y to secure the discounted rate. Book reservations via phone at (217) 529-7777 or online by clicking here .

How do I sign up?
Complete the Call for Entertainers form and return it to Bobbie Jo Hill at bjhill@ILparks.org or via fax at (217) 523-4273 by June 28.

I have questions. Who can I talk to?
Contact IAPD Public Relations Director, Bobbie Jo Hill, at (217) 523-4554 or bjhill@ILparks.org.

This is the state’s largest public awareness event for parks, recreation and conservation. News releases are distributed to several hundred media outlets throughout Illinois, so it is GREAT exposure for your agency’s programs AND it gives your participants the opportunity to perform in front of thousands of fairgoers, Illinois dignitaries, the media and the public! We hope to see you on Park District Conservation Day at the Illinois State Fair!