A voluntary, peer-reviewed accreditation recognizing Illinois park and recreation agencies that deliver the highest quality of services to their communities.
60+
Accredited Agencies
30+
Years Running
5
Year Cycle
28
Committee Members
About the Program
What is Distinguished Accreditation?
The Distinguished Park and Recreation Agency Accreditation is a joint program of the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA), administered by the Joint Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation Committee (JDPRAC).
The program provides a comprehensive, voluntary evaluation process that measures an agency against established professional standards. Agencies that meet or exceed these standards earn the Distinguished Accreditation designation — a mark of excellence recognized across the state.
Accreditation lasts five years, after which the agency undergoes re-evaluation to maintain its status. The process includes a self-evaluation, mentorship, on-site peer review, and a final determination by the full JDPRAC committee.
Provide standards and procedures for evaluating park and recreation agencies in Illinois
Establish a voluntary program recognizing agencies that deliver high-quality services
Identify measurable standards for evaluation of services
Promote and administer the Distinguished Accredited Agency program
Provide a plan for continuous peer evaluation
Quick Facts
Application Fee$600 (payable to IAPD)
Application DeadlineApril 1 each year
Completion Window~19 months from application approval
Accreditation Cycle5-year terms with re-evaluation
The Value
Why Should Your Agency Pursue Accreditation?
Earning Distinguished Accreditation benefits every level of your organization — from the board room to the front desk to the community you serve.
For the Agency
State-recognized mark of excellence
Comprehensive self-evaluation and improvement
Enhanced credibility for referendums and grants
Professional standards benchmarking
Increased operational efficiency
For the Community
Improved quality of life and services
Assurance of professional management
Qualified professionals serving residents
State-recognized leadership in parks and recreation
For Staff
Higher professional credibility
Public recognition and commendation
Team-building through shared goals
Staff development and training catalyst
Pride and morale boost
For the Board
Confidence in agency operations
Recognition as effective guardians
Forces policy issues to be addressed
Demonstrates accountability to residents
How It Works
The Accreditation Process
From application to recognition, here's what the journey looks like for your agency.
1
April 1
Application
Submit your application, Self-Evaluation document, and $600 fee by the April 1 deadline. Your application must include a letter signed by both the Director (CEO) and Board President.
2
April Meeting
Mentor Assignment
The JDPRAC committee assigns an experienced mentor to guide your agency through the standards and self-evaluation process. Your mentor is your primary resource throughout the journey.
3
~19 Months
Preparation & Self-Evaluation
Work with your mentor to review each standard, gather documentation, and complete your electronic self-assessment. All reviews are paperless — agencies use file sharing, PowerDMS, or other electronic methods.
4
By August 15
Readiness Review
Your mentor submits a readiness letter confirming your agency is prepared for evaluation. You also submit your request for review with available dates.
5
September - October
On-Site Peer Review
A 5-person evaluation team (IAPD and IPRA members) visits your agency for a full-day review. They assess documentation, conduct facility tours, and score each standard. You have 30 days to address any deficiencies.
6
November
Accreditation Decision
The full JDPRAC committee meets for the Annual Review Board, reviews all team recommendations, and votes on accreditation for each agency. Successful agencies receive recognition at the annual IAPD/IPRA Conference.
Get Involved
Become a JDPRAC Volunteer
The accreditation program is powered by dedicated volunteers from both IAPD and IPRA. There are two main paths to contribute.
Evaluator Track
Review Team Member
Join a peer evaluation team and conduct on-site agency reviews. You'll assess documentation, tour facilities, and help determine whether agencies meet the standards.
1Express interest to a JDPRAC Co-Chair or your association liaison
2Participate as an observer in at least 2 agency reviews
3Once qualified, you'll be assigned to review teams each fall (September-October)
Mentor Track
Agency Mentor
Guide an agency through the entire accreditation process — from application to review day. You'll help them understand standards, prepare documentation, and build confidence.
1Attend the annual Mentor Training offered by the committee
2Shadow-mentor two agencies from start to finish
3Once trained, you'll be assigned new applicant agencies at the April meeting
IPRA requirement: All IPRA members serving on JDPRAC must hold a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) credential with at least five years of experience.
Evaluation Criteria
Accreditation Standards
Agencies are evaluated across comprehensive standard categories. Separate standards exist for Park Districts, Special Recreation Associations, and Forest Preserve/Conservation Districts.
Legal Compliance
State statute requirements that all agencies must meet. Every criterion in this section must pass for accreditation.
All Must Pass
Section I: General Management
Organization structure, policies, procedures, planning, and administrative practices including ADA accessibility.
Mandatory + Optional
Section II: Recreation Programs
Programming quality, diversity, community needs assessment, and recreation service delivery.
Mandatory + Optional
Section III: Parks & Facilities
Park maintenance, facility management, capital planning, safety, and environmental stewardship.
Mandatory + Optional
Section IV: Human Resources
Personnel policies, staff development, compensation, benefits, and workforce management practices.
Mandatory + Optional
Section V: Finance
Financial management, budgeting, auditing, revenue operations, and fiscal accountability.
Mandatory + Optional
How Scoring Works
Each standard is scored on a 0-3 scale. Mandatory items require a minimum score of 2. Optional and Bonus items contribute to overall point totals.
0
No
Does not meet or verify this standard
1
Minimal
Partial compliance; some evidence but not substantial
2
Almost
Basic compliance met with verification (minimum for Mandatory)
3
Yes
Total compliance; 100% met with full documentation
2026 Standards & Documents
Download the current standards, self-assessment forms, and scoring tools for your agency type. These are the official documents used in the accreditation review process.
See how one agency successfully completed their accreditation review using file sharing. Read the case study (PDF)
Ask Parker about the standards. Our chatbot assistant has been trained on the current accreditation standards and can help answer general questions. Please note that Parker's responses are informational only and do not constitute official interpretations. For official guidance, contact the JDPRAC Co-Chairs or your assigned mentor.
Who Can Apply
Agency Divisions
Standards are tailored to your agency type and size. Separate evaluation materials exist for each.
Park Districts
Division I: E.A.V. over $1 billion Division II: E.A.V. under $1 billion Division determines which standards are mandatory vs. optional.
Special Recreation Associations
SRAs have their own dedicated standards, self-assessment forms, and scoring criteria tailored to cooperative recreation services for people with disabilities.
Forest Preserve & Conservation Districts
FPDs and conservation districts use a separate set of standards focused on conservation, natural resource management, and environmental programming.
Currently Accredited
Distinguished Accredited Agencies
These agencies have earned and maintain the Distinguished Accreditation designation.
2026 - 2031
Buffalo Grove PDDeerfield PDElk Grove PDElmhurst PDHomewood-Flossmoor PDLombard PDMaine-Niles Assoc. of Special RecreationPD of Oak ParkPleasant Dale PDRolling Meadows PDSRA of Central Lake CountyWarrenville PDWestern DuPage SRAWheaton PDWheeling PD
IAPD/IPRA Distinguished Accreditation - Introduction and Application
January 2026
Dear Recreation Agency:
Our Associations have always strived to be leaders in the field of parks and recreation. With that goal in mind, we endorse the Distinguished Park and Recreation Agency standards program and challenge every agency in the State of Illinois to obtain a copy of the standards manual and to do a self-evaluation. Each agency should set goals to accomplish the standards that are set forth in this manual and to take those steps necessary to become a Distinguished Park and Recreation Accredited Agency.
Our profession has made tremendous strides over the past several decades to meet the challenging needs or our communities. The Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation Committee (DPRAC) has established, and continues to fine tune, a set of comparable standards by which agencies can be evaluated on meeting measurable management standards. Many agencies have found the process of seeking Distinguished Accreditation recognition to be very educational. It can also be very enlightening in regard to what is, or is not, happening within the agency.
We feel that your participation in the process will be rewarding for your agency, your staff and commissioners, and your community.
Sincerely,
# JOINT DISTINGUISHED PARK AND RECREATION AGENCY STANDARDS MANUAL – DA VERSION JANUARY 2026
# TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PREFACE Purpose Benefits
v
vi
# GENERAL INFORMATION
Application and Evaluation Process for Distinguished Recognition viii Application Form xii
# DISTINGUISHED AGENCY RECOGNITION INFORMATION
Role of the Mentor xiii Definitions xv Compliance xvii Grading xviii Scoring xviii Sample Grading Sheet xix Window of Continuation xx Challenge of the Evaluation Team xx Reevaluation xx Accreditation Schedule xxi Accreditation Review Board xxii Divisions xxii Application and Evaluation Process Checklist xxiii
# Page
# L LEGAL
L.1 Open Meetings 3
L.2 Freedom of Information 4
L.3 Prevailing Wages 4
L.4 Harassment 5
L.5 Drug Free Workplace 5
L.6 Americans with Disabilities 6
L.7 Family and Medical Leave 6
L.8 Communicable Disease Guidelines 6
L.9 Abused and Neglected Child Reporting 7
L.10 Employer’s Requirement to Report New Employees 7
L.11 Criminal Background Investigations 7
L.12 Ethics Ordinance/Resolution 8
L. 13 Smoke Free Illinois 8
L. 14 Toxic Substance Disclosure Act 8
L. 15 Illinois Identity Protection Act 9
L. 16 Moveable Soccer Safety Act 9
L.17 Firearm Concealed Carry Act 10
L.18 Illinois Local Government Efficiency Committees Act 10
# I GENERAL MANAGEMENT
1.1 Philosophy
1.2 Agency Incorporation
1.3 Goals and Objectives
1.4 Organizational Structure
1.5 Comprehensive Board Policy Manual
1.6 Administrative Operational Procedure Manual
1.7 Board Member Orientation
1.8 Cooperative Community Planning
1.9 Cooperative Operations Agreement
1.10 Public Relations
1.11 Regular Meetings
1.12 Membership
1.13 Volunteer Program
1.14 Information Services
1.15 National Recognition
# II FINANCE AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS
2.1 Organizational Structure
2.2 Fiscal Administration
2.3 Annual Audit
2.4 Levy Ordinance
2.5 Bill Payments
2.6 Investment of Funds
2.7 Bond Rating
2.8 Employee Wages
2.9 Purchasing Policy
# iii
# Page
2.10 Comprehensive Insurance Policies with Sufficient Coverage 32
2.11 Financial Assistance 33
2.12 Financial Resources 34
2.13 Cash Handling Procedures 34
2.14 Payment Card Industry Security Standard 34
2.15 Emergency Expenditures 35
2.16 Recreation Agency Acceptance of Donations, Gifts & Bequests 35
2.17 Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting and/or
Distinguished Budget Presentation Award (Bonus) 35
# III FACILITIES AND PARKS
3.1 Organizational Structure 36
3.2 Physical Planning 37
3.3 Property Parks 40
3.4 Property/Facilities 42
3.5 Operation/Property 46
3.6 Master Plan 49
# IV PERSONNEL
4.1 Organizational Structure
4.2 Professionalism of Staff
4.3 In-Service Training Plan
4.4 Job Descriptions
4.5 Personnel Policies
4.6 Employee Relations
4.7 Professional Involvement
4.8 Employee Wages and Appraisals
4.9 Risk Management Program
# V RECREATION SERVICES
5.1 Organizational Structure 65
5.2 Recreation Program Special Needs 66
5.3 Comprehensive Year-Round Recreation Programs 66
5.4 Recreation Statistics 67
5.5 Coordinate Recreation Program 68
5.6 Recreation Planning, Development and Evaluation 69
5.7 Recreation Fees and Charges 69
5.8 Program Participant Behavior (Internal) 70
5.9 Facility Conduct Ordinance 70
# PREFACE
# BACKGROUND ON THE DISTINGUISHED PARK & RECREATION ACCREDITATION STANDARDS AND DISTINGUISHED PARK & RECREATION ACCREDITATION COMMITTEE
This Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation Standards Manual is a product of many hours of research and painstaking review of information by the original Joint Distinguished Park and Recreation Agency Task Force. That process is continued by the current Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation Committee (DPRAC).
The DPRAC has spent countless hours creating and fine tuning a set of measurable standards which may be used as a self-evaluation tool by individual agencies. The recreation agency’s score on these standards is an indication of whether or not the agency has achieved a recognized level of professional delivery of recreation services. Prior to the original Task Force’s work, very little research on professional standards was available. That Task Force was forced to rely upon the experience of committee members, IPRA sections, fellow professionals, IAPD, commissioners, and staff. The Task Force members were very grateful for all the assistance given. The Task Force did, however, utilize a 1972 National Recreation and Park Association publication entitled “Evaluation and Self-Study of Public Recreation and Park Agencies” by Betty van der Smissen and the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies – Accreditation Standards. DPRAC wants to acknowledge the assistance provided by these publications.
DPRAC also would like to acknowledge the efforts of the past original Task Force members. Their contributions in setting direction and focus helped achieve this current document.
The original Distinguished Park and Recreation Agency Standards Manual was developed in 1993. That manual was revised effective in January 1999 and since 2002 it is updated yearly. The revised manual utilizes the majority of the original standards plus new standards resulting from recent technological advances, changing legal requirements and the growing body of knowledge, research and awareness of developing areas of concern (environmental, etc). During 2001 a Special Recreation Agency version of the Standards Manual was tested. Starting in 2002 this SRA-DA version of the standards manual became available for general use. In 2009, the Distinguished Agency Program was changed to an Accreditation program. To bring the program up to the level of accreditation, the standards were updated and strengthened, and the process was re-defined.
# PURPOSE
To improve the quality of life for Illinois residents and to recognize those agencies that provide exceptional Park and Recreation services to their community through a voluntary, comprehensive, professional accreditation process.
# BENEFITS
# AGENCY
Recognition that the recreation agency provides exceptional Park and Recreation
services to their community
Self evaluation through the application and review process
Increased operational efficiency & effectiveness
Opportunity for updating and clarification of policies and procedures
Provides professional standards for both internal & external comparisons
Enhances credibility within the community which increases the probability of passing
a referendum
# COMMUNITY
Improve quality of life for community through delivery of exceptional park and
recreation services
Meet professional standards for facilities and services
Acknowledged as employing qualified professionals
Recognized as a leader in the State of Illinois in the field of parks and recreation
Perceived as having quality programs and services
# STAFF
x Recognizes that recreation agency provides exceptional Park and Recreation services to their community Raises credibility to even higher level for achieving Distinguished Accreditation Receives public commendation for doing a good job Educates all staff involved Provides opportunity for self-evaluation of performance compared to established standards Promotes and encourages teamwork and team building Reinforces that nothing significant is ever accomplished without significant effort Increases pride and morale Provides opportunity for updating and clarification of policies and procedures Requires and stresses staff tainting
# BOARD
Acknowledges elected officials as effective and efficient guardians of the public interest in parks and recreation, and of the public resources provided for recreation opportunities Gains confidence in ability of board, staff and agency to provide outstanding park and recreation services
x Forces board to address policy issues in an established timetable
# GENERAL INFORMATION
APPLICATION AND EVALUATION PROCESS FOR DISTINGUISHED RECOGNITION
A recreation agency interested in applying for Accreditation should be aware of the following steps necessary for completion of the recognition process. (Note: Applications are accepted through April $1 ^ { \\mathsf { s t } }$ (or the Friday prior to if April $4 8 1$ falls on a weekend) each year on a first-come, first-served basis.)
This application/recognition process may be time consuming, if completed within one year. However, if the process is spread over a two-year period, it should be manageable for almost every agency.
1. Eligibility Requirement: Applicant must be a current member of the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) throughout the duration of the Accreditation process to be considered eligible.
2. Recreation agency downloads: the Distinguished Accreditation Park and Recreation Agency Standards documents from the IAPD web site (Distinguished Accreditation - Illinois Association of Park Districts).
3. Recreation agency reviews standards. The recreation agency independently determines if it can comply with a sufficient number of criteria necessary for Accreditation by completing the self-evaluation (standards score sheet). Contact IPRA Chair of Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation Committee (DPRAC) for additional help, if necessary. If their self-evaluation shows that the agency has almost complied with many of the standards, a formal letter requesting entry into the Accreditation process, which is signed by the Director (CEO) and the Board President, an application and a copy of the electronics self assessment form to the IPRA Chair of DPRAC. The letter, which must be received by April $1 ^ { \\mathsf { s t } }$ (or the Friday prior to if April 1st falls on a weekend), shall also include the $$ 600$ entry fee (payable to IAPD). Applications will be reviewed by the DPRAC co-chairs. If the DPRAC determines the recreation agency is eligible to continue the process, a mentor will be assigned. Beginning with the 2026 applications, the recreation agency will have approximately a maximum of 19 months (October 31) from the time their application is approved, to complete the accreditation process.The recreation agency may request an earlier review only after one (1) year or beginning April $1 ^ { \\mathsf { s t } }$ of the following year with mentor approval.
# 4\. Mandatory Paperless Review Process
In January 2019, the IAPD/IPRA Joint Distinguished Park and Recreation Accredited Agency Committee determined that a mandatory paperless review process shall be initiated in order to encourage good green practices. Applicants are required to provide evidence of compliance in an electronic format. Agencies can petition the committee to waive the paperless requirement if deemed necessary.
While each agency may determine the best process to adhere to the mandatory paperless requirement, below are options/examples:
# File Sharing
File sharing may be utilized to comply with the mandatory paperless requirement. This involves uploading your main folder with the standards document and all the evidence folders and files to a flash drive, or another external digital storage source, and provide that to each member of your team of evaluators. They can use your standards document as a guide and click on the links to go directly to the evidence files.
# PowerDMS Software
The Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association have worked with PowerDMS to offer a policy and accreditation management software as a paperless option for agencies undergoing the Distinguished Accreditation process. Purchasing PowerDMS is optional, but pre-loaded accreditation standards in the software reduces setup time and documentation management. Additionally, the software generates automated reminders to update timeline standards to lessen the amount of time required to obtain re-accreditation. Agencies that choose to purchase the software from PowerDMS will do so for an annual fee of $$ 850$ . Click here to learn more about PowerDMS.
# Other Paperless Options
Agencies may use alternate software program (e.g. Sharepoint) that uses PDF document hyperlinks to each evidence of compliance item within each standard. This may be placed on a shared drive for team review members to access remotely.
5. As they gather information, the recreation agency will meet with their mentor for interpretation of individual criteria. When the agency feels they are ready for evaluation, they must get a signed recommendation from their mentor for evaluation. The agency then submits a letter signed by the CEO and the Board President, by August $1 5 ^ { \\mathrm { t h } }$ , requesting Distinguished Accreditation evaluation and giving several available dates. After meeting to set up the Evaluation Teams, DPRAC will send a letter to the agency giving the actual date of their evaluation, the Evaluation Team Leader and other members of the Evaluation Team. The Evaluation Team will consist of five members, with at least two people being IAPD members, and three people being IRPA members, including at least one CEO. In unforeseen situations where an assigned evaluation team member is unable to attend the evaluation and no substitute can be found, the CoChairs may direct the evaluation to continue with no less than three members consisting of one (1) IAPD and two (2) IPRA members. The Team Leader will contact the recreation agency to coordinate the evaluation.
6. The process of pursuing Distinguished Accreditation will involve two costs. The first cost is the application fee of $$ 600$ . The second cost will be determined by the “out of pocket” expenses of the Evaluation Team. The application fee includes one plaque upon successful completion of the program, with delivery at the State Conference. Additional plaques may be purchased. Out of pocket expenses may include, but may not be limited to, meals for the five-person evaluation team members, transportation, duplicating, mailing costs, etc. and possibly, though unusual, overnight lodging. All attempts will be made to keep costs to a minimum. The recreation agency contact person and the Evaluation Team Leader should coordinate the out of pocket expenses.
7. A minimum of two weeks prior to the scheduled review date, the agency shall make available in electronic format the Legal and General Management standards and Standard 3.2.6 for the evaluation team’s review. All standards of the Legal Section must pass in order for the scheduled evaluation to commence.
8. On the day of the evaluation the agency presents documented information and a tour of pertinent facilities and parks for Evaluation Team review. All information/documented evidence shall be made available to the Evaluation Team in an electronic format and organized in folders corresponding with the number of the standard easily identifiable and accessible. The recreation agency must have pertinent staff present to answer questions. At the end of the Evaluation, the Evaluation Team will meet to discuss the information, and may request additional documentation. At this time, the preliminary results of the Evaluation Team shall be discussed with the agency.
9. The Agency will then have 30 days from the date of the evaluation to correct any deficiencies. These deficiencies would include any mandatory items, items in sections not meeting a minimum score, or items that would increase the agency’s total score to a passing level. If the evaluation takes place less than 30 days before the Accreditation Review Board meeting (the Monday prior to Thanksgiving), all deficiencies must be corrected prior to that meeting. Proof of these corrections will be forwarded to the Evaluation Team Leader who shall distribute them to the Evaluation Team.
10. The Evaluation Team will present a report at a meeting of the Accreditation Review Board. The Accreditation Review Board consists of members of the DPRAC minus the Agency Evaluation Team and mentor and any other members having an affiliation with the subject agency. This meeting will take place the Monday before Thanksgiving of each year. The Accreditation Review Board will review materials and score sheets submitted by the Evaluation Team. Representatives from the agency are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting. After reviewing the Evaluation Team’s report, the Accreditation Review Board will entertain a motion and second, take discussion and then have a vote in favor or against Agency Accreditation.
11. If the agency is denied accreditation by the Accreditation Review Board, the agency may try again the following year. If the agency’s evaluation was in the original calendar year of its application, a new application fee is not required. If the agency’s evaluation was in the second calendar year of the application, a new application and application fee is required for the following year. In either case, a new evaluation team will be assigned per the normal evaluation schedule.
12. Recognition will be given at the State Conference to those agencies achieving Distinguished Accreditation status.
IPRA Co-Chair
Bob Schmidt
Schaumburg Park District
235 E. Beech Drive
Schaumburg, IL 60193
[schmidtyspd@yahoo.com](mailto:schmidtyspd@yahoo.com)
(847) 421-8828 (Cell)
# DISTINGUISHED PARK & RECREATION ACCREDITED AGENCY
APPLICATION TO ENTER THE DISTINGUISHED ACCREDITATION PROCESS
DATE
Agency Name
Agency Address County
Phone Number Contact Person Population
E.A.V.
# Full-Time Employees \# Part-Time Employees
Send application along with letter signed by Board President and CEO, a copy of your selfevaluation, a list of documents to be used as evidence and a check for $$ 600$ (payable to IAPD) to DPRAC – IPRA Co-Chair.
The IPRA 2026 Co-Chair is:
Ron Salski
Mundelein Park & Recreation District
1401 N. Midlothian Road
Mundelein, IL 60060
(847) 388-5460
[rsalski@mundeleinparks.org](mailto:rsalski@mundeleinparks.org)
You will be contacted by the mentor assigned to your agency for continuation of the process.
# DISTINGUISHED ACCREDITATION RECOGNITION INFORMATION
# ROLE OF THE MENTOR
WHAT DO MENTORS BRING TO THE PROCESS?
Experience. All of our Mentors have gone through several agency evaluations. They understand the process and can convey that information to the agency. Because they themselves have gone through the evaluation at their own agency, the Mentor can understand many of the concerns expressed by the agency.
x Mentors invest themselves in the agency. They are whole-heartedly involved in the process. They put themselves in the role of the Director or individual collecting and coordinating the information. They ask whether or not they would be satisfied with the quality of the response to the standard or criteria if it were their agency going through the process. They communicate effectively with the agency. They keep the lines of communication open. The Mentor is uniquely able to interpret the criteria and standards to the agency. Mentors are brutally honest – and constructively critical. No one is helped if the Mentor allows an agency to slide in meeting the standards.
x They understand the limitations of their role. As good a Mentor as they may be, the agency they are mentoring must do the work to become a Distinguished Accredited Agency.
# WHAT DOES A MENTOR DO?
A Mentor is assigned to an agency after the agency has completed an electronic self assessment form and has formally requested entry into the Distinguished Accreditation process. One of the first things a Mentor will do is determine how motivated the agency is to become a Distinguished Park and Recreation Accredited Agency. This will greatly impact how much time the Mentor will be spending with that agency in the year (or years) ahead.
x Becoming a Distinguished Accredited Agency requires a commitment of time and energy. If the interest in the Distinguished Accreditation process is solely Board driven, and the Director and/or staff are not motivated, the process of becoming accredited is going to be extremely difficult, if not impossible. The Mentor will make periodic calls or visits to the Director or agency contact to see if the agency’s level of commitment to the program has changed. In some cases, the agency may be motivated to go through the process, but is limited in their ability to apply the necessary staff resources over a period of a single year. The agency may be temporarily overwhelmed by the amount of work
necessary to become an accredited agency, be in the midst of a large project or involved with some major staff turnover. If that’s the case, the Mentor will be sensitive to the particular issues delaying the process. The agency does have until November $1 5 ^ { \\mathrm { t h } }$ of the following year after the application to go through the evaluation.
Presume that the agency is motivated, a staff commitment has been made, and the agency hopes to complete the process in the year ahead. Mentors plan on a number of meetings (at least three) with the applicant agency. These review meetings will become progressively more challenging for the applicant agency.
1. The first meeting might take place in early spring, at which time an in-depth review of their self assessment form and the standards will take place. The Mentor will clear up any misconceptions the agency has about any of the terms in the standards such as what constitutes “Evidence of Compliance”. At the meeting, the Mentor will first look for compliance with the mandatory and legal list of criteria. Agencies unable to comply with all of these criteria cannot become Accredited Agencies. The Mentor will check on some of the long lead-time standards such as Goals and Objectives and the existence of a Master Plan.
The Mentor will communicate any concerns and suggestions s/he has at this time to the Director or agency contact. It may become clear at this initial meeting that more work will be required by the agency to become accredited than first anticipated.
If sufficient progress is being made, a second meeting will be scheduled with the understanding that the Mentor will begin a “mock scoring” of their material at that meeting.
2. A second meeting will most likely take place sometime in early summer. At this meeting a full review of the material (including scoring) will be conducted by the Mentor. This scoring will allow all the parties concerned to get a good handle on the viability of the application for the current year. Weak points can be identified and a plan of action determined by the applicant agency. Once again, it may become clear at this time that the agency will not be ready to proceed with the process in the current year. If so, the third meeting will not be necessary that year.
3. A third and final meeting will take place no later than August. At this final review meeting, the Mentor will “pick up” any changes from the previous run-through and complete the mock score. The Mentor will determine whether or not s/he can recommend the agency for the evaluation. If the Mentor determines that the agency is ready to be evaluated, then s/he will send a letter of recommendation to DPRAC. The agency must send a formal letter from the CEO and Board President requesting that the evaluation take place. The deadline for receiving the letter from the applicant agency is August 15.
# EVALUATION DAY
By this time the Mentor’s work should be completed. The recreation agency feels confident and is ready for their evaluation
# DEFINITIONS
Eligibility – Park districts as defined in the “Illinois Park District Code” Chapter 105, Illinois Revised Statutes; or village/city recreation departments as defined in the Illinois Municipal Code – 65 ILCS 5/11-95-B &11-95-14; or special recreation agencies as defined in the “Illinois Park District Code” – 70 ILCS 1205/8-10A and 8-10B.
Board of Commissioners – Defined as the governing board, advisory board and/or managing authority elected to manage the overall affairs of the recreation agency and/or are appointed to fulfill that function by elected officials of a general purpose government.
Compliance Document – Each standard has stated the document the recreation agency must provide to meet the criterion. Other verification may be accepted provided the recreation agency can explain how it adequately meets the standard.
Recreation Agency – Defined as the agency responsible for the administration of recreation programs, facilities and services. A recreation agency must be a State of Illinois park district, recreation department, or special recreation agency. (See Eligibility)
Director (CEO) Authorized Copy – Defined as a written statement approved by the Board of Commissioners and signed by the Board President authorizing the Director or CEO to meet this particular criterion. In effect we feel that, for example, goals/objectives must include Board input and approval. The Board, by this statement, is willing to have the Director prepare the recreation agency’s goals/objectives. To meet this standard or criterion, the recreation agency must produce a directive, letter, etc. which authorizes the Director to prepare and implement those goals/objectives.
Policy Documentation – Throughout the manual, we ask for evidence of compliance for meeting a standard by providing a board-approved policy or, in lieu of policy, an ordinance. We are looking for a board-approved document which indicates the philosophy or direction of the recreation agency. The policy is to be easily accessible and available in all manuals with evidence of board approval. The DPRAC feels to get the true direction of the recreation agency, the elected or appointed Board must be aware and provide that direction. As such, we expect the Board to approve that policy or provide evidence the Board has given direction and authority to the staff to prepare the policy.
Evidence of Document Approval or Review – The recreation agency should have noted on a cover page or as an integral part of the document a listing of any approved dates, and by whom the document was approved, i.e.: board, staff, etc. along with any revision dates, also by whom the document was revised, i.e.: board, staff, etc. In addition, if the document calls for documentation to be signed, the appropriate signature should be found adjacent to the approved or revision date.
Board Action – Throughout the manual, there are numerous references to board action, approved by board action, etc. By this, it is understood that the Board is the local officials elected to perform park and recreation functions as per State Statutes.
Administration – Administration of the Distinguished Park and Recreation Agency Standards is a joint IAPD and IPRA committee. DPRAC members are appointed by IAPD or IPRA. All IPRA committee members must be Certified Park and Recreation Professionals (CPRP) with at least five years experience. Each evaluation team shall consist of at least three, and preferably up to five members. At least one member of each team must be an IAPD member, one member must be an IPRA member, and one member must be a CEO. One of the team members would serve as Evaluation Team Leader. No one who is a staff or board member of a Special Recreation Agency, or of their member districts/agencies, is eligible to be on their Evaluation Team. Each Evaluation Team is appointed by the DPRAC Co-chairs.
Length of Recognition – Distinguished Accreditation for a recreation agency lasts six years effective at the Illinois State Conference following completion of a successful Evaluation. At the end of the effective accreditation period, a recreation agency would have to pass a complete evaluation to remain an accredited agency. If an agency allows their accreditation to lapse, they are not permitted to refer to their agency as an accredited agency.
# COMPLIANCE
The Distinguished Park and Recreation Agency Standards Manual contains standards for different levels of compliance, i.e.: (M) for Mandatory, (O) for Optional, and (B) for Bonus. Please note which division your agency is in (based on EAV, see Divisions, page xxii) and at which level the standard pertains to your recreation agency (see page xx).
# Legal Section
These standards are required by State Statutes, and as such, all criteria must be met to receive Distinguished Accredited Agency recognition.
# M Mandatory (“M”) Criterion
These criteria are required of all recreation agencies to meet the standard. These criteria are determined to be of such value, non-compliance, means the recreation agency will not receive Distinguished Accreditation. Recreation agency must receive at least a “2” on compliance with verification to become accredited. Non-compliance for this criterion means agency would not be recognized.
# O Optional (“O”) Criterion
Criteria in this category are optional (not mandatory), they do indicate delivery of recreation services based on generally accepted management practices and may be needed to reach the point levels required to become accredited.
# B Bonus (B”) Criterion
Criteria in this category exceed the established standard of a well managed and administered recreation agency. Compliance with these criteria will result in additional point(s) as stated.
For example: Standard 1.10.1 has the following criterion M O. The first letter listed “M” will stand for Division I, over $1,000,000,000 E.A.V. and is a mandatory criterion for that division and therefore the agency has to meet this standard with a score of 2 points or more. The second letter listed $" \\textdegree "$ is Division II, under $1,000,000,000 EAV and is an optional criterion and therefore the agency does not have to meet this standard.
# N/A Non-Applicable to Certain Recreation Agencies
These standards are determined to be non-relevant or do not pertain to certain recreation agencies.
# GRADING
The explanation of grading is attached to give you (the recreation agency) an understanding of how the evaluation team will score your compliance.
No Does not meet or verify this standard.
Yes 1. “MINIMAL” - Compliance to a minimal extent. Criterion is slightly met. Partial compliance with criterion and corresponding verification has been demonstrated. Agency has evidence to meet a portion of criterion, but has not complied with or is unable to verify substantial compliance. 2. “ALMOST” - Almost full compliance. Basic or majority of criterion has been met with proper verification. Some areas may not be complied with. 3. “YES” - Total compliance. Criterion has been $100 %$ met with appropriate documentation, available for review by evaluation team.
# SCORING
The Distinguished Park and Recreation Agency Committee (DPRAC) determined that each section, i.e.: General Management, Finance & Business, etc., should have an equal value of 100 points. The only exception to this would be the Legal Section, which would have no point value since a recreation agency must abide by all legal requirements. Total possible points, not including bonus points, are 500. DPRAC has weighted the value of the individual standards found within each section, the intent being that some standards should have greater value than others. Consequently, alongside each standard, you will see a number which indicates the strength or weighted value for that standard (1 to 10, with 10 as a maximum).
The standards score sheet available on the IAPD website has the calculations for the weighted factors. An agency’s overall score will be computed automatically when each standard is scored.
# SAMPLE GRADING SHEET
# I GENERAL MANAGEMENT SECTION:
| | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Agency Compliance | Max Points | Weighted Factor | Value | Raw Score |
| | Level |
| 1.1 | Philosophy | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| 1.2 | Agency Incorp. | 3 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| 1.3 | Goals & Objectives | 11 | 12 | 11/12 | 5 | 4.58 |
| 1.4 | Organ. Struct. | 12 | 15 | 4/5 | 4 | 3.2 |
| 1.5 | Comp. Policy Man. | 8 | 9 | 8/9 | 5 | 4.44 |
| 1.6 | Admin. Procedures | 3 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| 1.7 | Bd. Membr. Orient. | 6 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| 1.8 | Coop. Planning | 3 | 6 | 1/2 | 3 | 1.5 |
| 1.9 | Coop. Agreements | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| 1.10 Public Relations | | 12 | 12 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| 1.11 Regular Meetings | | 9 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| 1.12 Memberships | | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| 1.13 Vol. Program | | 7 | 9 | 7/9 | 2 | 1.56 |
| 1.14 Information Serv. | | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| | Total | | 96 | | 47 | |
| | 2.12766x47=100 | | | | Total Raw Score | 43.283 |
| | | | | | X | 2.12766 |
| | | | | | | 92.0922 |
| | | | | | \*Bonus Point (1.62) + | 1.000 |
| | | | | TOTAL ADJUSTED SCORE - SECTION 1 93.0922 | | |
| | | | | | |
\*Bonus points scored within each section are added to the total. All individual bonus points are worth either a half point (.5) or one (1) point.
# WINDOW OF CONTINUATION
After reviewing the standards manual and completing the standards score sheet, if the recreation agency has received sufficient points as listed:
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | Passing Score | Minimum Section Points Allowed |
| Division \|\* | 470 pts. | 84 pts. |
| Division II\* | 440 pts. | 78 pts. |
| SRA Division | 470 pts. | 84 pts. |
| Forest Preserve/ | | |
| Conservation Division | 470 pts. | 84 pts. |
\*See Divisions based on EAV on Page xxii.
It should fall within the minimum points necessary to become a Distinguished Accredited Agency. The recreation agency, if it has objectively filled out the standards score sheet, may, at its discretion, continue the application process. If the point total is less than indicated, we recommend the recreation agency address deficiencies and make necessary improvements prior to pursuing accreditation.
# CHALLENGING THE EVALUATION TEAM
A Recreation Agency, upon notification of their Evaluation Team has five days to appeal the assigned members of the team and the Agency has the right to challenge, in writing, the appropriateness of any member of the Evaluation Team. Prior to the evaluation, if sufficient evidence can be documented that an Evaluation Team member is biased either for or against an agency making application, a replacement shall be provided by DPRAC. This challenge to an Evaluation Team member must be submitted directly to the IPRA Co-chair of DPRAC for process and disposition. The challenge must be based on documented, objective facts. If necessary, an appropriate hearing with supportive evidence and documentation will be convened. The decision of the appeal board, consisting of three DPRAC members shall be final.
# REEVALUATION
In order for an agency to maintain its accredited status, the agency will be reevaluated at the end of the six (6) year period of accreditation. If the initial evaluation took place in October 2025, the effective date was the State Conference in January 2026 and the accreditation is applicable until December 31, 2031. In order to maintain accreditation, the agency would have to complete another full evaluation in 2031, which would become effective at the 2032 State Conference.
ACCREDITATION SCHEDULE (6-Year Term) / (by Date)
| | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| InitialAccreditationEvaluationCompleted(Year) | RecognitionObtained(IAPD/IPRAConference) | AccreditationExpires(Date) | AccreditationRenewalEvaluation(Year) |
| 2019 | 1/24/2020(2020-2025) | 12/31/2025 | 2025 |
| 2020 | 1/29/2021(2021-2026) | 12/31/2026 | 2026 |
| 2021 | 1/28/2022(2022-2027) | 12/31/2027 | 2027 |
| 2022 | 1/27/2023(2023-2028) | 12/31/2028 | 2028 |
| 2023 | 1/26/2024(2024-2029) | 12/31/2029 | 2029 |
| 2024 | 1/24/2025(2025-2030) | 12/31/2030 | 2030 |
| 2025 | 1/30/2026(2026-2031) | 12/31/2031 | 2031 |
| 2026 | 1/30/2027(2027-2032) | 12/31/2032 | 2032 |
# ACCREDITATION REVIEW BOARD
Upon completion of the recreation agency’s evaluation by the Evaluation Team, the Team Leader shall submit a preliminary report, including all raw scores and the summary score sheet to the co-chair of DPRAC and to the Accreditation Review Board stating the agency’s:
Highest Level of Compliance Areas Which Need Improvement Areas Which are Lacking Areas of Exceptional Strength Total Points
The preliminary report shall list each standard, which has not been fully met and an explanation of why the recreation agency did not meet the standard. The Accreditation Review Board will review this report and any supporting materials at its annual meeting. This meeting will take place on the Monday prior to Thanksgiving of each year. The Accreditation Review Board will consist of all the DPRAC members with the exception of the evaluation team, the agency mentor and any other members having an affiliation with the agency. A minimum of 10 Accreditation Review Board members shall constitute a quorum. After reviewing the report, the Accreditation Review Board co-chairs will entertain a motion and a second in favor of or denying accreditation. After discussion, a vote will take place.
If the agency is denied accreditation by the Accreditation Review Board, the agency may try again the following year. If the agency’s evaluation was in the original calendar year of its application, a new application fee is not required. If the agency’s evaluation was in its second calendar year of the application, a new application and application fee is required for the following year. In either case, a new evaluation team will be assigned per the normal evaluation schedule.
# DIVISIONS
The recreation agencies will be divided into the following divisions:
Division I E.A.V. Over $$ 1,000,000,000$ Division II E.A.V. Under $1,000,000,000
For Special Recreation (SRAs) and Forest Preserve/Conservation Districts only one Division applies.
# DISTINGUISHED ACCREDITATION RECOGNITION
The recreation agency upon meeting the necessary criteria for accreditation will receive a letter notifying them of the agency’s accomplishment. The agency will also receive information for purchasing additional Distinguished Park and Recreation Accredited Agency plaques for an additional fee. The plaque(s) will be presented at the annual IAPD/IPRA State Conference. Presentation of the award plaque at a Board meeting should be coordinated with the DPRAC Co-chairs.
# APPLICATION AND EVALUATION PROCESS CHECK LIST
NOTE: Deadline for Application is April $1 ^ { \\mathsf { s t } }$ Each Year (or the Friday prior to if April $4 8 1$ falls on a weekend)
Steps Toward Self-Evaluation
1. Recreation agency prints copy of Standards, Electronic Self-Assessment Form, and Scoresheet from IAPD web site ( [http://www.ilparks.org](http://www.ilparks.org/), under the “Members Services” and “Distinguished Accreditation” tabs)
2. Agency makes additional copies, as needed.
3. Agency reviews program operations for compliance with Standards.
4. Agency completes Standards Score Sheet
Steps Toward Distinguished Accreditation Recognition
01. Agency sends application for, application fee, letter signed by Board President and CEO requesting entry in the Accreditation process, and completed Electronics Self Assessment Form to IPRA Co-chair of DPRAC by April $1 ^ { \\mathsf { s t } }$ (or the Friday prior to if April $1 8 1$ falls on a weekend).
02. An IPRA member of DPRAC is assigned as a mentor to the recreation agency seeking to become a Distinguished Park and Recreation Accredited agency.
03. Recreation agency works with their mentor on any questions or clarifications as they prepare for evaluation.
04. When recreation agency believes they are ready for evaluation, they must get the recommendation of their mentor to proceed with an evaluation.
05. The recreation agency then submits a letter, signed by Board President and CEO, requesting agency evaluation and giving several available dates for the evaluation. The letter is due by August $1 5 ^ { \\mathrm { t h } }$ for an evaluation during the current year.
06. The mentor will send to DPRAC verification of the agency’s completion of the Mandatory items and his/her recommendation that the agency is or is not ready for evaluation.
07. If the recommendation is to proceed, DPRAC will send a letter to the agency giving the date of their evaluation, the Evaluation Team Leader and other members of the Evaluation Team.
08. The recreation agency may appeal selection of members of the Evaluation Team to DPRAC Co-Chairs (see Challenging the Evaluation Team).
09. Evaluation Team Leader contacts the recreation agency to discuss the evaluation process, timetable, and estimated costs; to request all Legal Section, General Management Section and Standard 3.2.6 documentation in electronic format be sent to team members a minimum of two weeks prior to the scheduled evaluation date; and to answer any other agency questions.
10. Evaluation takes place and complete a tour of parks and facilities.
11. Evaluation Team Leader meets with agency to discuss team’s findings. Agency has 30 days from the date of the evaluation or until the date of the Accreditation Review Board Meeting (whichever comes first), to correct any deficiencies.
These deficiencies would include any mandatory items, items in sections not meeting a minimum score, or items that would increase the agency’s total score to a passing level. Proof of these corrections will be forwarded to the Evaluation Team Leader who shall distribute them to the Evaluation Team.
12. Evaluation Team Leader submits preliminary evaluation report to Accreditation Review Board for review.
13. Accreditation Review Board meets on the Monday prior to Thanksgiving to review Evaluation Team report and vote on agency accreditation.
14. Accreditation Review Board takes final vote on accreditation and agency is informed. Representatives from the agency are encouraged to attend the Review Board meeting.
15. Evaluation Team Leader submits final evaluation report to recreation agency, DPRAC Co-Chairs and DPRAC Records Keeper.
16. Recreation agency recognized as a Distinguished Parks and Recreation Accredited Agency at State Conference, where the plaque will be presented.
Park District Standards 2026
# STANDARDS EVIDENCE COMPLIANCE
Commentary: Throughout the standards there are numerous requirements to provide evidence based on a frequency and interval basis. For example, a standard may require providing evidence “annually”, “every two years”, “every five (5) years” and/or “every ten years”. In order to be consistent with all accreditation evaluations the following evidence requirements shall apply:
# Reapplying “Accredited” and New applying agencies:
For standards requiring review/approvals “annually” and “greater” (i.e. every 2 – 5 years); the agency must show evidence of reviewed/approved document(s) within the time frame of the interval requested.
Acknowledgement - Defined as the item was distributed and proof can be shown not only that it was distributed to employees, but also that the employee(s) responded in a documented format (ex. email reply, sign off $<$ signature or hand written $>$ receipt, system documentation confirmation, etc.) whereby it is clear that the employee(s) have accepted responsibility for the material.
Distribution - Defined as the item was distributed and proof can be shown that it was distributed to employees.
Review (conduct employee training on policy, procedure, manual) - Defined as employers’ responsibility to actively educate and inform an employee on an item one on one or in group setting item with employee(s), and the distribution and acknowledgement definitions also are to be met as well.
Review (content of policy, procedure, manual, job description, org chart) - Defined as staff will read through and examine the item to clarify meaning, processes, compliance with legal (if applicable) and determine if changes are necessary.
Proof - Defined as an item that will be reviewed by a Review Team to confirm a meeting was held, the topics discussed and who was in attendance. Ex. meeting sign in sheets (preferably with dated agenda attached or sign in sheet with notes of the meeting topics covered), electronic sign off, email reply or receipt.
Commentary: No points are awarded for this section; however, all legal standards are mandatory. A recreation agency must be in full compliance to be accredited. The agency is expected to meet any and all legal objectives. The following is to serve as a sample evaluation.
# L.1 Open Meetings
# L1.1 Open Meetings (5 ILCS 120, et seq.)
Commentary: Must comply with requirements of Open Meeting Act, reference minutes of all regular and executive session meetings. Notice of meetings must be posted at principal office of recreation agency and copies of notice sent to any news medium that has filed an annual request for such notice. Public Act 94-28 requires an agency to post on its website the agendas of any regular meetings as well as a notice of its annual schedule of meetings if the website is maintained by a full-time staff person. In addition, a public body must post the minutes of its regular meetings on its website within seven (7) days of their approval. Such minutes must remain posted for at least sixty (60) days.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of minutes and web posting, if applicable
b. Copy of notice and web posting, if applicable
c. Evidence of public posting of agendas/meeting notices for public viewing at the principal office and the location where the meeting is held 48 hours prior to scheduled meeting. (verify on facility tour)
d. Evidence of public body designating one or more officials/employees (Executive Director preferred) to successfully complete an electronic training curriculum developed and administered by the Illinois Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor
e. Evidence of designated employees successfully completing the Illinois Attorney General Public annual training program (i.e. certificate).
f. Evidence all Board members successfully completed the Illinois Attorney General Public training program (i.e. certificate).
# L.1.2 Closed Sessions (5 ILCS 120, et seq.)
Commentary: Must comply with requirements of Open Meeting Act regarding closed sessions. Includes semi-annual review of closed session minutes and policies governing recording of closed session minutes and the disposal of these recordings.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of semi-annual review of closed session minutes where a determination is made and reported in an open session that 1) the need for confidentiality still exists as to all or part of closed session minutes; or (2) that the minutes or portions thereof no longer require confidential treatment and are available for public inspection.
b. Policy governing the recording and disposal of closed session minutes
# L.2.1 Freedom of Information (5 ILCS 120, et seq.)
Commentary: The recreation agency will have complied with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 120, et seq.) to include requirements of Illinois Public Act 96-0542.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of public body designating one or more officials/employees (Executive Director preferred) to act as its Freedom of Information officer (s)
b. Evidence of Freedom of Information officer(s) completed annual training program administered by the Public Access Counselor
c. Copy of Fee Schedule (should be reasonable fees, which do not include administrative costs)
d. Copy of Municipal Directory (includes: summary of purpose; block diagram of functional subdivisions; total amount of Operating Budget; number and location of all separate offices; total number of full-time and part-time employees; identification and membership of all boards, commissions, and committees; brief description of how to get information through Freedom of Information; designation by titles and addresses of employee(s) to whom requests for public records should be made; any fees allowable under section 6 of the FOIA
e. Evidence that Municipal Directory is on the website (i.e. Municipal Directory shall be made available for inspection and copying and send through the mail if requested (verify on facility tour).
f. Copy of Freedom of Information requests and agency response, if available
# L.3 Prevailing Wages
# L.3.1 Prevailing Wages (820 ILCS 130, et seq.)
Commentary: The recreation agency will comply with the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act. The recreation agency awarding any contract for a public work must specify in the call for bids, the project specifications, and the contract a stipulation that not less than the prevailing rate of wages must be paid to all laborers, workers, and mechanics performing work under the contract. In the event there are no project specifications or contracts for the work, public bodies still must notify of the applicability of prevailing wage via other written instrument, including as part of the purchase order.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of construction projects public bid, contract, project specification, proposals, written notice to contractor, and/or purchase orders, which include a notice of Prevailing Wage requirements in accordance with (Public Act 100- 1177)
# L.4.1 Harassment (775 ILCS 5, et seq.)
Commentary: The recreation agency will enact and maintain a written harassment policy that includes sexual harassment. All local governments must adopt an ordinance or resolution establishing a policy prohibiting sexual harassment. At a minimum the policy must include:
i. a prohibition on sexual harassment;
ii. details on how an individual can report an allegation of sexual harassment, including options for making a confidential report to a supervisor, ethics officer, Inspector General, or the Department of Human Rights;
iii. a prohibition on retaliation for reporting sexual harassment allegations, including availability of whistleblower protections under the Ethics Act, the Whistleblower Act, and the Illinois Human Rights Act; and
iv. the consequences of a violation of the prohibition on sexual harassment and the consequences for knowingly making a false report.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy including minimum requirements listed above
b. Copy of ordinance or resolution adopting Sexual Harassment Policy or Harassment Policy that includes sexual harassment
c. Evidence of annual training to staff
# L.5 Drug Free Workplace
L.5.1 Drug Free Workplace Act (30 ILCS 580/1, et seq.)
Commentary: Any recreation agency seeking to obtain federal, state or county grant monies must enact a Drug Free Workplace Act Policy.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy b. Evidence of policy distributed to staff
# L.6.1 Americans with Disabilities
Commentary: The recreation agency will enact and maintain a policy statement or policy reflecting the agency's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act related to employment, programs, services, activities and facilities. The intent of this standard is to show compliance with the law. It is not a qualitative measure of the thoroughness of the agency’s ADA Transition Plan (see standard 3.2.6).
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy or policy statement
b. Evidenced of appointment of an ADA coordinator
c. Evidence that employment applications comply with Americans With Disabilities Act
d. Evidence that facilities comply with Americans with Disabilities Act or have been identified as needing compliance and are scheduled to achieve compliance (completed ADA Transition Plan)
L.7 Family and Medical Leave
L.7.1 Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) (29 U.S.C § 2601, et seq.)
Commentary: The recreation agency will enact and maintain a policy reflecting the recreation agency's compliance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy b. Evidence that the policy has been distributed to staff
# L.8 Communicable Disease Guidelines
L.8.1 Communicable Disease Guidelines (OSHA) (29 CFT 1910.1030)
Commentary: The recreation agency will enact and maintain a policy outlining Communicable Disease Guidelines reflecting the agency's compliance with the Illinois Department of Labor Guidelines.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy
b. Evidence of policy distributed to staff
c. Evidence of a universal precaution training to include communicable disease procedures.
d. Evidence that blood borne pathogen kits are available in relevant areas (verify on facility tour)
L.9.1 Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (325 ILCS 5/1 et seq.)
Commentary: The recreation agency will enact and maintain a policy and procedure covering the requirements of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy
b. Copy of procedure
c. Evidence of distribution of policy to staff
d. Evidence of signed “Acknowledgement of Mandated Reporter Status” (DCFS) form for any employee mandated by virtue of that employment to report under this Act (325 ILCS $5 / 4$ ) and/or evidence of certificate of completion of the online mandated reporter training.
L.10 Employer’s Requirement to Report New Employees
L.10.1 Employer’s Requirement to Report New Employees
Commentary: The recreation agency will have complied with the Employer's Requirement to Report New Employees effective October 1, 1997, which is part of the reform legislation.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy or procedure b. Evidence of reporting new employees
# L.11 Criminal Background Investigations
L.11.1 Criminal Background Investigations of Employees (70 ILCS 1205/8-23)
Commentary: The recreation agency will have complied with the Illinois Park District Code 70 ILCS 1205/8-23 requirement to complete criminal background investigations of employees.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy or procedure
b. Receipt or invoice from State Police serves as evidence of completion of criminal background investigations of employees
# Distinguished Park & Recreation Accreditation Standards – 2026 Approved 02/20/26
L.11.2 Disclosure of Child Sex Offenses by Volunteers (70 ILCS 1205/8-23a)
Commentary: The recreation agency will have complied with the requirements of 70 ILCS 1205/8-23a that an agency shall require volunteers to complete an application prior to beginning any work as a volunteer, which shall include a question for the applicant to answer concerning whether they have been convicted of or found to be a child sex offender. If a volunteer is under 18 years of age, the volunteer’s parent or legal guardian may complete the application on the behalf of the volunteer.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of volunteer waiver or application that satisfies the requirement.
# L.12 Ethics Ordinance/Resolution
Commentary: The recreation agency will have adopted an Ethics Ordinance or Resolution and have a policy regarding State Official and Employees Ethics Act that references the State Official and Employee Ethics Act 5 ILCS 430/.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Board approved ordinance or resolution b. Copy of Board approved policy c. Evidence of annual distribution to staff
# L.13 Smoke-Free Illinois
# L.13.1 Smoke-Free Illinois (410 ILCS 82, et seq.)
Commentary: The recreation agency will have complied with the requirements of the Smoke-Free Illinois Act prohibiting smoking in public places and places of employment and within 15 feet of entrances. Proper signage, as specified in the act, must be displayed.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. An IDPH approved “No Smoking” or the international “No Smoking” symbol per the Smoke-Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82) shall be clearly and conspicuously posted in and at entrances of each public place and place of employment and where smoking is prohibited by the Act (verify on facility tour)
b. No ashtrays, cigarette butt containers within 15 feet of entrance (verify on facility tour)
L.14.1 Toxic Substances Disclosure Act (820 ILCS 255/1, et seq.)
Commentary: The recreation agency will have complied with the requirements of the Toxic Substances Disclosure Act to give each employee notice of his/her exposure to toxic substances which pose known and suspected health hazards and which may cause death or serious physical harm to the employee.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of Hazardous Communications Manual/Plan (HAZCOM Plan) (verify at facility locations on facility tour)
b. Evidence of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Manual located at each appropriate facility to which employees may be exposed to hazardous chemicals (verify SDS manuals on facility tour)
c. Posting in the workplace, at the location where notices to employees are usually posted, a sign which informs the employees of their rights under this act (commonly referred to as the Illinois Employee Right-to-Know Law)
# L.15 Illinois Identity Protection Act
# L.15.1 Illinois Identity Protection Act (5 ILCS 179/1 et seq.)
Commentary: The Illinois Identity Protection Act provides that no state or local government agency may: (1) publicly post or display in any manner an individual’s Social Security Number (SSN); (2) print a SSN on any card required for an individual to access products or services provided by the governmental body; (3) require any individual to transmit his or her SSN over the internet unless the connection is secure or the SSN is encrypted; or (4) print any SSN on any materials mailed, emailed, or otherwise delivered to the individual, unless required by State or federal law.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy & procedures. b. Proof of annual distribution of and training on policy
# L.16 Moveable Soccer Goal Safety Act
L.16.1 Moveable Soccer Goal Safety Act (430 ILCS 145/1 et seq.)
Commentary: The recreation agency will have an approved movable soccer goal safety and education policy that outlines the organization’s safety guidelines for movable soccer goals.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of Policy b. Proof of annual distribution to affiliate organizations, if applicable.
L. 17. 1 Firearm Concealed Carry Act (430 ILCS 66/1 et seq.)
Commentary: The recreation agency will have complied with the requirements of the Firearm Concealed Carry Act prohibiting the possession of a firearm on agency property. Proper signage, as specified in the act, must be displayed.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. The approved no weapon sign shall be posted on every agency owned building and property. (verify on facility tour)
L.18 Illinois Local Government Efficiency Committees (Public Act 102-1088)
Commentary: The recreation agency will have complied with the Illinois Local Government Efficiency Committees (Public Act 102-1088). The act requires recreation agencies to form an Efficiency Committee made up of the Board of Commissioners, two (2) appointed residents and the Executive Director or other officer of the governmental unit to complete a report to be filed with the County. Please Note: Municipal Recreation Departments and Special Recreation Associations are exempt from this standard.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Evidence of public body forming an Efficiency Committee b. Evidence a report has been filed with the County
# I. GENERAL MANAGEMENT
1.1 Philosophy
Commentary: There should be written statements of philosophy relating to the role of recreation in the life of the individual and the community.
1.1.1 Mission Statement
Commentary: There shall be a mission statement regarding the role of the agency in the community. The statement should be developed by professional personnel and policy/advisory board. The statement shall be based upon the legal purpose as stated in the state statutes.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Shall include input from staff b. Shall be reviewed and approved by the Board within the last five (5) years c. Shall be easily accessible to the community and staff (verify on facility tour)
M M
# 1.2 Agency Incorporation
1.2.1 Agency Incorporation
Commentary: The agency should have documents showing legality of existence.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Evidence of public authority, charter, by-laws, joint agreement, ordinance, etc. to show establishment of agency
M M
# 1.3 Goals and Objectives
Commentary: There is continuous debate on defining the difference between goals and objectives. In our criteria, we use those terms interchangeably to indicate a direction or grading tool for the agency. The recreation agency should have agency goals and department goals. There should be written goals defining the task of the agency in providing services for its constituency. The goals and objectives should be easily accessible to the community, board and staff. They should also be condensed and available in one document. The recreation agency should have agency goals which should have a relationship to the mission statement.
1.3.1 Agency Goals
Commentary: The recreation agency should have a set of comprehensive Agency Goals which should reflect the relationship of the mission statement and providing an overall direction the agency should be pursuing. Agency Goals should be included in a formal planning or budget document reviewed and approved by the Board of Commissioners. Agency Goals should have a completion time frame beyond annual goals, $^ { 2 - 5 + }$ years.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of approval by Board or Director authorized copy
b. Evidence of implementation
O O
# 1.3.2 Annual Goals
Commentary: In addition to having Agency Goals, the recreation agency should have Annual Goals. The Annual Goals, one (1) year, should reflect staff input and include i.e. initiatives, projects, operations.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of Annual Goals
b. Evidence of approval by Board or Director
c. Evidence of implementation
O O
1.3.3 Evaluation of Agency and Annual Goals
Commentary: Agency Goals should be reviewed no less than every five (5)years. Annual Goals should be reviewed once a year.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of evaluation of Agency Goals by Board or Director. b. Evidence of evaluation of Annual Goals by staff and review by Director O O
1.3.4 Accessibility of Agency Goals
Commentary: The Agency’s Goals and objectives should be easily accessible and made available to the community.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of accessibility; i.e., copy of document in community places; registration desk, program brochure, library, web site if available (verify on facility tour)
b. Evidence of availability to Board and staff
O O
Commentary: It is essential for management (staff and Board) to effectively reflect responsiveness and lines of authority to each other and to the community. As such, clear lines of accountability must be available in writing and made available to the community, staff and Board.
# 1.4.1 Structure of Authority
Commentary: The recreation agency’s structure of authority (organizational chart) shall reflect its mission statement and methods of operation in relation to its resources. It should also reflect the relationship to the community and interrelationship of staff.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of Organizational Chart (interrelationship of staff) b. Evidence of review annually by administration staff for accuracy c. Shall be approved by Board action or approved by Director authority
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1.4.2 Appointment or Hire of Non-Elected Chief Executive Officer (Director)
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of appointment or hire (at hire, annual appointment optional)
M O
1.4.3 Designation of Authority and Responsibility of Director
Commentary: The recreation agency’s director is designated as having the authority and responsibility for the management of the agency. This authority should either be through a job description, or written statement issued by the Board which shall reflect established written policies.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of written job description and/or employment contract; or evidence of compliance included in Board policy manual
b. Evidence of annual written review of Director by the Board
c. Evidence of organizational structure designating Board and director/staff authority.
# 1.4.4 Chief Executive Officer Degree/Certification
Commentary: The recreation agency’s chief executive officer shall possess a bachelor’s degree, or higher, in park and recreation administration, public administration or a related field. The degree must be from an accredited college. The chief executive officer should have CPRP, CPRE or CTRS status and possess a minimum of three years of management experience in a park and/or recreation agency.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of degree
b. Copy of current CPRP, CPRE or CTRS certification
c. Copy of employee service/experience record or resume reflecting at least three years of management experience, which should include most current employment
O O
# 1.4.5 Chain of Authority During Absences
Commentary: A procedure should be developed delineating the chain of command/authority when the agency’s chief executive officer and/or department head is incapacitated, out of town, ill or is unable to perform, his/her duties.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of procedure under which the chain of command/authority is implemented
b. Copy of chief executive officer chain of command/authority
c. Copy of department head’s chain of command/authority
d. Shall be approved by Board action or approved by Director authority
e. Evidence of review by Board or Director at least every five (5) years or sooner as positions change
O O
Commentary: The recreation agency shall have a comprehensive Board policy manual, which contains all Board policies with evidence of review every five (5) years.
# 1.5.1 Comprehensive Board Policy Manual
Commentary: There should be a Board Policy Manual which contains all Board policies in one accessible manual (or reference to location of policies) which is reviewed every five (5) years.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of Board Policy Manual b. Evidence of Board review of entire manual at least every five (5) years c. Evidence of accessibility to Board and staff (verify on facility tour)
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1.5.2 Administrative and Policy Making Functions
Commentary: The recreation agency should provide written and definitive guidelines specifying the difference between Board policies, regulations and administrative (staff) operational procedures.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of written guidelines b. Evidence of inclusion in Board policy manual c. Evidence of five (5) year review by Board d. Evidence of Board approved or Director authorized copy.
O O
# 1.5.3 Agency Rules and Regulations
Commentary: Agency rules and regulations must be Board approved or Director approved (Director authorized copy) which define the limitations by which residents utilize agency facilities, i.e., hours of operation, "no parking" regulations Such information should be located in one easily accessible document and should be reviewed every five (5) years.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of Park Rules and Regulations (one document)
b. Evidence of accessibility to staff (verify on facility tour)
c. Evidence of five (5) year review/Board approved or Director authorized copy
Commentary: It is important that Board and staff understand the difference between Board action policies and staff generated procedures. Consequently, a separate administrative procedure manual should be developed. This manual should be available to all employees.
# 1.6.1 Operational Procedures
Commentary: Operational procedures indicate how staff will carry out Board policies. These are the actions taken by staff to properly implement the directions given by Board policy. All operational procedures (non-Board approved policy actions) relative to the operation of the agency should be included in manuals available to all appropriate staff and which are reviewed and updated every five (5) years.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of procedure manuals
b. Evidence of accessibility to staff (verify on facility tour)
c. Evidence of administrative review and update of entire manual by staff every five (5) years
d. Evidence of distribution of updates to appropriate staff
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1.7 Board Member Orientation
Commentary: Each recreation agency should provide an orientation manual for all new and prospective Board members in order to acquaint them with all aspects of the agency.
# 1.7.1 New Board Member Manual
Commentary: A new Board member orientation manual should include written material regarding agency property, facilities, history and existing ordinances and manuals. Additional components, at a minimum, should include brochures, budget, policy, master plan, status reports, phone lists, chain of command, and magazine articles. This information should be in one manual with table of contents. Manual should be presented at the new Board member orientation meeting. Manual shall have agenda outlining information to be covered.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of new Board member orientation manual with table of contents b. Copy of new Board member orientation agenda c. Evidence of receipt of orientation manual by new Board member
# 1.7.2 Prospective Candidate Information Packet
Commentary: The Board, by policy, should direct the staff to prepare a Board prospective candidate’s information packet. This prospective candidate’s information packet should include essential information about the agency.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of Board policy
b. Copy of prospective candidate’s packet
(1 point bonus)
B B
1.7.3 Sponsored or Endorsed Workshops
Commentary: The recreation agency, through a policy should make funds and time available for Board members to attend workshops sponsored or endorsed by the NRPA, IPRA, IAPD and other similar organizations.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Record of attendance at programs sponsored by NRPA, IPRA, IAPD or other similar organizations
b. Copy of policy
O O
1.8 Cooperative Community Planning
Commentary: There should be established working relationships for cooperative community planning.
# 1.8.1 Working Relationship
Commentary: The recreation agency should have a working relationship with state, federal or local agencies to provide for community planning.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of compliance can be reflected by grants, agreements, letters of understanding and copies of minutes of meetings with local, state or federal agencies.
O O
Commentary: The recreation agency should have a policy on how and when citizen input is solicited.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy indicating how citizen input will be solicited b. Evidence of how and when citizen input is solicited
O O
1.9 Cooperative Operations Agreement
Commentary: The recreation agency should cooperate with other agencies to economize and effectively provide for recreation programs.
1.9.1 Policy on Cooperative Use and Maintenance of Facilities
Commentary: A policy should be established on cooperative use and maintenance of facilities, program operation, facility design, land development, finances, support and control.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy
b. Evidence of a cooperative agreement between the agency and schools, public and/or private agencies
O O
1.10 Public Relations
Commentary: The agency should have a systematic program of public relations, which is broad, yet comprehensive. It should provide for public interpretation of recreation as a whole, and other specific objectives of the recreation agency toward serving all populations.
# 1.10.1 Promotion of Programs and Services
Commentary: The recreation agency should promote the benefits of its programs and services in a comprehensive manner, which includes publications distributed at least twice a year to each household. We are looking at a comprehensive public relationship program to inform the community of important agency programs, services, procedures and operations.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of current publications b. Evidence of distribution to community
M O
# 1.10.2 Reports of Recreation Agency Operations
Commentary: Regular reports of recreation agency operations should be made to the managing authority and to the agency's constituency. Components of systematic program of reporting should include staff to Board reports such as monthly financial reports, program, attendance, facility use, etc. The recreation agency's reporting to constituents should include newsletter, annual reports and news releases.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of staff to Board reporting b. Evidence of reporting to constituency
O O
1.10.3 Authority for Coordinating Public Relations
Commentary: One employee should be designated as the primary authority for coordinating public relations activity.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of job description
O O
1.10.4 Dealing with Catastrophic Incidents
Commentary: The recreation agency should provide a crisis communication plan to accurately and effectively deal with a crisis such as severe injury, catastrophic fire, tornado damage, anything that attracts media attention, etc. The crisis communication plan should delineate individuals responsible for communicating with the press, chain of command on notifying proper people of the incident and overall agency procedures on dealing with catastrophic accidents.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of Crisis Communication Plan
b. Shall be approved by Board action or approved by Director authority
c. Evidence of annual review of crisis communication plan with staff
d. Listing of communications team member responsibilities
e. Crisis Communications procedures, communication guidelines when dealing with press
f. Copy of chain of command
O O
Commentary: The recreation agency should annually establish regular meetings, dates, locations and times in order to review and discuss all pertinent information in accordance with State Statutes.
# 1.11.1 Monthly Meeting / Written Meeting Minutes
Commentary: The recreation agency's Board of Commissioners (or advisory Board if no policy making Board is authorized) shall meet at regularly scheduled meetings to oversee the affairs of the recreation agency. The recreation agency shall keep written minutes of all public meetings including regular and special Board meetings and committee meetings. These minutes shall be made available to the public.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of regular and special Board meeting annual public notice
b. Copy of regular and special Board meeting minutes signed by Board secretary for the prior 12 months
c. Copy of committee minutes, if applicable
d. Evidence of availability to the public (website if applicable and verify on facility tour)
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# 1.11.2 Annual Meeting
Commentary: The recreation agency Board of Commissioners shall hold a yearly meeting at which they will elect officers. These officers are to include a president and vice president. Other officers and Board committees are appointed as deemed necessary.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of election of officers in official minutes
b. Evidence of policy reflecting functions of committees and officer functions
c. Evidence of terms of office
# Distinguished Park & Recreation Accreditation Standards – 2026 Approved 02/20/26
1.11.3 Establishment of a Meeting Agenda Format /Board Packet
Commentary: The recreation agency Board shall establish a policy reflecting a meeting agenda format, including sections providing roll call for committee reports, action items and public input. Agendas should be sent out a minimum of 48 hours in advance.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy reflecting the meeting agenda format
b. Evidence of agenda format including allowance for public input
c. Evidence of policy regarding advance distribution of Board packet to Board members
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1.12 Membership
Commentary: The recreation agency should be members of professional organizations in support of recreation activities.
# 1.12.1 Membership
Commentary: The recreation agency should establish membership with the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of IAPD membership or copy of payment b. Evidence of NRPA membership or copy of payment
O O
1.13 Volunteer Program
Commentary: Volunteers can be a vital part of an agency's ability to provide recreation programs. Volunteers provide an economical workforce and expertise and support groups to supplement the agency's staff. To maintain and reward these volunteer programs, there should be a comprehensive program within the recreation agency utilizing the expertise and willingness of residents to serve.
# 1.13.1 Policy or Procedure on Volunteers
Commentary: The recreation agency should develop a policy and/or procedure concerning utilization of volunteers.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy or procedure b. Evidence of utilization of volunteers
O O
1.13.2 Volunteer Manual
Commentary: The recreation agency should have a volunteer manual reflecting recruitment, training, benefits, needs, resources and chain of command.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of volunteer manual
b. Evidence of recruitment
c. Evidence of training
d. Copy of chain of command
e. Evidence of distribution of volunteer manual to volunteers
O O
1.13.3 Volunteer Recognition Program
Commentary: The recreation agency should provide a volunteer recognition program.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of volunteer recognition program
b. Evidence of benefits earned by volunteering
c. Evidence of recognition
O O
1.14 Information Services
Commentary: The agency must participate in a minimum of 5 out of 9 of the following informational services:
Web site
Cable TV
On-line registration
Phone in registration
Kiosk information
Electronic information signs
Social Network Media (i.e. Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, etc.)
District promotional video
Other
# Evidence of Compliance:
x Copy of program
O O
Commentary: The agency may actively participate in various recognition and accreditation programs relating to its mission. Bonus points will be awarded if the agency participates in any of the following recognition and/or accreditation programs (2 point maximum):
NRPA Gold Medal application with the last six (6) years (1/2 point with a maximum of 1/2 point) NRPA Gold Medal finalist within the last six (6) years (1/2 point with a maximum of1/2 point) Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) through NRPA awarded within the last six (6) Years (1 point with a maximum of 1 point) B B
# 2.1 Organizational Structure
Commentary: The recreation agency’s structure of authority should reflect its purpose, methods of operation in relationship to its resources, or relationship to the community. Organizational structure should have a person directly responsible for its financial and business operations.
# 2.1.1 Responsibility for Fiscal Management Functions
Commentary: Organizational structure should have a position directly responsible for fiscal management functions.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Organizational chart indicating position responsible for fiscal management functions
b. Job description indicating position responsible for fiscal management functions
O O
# 2.1.2 Financial Management Degree and Experience
Commentary: At least one employee assigned to the highest level of financial management functions shall possess a bachelor’s degree, or higher in accounting, business administration, or related field from an accredited college, CPRP, CPRE, CPA or equivalent certification within the field, and a minimum of three years of fiscal management experience.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of degree or in lieu of applicable degree; a degree with five years as a department head supervising finance and accounting operations
b. Copy of employee service/experience record showing three years of fiscal management experience, which should include most current employment
c. Copy of current CPRP, CPRE, CPA or equivalent certification such as GFOA Certificate
O O
Commentary: There should be a sound fiscal administrative system which strives to meet acceptable legal and fiscal obligations.
# 2.2.1 Comprehensive Operating Budget
Commentary: There should be a comprehensive annual budget approved by the Board at a public meeting.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of current year Board-approved budget
b. Copy of minutes when budget approved
c. Copy of minutes of public hearing
d. Copy of public notice
e. Copy of Budget & Appropriation Ordinance
f. Copy of County Clerk’s filing receipt for Budget & Appropriation Ordinance
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2.2.2 Annual Budget Process
Commentary: The annual budget process should utilize the Programming Budget System or at least be based on performance budgeting principles.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of budget utilizing Programming Budget System and/or based on performance budgeting principles
b. Copy of support documentation, if not included in budget, which indicates Programming and/or performance budgeting principles
O O
2.2.3 Annual Budget Public Review
Commentary: The annual budget should contain a summary format for easy review by the public.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of budget summary page(s) b. Copy of budget summary graphic page(s) (utilizing graphic illustrations) c. Copy of posting to website or promoted for public viewing
O O
# 2.2.4 Accounting System
Commentary: The accounting system should be compatible with or may be a part of the central accounting system of the governing jurisdiction. It is essential that an agency establish such a system to ensure an orderly, accurate and complete documentation of the flow of funds.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Chart of Accounts O O
2.2.5 Financial Report – The Agency should have an accounting system that includes, at a minimum, provisions for monthly status reports showing:
\\* initial appropriations for each account (or program)
\\* balances at the commencement of the monthly period
\\* expenditures and encumbrances made during the period and unencumbered balances
Commentary: Each appropriation and expenditure should be classified, at a minimum, according to function, organizational component, activity, object and program.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Provide a copy of the last three monthly reports. b. Evidence of distribution to staff and Board O O
2.2.6 Long Range Financial Plan for Capital Expenditures
Commentary: There should be a long range (minimum 3-5 years) financial plan for capital expenditures including maintenance of existing facilities and future capital expenditures. A long range capital expenditure plan should be part of an overall agency master plan.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Board approved long range financial plan for capital expenditures
b. Copy of minutes indicating annual review by Board
c. Copy of master plan which includes long range financial plan for capital expenses
O O
# 2.2.7 Comprehensive Revenue Policy
Commentary: There should be a comprehensive recreation agency revenue policy which establishes the philosophy for the agency’s revenue generation to include fees and charges.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of comprehensive revenue policy which establish philosophy and/or guidelines for revenue generation including fees and charges
b. Copy of minutes indicating Board approval of revenue policy
c. Evidence agency is complying with established policy
O O
# 2.3 Annual Audit / Annual Financial Report
Commentary: In accordance with the Governmental Account Audit Act (50 ILCS 310, et seq.) a recreation agency shall file an Annual Financial Report (AFR) containing information required by the Illinois Comptroller.
Additionally, agencies with annual revenues of at least $$ 850,000$ shall conduct and file with the Illinois Comptroller an annual audit of all agency accounts and funds by a licensed public accountant.
Agencies with annual revenues of less than $$ 850,000$ shall either conduct and file with the Illinois Comptroller an annual audit of all agency accounts and funds by a licensed public accountant once every four years or have their governing Board approve the agency’s AFR by a $3 / 5 ^ { \\mathrm { t h } } \\mathsf { s }$ vote in accordance with the Act, in which case an audit once every four years is not required.
There should be an annual audit/financial report performed which fulfills all legal requirements of the Act and assures the agency funds are properly dispersed and accounted for.
# Distinguished Park & Recreation Accreditation Standards – 2026 Approved 02/20/26
2.3.1 Certified Accounting Completion by Independent Certified Public Accounting Firm
Commentary: An independent certified public accounting firm must complete an annual financial audit.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of audit stating the report conforms to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or Financial Report and set forth the financial position and results of financial operations for each district fund
b. Copy of auditor’s opinion indicating agencies statements are fairly presented in all material respects, are free of material misstatements and are in accordance with GAAP (If a material misstatement is identified or is not in compliance with GAAP it does not meet the standard.)
c. Evidence Audit or Financial Report was filed with the Illinois Comptroller
d. Evidence Audit or Financial Report was filed with the Clerk of the County in which the principal agency office is located
e. Evidence Audit or Financial Report was presented to the Board and accepted
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# 2.4 Levy Ordinance
Commentary: A levy ordinance shall be established annually by the recreation agency.
2.4.1 Tax Levy Ordinance
Commentary: A levy ordinance must be approved by the recreation agency’s governing Board and filed in accordance with the Illinois Statutes.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of public notice of Truth in Taxation hearing $&$ posting to website (if required)
b. Copy of filing Truth in Taxation (if required)
c. Copy of County Clerk filing receipts for tax levy
d. Copy of minutes when Levy is adopted
e. Copy of Ordinance
Commentary: Payment of obligations is essential to maintaining a fiscally solvent and responsible recreation agency.
2.5.1 Payment of All Obligations
Commentary: The recreation agency will make payment on all obligations within the time frame indicated in Illinois Statutes.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Lack of mention in management letter stating payment not made on all obligations made within legal time frames
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2.5.2 Payment of Bills Policy
Commentary: The recreation agency shall have a policy which clearly defines the parameters under which the agency will make timely payment of all bills. This policy shall be in compliance with Illinois State Statutes.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy
O O
2.5.3 Annual Treasurer’s Report
Commentary: The annual treasurer’s report (Statement of Receipts and Disbursements) will be prepared, published and filed with the appropriate authorities as prescribed by Illinois State Statutes. When an audit of the funds of a local government has been made and a report of such audit has been filed with the appropriate county clerk, the local governmental unit may publish the report of such audit in lieu of publishing the annual statement of receipts and disbursements.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of annual treasurer’s report or independent audit if no treasurer’s report required
b. Copy of Legal Notice
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Commentary: The recreation agency shall establish a policy dealing with the investment of agency funds as directed by Board action and Illinois State Statutes.
2.6.1 Investment Policy
Commentary: The recreation agency shall establish an investment of funds policy or ordinance.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Board approved copy of policy or ordinance
b. Policy or ordinance should mention suitable and authorized investments, and collateral agreements with independent third party or recreation agency securing said collateral.
O O
2.6.2 Investment of Funds
Commentary: The recreation agency shall have all public funds not needed for immediate expenditure invested according to Illinois State Statutes.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Audit indicating investment of funds b. Lack of mention in audit management letter
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2.7 Bond Rating
Commentary: Bond ratings may be obtained by a recreation agency if the agency deems that the bond rating will be of benefit to the agency in selling bonds.
# 2.7.1 Bond Rating Policy
Commentary: The recreation agency shall establish a policy concerning whether or not to obtain a bond rating.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Board approved policy establishing whether or not a bond rating shall be maintained.
O O
Commentary: Should the recreation agency’s governing Board choose to obtain a current municipal bond rating, then the agency shall maintain a municipal bond rating from Moody’s of at least an A or the equivalent from Standard and Poor’s. (1/2 bonus point)
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of bond company’s letter or perspective B B
# 2.8 Employee Wages
Commentary: An established policy should govern employee wages.
2.8.1 Federal and State Minimum Wage and Overtime Requirements
Commentary: The recreation agency shall pay employees in accordance with federal and state minimum wage and overtime requirements.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of part-time salary ranges, or Audit management letter with lack of mention regarding payment of minimum wage and overtime requirements. b. Copy of policy regarding payment of overtime
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2.8.2 Payment of Employee Wages Policy
Commentary: The recreation agency shall establish a policy dealing with payment of employee wages. Policy should reflect agency position on paying fair and competitive wages.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Board approved policy dealing with payment of employee wages. O O
2.8.3 Department of Labor’s Equal Employment Opportunity Poster
Commentary: The Department of Labor’s Equal Employment Opportunity Poster must be prominently displayed as required by law.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Visual inspection of posters as required (verify on facility tour)
Commentary: The recreation agency shall establish a policy setting purchase guidelines.
2.9.1 Purchasing Policy
Commentary: The agency shall provide a comprehensive Board approved policy dealing with purchases.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Board approved policy O O
2.9.2 Economy of Resources
Commentary: The recreation agency shall have a clear policy providing steps in economizing their resources and purchases. In addition, the agency should demonstrate a minimum of one cooperative purchasing venture in order to economize their resources and purchases.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Board approved policy dealing with economizing resources and purchases
b. Provide proof of membership in or use of any joint purchasing arrangement or use of cooperative purchasing
O O
2.10 Comprehensive Insurance Policies with Sufficient Coverage
Commentary: Sufficient coverage is important in order to protect the assets of the agency. The limits established are minimums only and each recreation agency should have in place coverage limits that are commensurate with the exposure resulting from its activities and operation.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Membership in Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA), Illinois Parks Association Risk Services (IPARKS), Illinois Risk Management Association (IRMA), or Metro Risk Management Association (MRMA) OR Copy of insurance certificate and plan for following coverage limits (2.10.1 through 2.10.10).
2.10.1 Property – Replacement Value for real (buildings) and personal property (contents of buildings)
2.10.2 Boiler and Machinery – Value of Building
2.10.3 Fidelity and Crime – $$ 500,000$ per occurrence
2.10.4 Builders Risks – Value of construction
2.10.5 General Liability
A. $$ 2,000,000$ per occurrence with no annual aggregate, or B. Minimum of $$ 2,000,000$ per occurrence with $$ 4,000,000$ annual aggregate
2.10.6 Automobile Liability – Minimum of $$ 1,000,000$ per occurrence with no annual aggregate.
2.10.7 Public Officials Errors and Omissions - $$ 1,000,000$ per occurrence and annual aggregate
2.10.8 Worker’s Compensation Statutory Coverage – Employers liability minimum of $$ 500,000$ per accident.
2.10.9 Employment Practices Liability Coverage – Minimum of $$ 1,000,000$ per occurrence
2.10.10Pollution Liability Coverage – Minimum $$ 500,000$ per occurrence and $$ 500,000$ annual aggregate
2.10.11Cyber Security Coverage
2.11 Financial Assistance (government cost-sharing)
Where feasible and appropriate, matching funds by local, state and Federal Government should be sought out.
Commentary: Local agencies are urged to take advantage of State and Federal costsharing programs
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Provide records for past five (5) years showing source and dates of matching funds for specific projects
O O
# 2.12 Financial Resources (external)
Agencies, organizations and corporations should be utilized for funding programs and facilities of many different types.
Commentary: These listings should include funding programs from foundations, corporations, voluntary agencies, private groups and individuals which have been utilized.
# Evidence of Compliance
a. Provide list of agencies, organizations and corporations which have assisted and the nature of their assistance
b. Letter of request
c. Letter of acceptance or denial
O O
2.13 Cash or Cashless Handling Procedure
There should be procedures used for collecting, safeguarding, credit cards/electronic payments, and disbursing cash to include, at a minimum:
\\* Cash or cashless handling system procedure
\\* Preparation of financial statement
\\* Conduct of internal audits
\\* Persons or positions authorized to accept or disburse funds
\\* Statement regarding design and separation of duties
Commentary: Formal cash and cashless control procedures enable an agency to establish accountability, to comply with funding authorizations and restrictions, to ensure that disbursements are for designated and approved recipients, and more importantly, to alert agency management to possible problems requiring remedial action.
# Evidence of Compliance
a. Provide copy of procedures
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2.14 Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI)
Commentary: The recreation agency shall have a policy complying with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS) for the protection of payment card information
Evidence of Compliance: a. Copy of Policy
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# 2.15 Emergency Expenditures
There should be a Board written policy to deal with emergency expenditures.
Commentary: Provisions should be determined defining emergency spending authorization, including how much the Director and/or Board President can authorize to spend to react to an emergency situation without full Board action.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Provide copy of policy
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2.16 Recreation Agency Acceptance of Donations, Gifts & Bequests
Commentary: There should be a written policy for the acceptance of gifts, donations and bequests to the recreation agency. This policy is separate from the required Ethics Ordinance/Resolution.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Provide a copy of written policy
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2.17 Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting, Distinguished Budget Presentation, and/or Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award Programs.
As a bonus, a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting, Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, and/or Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award Program will be acknowledged.
Commentary: Where deemed appropriate, a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting, Distinguished Budget Presentation, and/or Popular Annual Financial Report Awards shall be current when reviewed and awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of award for GFOA Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting (1/2 point) b. Copy of award for GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation (1/2 point) c. Copy of award for GFOA Popular Annual Financial Report (1/2 point)
(1 Point Bonus Maximum)
Commentary: The recreation agency shall strive to provide the highest quality facilities and recreation programs within financial and personnel resource limitations. There should be a systematic planning program for all facilities, which is linked with a capital expenditure budget and a phased development plan.
# 3.1 Organizational Structure
Commentary: The recreation agency’s structure of authority should reflect its purpose, methods of operation in relation to its resources, and relationship to the community.
3.1.1 Responsibility for Maintenance Management Function
Commentary: Organizational structure should have a position directly responsible for the maintenance management function.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Organizational Chart indicating position for maintenance management functions
b. Job description indicating position responsible for maintenance management function
O O
3.1.2 Park Maintenance Management Degree and Experience
Commentary: At least one employee assigned to the highest level of park maintenance management functions shall possess a bachelor’s, or higher, degree in park & recreation administration, landscape architecture, horticulture or a related field from an accredited college; CPRP, CPRE, CGM (Certified Grounds Manager) or equivalent certification within the field that requires ongoing continuing education; and a minimum of three (3) years of park maintenance management experience.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of degree or in lieu of applicable degree, a degree with five (5) years as a department head supervising park maintenance operations
b. Copy of employee experience/ service record showing three (3) years of park maintenance management experience, which should include most current
c. Copy of current CPRP, CPRE, CGM or equivalent certification
O O
Commentary: The recreation agency shall provide for physical property planning which shall assist in providing for inventory of assets, goal setting, and short-range and longrange planning.
# 3.2.1 Inventory of Fixed Assets and Their Locations
Commentary: There should be an inventory of all fixed assets and their locations updated at least every two (2) years.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Fixed Asset Report, with locations b. Evidence of Fixed Asset Report updating within the last two (2) years
M M
3.2.2 Facility & Parks Planning
Commentary: Planning for facility and/or parks development should include citizen involvement in the planning process.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Evidence of citizen input (for example: minutes, agendas, open houses, postcards, invitations, e-blasts, survey codes, etc.) within last five (5) years O O
# 3.2.3 Regularly Scheduled Preventive Maintenance
Commentary: There should be a regularly scheduled preventive maintenance system including careful safety checks of all facilities and equipment.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Preventive Maintenance Plan including safety checks of all facilities and equipment and updated within five (5) years
b. Evidence of implementation of preventive maintenance plan including safety checks
O O
3.2.4 Facilities and Equipment Replacement Schedule
Commentary: There should be a replacement schedule for facilities and equipment with verification of implementation.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of replacement schedules
b. Evidence of implementation of the replacement scheduled items: approved budget, payment vouchers, and if applicable, disposal of surplus property ordinances.
O O
3.2.5 Location and Accessibility of Administrative Office
Commentary: The recreation agency administrative office should be fully accessible to the public.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Administrative office is fully accessible to the public (verify on facility tour)
O O
3.2.6 Accessibility to People with Disabilities
Commentary: The recreation agency shall have conducted a self-evaluation study of its facilities on accessibility to people with disabilities and completed a Board approved ADA Transition Plan documenting necessary steps for compliance. The recreation agency shall have developed a Board-approved timetable for implementing the recommendations in the ADA Transition Plan.
Accessibility compliance (in accordance with the most recent final and enforceable Department of Justice minimum design guideline. Alternatively, evidence of compliance with the final guidelines or final report of the U.S. Access Board. In the absence of a final and enforceable minimum design guideline, and a final guideline, the agency shall demonstrate adherence to accessible design best practices by compliance to the most recent work of the U.S. Access Board). Such evidence within the last ten (10) years can include, but is not limited to: overall accessibility, compliant parking, compliant curb cuts, compliant walks, compliant ramps, compliant stairs, compliant handrails, compliant toilets, compliant fountains, compliant telephones, and compliant trash receptacles, etc.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Evidence of an ADA Transition Plan in compliance with Title 28 C.F.R.§ 35.150(d) shall at a minimum include: 1) Identify the physical obstacles and reference each that limit the accessibility of the park district programs, services, or activities to people with disabilities;
# Distinguished Park & Recreation Accreditation Standards – 2026 Approved 02/20/26
2. Describe the corrective action(s) to be used to make accessible and inclusive; facilities, policies, communications (print & online materials), services and programs;
3. Provide a schedule with cost estimate(s) for making the access and inclusive modifications; provide a yearly schedule for making the modifications if the transition plan is more than one year long; and
4. Public display of the name, address and contact information of ADA Coordinator.
All four (4) points of evidence in 3.2.6.a. are required.
b. Minutes of Board approval of ADA Transition Plan or ADA Transition Plan Update within last ten (10) years.
c. Evidence of Board review of progress and updates most recent completed ADA Transition Plan or ADA Transition Plan Update within last five (5) years.
d. Evidence ADA Transition Plan reflects staff input in the development of the ADA Transition Plan or ADA Transition Plan Update.
e. Show evidence of public input or input from organizations representing individuals with disabilities in the development of the ADA Transition Plan or ADA Transition Plan Update; Or if no input was received, show evidence of an active publicized effort or invitation to obtain input beyond the inclusion of an item on a regular Board or committee meeting agenda.
f. Proof of implementation of ADA Transition Plan (verify on facility tour).
M M
Scoring to pass this standard will be as follows: 3 points $=$ all of 3.2.6.a. plus b-f 2 points $=$ all of 3.2.6.a. plus three (3) of b-f
3.2.7 Developer Land Cash Donation Policy/Ordinance (Impact Fee Policy/Ordinance)
Commentary: The recreation agency in conjunction with the local unit of government should have a land and cash donation policy/ordinance based upon a “roughly proportional quantitative relationship” between the required dedications and the impact of the proposed development. If a situation exists where a village or municipality does not have a land/cash ordinance, an agency may show effort through correspondence from the village or municipality or other means deemed acceptable proof of said effort to indicate an ordinance does not exist. In this instance an agency may not be scored higher than a $^ { 6 6 } 2 ^ { , 3 }$ .
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of Policy or Ordinance
O O
# NOTE for 3.3 Property/Parks and 3.4 Property/Facilities:
In 1983 NRPA Guidelines had suggested that a park system, at a minimum, be composed of a “core” system of parklands, with a total of 6.25 to 10.5 acres of developed open space per 1,000 population. Also, specific types of parks were named, sized and suggested as a certain number per 1,000 population. It was further suggested that there should be a certain number of specific facilities for the size of the population. These suggestions left little allowance for the diversity of agencies and the variety of their client’s recreational needs and desires.
By 1996 NRPA developed another way to quantify the parklands and facilities guidelines. These guidelines now include consideration for local community needs and desires. It is primarily based upon Level of Service (LOS), “an expression of the essential ingredients needed to provide the level of park and recreation services desired by the customers in a community.”
At this time very few agencies in Illinois have put into practice the NRPA LOS system. Therefore, for Sections 3.3 Property/Parks and 3.4 Property/Facilities together each agency can choose either: “Option A”, 1983 NRPA guidelines; or “Option B”, the new LOS system components. No mingling of the two options is allowed.
In an instance where an agency is “borrowing” from a private or public agency to meet a standard. The agency should show proof of a cooperative agreement or cooperative/established relationship in order to receive a “3” for the standard. This most appropriately applies to “fee based” facilities such as an aquatic or golf facility. For example, standard 3.4.8 Aquatic Facilities, an agency who does not own/operate an aquatic facility, but a private or public agency operates a facility that meets the standard, may show proof through a cooperative agreement or cooperative/established relationship by providing a copy of an agreement or cooperative/established relationship (ex. brochure pages highlighting programs offered by the agency to the community via the private or public agency facility).
# A3.3 Property/Parks
Commentary: The size and amount of additional public parklands will vary from community to community, but must be taken into account when considering a total, wellrounded system of parks and recreation areas.
# A3.3.1 Mini-Park
Commentary: Mini-Parks are: specialized facilities that serve a concentrated or limited population or specific group such as tots or senior citizens; less than 1/4 mile radius; one acre or less in size; and within neighborhoods and in close proximity to apartment complexes, townhouse development or housing for the elderly. There should be 0.25 to 0.5 acres of mini-parks per 1,000 population. These Mini-Parks may be combined with Neighborhood and/or Community Parks (if Mini-Parks are combined to Neighborhood or Community Parks, .25 to .5 acres shall be added to the minimum acre requirements for Neighborhood or Community Parks).
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Map showing the service area for each Mini-Park b. Listing of the number and size of Mini-Parks per the population
O O
# A3.3.2 Neighborhood Park/Playground
Commentary: Neighborhood Park/Playgrounds are: areas for intense recreational activities, such as field games, court games, crafts, playground apparatus area, skating, picnicking, wading pools, etc.; serve $1 / 4$ to 1/2 mile radius area with a population up to 5,000 (a neighborhood); 15 plus/minus $( + / - )$ acres; suited for intense development; easily accessible to neighborhood population (geographically centered). Neighborhood Park/Playgrounds may be developed as a school-park facility. There should be 1.0 to 2.0 acres per 1,000 population.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Map showing the service area for each Neighborhood Park/Playground
b. Listing of the number and size of Neighborhood Parks/Playground per the population
O O
# A3.3.3 Community Park
Commentary: Community Parks are: areas of diverse environmental quality; may include areas suited for intense recreational facilities, such as athletic complexes or large swimming pools; may be an area of natural quality for outdoor recreation, such as walking, viewing, sitting, or picnicking; or may be any combination of the above, depending upon the site. Community Parks serve a one to two mile radius including several neighborhoods and are easily accessible to area served. These parks are 25 plus/minus $( + / \\underline { { \\mathrm { ~ ~ } } } )$ acres and may include natural features - such as water bodies and areas suited for intense development. There should be 5.0 to 8.0 acres of Community Park land per 1,000 population.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Map showing the service area for each Community Park b. List of the number and size of Community Parks per the population O O
# A3.3.4 Total Amount of Developed Open Space
Commentary: The recreation agency should have a total of 6.25 to 10.5 acres of Developed Open Space per 1,000 population.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Inventory list
b. Map showing distribution of Open Space (agency and other publicly owned land)
O O
A3.4 Property/Facilities
Commentary: In 1983 NRPA had suggested guidelines regarding facilities. This adapted listing is only a sample of facilities to be evaluated as an indication of the level of compliance.
Commentary: Courts shall be for youth, high school and collegiate basketball with one unit per 5,000 population. These courts shall have safe walking or bike access and a $1 / 4$ to 1/2 mile radius service area. Basketball courts may be found in school, recreation center or church facilities open to the public. Outdoor courts are often in neighborhood and community parks, plus active recreation areas in other park settings.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Map showing the area served by each set of courts
b. List of courts per park or as located in community (Must be public facility accessible to community.)
O O
A3.4.2 Outdoor Tennis
Commentary: One court per 2,000 population - 1/4 to 1/2 mile. Best in combinations of two to four batteries. Located in Neighborhood, Community Park or adjacent to school site.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Map showing the area served by each set of courts
b. List of inventory per park or as located in community (Must be public facility accessible to community.)
O O
A3.4.3 Baseball - Official Size
Commentary: Official size, $7 0 ^ { \\prime } - 9 0 ^ { \\prime }$ bases. One field per 10,000 population; one lighted field per 30,000 population or more.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Map showing the area served by each set of ballfields
b. List of inventory per park or as located in community (Must be public facility accessible to community.)
O O
Commentary: One per 20,000 population; 15 - 30 minutes travel time. Usually part of baseball, football, and soccer complex in a Community Park or adjacent to high school
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Map showing the area served by each set of fields
b. List of inventory per park or as located in community (Must be public facility accessible to community.)
O O
A3.4.5 Softball/Youth Baseball
Commentary: One per 3,000 population (if also used for youth baseball) – 1/4 to 1/2 mile. Slight difference in dimensions for $1 6 ^ { \\prime \\prime }$ slow pitch. May also be used for youth baseball.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Map showing the area served by each set of fields
b. List of inventory per park or as located in community (Must be public facility accessible to community.)
O O
A3.4.6 Bike/Pedestrian Trails
Commentary: One trail system per district.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Map showing the area served by each set of trails
b. List of inventory per park or as located in community (Must be public facility accessible to community.)
O O
# A3.4.7 Golf
Commentary: 9 hole (1 per 25,000 population) or 18 hole standard (1 per 50,000 population); 1/2 to one hour travel time. Course may be located within or adjacent to community or Park District, but should not be over 20 miles from population center.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Map showing the area served by each course
b. List of inventory per park or as located in community (Must be public facility accessible to community.)
O O
Commentary: One per 20,000 population or facility should accommodate three to five (5) percent of total population at a time). Fifteen to 30 minutes travel time. Facility for general community use should be planned for teaching, competitive and recreational purposes. Located in Community Park or school site.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Map showing the area served by each set of aquatic facilities
b. List of inventory per park or as located in community (Must be public facility accessible to community.)
O O
A3.4.9 Other Facilities
Commentary: Bonus points will be awarded if the agency owns and/or operates any of the following separate facilities or other designated facilities/areas, which accommodate current documented trends within the community.
a. Community Center
b. Ice Rink - Artificial
c. Museum or Zoo
d. Other Aquatics (Beach or Harbor/Lake) e. Nature Center
f. Skate Park
g. Stables
h. Tennis/Racquet Club
i Miniature Golf
j. Interconnected district wide trail network k. Dog Park
l. Disc Golf Course
m. Splash Pad
n. Pickleball
o. Outdoor Ice Arena (non-artificial)
p. Community Garden
q. Fitness Center
r. Other
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Map showing the area served by each facility
b. List of inventory per park or as located in community (Must be public facility accessible to community.)
(1/4 point bonus each - Maximum 2 points)
# “OPTION B” – LEVEL OF SERVICE (LOS)
# B3.3 Property/Parks
B3.3.1 Evidence that the agency has completed a Board approved, full LOS Plan for all parks, recreation areas, and open spaces; implemented the plan to the best of community resources (i.e. financial, available conditions, referendum); and meets the park land requirements for the recreation demand as determined through the needs assessment.
# B3.4 Property/Facilities
B3.4.1 Evidence that the agency has completed a Board approved, full LOS Plan for all activities/facilities; implemented the plan to the best of community resources (i.e. financial, available conditions, referendum); and meets the items on the facilities menu which best satisfy the needs of the citizens as determined through the needs assessment.
# 3.5 Operation/Property
Commentary: The recreation agency should maintain a file on property or facilities, which are owned or leased, and how they are maintained, developed or located. A wellmanaged facilities program must accurately know what facilities they own and how these sites are accurately planned and maintained.
# 3.5.1 Legal Descriptions and Plats of Survey
Commentary: The recreation agency should have on file all legal descriptions and plats of survey of property currently owned or leased.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of plats of survey (verify on facility tour.) b. Copy of deeds or contracts including legal descriptions
O O
# 3.5.2 Map
Commentary: Recreation agency should have a map of agency-owned and/or operated property and facilities throughout the community available to the public.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of map with agency’s geographic boundaries including location of all parks and facilities
b. Evidence map is made available to public (verify on facility tour)
O O
# 3.5.3 Building and Park Site Plans
Commentary: The recreation agency should have on file, plans for buildings and parks.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of one document listing the location of the storage site of building, facility and park plans and specifications or proof that these files are stored digitally.
b. Verification on tour of plans and specifications for buildings, facilities and parks. O
3.5.4 Maintenance Personnel
Commentary: The maintenance program should provide personnel assigned to clearly defined duties for regular repairs, general cleanliness and orderliness, and overall attractiveness.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. General cleanliness (verify on facility/park tour)
b. Orderliness (verify on facility/park tour)
c. Regular repairs (verify on facility/park tour)
d. Overall attractiveness as maintained by agency personnel or through contracts (verify on facility/park tour)
e. Job descriptions reflecting these responsibilities
O O
3.5.5 Environmental Policy
Commentary: The recreation agency should have an environmental policy including, at minimum, its position on: open space planning and preservation; wise use and protection of air, water, soil and wildlife; reduction and handling of waste; wise use of energy resources; use of environmentally safe and sensitive products, and environmental education and interpretation.
# Evidence of Compliance:
Copy of Environmental Policy covering, at minimum:
a. Open space preservation and planning
b. Protection and wise use of air, water, soil and wildlife
c. Wise use of energy resources
d. Reduction and handling of waste
e. Use of environmentally safe and sensitive products
f. Environmental education and interpretation opportunities
O O
# 3.5.6 Emergency Exiting Diagrams
Commentary: The recreation agency should have displayed in their buildings at appropriate locations emergency exiting diagrams.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Verification on facility tour by physical review of building O O
3.5.7 Conservation of Natural Resources
Commentary: The recreation agency should know where they stand in regard to conservation of natural resources and the protection of our environment. The agency should also have comprehensive procedures and programs reflecting the agency’s commitment to conservation of natural resources and the protection of our environment in the areas of: open space preservation and planning, park and natural resource management, facility management and maintenance, programming, and fleet maintenance.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Evidence of Board review of completed and/or updated IPRA Environmental Report Card for the agency every three years
b. Achieve an agency score of not less than $50 %$ (agency doing a very good job) on the completed and/or updated IPRA Environmental Report Card
c. .Copy of procedures and programs
d. Proof of implementation of procedures and programs, including such items as: controlled burn permits or invoices for recycling of florescent bulbs, engine oil, kitchen grease, computers, etc.
O O
3.5.8 Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and/or PGMS Landscape Management Operations Accreditation
Commentary: The agency may actively participate in various recognition and accreditation programs relating to its parks, natural resources and environmental management practices. Bonus points will be awarded if the agency is currently recognized as having either of the following certification and/or accreditation programs.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. The agency is currently a designated Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary (for golf courses or other areas), and/or has current PGMS Landscape Management Operations Accreditation. (1/2 bonus point each)
(1 point bonus max) B B
Commentary: A well-managed recreation agency to accurately prepare and plan for the future must take appropriate steps including having an agency wide comprehensive master plan. This comprehensive master plan should take into account resources available in the community and within the agency. It should be guided by the comprehensive survey of the community’s needs and interests.
# 3.6.1 Comprehensive Plan
Commentary: The recreation agency shall have a formal comprehensive master planning document - a Comprehensive Master Plan (a process that determines community goals and aspirations in terms of community/agency development), or Strategic Plan (an organization’s process of defining its strategy, or direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this strategy) or both, showing evidence of the use of its goals, plans and recommendations, and have it updated every ten years. The agency should be able to show, by Board action, written policy, etc., the use of long-range capital planning strategies for the agency’s operation. Components should consist of: community wide survey compiled within the past 10 years, goals, plans, public input, recommendations, implementation, and periodical update.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Evidence of survey to guide Comprehensive/Strategic Plan
b. Evidence of staff input in development of Comprehensive/Strategic Plan
c. Evidence of Board input in development of Comprehensive/Strategic Plan
d. Evidence of public input in development of Comprehensive/Strategic Plan (e.g. public hearings, resident advisory focus committees, open houses, online feedback, etc.)
e. Evidence Comprehensive/Strategic Plan is reviewed by Board at least every five (5) years
f. Evidence of new or revised Comprehensive/Strategic Plan approved by Board action within ten (10) years
g. Evidence of public display of Comprehensive/Strategic Plan
M M
# 3.6.2 Comprehensive needs assessment
Commentary: The recreation agency should have an approved policy or procedure so stating the agency’s direction and process on obtaining a comprehensive needs assessment.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Policy or Procedure
M O
# Distinguished Park & Recreation Accreditation Standards – 2026 Approved 02/20/26
3.6.3 Needs assessment study to assess and determine the recreation needs and interests of its population.
Commentary: A needs assessment study should be made at least every ten years with interim updating due to population shifts and changing social and economic conditions. The needs assessment should be used to guide the development of the agency’s departmental goals and objectives.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of needs assessment b. Copy of reporting of needs assessment to Board and Community c. Copy of staff discussions or action plan based on information in the needs assessment within two (2) years of the assessment to Board and Community
M O
# 4.1 Organizational Structure
Commentary: The recreation agency’s structure of authority should reflect its purpose, methods of operation in relation to its resources, and relationship to the community.
# 4.1.1 Personnel Management
Commentary: If the chief executive officer does not personally perform the personnel management function, written confirmation should be provided designating the position or component having the responsibility for personnel management functions.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of written confirmation; or copy of job descriptions O O
4.1.2 Personnel Management Degree and Experience
Commentary: At least one employee assigned to the highest level of personnel management functions shall have a bachelors degree, or higher, in business administration, public administration, human resources or a related field from an accredited college; or a bachelors degree, or higher from an accredited college (unrelated to human resource management) with a professional association/educational certification in human resource/personnel management (e.g. PDRMA Essential of Human Resources Curriculum) with evidence of completion within last two (2) years; CPRP, CPRE, PHR, SPHR or GPHR; and a minimum of three years of personnel management experience.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of related degree or unrelated degree with professional /educational certification(s) obtained within last two (2) years
b. Copy of employee work service/experience record showing three years of personnel management experience, which should include most current employment
c. Copy of current CPRP, CPRE, PHR, SPHR, GPHR or equivalent certification
O O
Commentary: If a recreation agency is to provide quality services, it is essential that employees be trained and highly educated. Consequently, the governing Board of the recreation agency should have a policy whereby their agency will hire and train professional staff.
4.2.1 Policy on Employment of Certified/Professionally Trained Staff
Commentary: The governing Board of the recreation agency shall have adopted a policy stating it is desirable that employees of their agency be certified/professionally-trained and recruitment and selection of management will emphasize this requirement.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy
b. Copy of job descriptions reflecting this policy
c. Documentation listing employees and their current certifications
O O
# 4.2.2 Continuing Education Opportunities
Commentary: Staff, to be aware of the current trends and able to reflect current solutions, must continue to pursue educational opportunities. Consequently, the recreation agency shall have adopted a policy stating the staff will be encouraged to pursue appropriate continuing education opportunities to obtain or maintain certification.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy
b. Evidence of appropriate funding in budget for continuing education within each department
O O
Commentary: In addition to continuing education, it is essential, due to budget restraints and the need for interaction among the agency’s staff, that an extensive in-house training program be provided. This in-house training program may utilize experts in the field or within your agency. The intention is that training needs, which are unique to recreation, can be accomplished and should be accomplished throughout the calendar year. As such, we are looking for an overall training program reflecting the agency’s goals and objectives and implementation. An in-service training plan shall be available for the agency’s staff throughout the year.
# 4.3.1 In-House Training - Short Duration
Commentary: The recreation agency should have a planned in-house training program that includes annual training for all appropriate staff in all departments in at least three of the seven areas below. This training should be of a minimum duration of 15 - 30 minutes and should be held within the last 12 months.
4.3.1.1 Risk Management
4.3.1.2 Personal Fitness and Health
4.3.1.3 Trends
4.3.1.4 Public Image & Customer Relations
4.3.1.5 Management
4.3.1.6 Operating Procedures
4.3.1.7 Technology
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of attendance
b. Copy of agenda
c. Evidence of training within the last 12 months
O O
# 4.3.2 All Full-Time Staff In-House Training
Commentary: In addition to short duration in-house training, there is a need to provide intense highly focused training to keep all full-time staff current on agency’s needs and direction. Consequently, the recreation agency should offer in-house training at a minimum total of four (4) hours annually. These training sessions should include an agenda with an outline of a well-planned program.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of agenda
b. Evidence of attendance
c. Evidence of time schedule
d. Evidence of training within the last 12 months
O O
# 4.3.3 Staff Attendance at Workshops
Commentary: The recreation agency should make funds and time available for the staff to attend workshops sponsored or endorsed by the NRPA, IPRA, IAPD and other recreation-related organizations.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy
b. Record of attendance
c. Evidence of designated funds in budget
O O
4.4 Job Descriptions
Commentary: For a recreation agency to provide effective services, it is essential that staff know their duties and responsibilities. Interaction among staff requires that responsibilities are delineated so all aspects of the agency’s operations are adequately positioned. Job descriptions shall be developed for all full-time and part-time personnel within the agency.
# 4.4.1 Full-time Job Descriptions
Commentary: The recreation agency shall have completed job descriptions for all full-time positions within the agency to reflect the sequence of operations. Full time job descriptions and classifications should be distributed to staff during employee orientation and as job descriptions are revised. Job descriptions should also include Essential Job Functions. Job descriptions should be reviewed at least every five (5) years and include employment requirements, education, range of authority, experience, responsibilities and duties.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of job descriptions (a sample of job descriptions from each department and area)
b. Copy of essential job functions
c. Evidence of distribution to full-time employees
d. Evidence of administrative review of all full-time job descriptions within the last five (5) years
e. Evidence job description is given as part of orientation and upon revision
Commentary: The recreation agency shall have developed complete job descriptions for all part-time positions within the agency to reflect the sequence of operations. Part-time job description classifications should be distributed to staff during employee orientations. Job descriptions are to include essential job functions and are to be reviewed at least every five (5) years and include employment requirements, education, range of authority, experience, responsibilities and duties.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of job description (a sample of job descriptions from each department and area)
b. Copy of essential job functions
c. Evidence of distribution to part-time employees
d. Evidence of administrative review of all part-time job descriptions within the last five (5) years
O O
4.4.3 Job Descriptions in One Accessible Location
Commentary: All the recreation agency’s full-time and part-time job descriptions should be available in one accessible document or location.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Verification that full-time job descriptions are in one location
b. Verification that part-time job descriptions are in one location
c. Evidence of accessibility (hard copy or availability on a common or shared computer system is acceptable)
O O
# 4.5.1 Comprehensive Personnel Policies Manual
Commentary: To provide a uniform understanding of the benefits, rules and regulations and obligations that employees must work under, a comprehensive personnel manual must be prepared and made accessible to all employees. There have been some concerns that manuals provide a legal obligation and contract to employees; consequently, any personnel manual addition or revisions should be addressed and reviewed by each agency’s general counsel. The recreation agency shall have developed a comprehensive personnel policies manual including, but not limited to, purpose and philosophy; definition of employees, employment practices, employment conditions, salaries and other compensation; fringe benefits; leaves of absence, grievances, discipline and termination, employee participation and general rules and regulations. There shall be one manual with evidence of input from staff and Board approval within five (5) years.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of personnel policy manual
b. Evidence entire manual is reviewed, including staff input and Board approval, within five (5) years.
M M
# 4.5.2 Distribution of Personnel Policy Manual
Commentary: The recreation agency should have developed a policy to insure distribution of the personnel policy manual as indicated above in 4.5.1 to all fulltime staff and all other appropriate personnel. The policy should address which staff will receive copies of the manual and under what process and at what time. It should also address how copies of revisions are provided and made accessible to all appropriate employees.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy regarding distribution of Personnel Policy Manual b. Evidence of distribution c. Evidence all employees receive updates/changes
O O
Commentary: Guidelines for employee relations within the recreation agency shall be established.
# 4.6.1 Employee Orientation Program
Commentary: The employee orientation program should include provisions for providing employees with appropriate manuals, review of personnel policies, rules and regulations governing pertinent agency issues which impact their position. The recreation agency, to provide for preparation and training for a new employee, must be able to demonstrate an employee orientation program, which prepares an employee for their position.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of full-time orientation b. Copy of part-time orientation c. Evidence/proof of implementation O O
4.6.2 Staff Meetings
Commentary: To provide for dissemination of information, a recreation agency should hold regular staff meetings at least semi-annually with a minimum of all full-time staff. All meetings should have a prepared agenda. Note, Full-Time Staff In-house Meetings used as evidence for 4.3.2 will not be accepted as evidence for Staff Meetings.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of agenda (if departmental, copies from each department)
b. Evidence of attendance
O O
4.6.3 Employee Relations Program
Commentary: The recreation agency shall demonstrate an effective employee relations program that includes at least four (4) of the six (6) areas below.
4.6.3.1 Policy or procedure for a formal system of soliciting feedback.
4.6.3.2 Membership in employee assistance program for full-time employees.
4.6.3.3 IRS Section 125 flexible spending account for full-time employees.
4.6.3.4 A deferred compensation plan for all full-time employees.
4.6.3.5 Opportunity to join a credit union.
# Distinguished Park & Recreation Accreditation Standards – 2026 Approved 02/20/26
4.6.3.6 Opportunity to participate in IPRA’s Exceptional Workplace Award program
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of any four of the above programs b. Evidence of promotion of the programs to employees O O
4.7 Professional Involvement
Commentary: The recreation agency shall encourage professional involvement by their personnel.
# 4.7.1 Professional Affiliation Guidelines
Commentary: With the fast pace of our new technologies and ever growing interests and concerns of our constituents, professionals need to stay abreast of the tools necessary to provide our services. Active participation in recreation and civic organizations provides one additional avenue of opportunity to interact and discover current services other agencies are providing. Consequently, all fulltime supervisory and above employees are encouraged to maintain a professional involvement with the various organizations as listed below.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Evidence of involvement; participated in educational/professional sessions or trainings, responded to industry-wide surveys or requests for contributors/tions, presented professionally in educational sessions or trainings, served on a committee and/or served as a Board member.
| | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | NRPA | IPRA | OTHER |
| Chief Executive | M | M | M |
| Department Head | O | M | M\* |
| Professional Staff/ | O | O | M\* |
| Full-time Supervisor Level | | | |
b. Evidence of individual membership for required involvement with NRPA, IPRA and/or Other
Commentary: A policy on employee wages and appraisals should be established for employees reflecting current market conditions and involving input from staff. This policy should be available for staff review and discussion.
# 4.8.1 Salary Ranges
Commentary: The recreation agency should establish approved salary ranges for full-time, part-time and seasonal positions, reviewed at least every two years by Board or Director and revised accordingly to reflect current resources available and reflective of competitive positions. Documentation of authority to approve salary ranges and evidence of approval of the salary ranges as authorized are necessary.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of Board/Director approved full-time salary ranges b. Copy of Board/Director approved part-time salary ranges c. Copy of Board/Director approved seasonal salary ranges d. Evidence of review, at least every two years, by Board or Director e. Documentation of authority to approve salary ranges f. Evidence of Board or Director approval (as required)
O O
# Distinguished Park & Recreation Accreditation Standards – 2026 Approved 02/20/26
# 4.8.2 Salary Standards
Commentary: To determine the recreation agency’s philosophy on securing the highest qualified staff, a sample of current staff salary rates shall be compared with established minimum standards. The IPRA annual Employee Compensation Survey shall be used as Illinois’ standard reference regarding park and recreation salaries. A sample of five (5) positions, as defined by the survey, shall be compared to the below listed minimum standards which are equalized by county.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence that each listed employee meets the minimum set standard for their classification.
O O
The following salaries are the Minimum Salary Standards for 2026:
| | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | CountyEqualizingFormula\* | ChiefExecutive | RecreationAdmin /Superintendent | RecreationSupervisor | ParkSupervisor(Foreman) | OfficeManager |
| CookCounty | 99.39% | $128,582 | $81,919 | $46,519 | $67,566 | $45,495 |
| DuPageCounty | 99.40% | $127,936 | $81,507 | $46,286 | $67,227 | $45,266 |
| KaneCounty | 99.40% | $127,936 | $81,501 | $46,286 | $67,227 | $45,266 |
| KendallCounty | 98.70% | $128,916 | $82,132 | $46,640 | $67,742 | $45,613 |
| LakeCounty | 99.65% | $127,984 | $81,538 | $46,303 | $67,252 | $45,283 |
| McHenryCounty | 99.65% | $127,984 | $81,538 | $46,303 | $67,252 | $45,283 |
| WillCounty | 100% | $129,473 | $82,486 | $46,842 | $68,034 | $45,810 |
Where recreation agencies are located in multiple counties, the highest rate shall apply. For counties not listed above as examples, the recreation agency shall contact the DPRA Chairperson for salary standards for their county.
NOTE: These salary standards are computed by taking salary data for each specified position from the most recent published IPRA $/$ HR Source Park & Recreation Compensation Survey based on “Total Responses” per the “Weighted Average” categories and multiplied at $80 %$ to determine a minimum base salary $8 0 %$ is an HR industry standard salary guideline to determine a minimum salary range from the salary midpoint (Average)). Actual figures are updated each year.
\*County Equalizing Formula for the most current year - A statewide equalizing formula, based on Illinois Department of Labor county prevailing wage rates, is used to insure equitable comparison among counties. The formula, based on a sample of six trades common to all
# Distinguished Park & Recreation Accreditation Standards – 2026 Approved 02/20/26
counties in Illinois, shall establish a county’s average wage rate. The trades included in the +sample are Carpenter (all), Electric Power (Lineman), Operating Engineer #1 (Bldg.), Painter (all), Plumber (Bldg), and Truck Driver #1 (all). The percentage of deviation from the benchmark county’s average wage rate is applied to the designated sample positions to determine equalized county park and recreation minimum salary standards. Actual figures will vary slightly each year.
# 4.8.3 Appraisals of Job Performance
Commentary: A sound and systematic plan or program shall be implemented for documented appraisals of job performance for all employees. This evaluation shall be completed a minimum of once per year. Components shall include evaluation of full-time and part time staff; appraisal shall distinguish between full time and part-time; and documented grievance procedures.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of the plan or program for evaluating employees performance
b. Copy of evaluation form for full-time employees
c. Copy of evaluation form for part-time employees
d. Evidence of evaluations taking place, at a minimum of once a year
e. Documented grievance procedures
O O
4.9 Risk Management Program
Commentary: A risk management program shall be formulated to evaluate the agency’s safety procedures, facilities and programs.
4.9.1 Safety Policy Statement
Commentary: The recreation agency shall have a safety statement policy approved by appropriate authority.
Evidence of compliance: a. Copy of Statement/Policy
O O
Commentary: The recreation agency shall adopt a comprehensive written and Board approved safety manual to include but not limited to policies, standards, practices, and procedures such as safety policies, emergency response procedures, specific safety rules, accident reporting procedures, and a table of contents.
Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of manual
b. Evidence of Board approval
O O
4.9.3 Employee Knowledge of Safety Policy
Commentary: Both safety policy/procedure and safety manual shall be communicated to all employees, full time, part time, seasonal and volunteers through a documented orientation process. In addition to the orientation for all new employees, there should be an annual review with all full-time employees highlighting the salient points of the manual.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of orientation process
b. Evidence of receipt of policy and manual by employees
c. Evidence of employee attendance at annual review
O O
4.9.4 Risk Management Representative
Commentary: At least one employee should be designated as the agency risk manager or safety coordinator with appropriate responsibilities.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of job description designating individual as risk manager or safety coordinator
b. Evidence of appropriate responsibilities
O O
# 4.9.5 Risk Management Committee
Commentary: The recreation agency shall develop a policy and/or procedure providing for a risk management (safety) committee with appropriate functions, purpose, appointment of members and operation procedures.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy or procedure
b. Policy or management manual should reflect functions, purpose, membership appointment, and how the safety committee operates.
c. Copy of minutes reflecting membership attendance and participation
O O
4.9.6 Safety Inspections and Meetings
Commentary: The designated risk manager or safety coordinator along with the management (safety) committee will regularly inspect facilities with the documentation and follow-up of deficiencies discovered as a result of the inspection. The designated risk management representative should conduct meetings with the safety committee on a quarterly basis, preferably monthly. Components of the safety committee meetings should include inspection reports, follow up of reports, and minutes of safety meetings.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of safety committee & risk manager inspections reports of facilities
b. Documentation of follow up of inspection deficiencies
c. Copy of agendas
d. Copy of meeting minutes
O O
4.9.7 Written Accident Investigation and Follow Up
Commentary: The safety committee is normally charged with the responsibility of responding to accidents and follow up. As such, the recreation agency should have a written accident investigation procedure delineating the safety committee’s obligations. The agency needs to document this process for implementing and for corrections of unsafe acts, conditions, etc.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of procedure
b. Evidence of follow-up
c. Copy of accident form
d. Meeting minutes should reflect review of accident reports by safety committee
O O
# 4.9.8 Emergency Operations Manual
Commentary: The recreation agency should have an Emergency Operations Manual adopted and in use. The manual should address emergency procedures for situations such as Armed Robbery, Bomb Threat, Fire, Lockdown Procedure, Missing Child, etc. This manual is NOT the Crisis Communication Plan that addresses items such as communication or team member responsibilities.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of manual
b. Evidence employees have received the manual and it has been reviewed annually with them so they understand the contents
c. Availability of manual to employees (verify on facility tour)
d. Evidence of Administrative staff review at within five (5) years for accuracy
O O
Commentary: The recreation agency shall provide a comprehensive recreation program for its constituency.
# 5.1 Organizational Structure
Commentary: The recreation agency’s structure of authority should reflect its purpose, methods of operation in relation to its resources, and relationship to the community. Organizational structure should have a person directly responsible for recreation services functions.
# 5.1.1 Recreation Services Management
Commentary: If the agency’s chief executive officer does not personally perform the recreation activities management function, a written directive designates the position or component having the responsibility for recreation activities management functions.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Organizational Chart indicating position responsible for recreation activities functions
b. Job description indicating position responsible for recreation activities functions
M O
5.1.2 Recreation Management Degree and Experience
Commentary: At least one employee assigned to the highest level of recreation services management functions shall have a bachelor’s degree, or higher, in park and recreation administration, leisure studies, therapeutic recreation or a related field from an accredited college; CPRP, CPRE, CTRS or equivalent certification within the field; and a minimum of three (3) years of recreation management experience.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of degree or in lieu of applicable degree; a degree with five (5) years as a department head supervising recreation management
b. Copy of employee service/experience record showing three (3) years of recreation management experience, which should include most recent
c. Copy of current CPRP, CPRE, CTRS or equivalent certification
O O
# 5.2 Recreation Program Special Needs
Commentary: The recreation agency shall provide programs for all residents of the community with special needs. The agency shall provide a comprehensive inclusion service that allows people with special needs to fully participate in community recreation services along with people without disabilities, through program opportunities for people with economic hardship, and through the use of inclusion staff and inclusion training of member agency staff etc.
# 5.2.1 Special Needs for People with Disabilities
Commentary: The recreation agency shall provide program opportunities and inclusion services for people with special needs in the community to include people with disabilities.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. If part of a SRA, provide copy of joint agency agreement, copy of SRA Program brochure, and show agency materials that identify inclusion or inclusion services available.
b. If not part of a SRA, provide copy of brochure materials listing special needs programs and inclusion services.
c. Copy of agency policy or procedure regarding inclusion.
M M
5.2.2 Program Opportunities for People with Economic Hardship
Commentary: The recreation agency shall provide program opportunities for people with special needs in the community to include people with economic hardships.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy or procedure regarding people with economic hardship
b. Evidence of use
O O
5.3 Comprehensive Year-Round Recreation Programs
Commentary: The recreation agency shall have a policy through which it will provide a variety of year-round recreation programs for all residents within their community.
5.3.1 Policy for Providing Recreation Programs
Commentary: The recreation agency shall have a policy reflecting the agency’s philosophy on providing a variety of recreation programs to all residents.
Evidence of Compliance: a. Copy of Policy
M M
# Distinguished Park & Recreation Accreditation Standards – 2026 Approved 02/20/26
5.3.2 Comprehensive Year-Round Program Opportunities
Commentary: The recreation agency shall provide recreation program opportunities for all residents of the community including, but not limited to: senior adults, adults, young adults, teens, youth, and pre-school children. These year-round program opportunities shall be in a variety of areas including: sports and athletics, creative and performing arts, environmental and outdoor recreation, leisure learning, and special events. Recreation agencies, which cooperate with other community organizations for the provision of program services, shall be considered in compliance with this standard.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of brochures or program information b. Evidence of program implementation through associated reporting c. Evidence of age-range programming through associated reporting d. Evidence of program variety through associated reporting
M M
# 5.4 Recreation Statistics
Commentary: The recreation agency shall have a policy or procedure in which statistics are maintained for all programs within the agency. The agency should report this information to the governing Board and/or the public.
# 5.4.1 Maintaining Statistics for Recreational Needs
Commentary: The recreation agency should have a policy or procedure reflecting the agency’s goals and purpose in providing and maintaining statistics to assist in the meeting of the recreational needs of the community.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Policy or Procedure
M O
# Distinguished Park & Recreation Accreditation Standards – 2026 Approved 02/20/26
# 5.4.2 Evaluation of Services & Information Reporting
Commentary: Appropriate service statistics should be maintained to plan, interpret and evaluate the recreation programs more adequately. Staff, program participants and facility visitors should evaluate services on a regular basis, and the agency should maintain these statistics. The agency should include participation, satisfaction, demographics and performance statistics. Staff should provide information reports to the governing Board to inform them of recreation program participation and facility visits.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of staff evaluations of programs.
b. Copy of program participant survey results or evaluations.
c. Copy of facility visitor survey results or evaluations.
d. Copy of registration and participation statistics for internal programs
e. Copy of statistics for agency’s inclusion programs
f. Evidence of statistical reports provided to the Board annually
g. Copy of staff discussions or action plan based on information in program evaluations
M O
5.5 Coordinate Recreation Programs and Cooperative Relationships
Commentary: The recreation agency shall develop a policy or procedure which assists the agency in coordinating recreation programs with other related programs within the community and utilizes cooperative relationships with other recreation providers (such as parent-operated youth sports programs or private facilities).
5.5.1 Coordinating Recreation Programs and Cooperative Relationships
Commentary: The recreation agency should have an approved policy or procedure on coordinating recreation programs and utilizing cooperative agreements with other organizations within the community, such as schools, voluntary agencies and religious organizations to provide maximum coverage throughout the community.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Policy or Procedure b. Examples of agreements of cooperative relationships
M O
# Distinguished Park & Recreation Accreditation Standards – 2026 Approved 02/20/26
Commentary: In addition to the Community Needs Assessment, the recreation agency shall have a policy or procedure in which residents within the community shall have input in the planning, development, etc. of all recreation programs.
5.6.1 Community Input for Recreation Programs
Commentary: The recreation agency should have an approved policy or procedure involving community resident input regarding planning and development of recreation programs.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Policy or Procedure
M O
5.6.2 Community Input in Planning and Development
Commentary: The recreation agency should involve residents in the planning and development of programs.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Verification of Community Input such as minutes from meetings with residents, public hearings, advisory groups, sponsors, ad hoc committees or surveys, etc. (beyond Community Needs Assessment)
M O
5.7 Recreation Fees and Charges
Commentary: The recreation agency shall have a policy or procedure on recreation fees and charges.
# 5.7.1 Recreation Program and Facilities Fees
Commentary: There shall be an established comprehensive policy on recreation program and facilities fees and charges or in lieu of policy an approved fee and charges schedule.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Policy or Approved Fees and Charges Schedule
M O
Commentary: The recreation agency shall have a procedure on “Behavior Management” for their patrons.
# 5.8.1 Behavior Management Procedure (Internal)
Commentary: The Behavior Management policy or procedure shall provide staff with an understanding that patron behavior which disrupts programmed activities or risks patron personal safety shall be addressed through guidelines established within individual program areas.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Policy or Procedure
b. Program area guidelines that list behaviors or actions warranting suspensions or removal from agency program.
c. Program area guidelines that include disciplinary actions up to and including suspensions.
d. Program area guidelines that outline communication between appropriate staff and parents or guardians or program participants.
e. Evidence of program area training for appropriate staff in the agency.
M M
5.9 Conduct Ordinance
Commentary: The recreation agency shall establish a Conduct Ordinance (Rules and Regulations) for general recreation programs and/or adult and youth athletic/sports program activities and leagues and/or recreational facilities (ex. Aquatic/fitness/gyms/ice rink/dog park/courts/fields). The Conduct Ordinance may be displayed in locations where activities occur, website or distributed in program and facility informational materials.
# 5.9.1 Conduct Ordinance (External)
Commentary: The agency should make the public, participants, and users aware of the Conduct Ordinance through a variety of means including signage, web posting, and program materials as appropriate for the activity.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of the Board approved Ordinance (Rules and Regulations)
b. Evidence of Facility rules and regulations
c. Evidence that appropriate users have been made aware of the Conduct Ordinance (Rules and Regulations)
d. Evidence staff and/or volunteers (if used) receive training on the Conduct Ordinance (Rules and Regulations) and appropriate methods of accountability or enforcement.
M O
Park District Electronic Self-Assessment Form 2026
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| **APPLICANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE OF ELECTRONIC ASSESSMENT FORMS TOWARDS DISTINGUISHED ACCREDIATION** |
The self-assessment form is a Word format document that has interactive function ability to enter via a computer the required information to gauge your readiness and provide your assigned mentor with a detailed report of what documentation is being prepared or already is completed to illustrate your evidence of compliance for each standard.
This form is required to be completed and sent as part of the completion of your application towards accreditation. Users will need to download the form from the link on the IAPD or IPRA web site. Once the form has been downloaded users must select the option to “enable editing” the first time they download since it is an internet based link. This step will enable the user to type and interact with the form when listing the evidence being assembled to prove compliance with each standard and also score whether the applicant agency has met the standard or is still assembling the documentation. Once the user has downloaded the initial form it is suggested that the form be saved on a hard drive within your agency’s computer network. This way if users wish to complete the form in stages the data input is not lost. Users will not need to enable editing again once the form is saved to your network. For those users who complete the form and wish to save and send the form via e-mail to the Co-Chair of the Committee this can be done by using a save and send function on your computer.
It is highly recommended that prior to sending the form that users save a copy for their own records to ensure the application process has been completed in case transmission complications are observed via e-mail. For users that have versions of Word earlier than 2007, it will be necessary to download a Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack [http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/support/microsoft-office-compatibility-pack-for-word-excel-and-powerpoint-HA010168676.aspx](http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/support/microsoft-office-compatibility-pack-for-word-excel-and-powerpoint-HA010168676.aspx) to ensure proper formatting and function ability to interact and type into the form. Users without any Word software may download and covert to a pdf file format and type in separately your compliance documentation.
When completing the evidence of compliance applicants should list each document that will be part of the file for each standard. The list only needs to be a name or title of the document and not a full disclosure of the documentation. For example, the user would list “Board Minutes of December 18, 2021” or “Ordinance #12-8 Prevailing Wages.” It is suggested that users number each item being listed for ease of organization and referencing when working with your assigned mentor. Attempts should be made to correspond the numbering/lettering with the same order of the criteria in each standard. Reaccrediting agencies should review the information on Page 1 of the standards, under section titled “Standards Evidence of Compliance.”
The Committee would also appreciate your feedback on the use of this form so efforts of continual improvement can be attempted. If you have any complications or questions please feel free to contact your assigned mentor or Co-Chair of the Committee for assistance. Thank you for your interest in the program and we wish you all the best towards achieving distinguished accreditation.
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| # L. LEGAL |
**Commentary:** No points are awarded for this section; however, all legal standards are mandatory. A recreation agency must be in full compliance to be accredited. The agency is expected to meet any and all legal objectives. The following is to serve as a sample evaluation.
L.1 Open Meetings
L1.1 Open Meetings (5 ILCS 120, _et seq_ _.)_
**Commentary:** Must comply with requirements of Open Meeting Act, reference minutes of all regular and executive session meetings. Notice of meetings must be posted at principal office of recreation agency and copies of notice sent to any news medium that has filed an annual request for such notice. Public Act 94-28 requires an agency to post on its website the agendas of any regular meetings as well as a notice of its annual schedule of meetings if the website is maintained by a full-time staff person. In addition, a public body must post the minutes of its regular meetings on its website within seven (7) days of their approval. Such minutes must remain posted for at least sixty (60) days.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. ~~Copy of minutes and web posting, if applicable~~
2. Copy of notice and web posting, if applicable
3. Evidence of public posting of agendas/meeting notices for public viewing at the principal office and the location where the meeting is held 48 hours prior to scheduled meeting. (verify on facility tour)
4. Evidence of public body designating one or more officials/employees _(Executive Director/CEO preferred)_ to successfully complete an electronic training curriculum developed and administered by the Illinois Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor
5. Evidence of designated employees successfully completing the Illinois Attorney General Public **annual** training program (i.e. certificate).
6. Evidence all Board members successfully completed the Illinois Attorney General Public training program (i.e. certificate).
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
\\_\\_\\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
L.1.2 Closed Sessions (5 ILCS 120, _et seq_ _.)_
**Commentary:** Must comply with requirements of Open Meeting Act regarding closed sessions. Includes semi-annual review of closed session minutes and policies governing recording of closed session minutes and the disposal of these recordings.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence of semi-annual review of closed session minutes where a determination is made and reported in an open session that 1) the need for confidentiality still exists as to all or part of closed session minutes; or (2) that the minutes or portions thereof no longer require confidential treatment and are available for public inspection.
1. Policy governing the recording and disposal of closed session minutes
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
\\_\\_\\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
L.2 Freedom of Information
L.2.1 Freedom of Information (5 ILCS 120, _et seq_.)
**Commentary:** The recreation agency will have complied with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 120, _et_ _seq_.) to include requirements of Illinois Public Act 96-0542.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence of public body designating and one or more officials/employees _(Executive Director/CEO preferred)_ to act as its Freedom of Information officer (s).
2. Evidence of Freedom of Information officer(s) completed annual training program administered by the Public Access Counselor.
3. Copy of Fee Schedule (should be reasonable fees, which do not include administrative costs)
4. Copy of Municipal Directory (includes: summary of purpose; block diagram of functional subdivisions; total amount of Operating Budget; number and location of all separate offices; total number of full-time and part-time employees; identification and membership of all Boards, commissions, and committees; brief description of how to get information through Freedom of Information; designation by titles and addresses of employee(s) to whom requests for public records should be made; any fees allowable under section 6 of the FOIA
5. Evidence that Municipal Directory is on the website (i.e. Municipal Directory shall be made available for inspection and copying and send through mail if requested) (verify on facility tour).
6. Copy of Freedom of Information requests and agency response, if available
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
\\_\\_\\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
L.3 Prevailing Wages
L.3.1 Prevailing Wages (820 ILCS 130, _et seq.)_
**Commentary:** The recreation agency will comply with the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act. The recreation agency awarding any contract for a public work must specify in the call for bids, the project specifications, and the contract a stipulation that not less than the prevailing rate of wages must be paid to all laborers, workers, and mechanics performing work under the contract. In the event there are no project specifications or contracts for the work, public bodies still must notify of the applicability of prevailing wage via other written instrument, including as part of the purchase order.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of construction projects public bid, contract, project specification, proposals, written notice to contractor, and/or purchase orders, which include a notice of Prevailing Wage requirements in accordance with (Public Act 100-1177)
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
\\_\\_\\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
L.4 Harassment
L.4.1 Harassment (775 ILCS 5, _et seq_.)
**Commentary:** The recreation agency will enact and maintain a written harassment policy that includes sexual harassment. All local governments must adopt an ordinance or resolution establishing a policy prohibiting sexual harassment. At a minimum the policy must include:
i. a prohibition on sexual harassment;
ii. details on how an individual can report an allegation of sexual harassment, including options for making a confidential report to a supervisor, ethics officer, Inspector General, or the Department of Human Rights;
iii. a prohibition on retaliation for reporting sexual harassment allegations, including availability of whistleblower protections under the Ethics Act, the Whistleblower Act, and the Illinois Human Rights Act; and
iv. the consequences of a violation of the prohibition on sexual harassment and the consequences for knowingly making a false report.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of policy including minimum requirements listed above
2. Copy of ordinance or resolution adopting Sexual Harassment Policy or Harassment Policy that includes sexual harassment
3. Evidence of annual training to staff
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.5 Drug Free Workplace
L.5.1 Drug Free Workplace Act (30 ILCS 580/1, _et seq_.)
**Commentary:** Any recreation agency seeking to obtain federal, state or county grant monies must enact a Drug Free Workplace Act Policy.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of policy
2. Evidence of policy distributed to staff
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.6 Americans with Disabilities
L.6.1 Americans with Disabilities
**Commentary:** The recreation agency will enact and maintain a policy statement or policy reflecting the agency's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act related to employment, programs, services, activities and facilities. The intent of this standard is to show compliance with the law. It is not a qualitative measure of the thoroughness of the agency’s ADA Transition Plan (see standard 3.2.6).
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of policy or policy statement
2. Evidenced of appointment of an ADA coordinator
3. Evidence that employment applications comply with Americans With Disabilities Act
4. Evidence that facilities comply with Americans with Disabilities Act or have been identified as needing compliance and are scheduled to achieve compliance (completed ADA Transition Plan)
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.7 Family and Medical Leave
L.7.1 Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) (29 U.S.C § 2601, _et seq_.)
**Commentary:** The recreation agency will enact and maintain a policy reflecting the recreation agency's compliance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of policy
2. Evidence that the policy has been distributed to staff
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.8 Communicable Disease Guidelines
L.8.1 Communicable Disease Guidelines (OSHA) (29 CFT 1910.1030)
**Commentary:** The recreation agency will enact and maintain a policy outlining Communicable Disease Guidelines reflecting the agency's compliance with the Illinois Department of Labor Guidelines.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of policy
2. Evidence of policy distributed to staff
3. Evidence of a universal precaution training to include communicable disease procedures.
4. Evidence that blood borne pathogen kits are available in relevant areas (verify on facility tour)
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.9 Abused and Neglected Child Reporting
L.9.1 Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (325 ILCS 5/1 _et seq_.)
**Commentary:** The recreation agency will enact and maintain a policy and procedure covering the requirements of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of policy
2. Copy of procedure
3. Evidence of distribution of policy to staff
4. Evidence of signed “Acknowledgement of Mandated Reporter Status” (DCFS) form for any employee mandated by virtue of that employment to report under this Act (325 ILCS 5/4) and/or evidence of certificate of completion of the on-line mandated reporter training.
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.10 Employer’s Requirement to Report New Employees
L.10.1 Employer’s Requirement to Report New Employees
**Commentary:** The recreation agency will have complied with the Employer's
Requirement to Report New Employees effective October 1, 1997, which is part of the reform legislation.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of policy or procedure
2. Evidence of reporting new employees
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.11 Criminal Background Investigations
L.11.1 Criminal Background Investigations of Employees (70 ILCS 1205/8-23)
**Commentary:** The recreation agency will have complied with the Illinois Park District Code 70 ILCS 1205/8-23 requirement to complete criminal background investigations of employees.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of policy or procedure
2. Receipt or invoice from State Police serves as evidence of completion of criminal background investigations of employees
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
L.11.2 Disclosure of Child Sex Offenses by Volunteers (70 ILCS 1205/8-23a)
**Commentary:** The recreation agency will have complied with the requirements of 70 ILCS 1205/8-23a that an agency shall require volunteers to complete an application prior to beginning any work as a volunteer, which shall include a question for the applicant to answer concerning whether they have been convicted of or found to be a child sex offender. If a volunteer is under 18 years of age, the volunteer’s parent or legal guardian may complete the application on the behalf of the volunteer.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
a. Copy of volunteer waiver or application that satisfies the requirement.
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.12 Ethics Ordinance/Resolution
**Commentary:** The recreation agency will have adopted an Ethics Ordinance or Resolution and have a policy regarding State Official and Employees Ethics Act that references the State Official and Employee Ethics Act 5 ILCS 430/.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Board approved ordinance or resolution
2. Copy of Board approved policy
3. Evidence of annual distribution to staff
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.13 Smoke-Free Illinois
L.13.1 Smoke-Free Illinois (410 ILCS 82, _et seq_.)
**Commentary:** The recreation agency will have complied with the requirements of the Smoke-Free Illinois Act prohibiting smoking in public places and places of employment and within 15 feet of entrances. Proper signage, as specified in the act, must be displayed.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. An IDPH approved “No Smoking” or the international “No Smoking” symbol per the Smoke-Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82), shall be clearly and conspicuously posted in and at entrances of each public place and place of employment and where smoking is prohibited by the Act (verify on facility tour)
2. No ashtrays, cigarette butt containers within 15 feet of entrance (verify on facility tour)
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.14 Toxic Substances Disclosure Act (HAZCOM Plan)
L.14.1 Toxic Substances Disclosure Act (820 ILCS 255/1, _et seq_.)
**Commentary:** The recreation agency will have complied with the requirements of the Toxic Substances Disclosure Act to give each employee notice of his/her exposure to toxic substances which pose known and suspected health hazards and which may cause death or serious physical harm to the employee.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of Hazardous Communications Manual/Plan (HAZCOM Plan) (verify at facility locations on facility tour)
2. Evidence of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Manual located at each appropriate facility to which employees may be exposed to hazardous chemicals (verify SDS manuals on facility tour)
3. Posting in the workplace, at the location where notices to employees are usually posted, a sign which informs the employees of their rights under this act (commonly referred to as the Illinois Employee Right-to-Know Law)
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.15 Illinois Identity Protection Act
L.15.1 Illinois Identity Protection Act (5 ILCS 179/1 et _seq_.)
**Commentary:** The Illinois Identity Protection Act provides that no state or local government agency may: (1) publicly post or display in any manner an individual’s Social Security Number (SSN); (2) print a SSN on any card required for an individual to access products or services provided by the governmental body; (3) require any individual to transmit his or her SSN over the internet unless the connection is secure or the SSN is encrypted; or (4) print any SSN on any materials mailed, emailed, or otherwise delivered to the individual, unless required by State or federal law.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of policy & procedures.
2. Proof of annual distribution of and training on policy
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.16 Moveable Soccer Goal Safety Act
L.16.1 Moveable Soccer Goal Safety Act (`430 ILCS 145/1``et seq``.)`
**Commentary:** The recreation agency will have an approved movable soccer goal safety and education policy that outlines the organization’s safety guidelines for movable soccer goals.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of Policy
2. Proof of annual distribution to affiliate organizations, if applicable.
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.17 Firearm Concealed Carry Act
L. 17. 1 Firearm Concealed Carry Act (430 ILCS 66/1 _et seq_.)
**Commentary:** The recreation agency will have complied with the requirements of the Firearm Concealed Carry Act prohibiting the possession of a firearm on agency property. Proper signage, as specified in the act, must be displayed.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. The approved no weapon sign shall be posted on every agency owned building and property. (verify on facility tour)
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.18 Illinois Local Government Efficiency Committees (Public Act 102-1088)
**Commentary:** The recreation agency will have complied with the Illinois Local Government Efficiency Committees (Public Act 102-1088). The act requires recreation agencies to form an Efficiency Committee made up of the Board of Commissioners, two (2) appointed residents and the Executive Director or other officer of the governmental unit to complete a report to be filed with the County. Please Note: Municipal Recreation Departments and Special Recreation Associations are exempt from this standard.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Evidence of public body forming an Efficiency Committee
2. Evidence a report has been filed with the County
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
**I** **. GENERAL MANAGEMENT**
1. Philosophy
**Commentary:** There should be written statements of philosophy relating to the role of recreation in the life of the individual and the community.
1. Mission Statement
**_Commentary:_** _There shall be a mission statement regarding the role of the agency in the community. The statement should be developed by professional personnel and policy/advisory_ _Board_ _. The statement shall be based upon the legal purpose as stated in the state statutes._
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Shall include input from staff
2. Shall be reviewed and approved by the Board within the last five (5) years
3. Shall be easily accessible to the community and staff (verify on facility tour)
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Agency Incorporation
1. Agency Incorporation
**Commentary:** The agency should have documents showing legality of existence.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Evidence of public authority, charter, by-laws, joint agreement, ordinance, etc to show establishment of agency
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Goals and Objectives
**Commentary:** There is continuous debate on defining the difference between goals and objectives. In our criteria, we use those terms interchangeably to indicate a direction or grading tool for the agency. The recreation agency should have agency goals and department goals. There should be written goals defining the task of the agency in providing services for its constituency. The goals and objectives should be easily accessible to the community, Board and staff. They should also be condensed and available in one document. The recreation agency should have agency goals which should have a relationship to the mission statement.
1. Agency Goals
**_Commentary:_** _The recreation_ _agency should have a set of comprehensive_ _A_ _gency_ _G_ _oals which should reflect the relationship of the mission statement and providing an overall direction the agency should be pursuing._ _Agency_ _Go_ _als should be included in a formal planning or budget document reviewed and approved by the Board of Commissioners. Agency_ _G_ _oals should have a completion time frame beyond annual goals, 2-5+ years._
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence of approval by Board or Director authorized copy
2. Evidence of annual evaluation to Board and staff
3. Evidence of on-going review at least every five (5) years by Board of Commissioners
4. Evidence of Accessibility; i.e., copy of document in community places; registration desk, program brochure, library, and website, if available
5. Evidence of Availability to Community
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Annual Goals
**Commentary:** In addition to having Agency Goals, the recreation agency should have Annual Goals. The Annual Goals, one (1) year, should reflect staff input and include i.e. initiatives, projects, operations.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of goals
2. Evidence of approval by Board or Director
3. Evidence of implementation
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Evaluation of Agency and Annual Goals
**Commentary:** Agency Goals should be reviewed no less than every five (5) years. Annual Goals should be reviewed once a year.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence of evaluation of Agency Goals by Board or Director
2. Evidence of evaluation of Annual Goals by staff and review by Director
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Accessibility of Agency Goals
**~~Commentary:~~** ~~The~~ ~~A~~ ~~gency’s~~ ~~G~~ ~~oals and objectives should be easily accessible and made available to the community.~~
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence of accessibility; i.e., copy of document in community places; registration desk, program brochure, library, web site if available (verify on facility tour)
2. Evidence of availability to Board and staff
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Organizational Structure
**Commentary:** It is essential for management (staff and Board) to effectively reflect responsiveness and lines of authority to each other and to the community. As such, clear lines of accountability must be available in writing and made available to the community, staff and Board.
1.4.1 Structure of Authority
**Commentary:** The recreation agency’s structure of authority (organizational chart) shall reflect its mission statement and methods of operation in relation to its resources. It should also reflect the relationship to the community and interrelationship of staff.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of Organizational Chart (interrelationship of staff)
2. Evidence of review annually by administration staff for accuracy
3. Shall be approved by Board action or approved by Director authority
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.4.2 Appointment or Hire of Non-Elected Chief Executive Officer (Director)
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence of appointment or hire (at hire, annual appointment optional)
M O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.4.3 Designation of Authority and Responsibility of Director
**Commentary:** The recreation agency’s director is designated as having the authority and responsibility for the management of the agency. This authority should either be through a job description, or written statement issued by the Board which shall reflect established written policies.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of written job description and/or employment contract; or evidence of compliance included in Board policy manual
2. Evidence of annual written review of Director by the Board
3. Evidence of organizational structure designating Board and director/staff authority.
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.4.4 Chief Executive Officer Degree/Certification
**Commentary:** The recreation agency’s chief executive officer shall possess a bachelor’s degree, or higher, in park and recreation administration, public administration or a related field. The degree must be from an accredited college. The chief executive officer should have CPRP, CPRE or CTRS status and possess a minimum of three years of management experience in a park and/or recreation agency.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of degree
2. Copy of current CPRP, CPRE or CTRS certification
3. Copy of employee service/experience record or resume reflecting at least three years of management experience, which should include most recent employment
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.4.5 Chain of Authority During Absences
**Commentary:** A procedure should be developed delineating the chain of command/authority when the agency’s chief executive officer and/or department head is incapacitated, out of town, ill or is unable to perform, his/her duties.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of procedure under which the chain of command/authority is implemented
2. Copy of chief executive officer chain of command/authority
3. Copy of department head’s chain of command/authority
4. Shall be approved by Board action or approved by Director authority
5. Evidence of review by Board or Director at least every five (5) years or sooner as positions change
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Comprehensive Board Policy Manual
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall have a comprehensive Board policy manual, which contains all Board policies with evidence of review every five (5) years.
1.5.1 Comprehensive Board Policy Manual
**Commentary:** **There should be a Board Policy M** **anual which contains all Board policies in one accessible manual (or reference to location of policies) which is reviewed every** **five (5)** **years.**
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of Board Policy Manual
2. Evidence of Board review of entire manual at least every five (5) years
3. Evidence of accessibility to Board and staff (verify on facility tour)
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.5.2 Administrative and Policy Making Functions
**Commentary:** The recreation agency should provide written and definitive guidelines specifying the difference between Board policies, regulations and administrative (staff) operational procedures.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence of written guidelines
2. Evidence of inclusion in Board policy manual
3. Evidence of five (5) year review by Board
4. Evidence of Board approved or director authorized copy.
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.5.3 Agency Rules and Regulations
**_Commentary:_** _Agency rules and regulations must be_ _Board_ _approved or_ _D_ _irector approved (_ _D_ _irector authorized copy) which define the limitations by which residents utilize agency facilities, i.e., hours of operation, "no parking" regulations Such information should be located in one easily accessible document and should be reviewed every_ _five (5)_ _years._
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of Park Rules and Regulations (one document)
2. Evidence of accessibility to staff (verify on facility tour)
3. Evidence of five (5) year review/Board approved or Director authorized copy
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Administrative Operational Procedure Manual
**Commentary:** It is important that Board and staff understand the difference between Board action policies and staff generated procedures. Consequently, a separate administrative procedure manual should be developed. This manual should be available to all employees.
1.6.1 Operational Procedures
**Commentary:** Operational procedures indicate how staff will carry out Board policies. These are the actions taken by staff to properly implement the directions given by Board policy. All operational procedures (non-Board approved policy actions) relative to the operation of the agency should be included in manuals available to all appropriate staff and which are reviewed and updated every five (5) years.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of procedure manuals
2. Evidence of accessibility to staff (verify on facility tour)
3. Evidence of administrative review and update of entire manual by staff every five (5) years
4. Evidence of distribution of updates to appropriate staff
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Board Member Orientation
**Commentary:** Each recreation agency should provide an orientation manual for all new and prospective Board members in order to acquaint them with all aspects of the agency.
1.7.1 New Board Member Manual
**Commentary:** A new Board member orientation manual should include written material regarding agency property, facilities, history and existing ordinances and manuals. Additional components, at a minimum, should include brochures, budget, policy, master plan, status reports, phone lists, chain of command, and magazine articles. This information should be in one manual with table of contents. Manual should be presented at the new Board member orientation meeting. Manual shall have agenda outlining information to be covered.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of new Board member orientation manual with table of contents
2. Copy of new Board member orientation agenda
3. Evidence of receipt of orientation manual by new Board member
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.7.2 Prospective Candidate Information Packet
**Commentary:** The Board, by policy, should direct the staff to prepare a Board prospective candidate’s information packet. This prospective candidate’s information packet should include essential information about the agency.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of Board policy
2. Copy of prospective candidate’s packet
(1 point bonus)
B B
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.7.3 Sponsored or Endorsed Workshops
**Commentary:** The recreation agency, through a policy should make funds and time available for Board members to attend workshops sponsored or endorsed by the NRPA, IPRA, IAPD and other similar organizations.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Record of attendance at programs sponsored by NRPA, IPRA, IAPD or other similar organizations
2. Copy of policy
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Cooperative Community Planning
**Commentary:** There should be established working relationships for cooperative community planning.
1.8.1 Working Relationship
**Commentary:** The recreation agency should have a working relationship with state, federal or local agencies to provide for community planning.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence of compliance can be reflected by grants, agreements, letters of understanding and copies of minutes of meetings with local, state or federal agencies.
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.8.2 Citizen Input
**Commentary:** The recreation agency should have a policy on how and when citizen input is solicited.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of policy indicating how citizen input will be solicited
2. Evidence of how and when citizen input is solicited
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Cooperative Operations Agreement
**Commentary:** The recreation agency should cooperate with other agencies to economize and effectively provide for recreation programs.
1.9.1 Policy on Cooperative Use and Maintenance of Facilities
**Commentary:** A policy should be established on cooperative use and maintenance of facilities, program operation, facility design, land development, finances, support and control.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of policy
2. Evidence of a cooperative agreement between the agency and schools, public and/or private agencies
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Public Relations
**Commentary:** The agency should have a systematic program of public relations, which is broad, yet comprehensive. It should provide for public interpretation of recreation as a whole, and other specific objectives of the recreation agency toward serving all populations.
1.10.1 Promotion of Programs and Services
**Commentary:** The recreation agency should promote the benefits of its programs and services in a comprehensive manner, which includes publications distributed at least twice a year to each household. We are looking at a comprehensive public relationship program to inform the community of important agency programs, services, procedures and operations.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of current publications
2. Evidence of distribution to community
M O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.10.2 Reports of Recreation Agency Operations
**Commentary:** Regular reports of recreation agency operations should be made to the managing authority and to the agency's constituency. Components of systematic program of reporting should include staff to Board reports such as monthly financial reports, program, attendance, facility use, etc. The recreation agency's reporting to constituents should include newsletter, annual reports and news releases.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence of staff to Board reporting
2. Evidence of reporting to constituency
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.10.3 Authority for Coordinating Public Relations
**Commentary:** One employee should be designated as the primary authority for coordinating public relations activity.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of job description
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.10.4 Dealing with Catastrophic Incidents
**Commentary:** The recreation agency should provide a crisis communication plan to accurately and effectively deal with a crisis such as severe injury, catastrophic fire, tornado damage, anything that attracts media attention, etc. The crisis communication plan should delineate individuals responsible for communicating with the press, chain of command on notifying proper people of the incident and overall agency procedures on dealing with catastrophic accidents.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of Crisis Communication Plan
2. Shall be approved by Board action or approved by Director authority
3. Evidence of annual review of crisis communication plan with staff
4. Listing of communications team member responsibilities
5. Crisis Communications procedures, communication guidelines when dealing with press
6. Copy of chain of command
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Regular Meetings
**Commentary:** The recreation agency should annually establish regular meetings, dates, locations and times in order to review and discuss all pertinent information in accordance with State Statutes.
1.11.1 Monthly Meeting / Written Meeting Minutes
**Commentary:** The recreation agency's Board of Commissioners (or advisory Board if no policy making Board is authorized) shall meet at regularly scheduled meetings to oversee the affairs of the recreation agency. The recreation agency shall keep written minutes of all public meetings including regular and special Board meetings and committee meetings. These minutes shall be made available to the public.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of regular and special Board meeting annual public notice
2. Copy of regular and special Board meeting minutes signed by Board secretary for the prior 12 months
3. Copy of committee minutes, if applicable
4. Evidence of availability to the public (website if applicable and verify on facility tour)
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.11.2 Annual Meeting
**Commentary:** The recreation agency Board of Commissioners shall hold a yearly meeting at which they will elect officers. These officers are to include a president and vice president. Other officers and Board committees are appointed as deemed necessary.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence of election of officers in official minutes
2. Evidence of policy reflecting functions of committees and officer functions
3. Evidence of terms of office
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.11.3 Establishment of a Meeting Agenda Format /Board Packet
**Commentary:** The recreation agency Board shall establish a policy reflecting a meeting agenda format, including sections providing roll call for committee reports, action items and public input. Agendas should be sent out a minimum of 48 hours in advance.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of policy reflecting the meeting agenda format
2. Evidence of agenda format including allowance for public input
3. Evidence of policy regarding advance distribution of Board packet to Board members
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Membership
**Commentary:** The recreation agency should be members of professional organizations in support of recreation activities.
1.12.1 Membership
**Commentary**: The recreation agency should establish membership with the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence of IAPD membership or copy of payment
2. Evidence of NRPA membership or copy of payment
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Volunteer Program
**Commentary:** Volunteers can be a vital part of an agency's ability to provide recreation programs. Volunteers provide an economical workforce and expertise and support groups to supplement the agency's staff. To maintain and reward these volunteer programs, there should be a comprehensive program within the recreation agency utilizing the expertise and willingness of residents to serve.
1.13.1 Policy or Procedure on Volunteers
**Commentary:** The recreation agency should develop a policy and/or procedure concerning utilization of volunteers.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of policy or procedure
2. Evidence of utilization of volunteers
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.13.2 Volunteer Manual
**Commentary:** The recreation agency should have a volunteer manual reflecting recruitment, training, benefits, needs, resources and chain of command.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of volunteer manual
2. Evidence of recruitment
3. Evidence of training
4. Copy of chain of command
5. Evidence of distribution of volunteer manual to volunteers
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.13.3 Volunteer Recognition Program
**~~Commentary:~~** ~~The recreation agency should provide a volunteer recognition program.~~
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of volunteer recognition program
2. Evidence of benefits earned by volunteering
3. Evidence of recognition
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Information Services
**Commentary:** The agency must participate in a minimum of 5 out of 9 of the following
informational services:
\_\_\_\_\_ Web site
\_\_\_\_\_ Cable TV
\_\_\_\_\_ On-line registration
\_\_\_\_\_ Phone in registration
\_\_\_\_\_ Kiosk information
\_\_\_\_\_ Electronic information signs
\_\_\_\_\_ Social Network Media (i.e. Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, etc.)
\_\_\_\_\_ District promotional video
\_\_\_\_\_ Other
**Evidence of Compliance:**
- Copy of program
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. National Recognition
**Commentary:** The agency may actively participate in various recognition and accreditation programs relating to its mission. Bonus points will be awarded if the agency participates in any of the following recognition and/or accreditation programs (2 point maximum):
\_\_\_\_\_ NRPA Gold Medal application with the last six (6) years
(1/2 point with a maximum of 1/2 point)
\_\_\_\_\_ NRPA Gold Medal finalist within the last six (6) years
(1/2 point with a maximum of1/2 point)
\_\_\_\_\_ Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) through NRPA awarded within the last six (6) Years
(1 point with a maximum of 1 point)
B B
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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| |
| --- |
| # II. FINANCE AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS |
2.1 Organizational Structure
**Commentary:** The recreation agency’s structure of authority should reflect its purpose, methods of operation in relationship to its resources, or relationship to the community. Organizational structure should have a person directly responsible for its financial and business operations.
2.1.1 Responsibility for Fiscal Management Functions
**Commentary:** Organizational structure should have a position directly responsible for fiscal management functions.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
a. Organizational chart indicating position responsible for fiscal management functions
**b.** **Job** **description indicating position responsible for fiscal management functions**
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.1.2 Financial Management Degree and Experience
**Commentary:** At least one employee assigned to the highest level of financial management functions shall possess a bachelor’s degree, or higher in accounting, business administration, or related field from an accredited college, CPRP, CPRE, CPA or equivalent certification within the field, and a minimum of three years of fiscal management experience.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of degree or in lieu of applicable degree; a degree with five years as a department head supervising finance and accounting operations
2. Copy of employee service/experience record showing three years of fiscal management experience, which should include most current employment
3. Copy of current CPRP, CPRE, CPA or equivalent certification such as GFOA Certificate
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.2 Fiscal Administration
**Commentary:** There should be a sound fiscal administrative system which strives to meet acceptable legal and fiscal obligations.
2.2.1 Comprehensive Operating Budget
**Commentary:** There should be a comprehensive annual budget approved by the Board at a public meeting.
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of current year Board-approved budget
2. Copy of minutes when budget approved
3. Copy of minutes of public hearing
4. Copy of public notice
5. Copy of Budget & Appropriation Ordinance
6. Copy of County Clerk’s filing receipt for Budget & Appropriation Ordinance
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.2.2 Annual Budget Process
**Commentary:** The annual budget process should utilize the Programming Budget System or at least be based on performance budgeting principles.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of budget utilizing Programming Budget System and/or based on performance budgeting principles
2. Copy of support documentation, if not included in budget, which indicates Programming and/or performance budgeting principles
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.2.3 Annual Budget Public Review
**Commentary:** The annual budget should contain a summary format for easy review by the public.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of budget summary page(s)
2. Copy of budget summary graphic page(s) (utilizing graphic illustrations)
3. Copy of posting to website or promoted for public viewing
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.2.4 Accounting System
**Commentary:** The accounting system should be compatible with or may be a part of the central accounting system of the governing jurisdiction. It is essential that an agency establish such a system to ensure an orderly, accurate and complete documentation of the flow of funds.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Chart of Accounts
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.2.5 Financial Report – The Agency should have an accounting system that includes, at a minimum, provisions for monthly status reports showing:
\\* initial appropriations for each account (or program)
\\* balances at the commencement of the monthly period
\\* expenditures and encumbrances made during the period and unencumbered balances
**Commentary:** Each appropriation and expenditure should be classified, at a minimum, according to function, organizational component, activity, object and program.
## Evidence of Compliance:
1. Provide a copy of the last three monthly reports.
2. Evidence of distribution to staff and Board
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.2.6 Long Range Financial Plan for Capital Expenditures
**Commentary:** There should be a long range (minimum 3-5 years) financial plan for capital expenditures including maintenance of existing facilities and future capital expenditures. A long range capital expenditure plan should be part of an overall agency master plan.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Board approved long range financial plan for capital expenditures
2. Copy of minutes indicating annual review by Board
3. Copy of master plan which includes long range financial plan for capital expenses
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.2.7 Comprehensive Revenue Policy
**Commentary:** There should be a comprehensive recreation agency revenue policy which establishes the philosophy for the agency’s revenue generation to include fees and charges.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of comprehensive revenue policy which establish philosophy and/or guidelines for revenue generation including fees and charges
2. Copy of minutes indicating Board approval of revenue policy
3. Evidence agency is complying with established policy
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.3 Annual Audit / Annual Financial Report
**Commentary:** In accordance with the Governmental Account Audit Act (50 ILCS 310, et seq.) a recreation agency shall file an Annual Financial Report (AFR) containing information required by the Illinois Comptroller.
Additionally, agencies with annual revenues of at least $850,000 shall conduct and file with the Illinois Comptroller an annual audit of all agency accounts and funds by a licensed public accountant.
Agencies with annual revenues of less than $850,000 shall either conduct and file with the Illinois Comptroller an annual audit of all agency accounts and funds by a licensed public accountant once every four years or have their governing Board approve the agency’s AFR by a 3/5th’s vote in accordance with the Act, in which case an audit once every four years is not required.
There should be an annual audit/financial report performed which fulfills all legal requirements of the Act and assures the agency funds are properly dispersed and accounted for.
2.3.1 Certified Accounting Completion by Independent Certified Public Accounting Firm
**Commentary:** An independent certified public accounting firm must complete an annual financial audit.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of audit stating the report conforms to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or Financial Report and set forth the financial position and results of financial operations for each district fund
2. Copy of auditor’s opinion indicating agencies statements are fairly presented in all material respects, are free of material misstatements and are in accordance with GAAP _(If a material misstatement is identified or is not in compliance with GAAP it does not meet the standard.)_
3. Evidence Audit or Financial Report was filed with the Illinois Comptroller
4. Evidence Audit or Financial Report was filed with the Clerk of the County in which the principal agency office is located
5. Evidence Audit or Financial Report was presented to the Board and accepted
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.4 Levy Ordinance
**Commentary:** A levy ordinance shall be established annually by the recreation agency.
2.4.1 Tax Levy Ordinance
**Commentary:** A levy ordinance must be approved by the recreation agency’s governing Board and filed in accordance with the Illinois Statutes.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of public notice of Truth in Taxation hearing & posting to website (if required)
2. Copy of filing Truth in Taxation (if required)
3. Copy of County Clerk filing receipts for tax levy
4. Copy of minutes when Levy is adopted
5. Copy of Ordinance
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.5 Bill Payments
**Commentary:** Payment of obligations is essential to maintaining a fiscally solvent and responsible recreation agency.
2.5.1 Payment of All Obligations
**Commentary:** The recreation agency will make payment on all obligations within the time frame indicated in Illinois Statutes.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Lack of mention in management letter stating payment not made on all obligations made within legal time frames
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.5.2 Payment of Bills Policy
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall have a policy which clearly defines the parameters under which the agency will make timely payment of all bills. This policy shall be in compliance with Illinois State Statutes.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of policy
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.5.3 Annual Treasurer’s Report
**Commentary:** The annual treasurer’s report (Statement of Receipts and Disbursements) will be prepared, published and filed with the appropriate authorities as prescribed by Illinois State Statutes. When an audit of the funds of a local government has been made and a report of such audit has been filed with the appropriate county clerk, the local governmental unit may publish the report of such audit in lieu of publishing the annual statement of receipts and disbursements.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of annual treasurer’s report or independent audit if no treasurer’s report required
2. Copy of Legal Notice
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.6 Investment of Funds
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall establish a policy dealing with the investment of agency funds as directed by Board action and Illinois State Statutes.
2.6.1 Investment Policy
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall establish an investment of funds policy or ordinance.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Board approved copy of policy or ordinance
2. Policy or ordinance should mention suitable and authorized investments, and collateral agreements with independent third party or recreation agency securing said collateral.
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.6.2 Investment of Funds
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall have all public funds not needed for immediate expenditure invested according to Illinois State Statutes.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Audit indicating investment of funds
2. Lack of mention in audit management letter
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.7 Bond Rating
**Commentary:** Bond ratings may be obtained by a recreation agency if the agency deems that the bond rating will be of benefit to the agency in selling bonds.
2.7.1 Bond Rating Policy
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall establish a policy concerning whether or not to obtain a bond rating.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Board approved policy establishing whether or not a bond rating shall be maintained.
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.7.2 Municipal Bond Rating
**Commentary:** **Should the recreation agency’s governing** **Board** **choose to obtain a current municipal bond rating, then the agency shall maintain a municipal bond rating from Moody’s of at least an A or the equivalent from Standard and Poor’s.** **(1/2 bonus point)**
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of bond company’s letter or perspective
B B
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.8 Employee Wages
**Commentary:** An established policy should govern employee wages.
2.8.1 Federal and State Minimum Wage and Overtime Requirements
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall pay employees in accordance with federal and state minimum wage and overtime requirements.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of part-time salary ranges, or Audit management letter with lack of mention regarding payment of minimum wage and overtime requirements.
2. Copy of policy regarding payment of overtime
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.8.2 Payment of Employee Wages Policy
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall establish a policy dealing with payment of employee wages. Policy should reflect agency position on paying fair and competitive wages.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Board approved policy dealing with payment of employee wages.
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.8.3 Department of Labor’s Equal Employment Opportunity Poster
**Commentary:** The Department of Labor’s Equal Employment Opportunity Poster must be prominently displayed as required by law.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Visual inspection of posters as required (verify on facility tour)
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.9 Purchasing Policy
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall establish a policy setting purchase guidelines.
2.9.1 Purchasing Policy
**Commentary:** The agency shall provide a comprehensive Board approved policy dealing with purchases.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Board approved policy
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.9.2 Economy of Resources
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall have a clear policy providing steps in economizing their resources and purchases. In addition, the agency should demonstrate a minimum of one cooperative purchasing venture in order to economize their resources and purchases.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Board approved policy dealing with economizing resources and purchases
2. Provide proof of membership in or use of any joint purchasing arrangement or use of cooperative purchasing
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.10 Comprehensive Insurance Policies with Sufficient Coverage
**Commentary:** Sufficient coverage is important in order to protect the assets of the agency. The limits established are minimums only and each recreation agency should have in place coverage limits that are commensurate with the exposure resulting from its activities and operation.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Membership in Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA), Illinois Parks Association Risk Services (IPARKS), (IPARKS), Illinois Risk Management Association (IRMA), or Metro Risk Management Association (MRMA)
OR
Copy of insurance certificate and plan for following coverage limits (2.10.1 through 2.10.10).
2.10.1 Property – Replacement Value for real (buildings) and personal property (contents of buildings)
2.10.2 Boiler and Machinery – Value of Building
2.10.3 Fidelity and Crime – $500,000 per occurrence
2.10.4 Builders Risks – Value of construction
2.10.5 General Liability
A. $2,000,000 per occurrence with no annual aggregate, or
B. Minimum of $2,000,000 per occurrence with $4,000,000 annual aggregate
2.10.6 Automobile Liability – Minimum of $1,000,000 – per occurrence with no annual aggregate.
2.10.7 Public Officials Errors and Omissions - $1,000,000 per occurrence and annual aggregate
2.10.8 Worker’s Compensation Statutory Coverage – Employers liability minimum of $500,000 per accident.
2.10.9 Employment Practices Liability Coverage – Minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence
2.10.10Pollution Liability Coverage – Minimum $500,000 per occurrence and $500,000 annual aggregate
2.10.11Cyber Security Coverage
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.11 Financial Assistance (government cost-sharing)
Where feasible and appropriate, matching funds by local, state and Federal Government should be sought out.
**Commentary:** Local agencies are urged to take advantage of State and Federal cost-sharing programs
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Provide records for past five (5) years showing source and dates of matching funds for specific projects
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.12 Financial Resources (external)
Agencies, organizations and corporations should be utilized for funding programs and facilities of many different types.
**Commentary:** These listings should include funding programs from foundations, corporations, voluntary agencies, private groups and individuals which have been utilized.
#### Evidence of Compliance
1. Provide list of agencies, organizations and corporations which have assisted and the nature of their assistance
2. Letter of request
3. Letter of acceptance or denial
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.13 Cash or Cashless Handling Procedure
There should be procedures used for collecting, safeguarding, credit cards/electronic payments and disbursing cash to include, at a minimum:
\\* Cash or cashless handling system procedure
\\* Preparation of financial statement
\\* Conduct of internal audits
\\* Persons or positions authorized to accept or disburse funds
\\* Statement regarding design and separation of duties
**Commentary:** Formal cash and cashless control procedures enable an agency to establish accountability, to comply with funding authorizations and restrictions, to ensure that disbursements are for designated and approved recipients, and more importantly, to alert agency management to possible problems requiring remedial action.
**Evidence of Compliance**
1. Provide copy of procedures
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.14 Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI)
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall have a policy complying with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS) for the protection of payment card information
**Evidence of Compliance:**
a. Copy of Policy
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.15 Emergency Expenditures
There should be a Board written policy to deal with emergency expenditures.
**Commentary:** **Provisions should be** **determined defining emergency spending authorization, including how much the Director and/or Board President can authorize to spend to react to an emergency situation without full Board action.**
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Provide copy of policy
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.16 Recreation Agency Acceptance of Donations, Gifts & Bequests
**Commentary:** There should be a written policy for the acceptance of gifts, donations and bequests to the recreation agency. This policy is separate from the required Ethics Ordinance/Resolution.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Provide a copy of written policy
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.17 Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting, Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and/or Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award Programs.
As a bonus, a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting will be acknowledged, Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, and/or Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award Program will be acknowledged.
Where deemed appropriate, a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting, Distinguished Budget Presentation, and/or Popular Annual Financial Report Award shall be current when reviewed and awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of award for GFOA Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting (1/2 point)
2. Copy of award for GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation (1/2 point)
3. Copy of award for GFOA Popular Annual Financial Report (1/2 point)
(1 Point Bonus Maximum)
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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| # III. FACILITIES AND PARKS |
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall strive to provide the highest quality facilities and recreation programs within financial and personnel resource limitations. There should be a systematic planning program for all facilities, which is linked with a capital expenditure budget and a phased development plan.
3.1 Organizational Structure
**Commentary:** The recreation agency’s structure of authority should reflect its purpose, methods of operation in relation to its resources, and relationship to the community.
3.1.1 Responsibility for Maintenance Management Function
**Commentary:** Organizational structure should have a position directly responsible for the maintenance management function.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Organizational Chart indicating position for maintenance management functions
2. Job description indicating position responsible for maintenance management function
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Park Maintenance Management Degree and Experience
**Commentary:** At least one employee assigned to the highest level of park maintenance management functions shall possess a bachelor’s, or higher, degree in park & recreation administration, landscape architecture, horticulture or a related field from an accredited college; CPRP, CPRE, CGM (Certified Grounds Manager) or equivalent certification within the field that requires ongoing continuing education; and a minimum of three (3) years of park maintenance management experience.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of degree or in lieu of applicable degree, a degree with five (5) years as a department head supervising park maintenance operations
2. Copy of employee experience/ service record showing three (3) years of park maintenance management experience, which should include most current
3. Copy of current CPRP, CPRE, CGM or equivalent certification
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.2 Physical Planning
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall provide for physical property planning which shall assist in providing for inventory of assets, goal setting, and short-range and long-range planning.
3.2.1 Inventory of Fixed Assets and Their Locations
**Commentary:** There should be an inventory of all fixed assets and their locations updated at least every two (2) years.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Fixed Asset Report, with locations
2. Evidence of Fixed Asset Report updating within the last two (2) years
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.2.2 Facility & Parks Planning
**Commentary:** Planning for facility development should include citizen involvement in the planning process.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Evidence of citizen input (for example: minutes, agendas, open houses, postcards, invitations, e-blasts, survey codes, etc.) within last five (5) years
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.2.3 Regularly Scheduled Preventive Maintenance
**Commentary:** There should be a regularly scheduled preventive maintenance system including careful safety checks of all facilities and equipment.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Preventive Maintenance Plan including safety checks of all facilities and equipment and updated within five (5) years
2. Evidence of implementation of preventive maintenance plan including safety checks
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.2.4 Facilities and Equipment Replacement Schedule
**Commentary:** There should be a replacement schedule for facilities and equipment with verification of implementation.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of replacement schedules
2. Evidence of implementation of the replacement scheduled items: approved budget, payment vouchers, and if applicable, disposal of surplus property ordinances.
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.2.5 Location and Accessibility of Administrative Office
**Commentary:** The recreation agency administrative office should be fully accessible to the public.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Administrative office is fully accessible to the public (verify on facility tour)
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.2.6 Accessibility to People with Disabilities
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall have conducted a self-evaluation study of its facilities on accessibility to people with disabilities and completed a Board approved ADA Transition Plan documenting necessary steps for compliance. The recreation agency shall have developed a Board-approved timetable for implementing the recommendations in the ADA Transition Plan.
Accessibility compliance (in accordance with the most recent final and enforceable Department of Justice minimum design guideline. Alternatively, evidence of compliance with the final guidelines or final report of the U.S. Access Board. In the absence of a final and enforceable minimum design guideline, and a final guideline, the agency shall demonstrate adherence to accessible design best practices by compliance to the most recent work of the U.S. Access Board). Such evidence within the last ten (10) years can include, but is not limited to: overall accessibility, compliant parking, compliant curb cuts, compliant walks, compliant ramps, compliant stairs, compliant handrails, compliant toilets, compliant fountains, compliant telephones, and compliant trash receptacles, etc.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Evidence of an ADA Transition Plan in compliance with Title 28 C.F.R.§ 35.150(d) shall at a minimum include:
1) Identify the physical obstacles and reference each that limit the accessibility of the park district programs, services, or activities to people with disabilities;
2) Describe the corrective action(s) to be used to make accessible and inclusive; facilities, policies, communications (print & online materials), services and programs;
3) Provide a schedule with cost estimates(s) for making the access and inclusive modifications; provide a yearly schedule for making the modifications if the transition plan is more than one year long; and
4) Public display of the name, address and contact information of ADA Coordinator.
All four (4) points of evidence in 3.2.6.a. are required.
1. Minutes of Board approval of ADA Transition Plan or ADA Transition Plan Update within last ten (10) years.
2. Evidence of Board review of progress and updates most recent completed ADA Transition Plan or ADA Transition Plan Update within last five (5) years.
3. Evidence ADA Transition Plan reflects staff input in the development of the ADA Transition Plan or ADA Transition Plan Update.
4. Show evidence of public input or input from organizations representing individuals with disabilities in the development of the ADA Transition Plan or ADA Transition Plan Update; Or if no input was received, show evidence of an active publicized effort or invitation to obtain input beyond the inclusion of an item on a regular Board or committee meeting agenda.
5. Proof of implementation of ADA Transition Plan (verify on facility tour).
M M
_Scoring to pass this standard will be as follows:_
_3 points = all of 3.2.6.a. plus b-f_
_2 points = all of 3.2.6.a. plus three (3) of b-f_
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Developer Land Cash Donation Policy/Ordinance (Impact Fee Policy/Ordinance)
**Commentary:** The recreation agency in conjunction with the local unit of government should have a land and cash donation policy/ordinance based upon a “roughly proportional quantitative relationship” between the required dedications and the impact of the proposed development. If a situation exists where a village or municipality does not have a land/cash ordinance, an agency may show effort through correspondence from the village or municipality or other means deemed acceptable proof of said effort to indicate an ordinance does not exist. In this instance an agency may not be scored higher than a “2”.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of Policy or Ordinance
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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**_NOTE for 3.3_** **_Property/Parks_** **_and 3.4_** **_Property/Facilities:_**
_In 1983 NRPA Guidelines had suggested that a park system,_ _at a minimum, be composed of a_ _“core” system of parklands, with a total of 6.25 to 10.5 acres of developed open space per 1,000 population. Also, specific types of parks were named, sized and suggested as a certain number per 1,000 population._ _It was further suggested that there should be a certain number of specific facilities for the size of the population_ _._ _These suggestions left little allowance for the diversity of agencies and the variety of their client’s recreational needs and desires._
_By 1996 NRPA developed another way to quantify the parklands and facilities guidelines. These guidelines now include consideration for local community needs and desires. It is primarily based_ _upon Level of Service (LOS), “an expression of the essential ingredients needed to provide the level of park and recreation services desired by the customers in a community.”_
_At this time very few agencies in Illinois have put into practice the NRPA LOS system. Therefore, for Sections_ _3.3 Property/Parks_ _and_ _3.4 Property/Facilities_ _together each agency can choose either: “Option A”, 1983_ _NRPA guidelines_ _; or “Option B”, the new LOS system components. No mingling of the two options is allowed._
_In an instance where an agency is “borrowing” from a private or public agency to meet a standard. The agency should show proof of a cooperative agreement or cooperative/established relationship in order to receive a “3” for the standard. This most appropriately applies to “fee based” facilities such as an aquatic or golf facility. For example, standard 3.4.8 Aquatic Facilities, an agency who does not own/operate an aquatic facility, but a private or public agency operates a facility that meets the standard, may show proof through a cooperative agreement or cooperative/established relationship by providing a copy of an agreement or cooperative/established relationship (ex. brochure pages highlighting programs offered by the agency to the community via the private or public agency facility)._
# “OPTION A”
A3.3 Property/Parks
**Commentary:** The size and amount of additional public parklands will vary from community to community, but must be taken into account when considering a total, well-rounded system of parks and recreation areas.
### A3.3.1 Mini-Park
**Commentary:** Mini-Parks are: specialized facilities that serve a concentrated or limited population or specific group such as tots or senior citizens; less than 1/4 mile radius; one acre or less in size; and within neighborhoods and in close proximity to apartment complexes, townhouse development or housing for the elderly. There should be 0.25 to 0.5 acres of mini-parks per 1,000 population. These Mini-Parks may be combined with Neighborhood and/or Community Parks _(if_ _M_ _ini-_ _P_ _arks are_ _combined_ _to_ _N_ _eighborhood or_ _C_ _ommunity_ _P_ _arks,_ _.25 to .5 acres shall be added to the minimum acre requirements for_ _N_ _eighborhood or_ _C_ _ommunity_ _P_ _arks)_.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Map showing the service area for each Mini-Park
2. Listing of the number and size of Mini-Parks per the population
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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### A3.3.2 Neighborhood Park/Playground
**Commentary:** Neighborhood Park/Playgrounds are: areas for intense recreational activities, such as field games, court games, crafts, playground apparatus area, skating, picnicking, wading pools, etc.; serve 1/4 to 1/2 mile radius area with a population up to 5,000 (a neighborhood); 15 plus/minus (+/-) acres; suited for intense development; easily accessible to neighborhood population (geographically centered). Neighborhood Park/Playgrounds may be developed as a school-park facility. There should be 1.0 to 2.0 acres per 1,000 population.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Map showing the service area for each Neighborhood Park/Playground
2. Listing of the number and size of Neighborhood Parks/Playgrounds per the population
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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### A3.3.3 Community Park
**Commentary:** Community Parks are: areas of diverse environmental quality; may include areas suited for intense recreational facilities, such as athletic complexes or large swimming pools; may be an area of natural quality for outdoor recreation, such as walking, viewing, sitting, or picnicking; or may be any combination of the above, depending upon the site. Community Parks serve a one to two mile radius including several neighborhoods and are easily accessible to area served. These parks are 25 plus/minus (+/\_) acres and may include natural features - such as water bodies and areas suited for intense development. There should be 5.0 to 8.0 acres of Community Park land per 1,000 population.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Map showing the service area for each Community Park
2. List of the number and size of Community Parks per the population
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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### A3.3.4 Total Amount of Developed Open Space
**Commentary:** The recreation agency should have a total of 6.25 to 10.5 acres of Developed Open Space per 1,000 population.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Inventory list
2. Map showing distribution of Open Space (agency and other publicly owned land)
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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A3.4 Property/Facilities
**Commentary:** In 1983 NRPA had suggested guidelines regarding facilities. This adapted listing is only a sample of facilities to be evaluated as an indication of the level of compliance.
A3.4.1 Basketball
**Commentary:** Courts shall be for youth, high school and collegiate basketball with one unit per 5,000 population. These courts shall have safe walking or bike access and a 1/4 to 1/2 mile radius service area. Basketball courts may be found in school, recreation center or church facilities open to the public. Outdoor courts are often in neighborhood and community parks, plus active recreation areas in other park settings.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Map showing the area served by each set of courts
2. List of courts per park or as located in community (Must be public facility accessible to community.)
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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### A3.4.2 Outdoor Tennis
**Commentary:** One court per 2,000 population - 1/4 to 1/2 mile. Best in combinations of two to four batteries. Located in Neighborhood, Community Park or adjacent to school site.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Map showing the area served by each set of courts
2. List of inventory per park or as located in community (Must be public facility accessible to community.)
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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### A3.4.3 Baseball - Official Size
**Commentary:** Official size, 70’ - 90’ bases. One field per 10,000 population; one lighted field per 30,000 population or more.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Map showing the area served by each set of ballfields
2. List of inventory per park or as located in community (Must be public facility accessible to community.)
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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### A3.4.4 Field Activities
**Commentary:** One per 20,000 population; 15 - 30 minutes travel time. Usually part of baseball, football, and soccer complex in a Community Park or adjacent to high school
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Map showing the area served by each set of fields
2. List of inventory per park or as located in community (Must be public facility accessible to community.)
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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### A3.4.5 Softball/Youth Baseball
**Commentary:** One per 3,000 population (if also used for youth baseball) – 1/4 to 1/2 mile. Slight difference in dimensions for 16” slow pitch. May also be used for youth baseball.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Map showing the area served by each set of fields
2. List of inventory per park or as located in community (Must be public facility accessible to community.)
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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### A3.4.6 Bike/Pedestrian Trails
**Commentary:** One trail system per district.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Map showing the area served by each set of trails
2. List of inventory per park or as located in community (Must be public facility accessible to community.)
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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### A3.4.7 Golf
**Commentary:** 9 hole (1 per 25,000 population) or 18 hole standard (1 per 50,000 population); 1/2 to one hour travel time. Course may be located within or adjacent to community or Park District, but should not be over 20 miles from population center.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Map showing the area served by each course
2. List of inventory per park or as located in community (Must be public facility accessible to community.)
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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### A3.4.8 Aquatic Facilities
**Commentary:** One per 20,000 population or facility should accommodate three to five (5) percent of total population at a time. Fifteen to 30 minutes travel time. Facility for general community use should be planned for teaching, competitive and recreational purposes. Located in Community Park or school site.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Map showing the area served by each set of aquatic facilities
2. List of inventory per park or as located in community (Must be public facility accessible to community.)
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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### A3.4.9 Other Facilities
**Commentary:** Bonus points will be awarded if the agency owns and/or operates any of the following separate facilities or other designated facilities/areas, which accommodate current documented trends within the community.
a. Community Center
b. Ice Rink - Artificial
c. Museum or Zoo
d. Other Aquatics (Beach or Harbor/Lake)
e. Nature Center
f. Skate Park
g. Stables
h. Tennis/Racquet Club
i Miniature Golf
j. Interconnected district wide trail network
k. Dog Park
l. Disc Golf Course
m. Splash Pad
n. Pickelball
o. Outdoor Ice Arena (non-artificial)
p. Community Garden
q. Fitness Center
r. Other
1\. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
2\. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Map showing the area served by each facility
2. List of inventory per park or as located in community (Must be public facility accessible to community.)
(1/4 point bonus each - Maximum 2 points)
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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# “OPTION B” – LEVEL OF SERVICE (LOS)
B3.3 Property/Parks
B3.3.1 Evidence that the agency has completed a Board approved, full LOS Plan for all parks, recreation areas, and open spaces; implemented the plan to the best of community resources (i.e. financial, available conditions, referendum); and meets the park land requirements for the recreation demand as determined through the needs assessment.
B3.4 Property/Facilities
B3.4.1 Evidence that the agency has completed a Board approved, full LOS Plan for all activities/facilities; implemented the plan to the best of community resources (i.e. financial, available conditions, referendum); and meets the items on the facilities menu which best satisfy the needs of the citizens as determined through the needs assessment.
3.5 Operation/Property
**Commentary:** The recreation agency should maintain a file on property or facilities, which are owned or leased, and how they are maintained, developed or located. A well-managed facilities program must accurately know what facilities they own and how these sites are accurately planned and maintained.
3.5.1 Legal Descriptions and Plats of Survey
**Commentary:** The recreation agency should have on file all legal descriptions and plats of survey of property currently owned or leased.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of plats of survey (verify on facility tour.)
2. Copy of deeds or contracts including legal descriptions
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.5.2 Map
**Commentary:** Recreation agency should have a map of agency-owned and/or operated property and facilities throughout the community available to the public.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of map with agency’s geographic boundaries including location of all parks and facilities
2. Evidence map is made available to public (verify on facility tour)
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.5.3 Building and Park Site Plans
**Commentary:** The recreation agency should have on file, plans for buildings and parks.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of one document listing the location of the storage site of building, facility and park plans and specifications or proof that these files are stored digitally.
2. Verification on tour of plans and specifications for buildings, facilities and parks.
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.5.4 Maintenance Personnel
**Commentary:** The maintenance program should provide personnel assigned to clearly defined duties for regular repairs, general cleanliness and orderliness, and overall attractiveness.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. General cleanliness (Verify on facility/park tour)
2. Orderliness (verify on facility/park tour)
3. Regular repairs (verify on facility/park tour)
4. Overall attractiveness as maintained by agency personnel or through contracts (Verify on facility/park tour)
5. Job descriptions reflecting these responsibilities
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.5.5 Environmental Policy
**Commentary:** The recreation agency should have an environmental policy including, at minimum, its position on: open space planning and preservation; wise use and protection of air, water, soil and wildlife; reduction and handling of waste; wise use of energy resources; use of environmentally safe and sensitive products, and environmental education and interpretation.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
Copy of Environmental Policy covering, at minimum:
1. Open space preservation and planning
2. Protection and wise use of air, water, soil and wildlife
3. Wise use of energy resources
4. Reduction and handling of waste
5. Use of environmentally safe and sensitive products
6. Environmental education and interpretation opportunities
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.5.6 Emergency Exiting Diagrams
**Commentary:** The recreation agency should have displayed in their buildings at appropriate locations emergency exiting diagrams.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Verification on facility tour by physical review of building
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.5.7 Conservation of Natural Resources
**Commentary:** The recreation agency should know where they stand in regard to conservation of natural resources and the protection of our environment. The agency should also have comprehensive procedures and programs reflecting the agency’s commitment to conservation of natural resources and the protection of our environment in the areas of: open space preservation and planning, park and natural resource management, facility management and maintenance, programming, and fleet maintenance.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Evidence of Board review of completed and/or updated IPRA Environmental Report Card for the agency every three years
2. Achieve an agency score of not less than 50% (agency doing a very good job) on the completed and/or updated IPRA Environmental Report Card
3. Copy of procedures and programs
4. Proof of implementation of procedures and programs, including such items as: controlled burn permits or invoices for recycling of florescent bulbs, engine oil, kitchen grease, computers, etc.
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.5.8 Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and/or PGMS Landscape Management Operations Accreditation
**Commentary:** The agency may actively participate in various recognition and accreditation programs relating to its parks, natural resources and environmental management practices. Bonus points will be awarded if the agency is currently recognized as having either of the following certification and/or accreditation programs.
Evidence of compliance:
1. The agency is currently a designated Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary (for golf courses or other areas), and/or has current PGMS Landscape Management Operations Accreditation. (1/2 bonus point each)
(1 point bonus max)
B B
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.6 Agency Wide Comprehensive Master Plan
**Commentary:** A well-managed recreation agency to accurately prepare and plan for the future must take appropriate steps including having an agency wide comprehensive master plan. This comprehensive master plan should take into account resources available in the community and within the agency. It should be guided by the comprehensive survey of the community’s needs and interests.
3.6.1 Comprehensive Planning Document
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall have a formal comprehensive master plan planning document - a Comprehensive Master Plan (a process that determines community goals and aspirations in terms of community/agency development), or Strategic Plan (an organization’s process of defining its strategy, or direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this strategy) or both, showing evidence of the use of its goals, plans and recommendations, and have it updated every ten years. The agency should be able to show, by Board action, written policy, etc., the use of long-range capital planning strategies for the agency’s operation. Components should consist of: community wide survey compiled within the past 10 years, goals, plans, public input, recommendations, implementation, and periodical update.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Evidence of survey to guide Comprehensive/Strategic Plan
2. Evidence of staff input in development of Comprehensive/Strategic Plan
3. Evidence of Board input in development of Comprehensive/Strategic Plan
4. Evidence of public input in development of Comprehensive/Strategic Plan _(e.g. public hearings, resident advisory focus committees, open houses, on-line feedback, etc.)_
5. Evidence Comprehensive/Strategic Plan is reviewed by Board at least every five (5) years
6. Evidence of new or revised Comprehensive/Strategic Plan approved by Board action within ten (10) years
7. Evidence of public display of Comprehensive/Strategic Plan
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.6.2 Comprehensive needs assessment
**Commentary:** The recreation agency should have an approved policy or procedure so stating the agency’s direction and process on obtaining a comprehensive needs assessment.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Policy or Procedure
M O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.6.3 Needs assessment study to assess and determine the recreation needs and
interests of its population.
**Commentary:** A needs assessment study should be made at least every ten years with interim updating due to population shifts and changing social and economic conditions. The needs assessment should be used to guide the development of the agency’s departmental goals and objectives.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of needs assessment
2. Copy of reporting of needs assessment to Board and Community
3. Copy of staff discussions or action plan based on information in the needs assessment within two (2) years of the assessment to Board and Community
M O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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| |
| --- |
| # IV. PERSONNEL |
4.1 Organizational Structure
**Commentary:** The recreation agency’s structure of authority should reflect its purpose, methods of operation in relation to its resources, and relationship to the community.
4.1.1 Personnel Management
**Commentary:** If the chief executive officer does not personally perform the personnel management function, written confirmation should be provided designating the position or component having the responsibility for personnel management functions.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of written confirmation; or copy of job descriptions
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.1.2 Personnel Management Degree and Experience
**Commentary:** At least one employee assigned to the highest level of personnel management functions shall have a bachelors degree, or higher, in business administration, public administration, human resources or a related field from an accredited college; or a bachelors degree, or higher from an accredited college (unrelated to human resource management) with a professional association/educational certification in human resource/personnel management (e.g. PDRMA Essential of Human Resources Curriculum) with evidence of completion within last two (2) years; CPRP, CPRE, PHR, SPHR or GPHR; and a minimum of three years of personnel management experience.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of related degree or unrelated degree with professional /educational certification(s) obtained within last two (2) years
2. Copy of employee work service/experience record showing three years of personnel management experience, which should include most current employment
3. Copy of current CPRP, CPRE, PHR, SPHR, GPHR or equivalent certification
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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**4.2** **Professionalism of Staff**
**Commentary**: If a recreation agency is to provide quality services, it is essential that employees be trained and highly educated. Consequently, the governing Board of the recreation agency should have a policy whereby their agency will hire and train professional staff.
4.2.1 Policy on Employment of Certified/Professionally Trained Staff
**Commentary:** The governing Board of the recreation agency shall have adopted a policy stating it is desirable that employees of their agency be certified/professionally-trained and recruitment and selection of management will emphasize this requirement.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of policy
2. Copy of job descriptions reflecting this policy
3. Documentation listing employees and their current certifications
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.2.2 Continuing Education Opportunities
**Commentary:** Staff, to be aware of the current trends and able to reflect current solutions, must continue to pursue educational opportunities. Consequently, the recreation agency shall have adopted a policy stating the staff will be encouraged to pursue appropriate continuing education opportunities to obtain or maintain certification.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of policy
2. Evidence of appropriate funding in budget for continuing education within each department
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.3 In-Service Training Plan
**Commentary:** In addition to continuing education, it is essential, due to budget restraints and the need for interaction among the agency’s staff, that an extensive in-house training program be provided. This in-house training program may utilize experts in the field or within your agency. The intention is that training needs, which are unique to recreation, can be accomplished and should be accomplished throughout the calendar year. As such, we are looking for an overall training program reflecting the agency’s goals and objectives and implementation. An in-service training plan shall be available for the agency’s staff throughout the year.
4.3.1 In-House Training - Short Duration
**Commentary:** The recreation agency should have a planned in-house training program that includes annual training for all appropriate staff in all departments in at least three of the seven areas below. This training should be of a minimum duration of 15 - 30 minutes and should be held within the last 12 months.
4.3.1.1 Risk Management
4.3.1.2 Personal Fitness and Health
4.3.1.3 Trends
4.3.1.4 Public Image & Customer Relations
4.3.1.5 Management
4.3.1.6 Operating Procedures
4.3.1.7 Technology
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of attendance
2. Copy of agenda
3. Evidence of training within the last 12 months
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.3.2 All Full-Time Staff In-House Training
**Commentary:** In addition to short duration in-house training, there is a need to provide intense highly focused training to keep all full-time staff current on agency’s needs and direction. Consequently, the recreation agency should offer in-house training at a minimum a total of four (4) hours annually. These training sessions should include an agenda with an outline of a well-planned program.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of agenda
2. Evidence of attendance
3. Evidence of time schedule
4. Evidence of training within the last 12 months
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.3.3 Staff Attendance at Workshops
**Commentary:** The recreation agency should make funds and time available for the staff to attend workshops sponsored or endorsed by the NRPA, IPRA, IAPD and other recreation-related organizations.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of policy
2. Record of attendance
3. Evidence of designated funds in budget
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.4 Job Descriptions
**Commentary:** For a recreation agency to provide effective services, it is essential that staff know their duties and responsibilities. Interaction among staff requires that responsibilities are delineated so all aspects of the agency’s operations are adequately positioned. Job descriptions shall be developed for all full-time and part-time personnel within the agency.
4.4.1 Full-time Job Descriptions
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall have completed job descriptions for all full-time positions within the agency to reflect the sequence of operations. Full time job descriptions and classifications should be distributed to staff during employee orientation and as job descriptions are revised. Job descriptions should also include Essential Job Functions. Job descriptions should be reviewed at least every five (5) years and include employment requirements, education, range of authority, experience, responsibilities and duties.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of job descriptions (a sample of job descriptions from each department and area)
2. Copy of essential job functions
3. Evidence of distribution to full-time employees
4. Evidence of administrative review of all full-time job descriptions within the last five (5) years
5. Evidence job description is given as part of orientation and upon revision
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Part-time Job Descriptions
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall have developed complete job descriptions for all part-time positions within the agency to reflect the sequence of operations. Part-time job description classifications should be distributed to staff during employee orientations. Job descriptions are to include essential job functions and are to be reviewed at least every five (5) years and include employment requirements, education, range of authority, experience, responsibilities and duties.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of job description (a sample of job descriptions from each department and area)
2. Copy of essential job functions
3. Evidence of distribution to part-time employees
4. Evidence administrative review of all part-time job descriptions within the last five (5) years
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.4.3 Job Descriptions in One Accessible Location
**Commentary:** All the recreation agency’s full-time and part-time job descriptions should be available in one accessible document or location.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Verification that full-time job descriptions are in one location
2. Verification that part-time job descriptions are in one location
3. Evidence of accessibility (hard copy or availability on a common or shared computer system is acceptable)
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.5 Personnel Policies
4.5.1 Comprehensive Personnel Policies Manual
**Commentary:** To provide a uniform understanding of the benefits, rules and regulations and obligations that employees must work under, a comprehensive personnel manual must be prepared and made accessible to all employees. There have been some concerns that manuals provide a legal obligation and contract to employees; consequently, any personnel manual addition or revisions should be addressed and reviewed by each agency’s general counsel. The recreation agency shall have developed a comprehensive personnel policies manual including, but not limited to, purpose and philosophy; definition of employees, employment practices, employment conditions, salaries and other compensation; fringe benefits; leaves of absence, grievances, discipline and termination, employee participation and general rules and regulations. There shall be one manual with evidence of input from staff and Board approval within five (5) years.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of personnel policy manual
2. Evidence entire manual is reviewed, including staff input and Board approval, within five (5) years.
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.5.2 Distribution of Personnel Policy
**Commentary:** The recreation agency should have developed a policy to insure distribution of the personnel policy manual as indicated above in 4.5.1 to all full-time staff and all other appropriate personnel. The policy should address which staff will receive copies of the manual and under what process and at what time. It should also address how copies of revisions are provided and made accessible to all appropriate employees.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of policy regarding distribution of Personnel Policy Manual
2. Evidence of distribution
3. Evidence all employees receive updates/changes
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.6 Employee Relations
**Commentary:** Guidelines for employee relations within the recreation agency shall be established.
1. Employee Orientation Program
**Commentary:** The employee orientation program should include provisions for providing employees with appropriate manuals, review of personnel policies, rules and regulations governing pertinent agency issues which impact their position. The recreation agency, to provide for preparation and training for a new employee, must be able to demonstrate an employee orientation program, which prepares an employee for their position.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of full-time orientation
2. Copy of part-time orientation
3. Evidence/proof of implementation
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.6.2 Staff Meetings
**Commentary:** To provide for dissemination of information, a recreation agency should hold regular staff meetings at least semi-annually with a minimum of all full-time staff. All meetings should have a prepared agenda. Note, Full Time Staff In-house Meetings used as evidence for 4.3.2 will not be accepted as evidence for Staff Meetings.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of agenda (if departmental, copies from each department)
2. Evidence of attendance
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.6.3 Employee Relations Program
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall demonstrate an effective employee relations program that includes at least four (4) of the six (6) areas below.
4.6.3.1 Policy or procedure for a formal system of soliciting feedback.
4.6.3.2 Membership in employee assistance program for full-time employees.
4.6.3.3 IRS Section 125 flexible spending account for full-time employees.
4.6.3.4 A deferred compensation plan for all full-time employees.
4.6.3.5 Opportunity to join a credit union.
4.6.3.6 Opportunity to participate in IPRA’s Exceptional Workplace Award program
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of any four of the above programs
2. Evidence of promotion of the programs to employees
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.7 Professional Involvement
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall encourage professional involvement by their personnel.
4.7.1 Professional Affiliation Guidelines
**Commentary:** With the fast pace of our new technologies and ever growing interests and concerns of our constituents, professionals need to stay abreast of the tools necessary to provide our services. Active participation in recreation and civic organizations provides one additional avenue of opportunity to interact and discover current services other agencies are providing. Consequently, all full-time supervisory and above employees are encouraged to maintain a professional involvement with the various organizations as listed below.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Evidence of involvement; participated in educational/professional sessions or trainings, responded to industry-wide surveys or requests for contributors/tions, presented professionally in educational sessions or trainings, served on a committee and/or served as a Board member.
NRPA IPRA OTHER
Chief Executive M M M
Division Head O M M\*
Professional Staff/ O O M\*
Full-time Supervisor Level
1. Evidence of individual membership for required involvement with NRPA, IPRA, and/or Other
_\*_ _NRPA membership or IPRA membership may be used as evidence of membership in Division Head and Professional Staff/Full Time Supervisor Level,_ _OTHER_ _category._
Full-time Supervisor Level
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.8 Employee Wages and Appraisals
**Commentary:** A policy on employee wages and appraisals should be established for employees reflecting current market conditions and involving input from staff. This policy should be available for staff review and discussion.
4.8.1 Salary Ranges
**Commentary:** The recreation agency should establish approved salary ranges for full-time, part-time and seasonal positions, reviewed at least every two years by Board or Director and revised accordingly to reflect current resources available and reflective of competitive positions. Documentation of authority to approve salary ranges and evidence of approval of the salary ranges as authorized are necessary.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of Board/Director approved full-time salary ranges
2. Copy of Board/Director approved part-time salary ranges
3. Copy of Board/Director approved seasonal salary ranges
4. Evidence of review, at least every two years, by Board or Director
5. Documentation of authority to approve salary ranges
6. Evidence of Board or Director approval (as required)
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.8.2 Salary Standards
**Commentary:** To determine the recreation agency’s philosophy on securing the highest qualified staff, a sample of current staff salary rates shall be compared with established minimum standards. The IPRA annual Employee Compensation Survey shall be used as Illinois’ standard reference regarding park and recreation salaries. A sample of five (5) positions, as defined by the survey, shall be compared to the below listed minimum standards which are equalized by county.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence that each listed employee meets the minimum set standard for their classification.
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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The following salaries are the Minimum Salary Standards for 2026:
| | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | County<br>Equalizing<br>Formula\* | Chief<br>Executive | Recreation<br>Admin / Superintendent | Recreation<br>Supervisor | Park Supervisor<br>(Foreman) | Office<br>Manager |
| Cook | 99.39% | $128,582 | $81,919 | $46,519 | $67,566 | $45,495 |
| DuPage County | 99.40% | $127,936 | $81,507 | $46,286 | $67,227 | $45,266 |
| Kane County | 99.40% | $127,936 | $81,501 | $46,286 | $67,227 | $45,266 |
| Kendall | 98.70% | $128,916 | $82,132 | $46,640 | $67,742 | $45,613 |
| Lake | 99.65% | $127,984 | $81,538 | $46,303 | $67,252 | $45,283 |
| McHenry County | 99.65% | $127,984 | $81,538 | $46,303 | $67,252 | $45,283 |
| Will County | 100% | $129,473 | $82,486 | $46,842 | $68,034 | $45,810 |
**Where recreation agencies are located in multiple counties, the highest rate shall apply** **. For counties not listed above as examples, the recreation agency shall contact the DPRA Chairperson for salary standards for their county.**
NOTE: These salary standards are computed by taking salary data for each specified position from the most recent published IPRA / HR Source Park & Recreation Compensation Survey based on “Total Responses” per the “Weighted Average” categories and multiplied at 80% to determine a minimum base salary (80% is an HR industry standard salary guideline to determine a minimum salary range from the salary midpoint (Average)). Actual figures are updated each year.
_\*Co_ _unty Equalizing Formula for_ _the most current year_ _\-_ _A statewide equalizing formula, based on Illinois Department of Labor county prevailing wage rates, is used to insure equitable comparison among counties. The formula, based on a sample of six trades common to all counties in Illinois, shall establish a county’s average wage rate. The trades included in the sample are Carpenter (all), Electric Power (_ _Lineman_ _), Operating Engineer #1 (Bldg.), Painter (all), Plumber (Bldg), and Truck Driver #1 (all). The percentage of deviat_ _ion from the benchmark_ _county’s average wage rate is applied to the designated sample positions to determine equalized county park and recreation minimum salary standards. Actual figures will vary slightly each year._
4.8.3 Appraisals of Job Performance
**Commentary:** A sound and systematic plan or program shall be implemented for documented appraisals of job performance for all employees. This evaluation shall be completed a minimum of once per year. Components shall include evaluation of full-time and part time staff; appraisal shall distinguish between full time and part-time; and documented grievance procedures.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of the plan or program for evaluating employees performance
2. Copy of evaluation form for full-time employees
3. Copy of evaluation form for part-time employees
4. Evidence of evaluations taking place, at a minimum of once a year
5. Documented grievance procedures
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.9 Risk Management Program
4.9.1 Safety Policy Statement
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall have a safety statement policy and/or procedure approved by appropriate authority.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of Statement/Policy
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.9.2 Safety Manual
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall adopt a comprehensive written and Board approved safety manual to include but not limited to policies, standards, practices, and procedures such as safety policies, emergency response procedures, specific safety rules, accident reporting procedures, and a table of contents.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of manual
2. Evidence of Board approval
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.9.3 Employee Knowledge of Safety Policy
**Commentary:** Both safety policy/procedure and safety manual shall be communicated to all employees, full time, part time, seasonal and volunteers through a documented orientation process. In addition to the orientation for all new employees, there should be an annual review with all full-time employees highlighting the salient points of the manual.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence of orientation process
2. Evidence of receipt of policy and manual by employees
3. Evidence of employee attendance at annual review
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.9.4 Risk Management Representative
**Commentary:** At least one employee should be designated as the agency risk manager or safety coordinator with appropriate responsibilities.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of job description designating individual as risk manager or safety coordinator
2. Evidence of appropriate responsibilities
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.9.5 Risk Management Committee
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall develop a policy and/or procedure providing for a risk management (safety) committee with appropriate functions, purpose, appointment of members and operation procedures.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of policy or procedure
2. Policy or management manual should reflect functions, purpose, membership appointment, and how the safety committee operates.
3. Copy of minutes reflecting membership attendance and participation
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.9.6 Safety Inspections and Meetings
**Commentary:** The designated risk manager or safety coordinator along with the management (safety) committee will regularly inspect facilities with the documentation and follow-up of deficiencies discovered as a result of the inspection. The designated risk management representative should conduct meetings with the safety committee on a quarterly basis, preferably monthly. Components of the safety committee meetings should include inspection reports, follow up of reports, and minutes of safety meetings.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of safety committee & risk manager inspections reports of facilities
2. Documentation of follow up of inspection deficiencies
3. Copy of agendas
4. Copy of meeting minutes
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.9.7 Written Accident Investigation and Follow Up
**Commentary:** The safety committee is normally charged with the responsibility of responding to accidents and follow up. As such, the recreation agency should have a written accident investigation procedure delineating the safety committee’s obligations. The agency needs to document this process for implementing and for corrections of unsafe acts, conditions, etc.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of procedure
2. Evidence of follow-up
3. Copy of accident form
4. Meeting minutes should reflect review of accident reports by safety committee
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.9.8 Emergency Operations Manual
**_Commentary:_** _The recreation agency should have an Emergency Operations Manual adopted and in use._ _The manual should address emergency procedures for situations such as Armed Robbery, Bomb Threat, Fire, Lockdown Procedure, Missing Child, etc. This manual is NOT the Crisis Communication Plan that addresses items such as communication or team member responsibilities._
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of manual
2. Evidence employees have received the manual and it has been reviewed annually with them so they understand the contents
3. Availability of manual to employees (verify on facility tour)
4. Evidence of Administrative staff review at least within five (5) years for accuracy
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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| |
| --- |
| # V. RECREATION SERVICES |
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall provide a comprehensive recreation program for its constituency.
5.1 Organizational Structure
**Commentary:** The recreation agency’s structure of authority should reflect its purpose, methods of operation in relation to its resources, and relationship to the community.
Organizational structure should have a person directly responsible for recreation services functions.
5.1.1 Recreation Services Management
**Commentary:** If the agency’s chief executive officer does not personally perform the recreation activities management function, a written directive designates the position or component having the responsibility for recreation activities management functions.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Organizational Chart indicating position responsible for recreation activities functions
2. Job description indicating position responsible for recreation activities functions
## M O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Recreation Management Degree and Experience
**Commentary:** At least one employee assigned to the highest level of recreation services management functions shall have a bachelor’s degree, or higher, in park and recreation administration, leisure studies, therapeutic recreation or a related field from an accredited college; CPRP, CPRE, CTRS or equivalent certification within the field; and a minimum of three (3) years of recreation management experience.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of degree or in lieu of applicable degree; a degree with five (5) years as a department head supervising recreation management
2. Copy of employee service/experience record showing three (3) years of recreation management experience, which should include most recent
3. Copy of current CPRP, CPRE, CTRS or equivalent certification
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Recreation Program Special Needs
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall provide programs for all residents of the community with special needs. The agency shall provide a comprehensive inclusion service that allows people with special needs to fully participate in community recreation services along with people without disabilities, through program opportunities for people with economic hardship, and through the use of inclusion staff and inclusion training of member agency staff etc.
1. Special Needs for People with Disabilities
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall provide program opportunities and inclusion services for people with special needs in the community to include people with disabilities.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. If part of a SRA, provide copy of joint agency agreement, copy of SRA Program brochure, and show agency materials that identify inclusion or inclusion services available.
2. If not part of a SRA, provide copy of brochure materials listing special needs programs and inclusion services.
3. Copy of agency policy or procedure regarding inclusion.
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Program Opportunities for People with Economic Hardship
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall provide program opportunities for people with special needs in the community to include people with economic hardships.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of policy or procedure regarding people with economic hardship
2. Evidence of use
## O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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5.3 Comprehensive Year-Round Recreation Programs
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall have a policy through which it will provide a variety of year-round recreation programs for all residents within their community.
5.3.1 Policy for Providing Recreation Programs
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall have a policy reflecting the agency’s philosophy on providing a variety of recreation programs to all residents.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Policy
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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5.3.2 Comprehensive Year-Round Program Opportunities
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall provide recreation program opportunities for all residents of the community including, but not limited to: senior adults, adults, young adults, teens, youth, and pre-school children. These year-round program opportunities shall be in a variety of areas including: sports and athletics, creative and performing arts, environmental and outdoor recreation, leisure learning, and special events. Recreation agencies, which cooperate with other community organizations for the provision of program services, shall be considered in compliance with this standard.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of brochures or program information
2. Evidence of program implementation through associated reporting
3. Evidence of age-range programming through associated reporting
4. Evidence of program variety through associated reporting
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Recreation Statistics
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall have a policy or procedure in which statistics are maintained for all programs within the agency. The agency should report this information to the governing Board and/or the public.
5.4.1 Maintaining Statistics for Recreational Needs
**Commentary:** The recreation agency should have a policy or procedure reflecting the agency’s goals and purpose in providing and maintaining statistics to assist in the meeting of the recreational needs of the community.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Policy or Procedure
M O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Evaluation of Services & Information Reporting
**Commentary:** Appropriate service statistics should be maintained to plan, interpret and evaluate the recreation programs more adequately. Staff, program participants and facility visitors should evaluate services on a regular basis, and the agency should maintain these statistics. The agency should include participation, satisfaction, demographics and performance statistics. Staff should provide information reports to the governing Board to inform them of recreation program participation and facility visits.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of staff evaluations of programs.
2. Copy of program participant survey results or evaluations.
3. Copy of facility visitor survey results or evaluations.
4. Copy of registration and participation statistics for internal programs
5. Copy of statistics for agency’s inclusion programs
6. Evidence of statistical reports provided to the Board annually
7. Copy of staff discussions or action plan based on information in program evaluations
M O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Coordinate Recreation Programs and Cooperative Relationships
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall develop a policy or procedure which
assists the agency in coordinating recreation programs with other related programs
within the community and utilizes cooperative relationships with other recreation
providers (such as parent-operated youth sports programs or private facilities).
5.5.1Coordinating Recreation Programs and Cooperative Relationships
**Commentary:** The recreation agency should have an approved policy or procedure on coordinating recreation programs and utilizing cooperative agreements with other organizations within the community, such as schools, voluntary agencies and religious organizations to provide maximum coverage throughout the community.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Policy or Procedure
2. Examples of agreements of cooperative relationships
###### M O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Recreation Planning, Development and Evaluation
**Commentary:** In addition to the Community Needs Assessment, the recreation agency shall have a policy or procedure in which residents within the community shall have input in the planning, development, etc. of all recreation programs.
1. Community Input for Recreation Programs
**Commentary:** The recreation agency should have an approved policy or procedure involving community resident input regarding planning and development of recreation programs.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Policy or Procedure
M O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Community Input in Planning and Development
**Commentary:** The recreation agency should involve residents in the planning and development of programs.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Verification of Community Input such as minutes from meetings with residents, public hearings, advisory groups, sponsors, ad hoc committees or surveys, etc. (beyond Community Needs Assessment)
M O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Recreation Fees and Charges
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall have a policy or procedure on recreation fees and charges.
1. Recreation Program and Facilities Fees
**Commentary:** There shall be an established comprehensive policy on recreation program and facilities fees and charges or in lieu of policy an approved fee and charges schedule.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Policy or Approved Fees and Charges Schedule
M O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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5.8 Program Participant Behavior (Internal)
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall have a procedure on “Behavior
Management” for their patrons.
5.8.1 Behavior Management Procedure (Internal)
**Commentary:** The Behavior Management policy or procedure shall provide staff with an understanding that patron behavior which disrupts programmed activities or risks patron personal safety shall be addressed through guidelines established within individual program areas.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Policy or Procedure
2. Program area guidelines that list behaviors or actions warranting suspensions or removal from agency program.
3. Program area guidelines that include disciplinary actions up to and including suspensions.
4. Program area guidelines that outline communication between appropriate staff and parents or guardians or program participants.
5. Evidence of program area training for appropriate staff in the agency.
M M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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5.9 Conduct Ordinance
**Commentary:** The recreation agency shall establish a Conduct Ordinance (Rules and Regulations) for general recreation programs and/or adult and youth athletic/sports program activities and leagues and/or recreational facilities (ex. Aquatic/fitness/gyms/ice rink/dog park/courts/fields). The Conduct Ordinance may be displayed in locations where activities occur, website or distributed in program and facility informational materials.
5.9.1 Conduct Ordinance (External)
**Commentary:** The agency should make the public, participants, and users aware of the Conduct Ordinance (Rules and Regulations) through a variety of means including signage, web posting, and program materials as appropriate for the activity.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of the Board approved Ordinance (Rules and Regulations)
2. Evidence of Facility rules and regulations
3. Evidence that appropriate users have been made aware of the Conduct Ordinance (Rules and Regulations)
4. Evidence staff and volunteers (if used) receive training on the Conduct Ordinance (Rules and Regulations) and appropriate methods of accountability or enforcement.
M O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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Special Recreation Association (SRA) Standards 2026
# STANDARDS EVIDENCE COMPLIANCE
Commentary: Throughout the standards there are numerous requirements to provide evidence based on a frequency and interval basis. For example, a standard may require providing evidence “annually”, “every two years”, “every five (5) years” and/or “every ten years”. In order to be consistent with all accreditation evaluations the following evidence requirements shall apply:
# Reapplying “Accredited” and New applying agencies:
For standards requiring review/approvals “annually” and “greater” (i.e. every 2 – 5 years); the agency must show evidence of reviewed/approved document(s) within the time frame of the interval requested.
Acknowledgement - Defined as the item was distributed and proof can be shown not only that it was distributed to employees, but also that the employee(s) responded in a documented format (ex. email reply, sign off $<$ signature or hand written $>$ receipt, system documentation confirmation, etc.) whereby it is clear that the employee(s) have accepted responsibility for the material.
Distribution - Defined as the item was distributed and proof can be shown that it was distributed to employees.
Review (conduct employee training on policy, procedure, manual) - Defined as employers’ responsibility to actively educate and inform an employee on an item one on one or in group setting item with employee(s), and the distribution and acknowledgement definitions also are to be met as well.
Review (content of policy, procedure, manual, job description, org chart) - Defined as staff will read through and exam the item to clarify meaning, processes, compliance with legal (if applicable) and determine if changes are necessary.
Proof - Defined as an item that will be reviewed by a Review Team to confirm a meeting was held, the topics discussed and who was in attendance. Ex. meeting sign in sheets (preferably with dated agenda attached or sign in sheet with notes of the meeting topics covered), electronic sign off, email reply or receipt.
Commentary: No points are awarded for this section; however, all legal standards are mandatory. A SRA must be in full compliance to be accredited. The agency is expected to meet any and all legal objectives. The following is to serve as a sample evaluation.
# L.1 Open Meetings
# L1.1 Open Meetings (5 ILCS 120/1, et seq.)
Commentary: Must comply with requirements of Open Meetings Act, reference minutes of all regular and executive session meetings. Notice of meetings must be posted at principal office of SRA and copies of notice sent to any news medium that has filed an annual request for such notice. Public Act 94-28 requires an agency to post on its website the agendas of any regular meetings as well as a notice of its annual schedule of meetings if the website is maintained by a full-time staff person. In addition, a public body must post the minutes of its regular meetings on its website within seven (7) days of their approval. Such minutes must remain posted for at least sixty (60) days. Minutes must be approved within thirty (30) days after the meeting or at the agency’s second subsequent regular meeting, whichever is later.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of minutes and web posting, if applicable
b. Copy of notice and web posting, if applicable
c. Evidence of public posting of agendas/meeting notices for public viewing at the principal office and the location where the meeting is held 48 hours prior to scheduled meeting. (verify on facility tour)
d. Evidence of public body designating one or more officials/employees (Executive Director preferred) to successfully complete an electronic training curriculum developed and administered by the Illinois Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor
e. Evidence of designated employees successfully completing the Illinois Attorney General Public annual training program (i.e. certificate).
# L.1.2 Closed Sessions (5 ILCS 120/1, et seq.)
Commentary: Must comply with requirements of Open Meetings Act regarding closed sessions. Includes semi-annual review of closed session minutes and policies governing recording of closed session minutes and the disposal of these recordings.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of semi-annual review of closed session minutes where a determination is made and reported in an open session that (1) the need for confidentiality still exists as to all or part of closed session minutes; or (2) that the minutes or portions thereof no longer require confidential treatment and are available for public inspection.
b. Policy governing the recording and disposal of closed session minutes
# L.2.1 Freedom of Information (5 ILCS 140/1, et seq.)
Commentary: The SRA will have complied with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS $1 4 0 / 1$ , et seq.) to include requirements of Illinois Public Act 96-0542.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of public body designating and one or more officials/employees (Executive Director preferred) to act as its Freedom of Information officer(s).
b. Evidence of Freedom of Information officer(s) completed annual training program administered by the Public Access Counselor.
c. Copy of Fee Schedule (should be reasonable fees, which do not include administrative costs)
d. Copy of Municipal Directory (includes: summary of purpose; block diagram of functional subdivisions; total amount of Operating Budget; number and location of all separate offices; total number of full-time and part-time employees; identification and membership of all boards, commissions, and committees; brief description of how to get information through Freedom of Information; designation by titles and addresses of employee(s) to whom requests for public records should be made; any fees allowable under section 6 of the FOIA
e. Evidence that Municipal Directory is displayed (i.e. Municipal Directory in a pamphlet on reception counter, or a sign stating that if interested in the above information ask to see the Municipal Directory)(verify on facility tour)
f. Copy of Freedom of Information requests and agency response, if available
# L.3 Prevailing Wages
# L.3.1 Prevailing Wages (820 ILCS 130, et seq.)
Commentary: The SRA will comply with the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act. If the SRA is within a park district building, the SRA must show the most recent member agency contract with prevailing wage at the particular site or site where programs take place. The SRA awarding any contract for a public work must specify in the call for bids, the project specifications, and the contract a stipulation that not less than the prevailing rate of wages must be paid to all laborers, workers, and mechanics performing work under the contract. In the event there are no project specifications or contracts for the work, public bodies still must notify of the applicability of prevailing wage via other written instrument, including as part of the purchase order.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of construction projects public bid, contract, project specification, proposals, written notice to contractor, and/or purchase orders, which include a notice of Prevailing Wage requirements in accordance with (Public Act 100- 1177)
# L.4.1 Harassment (775 ILCS 5, et seq.)
Commentary: The SRA will enact and maintain a written harassment policy that includes sexual harassment. All local governments must adopt an ordinance or resolution establishing a policy prohibiting sexual harassment. At a minimum the policy must include:
i. a prohibition on sexual harassment;
ii. details on how an individual can report an allegation of sexual harassment, including options for making a confidential report to a supervisor, ethics officer, Inspector General, or the Department of Human Rights;
iii. a prohibition on retaliation for reporting sexual harassment allegations, including availability of whistleblower protections under the Ethics Act, the Whistleblower Act, and the Illinois Human Rights Act; and
iv. the consequences of a violation of the prohibition on sexual harassment and the consequences for knowingly making a false report.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy including minimum requirements listed above
b. Copy of ordinance or resolution adopting Sexual Harassment Policy or Harassment Policy that includes sexual harassment
c. Evidence of annual training to staff
# L.5 Drug Free Workplace
L.5.1 Drug Free Workplace Act (30 ILCS 580/1, et seq.)
Commentary: Any SRA seeking to obtain federal, state or county grant monies must enact a Drug Free Workplace Act Policy.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy b. Evidence of policy distributed to staff
L.6.1 Americans with Disabilities
Commentary: The SRA will enact and maintain a policy statement or policy reflecting the agency's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act related to employment, programs, services, activities and facilities.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy or policy statement
b. Evidenced of appointment of an ADA coordinator
c. Evidence that employment applications comply with Americans With Disabilities Act
d. Evidence that facilities comply with Americans with Disabilities Act or have been identified as needing compliance and are scheduled to achieve compliance (completed ADA Transition Plan)
# L.7 Family and Medical Leave
L.7.1 Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) $( 2 9 \\mathsf { U . S . C \ S 3 2 6 0 1 }$ , et seq.)
Commentary: The SRA will enact and maintain a policy reflecting the SRA's compliance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy b. Evidence that the policy has been distributed to staff
L.8 Communicable Disease Guidelines
L.8.1 Communicable Disease Guidelines (OSHA) (29 CFT 1910.1030)
Commentary: The SRA will enact and maintain a policy outlining Communicable Disease Guidelines reflecting the agency's compliance with the Illinois Department of Labor Guidelines.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy
b. Evidence of policy distributed to staff
c. Evidence of a universal precaution training to include communicable disease procedures.
d. Evidence that blood borne pathogen kits are available in relevant areas (verify on facility tour)
L.9.1 Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (325 ILCS 5/1 et seq.)
Commentary: The SRA will enact and maintain a policy and procedure covering the requirements of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy
b. Copy of procedure
c. Evidence of distribution of policy to staff
d. Evidence of signed “Acknowledgement of Mandated Reporter Status” (DCFS) form for any employee mandated by virtue of that employment to report under this Act (325 ILCS 5/4) and/or evidence of certificate of completion of the online mandated reporter training.
L.10 Employer’s Requirement to Report New Employees
L.10.1 Employer’s Requirement to Report New Employees
Commentary: The SRA will have complied with the Employer's Requirement to Report New Employees effective October 1, 1997, which is part of the reform legislation.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy or procedure b. Evidence of reporting new employees
L.11 Criminal Background Investigations
L.11.1 Criminal Background Investigations of Employees (70 ILCS 1205/8-23)
Commentary: The SRA will have complied with the Illinois Park District Code 70 ILCS 1205/8-23 requirement to complete criminal background investigations of employees.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy/procedure
b. Receipt or invoice from State Police serves as evidence of completion of criminal background investigations of employees
# Distinguished Park & Recreation Accreditation SRA Standards – 2026 Approved 02/20/26
L.11.2 Disclosure of Child Sex Offenses by Volunteers (70 ILCS 1205/8-23a)
Commentary: The SRA will have complied with the requirements of 70 ILCS 1205/8-23a that an agency shall require volunteers to complete an application prior to beginning any work as a volunteer, which shall include a question for the applicant to answer concerning whether they have been convicted of or found to be a child sex offender. If a volunteer is under 18 years of age, the volunteer’s parent or legal guardian may complete the application on the behalf of the volunteer.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of volunteer waiver or application that satisfies the requirement.
# L.12 Ethics Ordinance/Resolution
L.12.1 Ethics Ordinance/Resolution
Commentary: The SRA will have adopted an Ethics Ordinance or Resolution and have a policy regarding State Official and Employees Ethics Act that references the State Official and Employee Ethics Act 5 ILCS 430/.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Board approved ordinance or resolution b. Copy of Board policy c. Evidence of annual distribution to staff
# L.13 Smoke Free Illinois
L.13.1 Smoke Free Illinois (410 ILCS 82/1, et seq.)
Commentary: The SRA will have complied with the requirements of the Smoke Free Illinois Act prohibiting smoking in public places and places of employment and within 15 feet of entrances. Proper signage, as specified in the act, must be displayed.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. An IDPH approved “No Smoking” or the international “No Smoking” symbol per the Smoke-Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82), shall be clearly and conspicuously posted in and at entrances of each public place and place of employment and where smoking is prohibited by the Act (verify on facility tour)
b. No ashtrays, cigarette butt containers within 15 feet of entrance (verify on facility tour)
L.14.1 Toxic Substances Disclosure to Employees Act (820 ILCS 255/1 et seq,)
Commentary: The SRA will have complied with the requirements of the Toxic Substances Disclosure to Employees Act to give each employee notice of his/her exposure to toxic substances which pose known and suspected health hazards and which may cause death or serious physical harm to the employee.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of Hazardous Communications Manual/Plan (HAZCOM Plan) (verify on Ascots at facility locations on facility tour)
b. Evidence of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Manual located at each appropriate facility to which employees may be exposed to hazardous chemicals (verify SDS manuals on facility tour)
c. Posting in the workplace, at the location where notices to employees are usually posted, a sign which informs the employees of their rights under this act (commonly referred to as the Illinois Employee Right-to-Know Law)
# L.15 Illinois Identity Protection Act
L.15.1 Illinois Identity Protection Act (5 ILCS 179/1 et seq.)
Commentary: The Illinois Identity Protection Act provides that no state or local government agency may: (1) publicly post or display in any manner an individual’s Social Security Number (SSN); (2) print a SSN on any card required for an individual to access products or services provided by the governmental body; (3) require any individual to transmit his or her SSN over the internet unless the connection is secure or the SSN is encrypted; or (4) print any SSN on any materials mailed, emailed, or otherwise delivered to the individual, unless required by State or federal law.
a. Copy of policy & procedures. b. Proof of annual distribution of and training on policy
# L. 16 Firearm Concealed Carry Act
L. 16. 1 Firearm Concealed Carry Act (430 ILCS 66/1 et seq.)
Commentary: The SRA will have complied with the requirements of the Firearm Concealed Carry Act prohibiting the possession of a firearm on agency property. Proper signage, as specified in the act, must be displayed.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. The approved no weapon sign shall be posted on every agency owned building and property. (verify on facility tour)
1.1 Philosophy
Commentary: There should be written statements of philosophy relating to the role of recreation in the life of the individual and the community.
1.1.1 Mission Statement
Commentary: There shall be a mission statement regarding the role of the agency in the community. The statement should be developed by professional personnel and policy/advisory board. The statement shall be based upon the legal purpose as stated in the state statutes.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Shall include input from staff b. Shall be reviewed and approved by the Board within the last five (5) years c. Shall be easily accessible to the community and staff (verify on facility tour)
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# 1.2 Agency Incorporation
1.2.1 Agency Incorporation
Commentary: There agency should have documents showing legality of existence.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of public authority, charter, by-laws, joint agreement, ordinance, etc. to show establishment of agency
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Commentary: There is continuous debate on defining the difference between goals and objectives. In our criteria, we use those terms interchangeably to indicate a direction or grading tool for the agency. The SRA should have agency goals and department goals. There should be written goals defining the task of the agency in providing services for its constituency. The goals and objectives should be easily accessible to the community, board and staff. They should also be condensed and available in one document. The SRA should have agency goals which should have a relationship to the mission statement.
# 1.3.1 Agency Goals
Commentary: The SRA should have a set of comprehensive Agency Goals which should reflect the relationship of the mission statement and providing an overall direction the agency should be pursuing. Agency Goals should be included in a formal planning or budget document reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors. Agency Goals should have a completion time frame beyond annual goals, $^ { 2 - 5 + }$ years.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of approval by Board or Director authorized copy
b. Evidence of implementation
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1.3.2 Annual Goals
Commentary: In addition to having Agency Goals, SRA should have Annual Goals. The Annual Goals, one (1) year, should reflect staff input and include i.e, initiatives, projects, and operations.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of Annual Goals
b. Evidence of approval by Board or Director
c. Evidence of implementation
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1.3.3 Evaluation of Agency Goals and Annual Goals
Commentary: Agency Goals should be reviewed no less than every five (5) years.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of review of Agency Goals by Board or Director b. Evidence of evaluation of Annual Goals by staff and reviewed by Director O
1.3.4 Accessibility of Agency Goals
Commentary: The agency’s goals and objectives should be easily accessible and made available to the community.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of accessibility; i.e., copy of document in community places; registration desk, program brochure, library, web site if available (verify on facility tour)
b. Evidence of availability to Board and staff
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1.4 Organizational Structure
Commentary: It is essential for management (staff and board) to effectively reflect responsiveness and lines of authority to each other and to the community. As such, clear lines of accountability must be available in writing and made available to the community, staff and Board.
# 1.4.1 Structure of Authority
Commentary: The SRA’s structure of authority (organizational chart) shall reflect its mission statement and methods of operation in relation to its resources. It should also reflect the relationship to the community and interrelationship of staff.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of Organizational Chart (interrelationship of staff) b. Evidence of review annually by administrative staff for accuracy c. Shall be approved by Board action or approved by Director authority
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1.4.2 Appointment or Hire of Non-Elected Chief Executive Officer (Director)
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of appointment or hire (at hire, annual appointment optional)
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1.4.3 Designation of Authority and Responsibility of Director
Commentary: The SRA’s director is designated as having the authority and responsibility for the management of the agency. This authority should either be through a job description, or written statement issued by the board which shall reflect established written policies.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of written job description and/or employment contract; or evidence of compliance included in Board policy manual b. Evidence of annual written review of Director by the Board c. Evidence of organizational structure designating Board and Director/staff authority
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# 1.4.4 Chief Executive Officer Degree/CPRP or CTRS
Commentary: The SRA’s chief executive officer shall possess a bachelor’s degree, or higher, in park and recreation administration, public administration or a related field. The degree must be from an accredited college. The chief executive officer should have CPRP, CPRE, or CTRS status and possess a minimum of three years of management experience in a park and/or recreation agency and/or SRA.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of degree
b. Copy of current CPRP, CPRE, or CTRS certification
c. Copy of employee service/experience record or resume reflecting at least three years of management experience, which includes most current employment
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# 1.4.5 Chain of Authority During Absences
Commentary: A procedure should be developed delineating the chain of command/authority when the SRA’s chief executive officer and/or department head is incapacitated, out of town, ill or is unable to perform, his/her duties.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of procedure under which the chain of command/authority is implemented
b. Copy of chief executive officer chain of command/authority
c. Copy of department head’s chain of command/authority
d. Shall be approved by Board action or approved by Director authority
e. Evidence of review by Board or Director at least every five (5) years or sooner as positions change
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Commentary: The SRA shall have a comprehensive board policy manual, which contains all board policies with evidence of review every five (5) years.
# 1.5.1 Comprehensive Board Policy Manual
Commentary: There should be a Board Policy Manual which contains all Board policies in one accessible manual (or reference to location of policies) which is reviewed every five (5) years.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of Board Policy Manual b. Evidence of Board review of entire manual at least every five (5) years c. Evidence of accessibility to Board and staff (verify on facility tour)
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1.5.2 Administrative and Policy Making Functions
Commentary: The SRA should provide written and definitive guidelines specifying the difference between board policies, regulations and administrative (staff) operational procedures.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of written guidelines b. Evidence of inclusion in board policy manual c. Evidence of five (5) year review by Board d. Evidence of Board approved or Director authorized copy.
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Commentary: It is important that Board and staff understand the difference between board action policies and staff generated procedures. Consequently, a separate administrative procedure manual should be developed. This manual should be available to all employees.
# 1.6.1 Operational Procedures
Commentary: Operational procedures indicate how staff will carry out Board policies. These are the actions taken by staff to properly implement the directions given by Board policy. All operational procedures (non-board approved policy actions) relative to the operation of the agency should be included in manuals available to all appropriate staff and which are reviewed and updated every five (5) years.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of procedure manuals
b. Evidence of accessibility to staff (verify on facility tour)
c. Evidence of administrative review and update of entire manual by staff every five (5) years
d. Evidenced of distribution of updates to appropriate staff
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# 1.7 Board Member Orientation
Commentary: Each SRA should provide an orientation manual for all new and prospective Board members in order to acquaint them with all aspects of the agency.
# 1.7.1 New Board Member Manual
Commentary: A new Board member orientation manual should include written material regarding agency property, facilities, history and existing ordinances and manuals. Additional components, at a minimum, should include brochures, budget, policy, master plan, status reports, phone lists, chain of command, and magazine articles. This information should be in one manual with table of contents. Manual should be presented at the new Board member orientation meeting. Manual shall have agenda outlining information to be covered.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of new Board member orientation manual with table of contents b. Copy of new Board member orientation agenda c. Evidence of receipt of orientation manual by new Board member
# 1.7.2 Sponsored or Endorsed Workshops
Commentary: The SRA, in conjunction with member districts, through a policy should make funds and time available for Board members to attend workshops sponsored or endorsed by the NRPA, IPRA, IAPD and other similar organizations.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Record of attendance at programs sponsored by NRPA, IPRA, IAPD or other similar organizations
b. Copy of policy
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# 1.8 Cooperative Community Planning
Commentary: There should be established working relationships for cooperative community planning.
1.8.1 Working Relationship
Commentary: The SRA should have a working relationship with state, federal or local agencies to provide for community planning.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of compliance can be reflected by grants, agreements, letters of understanding and copies of minutes of meetings with local, state or federal agencies.
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1.8.2 Citizen Input
Commentary: The SRA should have a policy on how and when citizen input is solicited.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy indicating how citizen input will be solicited b. Evidence of how and when citizen input is solicited
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Commentary: The SRA should cooperate with other agencies to economize and effectively provide for leisure programs.
1.9.1 Policy on Cooperative Use and Maintenance of Facilities
Commentary: A policy should be established on cooperative use and maintenance of facilities, program operation, facility design, land development, finances, support and control.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy
b. Evidence of a cooperative agreement between the agency and schools, public and/or private agencies
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1.10 Public Relations
Commentary: The SRA should have a systematic program of public relations, which is broad, yet comprehensive. It should provide for public interpretation of special recreation as a whole, and other specific objectives of the SRA toward serving all populations.
# 1.10.1 Promotion of Programs and Services
Commentary: The SRA should promote the benefits of its programs and services in a comprehensive manner, which includes publications distributed at least twice a year to each household. We are looking at a comprehensive public relationship program to inform the community of important agency programs, services, procedures and operations.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of current publications b. Evidence of distribution to community
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1.10.2 Reports of SRA Operations
Commentary: Regular reports of SRA operations should be made twice a year to registrant or participant families. Components of systematic program of reporting should include staff to Board reports such as monthly financial reports, program, attendance, etc. The SRA's reporting to constituents should include newsletter, annual reports and news releases.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of staff to Board reporting b. Evidence of reporting to constituency
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# Distinguished Park & Recreation Accreditation SRA Standards – 2026 Approved 02/20/26
1.10.3 Authority for Coordinating Public Relations
Commentary: One employee should be designated as the primary authority for coordinating public relations activity.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of job description O
1.10.4 Dealing with Catastrophic Incidents
Commentary: The SRA should provide a crisis communication plan to accurately and effectively deal with a crisis such as severe injury, catastrophic fire, tornado damage, anything that attracts media attention, etc. The crisis communication plan should delineate individuals responsible for communicating with the press, chain of command on notifying proper people of the incident and overall agency procedures on dealing with catastrophic accidents.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of Crisis Communication Plan
b. Shall be approved by Board action or approved by Director authority
c. Evidence of annual review of crisis communication plan with staff
d. Listing of communications team member responsibilities
e. Crisis Communications procedures, communication guidelines when dealing with press
f. Copy of chain of command
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1.11 Regular Meetings
Commentary: The SRA should annually establish regular meetings, dates, locations and times in order to review and discuss all pertinent information in accordance with State Statutes.
# 1.11.1 Monthly Meeting / Written Meeting Minutes
Commentary: The SRA's Board of Commissioners (or advisory Board if no policy making board is authorized) shall meet at regularly scheduled meetings to oversee the affairs of the leisure agency. The SRA shall keep written minutes of all public meetings including regular and special Board meetings and committee meetings. These minutes shall be made available to the public.
Distinguished Park & Recreation Accreditation SRA Standards – 2026
Approved 02/20/26
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of regular and special Board meeting annual public notice
b. Copy of regular and special Board meeting minutes signed by board secretary for the prior 12 months
c. Copy of committee minutes, if applicable
d. Evidence of availability to the public (website if applicable and verify on facility tour)
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1.11.2 Annual Meeting
Commentary: The SRA Board of Commissioners shall hold a yearly meeting at which they will elect officers. These officers are to include a president and vice president. Other officers and Board committees are appointed as deemed necessary.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of election of officers in official minutes
b. Evidence of policy reflecting functions of committees and officer functions
c. Evidence of terms of office
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1.11.3 Establishment of a Meeting Agenda Format /Board Packet
Commentary: The SRA Board shall establish a policy reflecting a meeting agenda format, including sections providing roll call for committee reports, action items and public input. Agendas should be sent out a minimum of 48 hours in advance.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy reflecting the meeting agenda format
b. Evidence of agenda format including allowance for public input
c. Evidence of policy regarding advance distribution of B oard packet to Board members
Commentary: The SRA should be members of professional organizations in support of recreation activities.
# 1.12.1 IAPD Membership
Commentary: The SRA shall establish membership with the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD). IAPD membership is established for SRAs on a complimentary basis when $100 %$ of the park districts and/or recreation departments that make up the SRA are IAPD members. If $100 %$ of the park districts and/or recreation departments that make up the SRA are not IAPD members, then the SRA shall obtain its own IAPD membership through membership dues.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of membership from IAPD or copy of IAPD membership dues payment
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1.12.2 NRPA Membership
Commentary: The SRA should establish membership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of membership or copy of payment O
1.13 Volunteer Program
Commentary: Volunteers can be a vital part of an SRA's ability to provide recreation programs. Volunteers provide an economical workforce and expertise and support groups to supplement the agency's staff. To maintain and reward these volunteer programs, there should be a comprehensive program within the SRA utilizing the expertise and willingness of residents to serve.
# 1.13.1 Policy or Procedure on Volunteers
Commentary: The SRA should develop a policy and/or procedure concerning utilization of volunteers.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy or procedure b. Evidence of utilization of volunteers
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Commentary: The SRA should have a volunteer manual reflecting recruitment, training, benefits, needs, resources and chain of command.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of volunteer manual
b. Evidence of recruitment
c. Evidence of training
d. Copy of chain of command
e. Evidence of distribution of volunteer manual to volunteers
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1.13.3 Volunteer Recognition Program
Commentary: The SRA should provide a volunteer recognition program.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of volunteer recognition program
b. Evidence of benefits earned by volunteering
c. Evidence of recognition
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1.14 Information Services
1.14.1 Information Services
Commentary: The agency must participate in a minimum of 5 out of 9 of the following informational services:
Web site
Cable TV
On-line registration
Phone in registration
Kiosk information
Electronic information signs
Social Network Media (i.e. Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, etc.)
Agency video
Other
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of program
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# 2.1 Organizational Structure
Commentary: The SRA’s structure of authority should reflect its purpose, methods of operation in relationship to its resources, or relationship to the community. Organizational structure should have a person directly responsible for its financial and business operations.
# 2.1.1 Responsibility for Fiscal Management Functions
Commentary: Organizational structure should have a position directly responsible for fiscal management functions.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Organizational chart indicating position responsible for fiscal management functions
b. Job description indicating position responsible for fiscal management functions
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# 2.1.2 Financial Management Degree and Experience
Commentary: At least one employee assigned to the highest level of financial management functions shall possess a bachelor’s degree, or higher in accounting, business administration, or related field from an accredited college, CPRP, CPRE, or equivalent certification within the field, and a minimum of three years of fiscal management experience.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of degree or in lieu of applicable degree; a degree with five years as a department head supervising finance and accounting operations
b. Copy of employee service/experience record showing three years of fiscal management experience, which includes most current employment
c. Copy of current CPRP, CPRE, CPA, or equivalent certification such as GFOA Certificate
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Commentary: There should be a sound fiscal administrative system which strives to meet acceptable legal and fiscal obligations.
# 2.2.1 Comprehensive Operating Budget
Commentary: There should be a comprehensive annual budget approved by the board at a public meeting.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of current year Board-approved budget b. Copy of minutes when budget approved c. Copy of minutes of public hearing d. Copy of Public Notice
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# 2.2.2 Annual Budget Process
Commentary: The annual budget process should utilize the Programming Budget System or at least be based on performance budgeting principles.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of budget utilizing Programming Budget System and/or based on performance budgeting principles
b. Copy of support documentation, if not included in budget, which indicates Programming and/or performance budgeting principles
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# 2.2.3 Annual Budget Public Review
Commentary: The annual budget should contain a summary format for easy review by the public.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of budget summary page(s) b. Copy of budget summary graphic page(s) (utilizing graphic illustrations) c. Copy of posting to website or promoted for public viewing
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Commentary: The accounting system should be compatible with or may be a part of the central accounting system of the governing jurisdiction. It is essential that an agency establish such a system to ensure an orderly, accurate and complete documentation of the flow of funds.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Chart of Accounts O
2.2.5 Financial Report – The Agency should have an accounting system that includes, at a minimum, provisions for monthly status reports showing:
\\* initial appropriations for each account (or program)
\\* balances at the commencement of the monthly period
\\* expenditures and encumbrances made during the period and unencumbered balances
Commentary: Each appropriation and expenditure should be classified, at a minimum, according to function, organizational component, activity, object and program.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Provide a copy of the last three monthly reports. b. Evidence of distribution to staff and Board O
2.2.6 Long Range Financial Plan for Capital Expenditures
Commentary: There should be a long range (minimum 3-5 years) financial plan for capital expenditures including maintenance of existing facilities and future capital expenditures. A long range capital expenditure plan should be part of an overall agency master plan.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Board approved long range financial plan for capital expenditures
b. Copy of minutes indicating annual review by Board
c. Copy of master plan which includes long range financial plan for capital expenses
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# 2.2.7 Comprehensive Revenue Policy
Commentary: There should be a comprehensive SRA revenue policy which establishes the philosophy for the agency’s revenue generation to include fees and charges.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of comprehensive revenue policy which establish philosophy and/or guidelines for revenue generation including fees and charges
b. Copy of minutes indicating Board approval of revenue policy
c. Evidence agency is complying with established policy
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# 2.3 Annual Audit / Annual Financial Report
Commentary: In accordance with the Governmental Account Audit Act (50 ILCS 310, et seq.) a SRA shall file an Annual Financial Report (AFR) containing information required by the Illinois Comptroller.
Additionally, agencies with annual revenues of at least $$ 850,000$ shall either conduct and file with the Illinois Comptroller an annual audit of all agency accounts and funds by a licensed public accountant.
Agencies with annual revenues of less than $$ 850,000$ shall either conduct and file with the Illinois Comptroller an annual audit of all agency accounts and funds by a licensed public accountant once every four years or have their governing board approve the agency’s AFR by a $3 / 5 ^ { \\mathrm { t h } } \\mathsf { s }$ vote in accordance with the Act, in which case an audit once every four years is not required.
There should be an annual audit/financial report performed which fulfills all legal requirements of the Act and assures the agency funds are properly dispersed and accounted for.
2.3.1 Certified Accounting Completion by Independent Certified Public Accounting Firm
Commentary: An independent certified public accounting firm must complete an annual financial audit.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of audit stating the report conforms to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or Financial Report and set forth the financial position and results of financial operations for each district fund
b. Copy of auditor’s opinion indicating agencies statements are fairly presented in all material respects, are free of material misstatements and are in accordance with GAAP (If a material misstatement is identified or is not in compliance with GAAP it does not meet the standard.)
c. Evidence Audit or Financial Report was presented to the Board and accepted
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Commentary: Payment of obligations is essential to maintaining a fiscally solvent and responsible SRA.
# 2.4.1 Payment of All Obligations
Commentary: The SRA will make payment on all obligations within the time frame indicated in Illinois Statutes.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Lack of mention in management letter stating payment not made on all obligations made within legal time frames
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2.4.2 Payment of Bills Policy
Commentary: The SRA shall have a policy which clearly defines the parameters under which the agency will make timely payment of all bills. This policy shall be in compliance with Illinois State Statutes.
Evidence of Compliance: a. Copy of policy O
2.5 Investment of Funds
Commentary: The SRA shall establish a policy dealing with the investment of agency funds as directed by Board action and Illinois State Statutes.
2.5.1 Investment Policy
Commentary: The SRA shall establish an investment of funds policy or ordinance.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Board approved copy of policy or ordinance
b. Policy or ordinance should mention suitable and authorized investments, and collateral agreements with independent third party or SRA securing said collateral.
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# Distinguished Park & Recreation Accreditation SRA Standards – 2026 Approved 02/20/26
2.5.2 Investment of Funds
Commentary: The SRA shall have all public funds not needed for immediate expenditure invested according to Illinois State Statutes.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Audit indicating investment of funds b. Lack of mention in audit management letter
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# 2.6 Employee Wages
Commentary: An established policy should govern employee wages.
2.6.1 Federal and State Minimum Wage and Overtime Requirements
Commentary: The SRA shall pay employees in accordance with federal and state minimum wage and overtime requirements.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of part-time salary ranges, or Audit management letter with lack of mention regarding payment of minimum wage and overtime requirements.
b. Copy of policy regarding payment of overtime
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2.6.2 Payment of Employee Wages Policy
Commentary: The SRA shall establish a policy dealing with payment of employee wages. Policy should reflect agency position on paying fair and competitive wages.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Board approved policy dealing with payment of employee wages. O
2.6.3 Department of Labor’s Equal Employment Opportunity Poster
Commentary: The Department of Labor’s Equal Employment Opportunity Poster must be prominently displayed as required by law.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Visual inspection of posters as required (verify on facility tour)
Commentary: The SRA shall establish a policy setting purchase guidelines.
2.7.1 Purchasing Policy
Commentary: The agency shall provide a comprehensive Board approved policy dealing with purchases.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Board approved policy O
# 2.7.2 Economy of Resources
Commentary: The SRA shall have a clear policy providing steps in economizing their resources and purchases. In addition, the agency should demonstrate a minimum of one cooperative purchasing venture in order to economize their resources and purchases.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Board approved policy dealing with economizing resources and purchases
b. Provide proof of membership in or use of any joint purchasing arrangement or use of cooperative purchasing
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2.8 Comprehensive Insurance Policies with Sufficient Coverage
Commentary: Sufficient coverage is important in order to protect the assets of the agency. The limits established are minimums only and each SRA should have in place coverage limits that are commensurate with the exposure resulting from its activities and operation.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Membership in Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA), Illinois Parks Association Risk Services (IPARKS), Illinois Risk Management Association (IRMA), or Metro Risk Management Association (MRMA) OR Copy of insurance certificate and plan for following coverage limits (2.8.1 through 2.8.10).
2.8.1 Property – Replacement Value for real (buildings) and personal property (contents of buildings)
2.8.2 Boiler and Machinery – Value of Building
2.8.4 Builders Risks – Value of construction
2.8.5 General Liability
A. $$ 2,000,000$ per occurrence with no annual aggregate, or B. Minimum of $$ 2,000,000$ per occurrence with $$ 4,000,000$ annual aggregate
2.8.6 Automobile Liability – Minimum of $$ 1,000,000$ per occurrence with no annual aggregate.
2.8.7 Public Officials Errors and Omissions - $$ 1,000,000$ per occurrence and annual aggregate
.8.8 Worker’s Compensation Statutory Coverage – Employers liability minimum of $$ 500,000$ per accident.
2.8.9 Employment Practices Liability Coverage – Minimum of $$ 1,000,000$ per occurrence
2.8.10 Pollution Liability Coverage – Minimum $$ 500,000$ per occurrence and $$ 500,000$ annual aggregate
2.8.11Cyber Security Coverage
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# 2.9 Financial Resources (external)
Agencies, organizations and corporations should be utilized for funding programs and facilities of many different types.
Commentary: These listings should include funding programs from foundations, corporations, voluntary agencies, private groups and individuals which have been utilized.
# Evidence of Compliance
a. Provide list of agencies, organizations and corporations which have assisted and the nature of their assistance
b. Letter of request
c. Letter of acceptance or denial
Distinguished Park & Recreation Accreditation SRA Standards – 2026
Approved 02/20/26
# 2.10 Cash or Cashless Handling Procedure
There should be procedures used for collecting, safeguarding, credit cards, and disbursing cash to include, at a minimum:
\\* Cash or cashless handling system procedure
\\* Preparation of financial statement
\\* Conduct of internal audits
\\* Persons or positions authorized to accept or disburse funds
\\* Statement regarding design and separation of duties
Commentary: Formal cash and cashless control procedures enable an agency to establish accountability, to comply with funding authorizations and restrictions, to ensure that disbursements are for designated and approved recipients and more importantly, to alert agency management to possible problems requiring remedial action.
# Evidence of Compliance
a. Provide copy of procedures
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2.11 Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI)
Commentary: The SRA shall have a policy complying with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS) for the protection of payment card information
Evidence of Compliance: a. Copy of Policy
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2.12 Emergency Expenditures
There should be a Board written policy to deal with emergency expenditures.
Commentary: Provisions should be determined defining emergency spending authorization, including how much the Director and/or Board President can authorize to spend to react to an emergency situation without full Board Action.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Provide a copy policy
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Commentary: There should be a written policy for the acceptance of gifts, donations and bequests to the SRA. This policy is separate from the required Ethics Ordinance/Resolution.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Provide a copy of written policy
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2.14 Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting, Distinguished Budget Presentation and/or Popular Annual Financial Report Awards
As a bonus, a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting, Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, and/or Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award Program will be acknowledged.
Commentary: Where deemed appropriate, a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting, Distinguished Budget Presentation, and/or Popular Annual Financial Report Awards shall be current when reviewed and awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of award for GFOA Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting (1/2 point) b. Copy of award for GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation (1/2 point) c. Copy of award for GFOA Popular Annual Financial Report (1/2 point)
(1 Point Bonus Maximum)
# III. FACILITIES AND PARKS
Commentary: The SRA shall strive to provide the highest quality facilities and recreation programs within financial and personnel resource limitations. There should be a systematic planning program for all facilities, which is linked with a capital expenditure budget and a phased development plan.
# 3.1 Organizational Structure
Commentary: The SRA’s structure of authority should reflect its purpose, methods of operation in relation to its resources, and relationship to the community.
3.1.1 Responsibility for Maintenance Management Function
Commentary: Organizational structure should have a position directly responsible for the maintenance management function.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Organizational Chart indicating position for maintenance management functions
b. Job description indicating position responsible for maintenance management function OR If the maintenance management function is performed by member agency, then show evidence of performance
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# 3.2 Physical Planning
Commentary: The SRA shall provide for physical property planning which shall assist in providing for inventory of assets, goal setting, and short-range and long-range planning.
3.2.1 Inventory of Fixed Assets and Their Locations
Commentary: There should be an inventory of all fixed assets and their locations updated at least every two (2) years.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Fixed Asset Report, with locations b. Evidence of Fixed Asset Report updating within the last two (2) years
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3.2.2 Facility and/or Programming Space Planning
Commentary: Planning for facility and/or park development should include citizen involvement in the planning process.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Evidence of citizen input (for example: minutes, agendas, town halls, focus groups, open houses, postcards, invitations, e-blasts, survey codes, etc.) within last five (5) years
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3.2.3 Regularly Scheduled Preventive Maintenance
Commentary: There should be a regularly scheduled preventive maintenance system including careful safety checks of all facilities and equipment.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Preventive Maintenance Plan including safety checks of all facilities and equipment and updated withing five (5) years
b. Evidence of regularly completed safety checks
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3.2.4 Facilities and Equipment Replacement Schedule
Commentary: There should be a replacement schedule for facilities and equipment with verification of implementation.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of replacement schedules
b. Evidence of implementation of the replacement scheduled items: approved budget, payment vouchers, and if applicable, disposal of surplus property ordinances
O
3.2.5 Location and Accessibility of Administrative Office
Commentary: The SRA administrative office should be fully accessible to the public.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Administrative office is fully accessible to the public (verify on facility tour)
# 3.2.6 Accessibility to People with Disabilities
Commentary: The SRA shall have conducted a self-evaluation study of its facilities on accessibility to people with disabilities and completed a Board approved ADA Transition Plan documenting necessary steps for compliance. The SRA shall have developed a board-approved timetable for implementing the recommendations in the ADA Transition Plan.
Accessibility compliance (in accordance with the most recent final and enforceable Department of Justice minimum design guideline. Alternatively, evidence of compliance with the final guidelines or final report of the U.S. Access Board. In the absence of a final and enforceable minimum design guideline, and a final guideline, the agency shall demonstrate adherence to accessible design best practices by compliance to the most recent work of the U.S. Access Board). Such evidence within the last ten (10) years can include, but is not limited to: overall accessibility, compliant parking, compliant curb cuts, compliant walks, compliant ramps, compliant stairs, compliant handrails, compliant toilets, compliant fountains, compliant telephones, and compliant trash receptacles, etc.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Evidence of an ADA Transition Plan in compliance with Title 28 C.F.R.§ 35.150(d) shall at a minimum include: 1) Identify the physical obstacles and reference each that limit the accessibility of the park district programs, services, or activities to people with disabilities; 2) Describe the methods corrective action(s) to be used to make accessible and inclusive; facilities, policies, communications (print & online materials), services and programs; 3) Provide a schedule with cost estimate(s) for making the access and inclusive modifications; provide a yearly schedule for making the modifications if the transition plan is more than one year long; and 4) Public display of the name, address and contact information of ADA Coordinator.
All four (4) points of evidence in 3.2.6.a. are required.
b. Minutes of Board approval of ADA Transition Plan or ADA Transition Plan Update within last ten (10) years.
c. Evidence of Board review of progress and updates most recent completed ADA Transition Plan or ADA Transition Plan Update within last five (5) years.
d. Evidence ADA Transition Plan reflects staff input in the development of the ADA Transition Plan or ADA Transition Plan Update.
Distinguished Park & Recreation Accreditation SRA Standards – 2026
Approved 02/20/26
e. Show evidence of public input or input from organizations representing individuals with disabilities in the development of the ADA Transition Plan or ADA Transition Plan Update; Or if no input was received, show evidence of an active publicized effort or invitation to obtain input beyond the inclusion of an item on a regular board or committee meeting agenda.
f. Proof of implementation of ADA Transition Plan (verify on facility tour).
M
Scoring to pass this standard will be as follows: 3 points $=$ all of 3.2.6.a. plus b-f 2 points $=$ all of 3.2.6.a. plus three (3) of b-f
# 3.3 Operation/Property
Commentary: The SRA should maintain a file on property or facilities, which are owned or leased, and how they are maintained, developed or located. A well-managed facilities program must accurately know what facilities they own and how these sites are accurately planned and maintained.
# 3.3.1 Legal Descriptions and Plats of Survey
Commentary: The SRA should have on file all legal descriptions and plats of survey of property currently owned or leased. If leased, the member agency or lessor shall provide a letter from member agency describing location of plats of survey and deeds or contracts including legal descriptions.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of plats of survey
b. Copy of deeds or contracts including legal descriptions c. Copy of map with agencies geographic boundaries O
# 3.3.2 Building and/or Facility Plans
Commentary: The SRA should have on file, plans for buildings and/or park facilities. If leased, the member agency or lessor shall provide a letter describing location of plans.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of one document listing the location of the storage site of building, facility and park plans and specifications or proof that these files are stored digitally. b. Verification on tour of plans and specifications for buildings, facilities and parks. O
# 3.3.3 Maintenance Personnel
Commentary: The maintenance program should provide competent personnel assigned to clearly defined duties for regular repairs, general cleanliness and orderliness, and overall attractiveness.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. General cleanliness (verify on facility/park tour)
b. Orderliness (verify on facility/park tour)
c. Regular repairs (verify on facility/park tour)
d. Overall attractiveness as maintained by agency personnel or through contracts (verify on facility/park tour)
e. Job descriptions reflecting these responsibilities
O
# 3.3.4 Environmental Policy
Commentary: The SRA should have an environmental policy including, at minimum, its position on: wise use and protection of air, water, soil and wildlife; wise use of energy resources; reduction and handling of waste; use of environmentally safe and sensitive products, and environmental education and interpretation.
# Evidence of Compliance:
Copy of Environmental Policy covering, at minimum:
a. Protection and wise use of air, water, soil and wildlife
b. Wise use of energy resources
c. Reduction and handling of waste
d. Use of environmentally safe and sensitive products
e. Environmental education and interpretation opportunities
O
# 3.3.5 Emergency Exiting Diagrams
Commentary: The SRA should have displayed in their buildings at appropriate locations emergency exiting diagrams.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Verification on facility tour by physical review of building O
# 3.3.6 Conservation of Natural Resources
Commentary: The SRA should know where they stand in regard to conservation of natural resources and the protection of our environment. The agency should also have comprehensive procedures and programs reflecting the agency’s commitment to conservation of natural resources and the protection of our environment in the areas of: park and natural resource management, facility management and maintenance, programming, and fleet maintenance.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Evidence of Board review of completed and/or updated IPRA Environmental Report Card for the agency every three (3) years
b. Achieve an agency score of not less than $50 %$ (agency doing a very good job) on the completed and/or updated IPRA Environmental Report Card
c. Copy of procedures and programs
d. Proof of implementation of procedures and programs, including such items as: controlled burn permits or invoices for recycling of florescent bulbs, engine oil, kitchen grease, computers, etc.
O
# 3.4 Agency Wide Comprehensive Planning Document
Commentary: A well-managed SRA to accurately prepare and plan for the future must take appropriate steps including having a comprehensive long range plan. This comprehensive plan should take into account resources available in the community and within the SRA. It should be guided by the comprehensive survey of the community’s needs and interests.
# 3.4.1 Comprehensive Plan
Commentary: The SRA shall have a formal comprehensive master planning document - a Comprehensive Master Plan (a process that determines community goals and aspirations in terms of community/agency development), or Strategic Plan (an organization’s process of defining its strategy, or direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this strategy) or both, showing evidence of the use of its goals, plans and recommendations, and have it updated every ten years. In the absence of a plan, the agency should be able to show, by Board action, written policy, etc., the use of long-range capital planning for the agency’s operation. Components should consist of: survey, goals, plans, public input, recommendations, implementation, and periodical update.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Evidence of survey to guide Comprehensive/Strategic Plan
b. Evidence of staff input in development of Comprehensive/Strategic Plan
c. Evidence of Board input in development of Comprehensive/Strategic Plan
d. Evidence of public input in development of Comprehensive/Strategic Plan (e.g. public hearings, resident advisory focus committees, open houses, on- line feedback, etc.)
e. Evidence Comprehensive/Strategic Plan is reviewed by Board at least every five (5) years
f. Evidence of new or revised Comprehensive/Strategic Plan approved by Board action within ten (10) years
g. Evidence of public display of Comprehensive/Strategic Plan
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# 3.4.2 Comprehensive Needs Assessment
Commentary: The SRA should have an approved policy or procedure so stating the agency’s direction and process on obtaining a comprehensive needs assessment.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Policy or Procedure
3.4.3 Needs Assessment Study to assess and determine the recreation needs and interests of its population.
Commentary: A needs assessment study should be made at least every ten years with interim updating due to population shifts and changing social and economic conditions. The needs assessment should be used to guide the development of the agency’s goals and objectives.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Needs Assessment b. Copy of reporting of needs assessment to Board and Community c. Copy of staff discussions or action plan based on information in needs assessment within two (2) years of the assessment to Board and Community
# 4.1 Organizational Structure
Commentary: The SRA’s structure of authority should reflect its purpose, methods of operation in relation to its resources, and relationship to the community.
# 4.1.1 Personnel Management
Commentary: If the chief executive officer does not personally perform the personnel management function, written confirmation should be provided designating the position or component having the responsibility for personnel management functions.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of written confirmation; or copy of job descriptions O
# 4.1.2 Personnel Management Degree and Experience
Commentary: At least one employee assigned to the highest level of personnel management functions shall have a bachelor’s degree, or higher, in business administration, public administration, human resources or a related field from an accredited college; or a bachelor’s degree, or higher from an accredited college (unrelated to human resource management) with a professional association/educational certification in human resource/personnel management (e.g. PDRMA Essential of Human Resources Curriculum) with evidence of completion within last two (2) years; CPRP, CPRE, PHR, SPHR, or GPHR; and a minimum of three years of personnel management experience.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of related degree or unrelated degree with professional /educational certification(s) obtained within last two (2) years
b. Copy of employee work service/experience record showing three years of personnel management experience, which includes most current employment
c. Copy of current CPRP, CPRE, PHR, SPHR, GPHR or equivalent certification
Commentary: If a SRA is to provide quality services, it is essential that employees be trained and highly educated. Consequently, the governing Board of the SRA should have a policy whereby their agency will hire and train professional staff.
# 4.2.1 Policy on Employment of Certified/Professionally Trained Staff
Commentary: The governing Board of the SRA shall have adopted a policy stating it is desirable that employees of their agency be certified/professionally- trained and recruitment and selection of management will emphasize this requirement.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy
b. Copy of job descriptions reflecting this policy
c. Documentation listing employees and their current certifications
O
# 4.2.2 Continuing Education Opportunities
Commentary: Staff, to be aware of the current trends and able to reflect current solutions, must continue to pursue educational opportunities. Consequently, the SRA shall have adopted a policy stating the staff will be encouraged to pursue appropriate continuing education opportunities to obtain or maintain certification.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy
b. Evidence of appropriate funding in budget for continuing education within each department
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Commentary: In addition to continuing education, it is essential, due to budget restraints and the need for interaction among the agency’s staff, that an extensive in-house training program be provided. This in-house training program may utilize experts in the field or within your agency. The intention is that training needs, which are unique to special recreation, can be accomplished and should be accomplished throughout the calendar year. As such, we are looking for an overall training program reflecting the agency’s goals and objectives and implementation. An in-service training plan shall be available for the agency’s staff throughout the year.
# 4.3.1 In-House Training - Short Duration
Commentary: The SRA should have a planned in-house training program that includes annual training for all appropriate staff in all departments in at least three of the seven areas below. This training should be of a minimum duration of 15 - 30 minutes and should be held within the last 12 months.
4.3.1.1 Risk Management
4.3.1.2 Personal Fitness and Health
4.3.1.3 Trends
4.3.1.4 Public Image & Customer Relations
4.3.1.5 Management
4.3.1.6 Operating Procedures
4.3.1.7 Technology
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of attendance
b. Copy of agenda
c. Evidence of training within the last 12 months
O
# 4.3.2 All Full-Time Staff In-House Training
Commentary: In addition to short duration in-house training, there is a need to provide intense highly focused training to keep all full-time staff current on agency’s needs and direction. Consequently, the SRA should offer in-house training at a minimum a total of four (4) hours annually. These training sessions should include an agenda with an outline of a well-planned program.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of agenda
b. Evidence of attendance
c. Evidence of time schedule
d. Evidence of training within the last 12 months
O
# 4.3.3 Staff Attendance at Workshops
Commentary: The SRA should make funds and time available for the staff to attend workshops sponsored or endorsed by the NRPA, IPRA, IAPD and other recreation-related organizations.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy
b. Record of attendance
c. Evidence of designated funds in budget
O
4.3.4 Specialized In-House Training – Short Duration
Commentary: Special recreation agencies should have specialized training for all appropriate staff in order to correctly handle the special needs of the people being served.
4.3.4.1 Behavior Management Policy
4.3.4.2 Wheelchair Transfer
4.3.4.3 CPR
4.3.4.4 Inclusion
4.3.4.5 Defensive Driving
4.3.4.6 Sign Language
4.3.4.7 Activity Adaptation
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of attendance
b. Copy of agenda
c. Evidence the training has been within the last 12 months
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Commentary: For a SRA to provide effective services, it is essential that staff know their duties and responsibilities. Interaction among staff requires that responsibilities are delineated so all aspects of the agency’s operations are adequately positioned. Job descriptions shall be developed for all full-time and part-time personnel within the agency.
# 4.4.1 Full-time Job Descriptions
Commentary: The SRA shall have completed job descriptions for all full time positions within the agency to reflect the sequence of operations. Full time job descriptions and classifications should be distributed to staff during employee orientation and as job descriptions are revised. Job descriptions should also include Essential Job Functions. Job descriptions should be reviewed at least every five (5) years and include employment requirements, education, range of authority, experience responsibilities and duties.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of job descriptions (a sample of job descriptions from each department and area)
b. Copy of essential job functions
c. Evidence of distribution to full-time employees
d. Evidence of administrative review of all full-time job description within the last five (5) years
e. Evidence job description is given as part of orientation and upon revision
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4.4.2 Part-time Job Descriptions
Commentary: The SRA shall have developed complete job descriptions for all part-time positions within the agency to reflect the sequence of operations. Parttime job description classifications should be distributed to staff during employee orientations. Job descriptions are to include essential job functions and are to be reviewed at least every five (5) years and include employment requirements, education, range of authority, experience responsibilities and duties.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of job description (a sample of job descriptions from each department and area)
b. Copy of essential job functions
c. Evidence of distribution to part-time employees
d. Evidence of administrative review of all part-time job descriptions within the last five (5) years
O
# Distinguished Park & Recreation Accreditation SRA Standards – 2026 Approved 02/20/26
4.4.3 Job Descriptions in One Accessible Location
Commentary: All the SRA’s full-time and part-time job descriptions should be available in one accessible document or location.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Verification that full-time job descriptions are in one location
b. Verification that part-time job descriptions are in one location
c. Evidence of accessibility (hard copy or availability on a common or shared computer system is acceptable)
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# 4.5 Personnel Policies
4.5.1 Comprehensive Personnel Policies Manual
Commentary: To provide a uniform understanding of the benefits, rules and regulations and obligations that employees must work under, a comprehensive personnel manual must be prepared and made accessible to all employees. There have been some concerns that manuals provide a legal obligation and contract to employees; consequently, any personnel manual addition or revisions should be addressed and reviewed by each agency’s general counsel. The SRA shall have developed a comprehensive personnel policies manual including, but not limited to, purpose and philosophy; definition of employees, employment practices, employment conditions, salaries and other compensation; fringe benefits; leaves of absence, grievances, discipline and termination, employee participation and general rules and regulations. There shall be one manual with evidence of input from staff and Board approval within five (5) years.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of personnel policy manual
b. Evidence entire manual is reviewed, including staff input and Board approval, within five (5) years.
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# 4.5.2 Distribution of Personnel Policy Manual
Commentary: The SRA should have developed a policy to insure distribution of the personnel policy manual as indicated above in 4.5.1 to all full-time staff and all other appropriate personnel. The policy should address which staff will receive copies of the manual and under what process and at what time. It should also address how copies of revisions are provided and made accessible to all appropriate employees.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy regarding distribution of Personnel Policy Manual b. Evidence of distribution c. Evidence all employees receive updates/changes
O
Commentary: Guidelines for employee relations within the SRA shall be established.
# 4.6.1 Employee Orientation Program
Commentary: The employee orientation program should include provisions for providing employees with appropriate manuals, review of personnel policies, rules and regulations governing pertinent agency issues which impact their position. The SRA, to provide for preparation and training for a new employee, must be able to demonstrate an employee orientation program, which prepares an employee for their position.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of full-time orientation b. Copy of part-time orientation c. Evidence/proof of implementation O
4.6.2 Staff Meetings
Commentary: To provide for dissemination of information, a SRA should hold regular staff meetings at least semi-annually with a minimum of all full-time staff. All meetings should have a prepared agenda. Note, Full Time Staff In-house Meetings used as evidence for 4.3.2 will not be accepted as evidence for Staff Meetings.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of agenda (if departmental, copies from each department)
b. Evidence of attendance
O
# Distinguished Park & Recreation Accreditation SRA Standards – 2026 Approved 02/20/26
# 4.6.3 Employee Relations Program
Commentary: The SRA shall demonstrate an effective employee relations program that includes at least four of the six (6) areas below.
4.6.3.1 Policy or procedure for a formal system of soliciting feedback.
4.6.3.2 Membership in employee assistance program for full-time employees.
4.6.3.3 IRS Section 125 flexible spending account for full-time employees.
4.6.3.4 A deferred compensation plan for all full-time employees.
4.6.3.5 Opportunity to join a credit union.
4.6.3.6 Opportunity to participate in IPRA’s Exceptional Workplace Award Program
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of any four of the above programs b. Evidence of promotion of programs to employees
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Commentary: The SRA shall encourage professional involvement by their personnel.
# 4.7.1 Professional Affiliation Guidelines
Commentary: With the fast pace of our new technologies and ever growing interests and concerns of our constituents, professionals need to stay abreast of the tools necessary to provide our services. Active participation in recreation and civic organizations provides one additional avenue of opportunity to interact and discover current services other agencies are providing. Consequently, all full- time supervisory and above employees are encouraged to maintain a professional involvement with the various organizations as listed below.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Evidence of involvement; participated in educational/professional sessions or trainings, responded to industry-wide surveys or requests for contributors/tions, presented professionally in educational sessions or trainings, served on a committee and/or served as a Board member.
| | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | NRPA IPRA | | OTHER |
| Chief Executive | M | M | M |
| Department Head | O | M | M\* |
| Professional Staff/ Full-time Supervisor Level | O | 0 | M\* |
b. Evidence of individual membership for required involvement with NRPA, IPRA, and /or Other.
Commentary: A policy on employee wages and appraisals should be established for employees reflecting current market conditions and involving input from staff. This policy should be available for staff review and discussion.
# 4.8.1 Salary Ranges
Commentary: The SRA should establish approved salary ranges for full-time, part-time and seasonal positions, reviewed at least every two years by Board or Director and revised accordingly to reflect current resources available and reflective of competitive positions. Documentation of authority to approve salary ranges and evidence of approval of the salary ranges as authorized are necessary.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of Board/Director approved full-time salary ranges b. Copy of Board/Director approved part-time salary ranges c. Copy of Board/Director approved seasonal salary ranges d. Evidence of review, at least every two years, by Board or Director e. Documentation of authority to approve salary ranges f. Evidence of Board or Director approval (as required) O
# 4.8.2 Salary Standards
Commentary: To determine the SRA’s philosophy on securing the highest qualified staff, a sample of current staff salary rates shall be compared with established minimum standards. The IPRA annual Employee Compensation Survey shall be used as Illinois’ standard reference regarding park and recreation salaries. A sample of five (5) positions, as defined by the survey, shall be compared to the below listed minimum standards which are equalized by county.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence that each listed employee meets the minimum set standard for their classification.
O
The following salaries are the Minimum Salary Standards for 2026:
| | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| County | CountyqualizingFormula | ChiefExecutive | RecreationAdmin./Superintendent | RecreationManager | RecreationSupervisor/Coordinator | Registrar /Receptionist |
| ChampaignCounty | 84.03% | $108,792 | $69,311 | $44,303 | $39,360 | $27,810 |
| Cook County | 99.31% | $128,582 | $81,919 | $52,362 | $46,519 | $32,869 |
| De Kalb County | 94.04% | $121,760 | $77,573 | $49,584 | $44,051 | $31,125 |
| DuPage County | 98.81% | $127,936 | $81,507 | $52,099 | $46,286 | $32,704 |
| Henry County | 77.64% | $100,519 | $64,040 | $40,934 | $36,367 | $25,696 |
| Kane County | 98.81% | $127,936 | $81,507 | $52,099 | $46,286 | $32,704 |
| Kendall County | 99.57% | $128,916 | $82,132 | $52,498 | $46,640 | $32,955 |
| Lake County | 98.85% | $127,984 | $81,538 | $52,119 | $46,303 | $32,717 |
| Macon County | 75.57% | $97,847 | $62,338 | $39,846 | $35,400 | $25,012 |
| McHenry County | 98.85% | $127,984 | $81,538 | $52,119 | $46,303 | $32,717 |
| Ogle County | 91.26% | $118,156 | $75,277 | $48,116 | $42,747 | $30,204 |
| Will County | 100.00% | $129,473 | $82,486 | $52,725 | $46,842 | $33,097 |
| WinnebagoCounty | 92.30% | $119,507 | $76,137 | $48,667 | $43,236 | $30,550 |
Where SRA’s are located in multiple counties, the highest rate shall apply. For counties not listed above as examples, the SRA shall contact the DPRA Chairperson for salary standards for their county.
NOTE: These salary standards are computed by taking salary data for each specified position from the most recent published IPRA $/$ HR Source Park & Recreation Compensation Survey based on “Total Responses” per the “Weighted Average” categories and multiplied at $80 %$ to determine a minimum base salary ( $8 0 %$ is an HR industry standard salary guideline to determine a minimum salary range from the salary midpoint (Average)). Actual figures are updated each year.
\*County Equalizing Formula for the most current year - A statewide equalizing formula, based on Illinois Department of Labor county prevailing wage rates, is used to insure equitable comparison among counties. The formula, based on a sample of six trades common to all counties in Illinois, shall establish a county’s average wage rate. The trades included in the sample are Carpenter (all), Electric Power (Lineman), Operating Engineer #1 (Bldg.), Painter (all), Plumber (Bldg), and Truck Driver #1 (all). The percentage of deviation from the benchmark county’s average wage rate is applied to the designated sample positions to determine equalized county park and recreation minimum salary standards. Actual figures will vary slightly each year.
# 4.8.3 Appraisals of Job Performance
Commentary: A sound and systematic plan or program shall be implemented for documented appraisals of job performance for all employees. This evaluation shall be completed a minimum of once per year. Components shall include evaluation of full-time and part time staff; appraisal shall distinguish between full time and part-time; and documented grievance procedures.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of the plan or program for evaluating employees’ performance
b. Copy of evaluation form for full-time employees
c. Copy of evaluation form for part-time employees
d. Evidence of evaluations taking place, at a minimum of once a year
e. Documented grievance procedures
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# 4.9 Risk Management Program
Commentary: A risk management program shall be formulated to evaluate the agency’s safety procedures, facilities and programs.
4.9.1 Safety Policy Statement
Commentary: The SRA shall have a safety statement policy approved by appropriate authority.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of Statement/Policy
O
Commentary: The SRA shall adopt a comprehensive written and board approved safety manual to include but not limited to policies, standards, practices, and procedures such as safety policies, emergency response procedures, specific safety rules, accident reporting procedures, and a table of contents.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of manual
b. Evidence of Board approval
O
4.9.3 Employee Knowledge of Safety Policy
Commentary: Both safety policy/procedure and safety manual shall be communicated to all employees, full time, part time, seasonal and volunteers through a documented orientation process. In addition to the orientation for all new employees, there should be an annual review with all full-time employees highlighting the salient points of the manual.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of orientation process
b. Evidence of receipt of policy and manual by employees
c. Evidence of employee attendance at annual review
O O
# 4.9.4 Risk Management Representative
Commentary: At least one employee should be designated as the agency risk manager or safety coordinator with appropriate responsibilities.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of job description designating individual as risk manager or safety coordinator
b. Evidence of appropriate responsibilities
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# 4.9.5 Risk Management Committee
Commentary: The SRA shall develop a policy and/or procedure providing for a risk management (safety) committee with appropriate functions, purpose, appointment of members and operation procedures.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy or procedure
b. Policy or management manual should reflect functions, purpose, membership appointment, and how the safety committee operates.
c. Copy of minutes reflecting membership attendance and participation
O
# 4.9.6 Safety Inspections and Meetings
Commentary: The designated risk manager or safety coordinator along with the management (safety) committee will regularly inspect facilities with the documentation and follow-up of deficiencies discovered as a result of the inspection. The designated risk management representative should conduct meetings with the safety committee on a quarterly basis, preferably monthly. Components of the safety committee meetings should include inspection reports, follow up of reports, and minutes of safety meetings.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of safety committee & risk manager inspections reports of facilities
b. Documentation of follow up of inspection deficiencies
c. Copy of agendas
d. Copy of meeting minutes
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4.9.7 Written Accident Investigation and Follow Up
Commentary: The safety committee is normally charged with the responsibility of responding to accidents and follow up. As such, the SRA should have a written accident investigation procedure delineating the safety committee’s obligations. The agency needs to document this process for implementing and for corrections of unsafe acts, conditions, etc.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of procedure
b. Evidence of follow-up
c. Copy of accident form
d. Meeting minutes should reflect review of accident reports by safety committee
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# 4.9.8 Emergency Operations Manual
Commentary: The SRA should have an Emergency Operations Manual adopted and in use. The manual should address emergency procedures for situations such as Armed Robbery, Bomb Threat, Fire, Lockdown Procedure, Missing Child, etc. This manual is NOT the Crisis Communication Plan that addresses items such as communication or team member responsibilities.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of manual
b. Evidence employees have received the manual and it has been reviewed annually with them so they understand the contents
c. Availability of manual to employees (verify on facility tour)
d. Evidence of Administrative staff review at least within five (5) years for accuracy
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# V. RECREATION SERVICES
Commentary: The SRA shall provide a comprehensive recreation program for its constituency.
# 5.1 Organizational Structure
Commentary: The SRA’s structure of authority should reflect its purpose, methods of operation in relation to its resources, and relationship to the community. Organizational structure should have a person directly responsible for recreation services functions.
# 5.1.1 Recreation Services Management
Commentary: If the agency’s chief executive officer does not personally perform the recreation activities management function, a written directive designates the position or component having the responsibility for recreation activities management functions.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Organizational Chart indicating position responsible for recreation activities functions
b. Job description indicating position responsible for recreation activities functions
M
# 5.1.2 Recreation Management Degree and Experience
Commentary: At least one employee assigned to the highest level of the recreation services management functions shall have a bachelor’s degree, or higher, in park and recreation administration, leisure studies, therapeutic recreation or a related field from an accredited college; CPRP, CPRE, CTRS, or equivalent certification within the field; and a minimum of three (3) years of recreation management experience.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of degree or in lieu of applicable degree; five (5) years as a department head supervising recreation operations
b. Copy of employee service/experience record showing three (3) years of recreation management experience, which includes most current employment
c. Copy of current CTRS, CPRP, CPRE or equivalent certification
O
# 5.2 Recreation Program Special Needs
Commentary: The SRA shall provide programs for all residents of the community with special needs. The agency shall provide a comprehensive inclusion service that allows people with special needs to fully participate in community recreation services along with people without disabilities, through program opportunities for people with economic hardship, and through the use of inclusion staff and inclusion training of member agency staff etc.
5.2.1 Program Opportunities for People with Economic Hardship
Commentary: The SRA shall provide program opportunities for people with special needs in the community to include people with economic hardships.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy or procedure regarding people with economic hardship
b. Evidence of use
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5.2.2 Inclusion
Commentary: The SRA shall have a policy and procedure regarding providing inclusion services.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy on inclusion services, including internal staff responsibilities for inclusion and training of member agency staff on inclusion
b. Copy of inclusion procedures
M
5.2.3 Inclusion Training for Staff of Other Agencies
Commentary: Staff from each member agency shall be trained on inclusion to better serve the needs of their clients.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Agenda/curriculum for training session b. Signed roster with agency denoted of those completing inclusion training
Commentary: Special recreation agencies tend to have high numbers of nonresidents in their programs. Therefore, the agency should develop a policy regarding non-resident participants in the programs, including fees, transportation, referrals, documentation, etc.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy regarding non-resident participants in agency programs, including fees, transportation, referrals, documentation, etc. b. Evidence of documentation of non-resident participants O
# 5.2.5 Community Advocacy and Referrals
Commentary: A special SRA often deals with participants who have multiple disabilities and other specialized needs. To better serve these participants, the agency should seek opportunities for community advocacy by providing information and referrals to participants about various other agencies and programs, which may help meet their needs.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy and/or procedure regarding community advocacy and referrals for participants
b. Evidence of referral for both residents and non-residents
O
5.3 Comprehensive Year-Round Recreation Programs
Commentary: The SRA shall have a policy through which it will provide a variety of year-round recreation programs for all residents within their community.
# 5.3.1 Policy for Providing Recreation Programs
Commentary: The SRA shall have a policy reflecting the agency’s philosophy on providing a variety of recreation programs to all residents.
Evidence of Compliance: a. Copy of Policy
M
# Distinguished Park & Recreation Accreditation SRA Standards – 2026 Approved 02/20/26
5.3.2 Comprehensive Year-Round Program Opportunities
Commentary: The SRA shall provide recreation program opportunities for all residents of the community including, but not limited to: senior adults, adults, young adults, teens, youth, and pre-school children. These year-round program opportunities shall be in a variety of areas including: sports and athletics, creative and performing arts, environmental and outdoor recreation, leisure learning, and special events. S R A ’ s agencies, which cooperate with other community organizations for the provision of program services, shall be considered in compliance with this standard.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of brochures or program information b. Evidence of program implementation through associated reporting c. Evidence of age-range programming through associated reporting d. Evidence of program variety through associated reporting
M
5.4 Recreation Statistics
Commentary: The SRA shall have a policy or procedure in which statistics are maintained for all programs within the agency. The agency should report this information to the governing Board and/or the public.
# 5.4.1 Maintaining Statistics for Recreational Needs
Commentary: The SRA should have a policy or procedure reflecting the agency’s goals and purpose in providing and maintaining statistics to assist in the meeting of the recreational needs of the community.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Policy or Procedure
M
# Distinguished Park & Recreation Accreditation SRA Standards – 2026 Approved 02/20/26
# 5.4.2 Evaluation of Services & Information Reporting
Commentary: Appropriate service statistics should be maintained to plan, interpret and evaluate the recreation programs more adequately. Staff and program participants should evaluate services on a regular basis, and the agency should maintain these statistics. The agency should include participation, satisfaction and performance statistics. Staff should provide information reports to the governing board to inform them of recreation program participation and facility visits.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of staff evaluations of programs.
b. Copy of program participant survey results or evaluations.
c. Copy of registration and participation statistics for internal programs
d. Copy of statistics for member agencies inclusion programs
e. Evidence of statistical reports provided to the Board annually
f. Copy of staff discussions or action plan based on information in program evaluations
M
5.5 Coordinate Recreation Programs and Cooperative Relationships
Commentary: The SRA shall develop a policy or procedure which assists the agency in coordinating recreation programs with other related programs within the community and utilizes cooperative relationships with other recreation providers (such as parent-operated youth sports programs or private facilities).
5.5.1 Coordinating Recreation Programs and Cooperative Relationships
Commentary: The SRA should have an approved policy or procedure on coordinating recreation programs and utilizing cooperative agreements with other organizations within the community, such as schools, voluntary agencies and religious organizations to provide maximum coverage throughout the community.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Policy or Procedure b. Examples of agreements of cooperative relationships
5.6 Recreation Planning, Development and Evaluation
Commentary: In addition to the Community Needs Assessment, the SRA shall have a policy or procedure in which residents within the community shall have input in the planning, development, etc. of all recreation programs.
# 5.6.1 Community Input for Recreation Programs
Commentary: The SRA should have an approved policy or procedure involving community resident input regarding planning and development of recreation programs.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Policy or Procedure
M
5.6.2 Community Input in Planning and Development
Commentary: The SRA should involve residents in the planning and development of programs.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Verification of Community Input such as minutes from meetings with residents or public hearings, advisory groups, sponsors, ad hoc committees, or surveys, etc. (beyond Community Needs Assessment)
M
5.7 Recreation Fees and Charges
Commentary: The SRA shall have a policy or procedure on recreation fees and charges.
5.7.1 Recreation Program and Facilities Fees
Commentary: There shall be an established comprehensive policy on recreation program and facilities fees and charges or in lieu of policy an approved fee and charges schedule.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Policy or Approved Fees and Charges Schedule M
# 5.8 Program Participant Behavior (Internal)
Commentary: The SRA shall have a policy or procedure on “Behavior Management” for their patrons.
# 5.8.1 Program Participant Behavior (Internal)
Commentary: The Behavior Management policy or procedure shall provide staff with an understanding that patron behavior which disrupts programmed activities or risks patron personal safety shall be addressed through guidelines established within individual program areas.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Policy or Procedure.
b. Program area guidelines that list behaviors or actions warranting suspensions or removal from agency program.
c. Program area guidelines that include disciplinary actions up to and including suspensions.
d. Program area guidelines that outline communication between appropriate staff and parents or guardians or program participants.
e. Evidence of program area training for appropriate staff in the agency.
M
5.9 Conduct Ordinance
Commentary: The SRA shall establish a Conduct Ordinance (Rules and Regulations) for general recreation programs and/or adult and youth athletic/sports program activities and leagues and/or recreational facilities (ex. aquatic/fitness/gyms/ice rink/dog park/courts/fields). The Conduct Ordinance may be displayed in locations where activities occur, website or distributed in program and facility informational materials.
# 5.9.1 Conduct Ordinance (External)
Commentary: The SRA should make the public, participants, and users aware of the Conduct Ordinance through a variety of means including signage, web posting, and program materials as appropriate for the activity.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of the Board approved Ordinance (Rules and Regulations)
b. Evidence that appropriate users have been made aware of the Conduct Ordinance (Rules and Regulations)
c. Evidence staff and/or volunteers (if used) receive training on the Conduct Ordinance (Rules and Regulations) and appropriate methods of accountability or enforcement.
O
SRA Electronic Self-Assessment Form 2026
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| **APPLICANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE OF ELECTRONIC ASSESSMENT FORMS TOWARDS DISTINGUISHED ACCREDIATION** |
The self-assessment form is a Word format document that has interactive function ability to enter via a computer the required information to gauge your readiness and provide your assigned mentor with a detailed report of what documentation is being prepared or already is completed to illustrate your evidence of compliance for each standard.
This form is required to be completed and sent as part of the completion of your application towards accreditation. Users will need to download the form from the link on the IAPD or IPRA web site. Once the form has been downloaded users must select the option to “enable editing” the first time they download since it is an internet based link. This step will enable the user to type and interact with the form when listing the evidence being assembled to prove compliance with each standard and also score whether the applicant agency has met the standard or is still assembling the documentation. Once the user has downloaded the initial form it is suggested that the form be saved on a hard drive within your agency’s computer network. This way if users wish to complete the form in stages the data input is not lost. Users will not need to enable editing again once the form is saved to your network. For those users who complete the form and wish to save and send the form via e-mail to the Co-Chair of the Committee this can be done by using a save and send function on your computer.
It is highly recommended that prior to sending the form that users save a copy for their own records to ensure the application process has been completed in case transmission complications are observed via e-mail. For users that have versions of Word earlier than 2007, it will be necessary to download a Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack [http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/support/microsoft-office-compatibility-pack-for-word-excel-and-powerpoint-HA010168676.aspx](http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/support/microsoft-office-compatibility-pack-for-word-excel-and-powerpoint-HA010168676.aspx) to ensure proper formatting and function ability to interact and type into the form. Users without any Word software may download and covert to a pdf file format and type in separately your compliance documentation.
When completing the evidence of compliance applicants should list each document that will be part of the file for each standard. The list only needs to be a name or title of the document and not a full disclosure of the documentation. For example, the user would list Board Minutes of December 18, 2012 or Ordinance #12-8 Prevailing Wages. It is suggested that users number each item being listed for ease of organization and referencing when working with your assigned mentor. Attempts should be made to correspond the numbering/lettering with the same order of the criteria in each standard. Reaccrediting agencies should review the information on Page 1 of the standards, under section titled “Standards Evidence of Compliance.”
The Committee would also appreciate your feedback on the use of this form so efforts of continual improvement can be attempted. If you have any complications or questions please feel free to contact your assigned mentor or Co-Chair of the Committee for assistance. Thank you for your interest in the program and we wish you all the best towards achieving distinguished accreditation.
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| # L. LEGAL |
**Commentary:** No points are awarded for this section; however, all legal standards are mandatory. A SRA must be in full compliance to be accredited. The agency is expected to meet any and all legal objectives. The following is to serve as a sample evaluation.
L.1 Open Meetings
L1.1 Open Meetings (5 ILCS 120/1, et seq.)
**Commentary:** Must comply with requirements of Open Meetings Act, reference minutes of all regular and executive session meetings. Notice of meetings must be posted at principal office of SRA and copies of notice sent to any news medium that has filed an annual request for such notice. Public Act 94-28 requires an agency to post on its website the agendas of any regular meetings as well as a notice of its annual schedule of meetings if the website is maintained by a full-time staff person. In addition, a public body must post the minutes of its regular meetings on its website within seven (7) days of their approval. Such minutes must remain posted for at least sixty (60) days. Minutes must be approved within thirty (30) days after the meeting or at the agency’s second subsequent regular meeting, whichever is later.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. ~~Copy of minutes and web posting, if applicable~~
2. Copy of notice and web posting, if applicable
3. Evidence of public posting of agendas/meeting notices for public viewing at the principal office and the location where the meeting is held 48 hours prior to scheduled meeting. (verify on facility tour)
4. Evidence of public body designating one or more officials/employees _(Executive Director/CEO preferred)_ to successfully complete an electronic training curriculum developed and administered by the Illinois Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor
5. Evidence of designated employees successfully completing the Illinois Attorney General Public **annual** training program (i.e. certificate).
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.1.2 Closed Sessions (5 ILCS 120/1, et seq.)
**Commentary:** Must comply with requirements of Open Meetings Act regarding closed sessions. Includes semi-annual review of closed session minutes and policies governing recording of closed session minutes and the disposal of these recordings.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence of semi-annual review of closed session minutes where a determination is made and reported in an open session that (1) the need for confidentiality still exists as to all or part of closed session minutes; or (2) that the minutes or portions thereof no longer require confidential treatment and are available for public inspection.
2. Policy governing the recording and disposal of closed session minutes
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.2 Freedom of Information
L.2.1 Freedom of Information (5 ILCS 140/1, et seq.)
**Commentary:** The SRA will have complied with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1, et seq.) to include requirements of Illinois Public Act 96-0542.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence of public body designating one or more officials/employees _(Executive Director/CEO preferred)_ to act as its Freedom of Information officer (s).
2. Evidence of Freedom of Information officer(s) completed annual training program administered by the Public Access Counselor.
3. Copy of Fee Schedule (should be reasonable fees, which do not include administrative costs)
4. Copy of Municipal Directory (includes: summary of purpose; block diagram of functional subdivisions; total amount of Operating Budget; number and location of all separate offices; total number of full-time and part-time employees; identification and membership of all Boards, commissions, and committees; brief description of how to get information through Freedom of Information; designation by titles and addresses of employee(s) to whom requests for public records should be made; any fees allowable under section 6 of the FOIA
5. Evidence that Municipal Directory is on the website (i.e. Municipal Directory shall be made available for inspection and copying and sent through the mail if requested)(verify on facility tour)
6. Copy of Freedom of Information requests and agency response, if available
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.3 Prevailing Wages
L.3.1 Prevailing Wages (820 ILCS 130, _et seq.)_
**Commentary:** The SRA will comply with the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act. The SRA awarding any contract for a public work must specify in the call for bids, the project specifications, and the contract a stipulation that not less than the prevailing rate of wages must be paid to all laborers, workers, and mechanics performing work under the contract. In the event there are no project specifications or contracts for the work, public bodies still must notify of the applicability of prevailing wage via other written instrument, including as part of the purchase order.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of construction projects public bid, contract, project specification, proposals, written notice to contractor, and/or purchase orders, which include a notice of Prevailing Wage requirements in accordance with (Public Act 096-0437)
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.4 Harassment
L.4.1 Harassment (775 ILCS 5, _et seq_.)
**Commentary:** The SRA will enact and maintain a written harassment policy that includes sexual harassment. All local governments must adopt an ordinance or resolution establishing a policy prohibiting sexual harassment. At a minimum the policy must include:
i. a prohibition on sexual harassment;
ii. details on how an individual can report an allegation of sexual harassment, including options for making a confidential report to a supervisor, ethics officer, Inspector General, or the Department of Human Rights;
iii. a prohibition on retaliation for reporting sexual harassment allegations, including availability of whistleblower protections under the Ethics Act, the Whistleblower Act, and the Illinois Human Rights Act; and
iv. the consequences of a violation of the prohibition on sexual harassment and the consequences for knowingly making a false report.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of policy including minimum requirements listed above
2. Copy of ordinance or resolution adopting Sexual Harassment Policy or Harassment Policy that includes sexual harassment
3. Evidence of annual training to staff
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.5 Drug Free Workplace
L.5.1 Drug Free Workplace Act (30 ILCS 580/1, et seq.)
**Commentary:** Any SRA seeking to obtain federal, state or county grant monies must enact a Drug Free Workplace Act Policy.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of policy
2. Evidence of policy distributed to staff
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.6 Americans with Disabilities
L.6.1 Americans with Disabilities
**Commentary:** The SRA will enact and maintain a policy statement or policy reflecting the agency's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act related to employment, programs, services, activities and facilities. The intent of this standard is to show compliance with the law. It is not a qualitative measure of the thoroughness of the agency’s ADA Transition Plan (see standard 3.2.6).
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of policy or policy statement
2. Evidenced of appointment of an coordinator
3. Evidence that employment applications comply with Americans With Disabilities Act
4. Evidence that facilities comply with Americans with Disabilities Act or have been identified as needing compliance and are scheduled to achieve compliance (completed ADA Transition Plan)
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.7 Family and Medical Leave
L.7.1 Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) (29 U.S.C § 2601, et seq.)
**Commentary:** The SRA will enact and maintain a policy reflecting the SRA's compliance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of policy
2. Evidence that the policy has been distributed to staff
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.8 Communicable Disease Guidelines
L.8.1 Communicable Disease Guidelines (OSHA) (29 CFT 1910.1030)
**Commentary:** The SRA will enact and maintain a policy outlining Communicable Disease Guidelines reflecting the agency's compliance with the Illinois Department of Labor Guidelines.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of policy
2. Evidence of policy distributed to staff
3. Evidence of a universal precaution training to include communicable disease procedures.
4. Evidence that blood borne pathogen kits are available in relevant areas (verify on facility tour)
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.9 Abused and Neglected Child Reporting
L.9.1 Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (325 ILCS 5/1 et seq.)
**Commentary:** The SRA will enact and maintain a policy and procedure covering the requirements of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of policy
2. Copy of procedure
3. Evidence of distribution of policy to staff
4. Evidence of signed “Acknowledgement of Mandated Reporter Status” (DCFS) form for any employee mandated by virtue of that employment to report under this Act (325 ILCS 5/4) and/or evidence of certificate of completion of the on-line mandated reporter training.
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.10 Employer’s Requirement to Report New Employees
L.10.1 Employer’s Requirement to Report New Employees
**Commentary:** The SRA will have complied with the Employer's
Requirement to Report New Employees effective October 1, 1997, which is part of the reform legislation.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of policy or procedure
2. Evidence of reporting new employees
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.11 Criminal Background Investigations
L.11.1 Criminal Background Investigations of Employees (70 ILCS 1205/8-23)
**Commentary:** The SRA will have complied with the Illinois Park District Code 70 ILCS 1205/8-23 requirement to complete criminal background investigations of employees.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of policy/procedure
2. Receipt or invoice from State Police serves as evidence of completion of criminal background investigations of employees
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.11.2 Disclosure of Child Sex Offenses by Volunteers (70 ILCS 1205/8-23a)
**Commentary:** The SRA will have complied with the requirements of 70 ILCS 1205/8-23a that an agency shall require volunteers to complete an application prior to beginning any work as a volunteer, which shall include a question for the applicant to answer concerning whether they have been convicted of or found to be a child sex offender. If a volunteer is under 18 years of age, the volunteer’s parent or legal guardian may complete the application on the behalf of the volunteer.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
a. Copy of volunteer waiver or application that satisfies the requirement.
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.12 Ethics Ordinance/Resolution
L12.1 Ethics Ordiance/Resolution
**Commentary:** The SRA will have adopted an Ethics Ordinance or Resolution and have a policy regarding State Official and Employees Ethics Act that references the State Official and Employee Ethics Act 5 ILCS 430/.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Board approved ordinance or resolution
2. Evidence of distribution to staff
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.13 Smoke Free Illinois
L.13.1 Smoke Free Illinois (410 ILCS 82/1, et seq.)
**Commentary:** The SRA will have complied with the requirements of the Smoke Free Illinois Act prohibiting smoking in public places and places of employment and within 15 feet of entrances. Proper signage, as specified in the act, must be displayed.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. An IDPH approved “No Smoking” or the international “No Smoking” symbol per the Smoke-Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82), shall be clearly and conspicuously posted in and at entrances of each public place and place of employment and where smoking is prohibited by the Act (verify on facility tour)
2. No ashtrays, cigarette butt containers within 15 feet of entrance (verify on facility tour)
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.14 Toxic Substances Disclosure to Employees Act (HAZCOM Plan)
L.14.1 Toxic Substances Disclosure to Employees Act (820 ILCS 255/1 et seq,)
**Commentary:** The SRA will have complied with the requirements of the Toxic Substances Disclosure to Employees Act to give each employee notice of his/her exposure to toxic substances which pose known and suspected health hazards and which may cause death or serious physical harm to the employee.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of Hazardous Communications Manual/Plan (HAZCOM Plan) (verify on Ascots at facility locations on facility tour)
2. Evidence of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Manual located at each appropriate facility to which employees may be exposed to hazardous chemicals (verify SDS manuals on facility tour)
3. Posting in the workplace, at the location where notices to employees are usually posted, a sign which informs the employees of their rights under this act (commonly referred to as the Illinois Employee Right-to-Know Law)
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L.15 Illinois Identity Protection Act
L.15.1 Illinois Identity Protection Act (5 ILCS 179/1 et seq.)
**Commentary:** The Illinois Identity Protection Act provides that no state or local government agency may: (1) publicly post or display in any manner an individual’s Social Security Number (SSN); (2) print a SSN on any card required for an individual to access products or services provided by the governmental body; (3) require any individual to transmit his or her SSN over the internet unless the connection is secure or the SSN is encrypted; or (4) print any SSN on any materials mailed, emailed, or otherwise delivered to the individual, unless required by State or federal law.
1. Copy of policy & procedures.
2. Proof of annual distribution of and training on policy
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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L. 16 Firearm Concealed Carry Act
L. 16. 1 Firearm Concealed Carry Act (430 ILCS 66/1 _et seq_.)
**Commentary:** The SRA will have complied with the requirements of the Firearm Concealed Carry Act prohibiting the possession of a firearm on agency property. Proper signage, as specified in the act, must be displayed.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. The approved no weapon sign shall be posted on every agency owned building and property. (verify on facility tour)
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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**I** **. GENERAL MANAGEMENT**
1. Philosophy
**Commentary:** There should be written statements of philosophy relating to the role of recreation in the life of the individual and the community.
1.1.1 Statement
**_Commentary:_** _There shall be a mission statement regarding the role of the_ _SRA_ _in the community. The statement should be developed by professional personnel and policy/advisory_ _Board_ _. The statement shall be based upon the legal purpose as stated in the state statutes._
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Shall include input from staff
2. Shall be reviewed and approved by the Board within the last five (5) years
3. Shall be easily accessible to the community and staff (verify on facility tour)
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Agency Incorporation
1.2.1 Agency Incorporation
**_Commentary:_** _The_ _SRA_ _should have_ _documents showing legality of existence._
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence of public authority, charter, by-laws, joint agreement, ordinance, etc. to show establishment of agency
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Goals and Objectives
**Commentary:** There is continuous debate on defining the difference between goals and objectives. In our criteria, we use those terms interchangeably to indicate a direction or grading tool for the agency. The SRA should have agency goals and department goals. There should be written goals defining the task of the agency in providing services for its constituency. The goals and objectives should be easily accessible to the community, Board and staff. They should also be condensed and available in one document. The SRA should have agency goals which should have a relationship to the mission statement.
1.3.1 Agency Goals
**_Commentary:_** _The_ _SRA_ _should have a set of comprehensive_ _A_ _gency_ _G_ _oals which should reflect the relationship of the mission statement and providing an overall direction the agency should be pursuing._ _Agency_ _G_ _oals should be included in a formal planning or budget document reviewed and approved by the_ _Board_ _of_ _Directors_ _. Agency_ _G_ _oals should have a completion time frame beyond_ _A_ _nnual_ _G_ _oals, 2-5+ years._
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence of approval by Board or Director authorized copy
2. Evidence of implementation
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.3.2 Annual Goals
**Commentary:** In addition to having Agency Goals, the SRA should have Annual Goals. Annual Goals, one (1) year, should have a completion time frame of annually. The Annual Goals should reflect staff input and include i.e. initiatives, projects, and operations.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of Annual Goals
2. Evidence of approval by Board or Director
3. Evidence of implementation
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
\\_\\_\\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
1.3.3 Evaluation of Agency Goals and Annual Goals
**Commentary:** Agency Goals should be reviewed no less than every five (5) years.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence of review of Agency Goals by Board or Director.
2. Evidence of evaluation of Annual Goals by staff and review by Director
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.3.4 Accessibility of Agency Goals
**~~Commentary:~~** ~~The agency’s goals and objectives should be easily accessible and made available to the community.~~
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence of accessibility; i.e., copy of document in community places; registration desk, program brochure, library, web site if available (verify on facility tour)
2. Evidence of availability to Board and staff
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Organizational Structure
**Commentary:** It is essential for management (staff and Board) to effectively reflect responsiveness and lines of authority to each other and to the community. As such, clear lines of accountability must be available in writing and made available to the community, staff and Board.
1.4.1 Structure of Authority
**Commentary:** The SRA’s structure of authority (organizational chart) shall reflect its mission statement and methods of operation in relation to its resources. It should also reflect the relationship to the community and interrelationship of staff.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of Organizational Chart (interrelationship of staff)
2. Evidence of review annually by administrative staff for accuracy
3. Shall be approved by Board action or approved by Director authority
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.4.2 Appointment of Non-Elected Chief Executive Officer (Director)
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence of appointment (at hire, annual appointment optional)
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.4.3 Designation of Authority and Responsibility of Director
**Commentary:** The SRA’s director is designated as having the authority and responsibility for the management of the agency. This authority should either be through a job description, or written statement issued by the Board which shall reflect established written policies.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of written job description and/or employment contract; or evidence of compliance included in Board policy manual
2. Evidence of annual written review of Director by the Board
3. Evidence of organizational structure designating Board and Director/staff authority
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.4.4 Chief Executive Officer Degree/CPRP or CTRS
**Commentary:** The SRA’s chief executive officer shall possess a bachelor’s degree, or higher, in park and recreation administration, public administration or a related field. The degree must be from an accredited college. The chief executive officer should have CPRP, CPRE, or CTRS status and possess a minimum of three (3) years of management experience in a park and/or recreation agency and/or SRA.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of degree
2. Copy of current CPRP, CPRE, or CTRS certification
3. Copy of employee service/experience record or resume reflecting at least three years of management experience, which includes most current employment
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.4.5 Chain of Authority During Absences
**Commentary:** A procedure should be developed delineating the chain of command/authority when the SRA’s chief executive officer and/or department head is incapacitated, out of town, ill or is unable to perform, his/her duties.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of procedure under which the chain of command/authority is implemented
2. Copy of chief executive officer chain of command/authority
3. Copy of department head’s chain of command/authority
4. Shall be approved by Board action or approved by Director authority
5. Evidence of review by Board or Director at least every five (5) years or sooner as positions change
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Comprehensive Board Policy Manual
**Commentary:** The SRA shall have a comprehensive Board policy manual, which contains all Board policies with evidence of review every five (5) years.
1.5.1 Comprehensive Board Policy Manual
**Commentary:** There should be a Board Policy Manual which contains all Board policies in one accessible manual (or reference to location of policies) which is reviewed every five (5) years.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of Board Policy Manual
2. Evidence of Board review of entire manual at least every five (5) years
3. Evidence of accessibility to Board and staff (verify on facility tour)
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.5.2 Administrative and Policy Making Functions
**Commentary:** The SRA should provide written and definitive guidelines specifying the difference between Board policies, regulations and administrative (staff) operational procedures.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence of written guidelines
2. Evidence of inclusion in Board policy manual
3. Evidence of five (5) year review by Board
4. Evidence of Board approved or director authorized copy.
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.6 Administrative Operational Procedure Manual
**Commentary:** It is important that Board and staff understand the difference between Board action policies and staff generated procedures. Consequently, a separate administrative procedure manual should be developed. This manual should be available to all employees.
1.6.1 Operational Procedures
**Commentary:** Operational procedures indicate how staff will carry out Board policies. These are the actions taken by staff to properly implement the directions given by Board policy. All operational procedures (non-Board approved policy actions) relative to the operation of the agency should be included in manuals available to all appropriate staff and which are reviewed and updated every five (5) years.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of procedure manuals
2. Evidence of accessibility to staff (verify on facility tour)
3. Evidence of administrative review and update of entire manual by staff every five (5) years
4. Evidence of distribution of update to appropriate staff
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
\\_\\_\\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
1.7 Board Member Orientation
**Commentary:** Each SRA should provide an orientation manual for all new and prospective Board members in order to acquaint them with all aspects of the agency.
1.7.1 New Board Member Manual
**Commentary:** A new Board member orientation manual should include written material regarding agency property, facilities, history and existing ordinances and manuals. Additional components, at a minimum, should include brochures, budget, policy, master plan, status reports, phone lists, chain of command, and magazine articles. This information should be in one manual with table of contents. Manual should be presented at the new Board member orientation meeting. Manual shall have agenda outlining information to be covered.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of new Board member orientation manual with table of contents
2. Copy of new Board member orientation agenda
3. Evidence of receipt of orientation manual by new Board member
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.7.2 Sponsored or Endorsed Workshops
**Commentary:** The SRA, in conjunction with member districts, through a policy should make funds and time available for Board members to attend workshops sponsored or endorsed by the NRPA, IPRA, IAPD and other similar organizations.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Record of attendance at programs sponsored by NRPA, IPRA, IAPD or other similar organizations
2. Copy of policy
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.8 Cooperative Community Planning
**Commentary:** There should be established working relationships for cooperative community planning.
1.8.1 Working Relationship
**Commentary:** The SRA should have a working relationship with state, federal or local agencies to provide for community planning.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence of compliance can be reflected by grants, agreements, letters of understanding and copies of minutes of meetings with local, state or federal agencies.
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Citizen Input
**Commentary:** The SRA should have a policy on how and when citizen input is solicited.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of policy indicating how citizen input will be solicited
2. Evidence of how and when citizen input is solicited
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.9 Cooperative Operations Agreement
**Commentary:** The SRA should cooperate with other agencies to economize and effectively provide for leisure programs.
1.9.1 Policy on Cooperative Use and Maintenance of Facilities
**Commentary:** A policy should be established on cooperative use and maintenance of facilities, program operation, facility design, land development, finances, support and control.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of policy
2. Evidence of a cooperative agreement between the agency and schools, public and/or private agencies
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.10 Public Relations
**Commentary:** The SRA should have a systematic program of public relations, which is broad, yet comprehensive. It should provide for public interpretation of recreation as a whole, and other specific objectives of the SRA toward serving all populations.
1.10.1 Promotion of Programs and Services
**Commentary:** The SRA should promote the benefits of its programs and services in a comprehensive manner, which includes publications distributed at least twice a year to each household. We are looking at a comprehensive public relationship program to inform the community of important agency programs, services, procedures and operations.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of current publications
2. Evidence of distribution to community
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.10.2 Reports of SRA Operations
**Commentary:** Regular reports of SRA operations should be made twice a year to registrant or participant families. Components of systematic program of reporting should include staff to Board reports such as monthly financial reports, program, attendance, etc. The SRA's reporting to constituents should include newsletter, annual reports and news releases.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence of staff to Board reporting
2. Evidence of reporting to constituency
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Authority for Coordinating Public Relations
**Commentary:** One employee should be designated as the primary authority for coordinating public relations activity.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of job description
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Dealing with Catastrophic Incidents
**Commentary:** The SRA should provide a crisis communication plan to accurately and effectively deal with a crisis such as severe injury, catastrophic fire, tornado damage, anything that attracts media attention, etc. The crisis communication plan should delineate individuals responsible for communicating with the press, chain of command on notifying proper people of the incident and overall agency procedures on dealing with catastrophic accidents.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of Crisis Communication Plan
2. Shall be approved by Board action or approved by Director authority
3. Evidence of annual review of crisis communication plan with staff
4. Listing of communications team member responsibilities
5. Crisis Communications procedures, communication guidelines when dealing with press
6. Copy of chain of command
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.11 Regular Meetings
**Commentary:** The SRA should annually establish regular meetings, dates, locations and times in order to review and discuss all pertinent information in accordance with State Statutes.
1.11.1 Monthly Meeting / Written Meeting Minutes
**Commentary:** The SRA's Board of Commissioners (or advisory Board if no policy making Board is authorized) shall meet at regularly scheduled meetings to oversee the affairs of the leisure agency. The SRA shall keep written minutes of all public meetings including regular and special Board meetings and committee meetings. These minutes shall be made available to the public.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of regular and special Board meeting annual public notice
2. Copy of regular and special Board meeting minutes signed by Board secretary for the prior 12 months
3. Copy of committee minutes, if applicable
4. Evidence of availability to the public (website if applicable and verify on facility tour)
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.11.2 Annual Meeting
**Commentary:** The SRA Board of commissioners shall hold a yearly meeting at which they will elect officers. These officers are to include a president and vice president. Other officers and Board committees are appointed as deemed necessary.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence of election of officers in official minutes
2. Evidence of policy reflecting functions of committees and officer functions
3. Evidence of terms of office
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.11.3 Establishment of a Meeting Agenda Format /Board Packet
**Commentary:** The SRA Board shall establish a policy reflecting a meeting agenda format, including sections providing roll call for committee reports, action items and public input. Agendas should be sent out a minimum of 48 hours in advance.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of policy reflecting the meeting agenda format
2. Evidence of agenda format including allowance for public input
3. Evidence of policy regarding advance distribution of Board packet to Board members
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.12 Membership
**Commentary:** The SRA should be members of professional organizations in support of recreation activities.
1. IAPD Membership
**Commentary** **: The** **SRA** **shall** **establish membership with the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD).** **IAPD membership is established for SRAs on a complimentary basis when 100% of the park districts and/or recreation departments that make up the SRA are IAPD members. If 100% of the park districts and/or recreation departments that make up the SRA are not IAPD members, then the SRA shall obtain its own IAPD membership through membership dues.**
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence of membership from IAPD or copy of IAPD membership dues payment
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.12.2 NRPA Membership
**Commentary:** The SRA should establish membership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence of membership or copy of payment
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.13 Volunteer Program
**Commentary:** Volunteers can be a vital part of an SRA's ability to provide recreation programs. Volunteers provide an economical workforce and expertise and support groups to supplement the agency's staff. To maintain and reward these volunteer programs, there should be a comprehensive program within the SRA utilizing the expertise and willingness of residents to serve.
1.13.1 Policy or Procedure on Volunteers
**Commentary:** The SRA should develop a policy and/or procedure concerning utilization of volunteers.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of policy or procedure
2. Evidence of utilization of volunteers
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
\\_\\_\\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
1.13.2 Volunteer Manual
**Commentary:** The SRA should have a volunteer manual reflecting recruitment, training, benefits, needs, resources and chain of command.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of volunteer manual
2. Evidence of recruitment
3. Evidence of training
4. Copy of chain of command
5. Evidence of distribution of volunteer manual to volunteers
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.13.3 Volunteer Recognition Program
**~~Commentary:~~** ~~The~~ ~~SRA~~ ~~should provide a volunteer recognition program.~~
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of volunteer recognition program
2. Evidence of benefits earned by volunteering
3. Evidence of recognition
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1.14 Information Services
1.14.1 Information Services
**Commentary:** The agency must participate in a minimum of 5 out of 9 of the following
informational services:
\_\_\_\_\_ Web site
\_\_\_\_\_ Cable TV
\_\_\_\_\_ On-line registration
\_\_\_\_\_ Phone in registration
\_\_\_\_\_ Kiosk information
\_\_\_\_\_ Electronic information signs
\_\_\_\_\_ Social Network Media (i.e. Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, etc.)
\_\_\_\_\_ Agency video
\_\_\_\_\_ Other
**Evidence of Compliance:**
- Copy of program
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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| |
| --- |
| # II. FINANCE AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS |
2.1 Organizational Structure
**Commentary:** The SRA’s structure of authority should reflect its purpose, methods of operation in relationship to its resources, or relationship to the community. Organizational structure should have a person directly responsible for its financial and business operations.
2.1.1 Responsibility for Fiscal Management Functions
**Commentary:** Organizational structure should have a position directly responsible for fiscal management functions.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
a. Organizational chart indicating position responsible for fiscal management functions
**b.** **Job** **description indicating position responsible for fiscal management functions**
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.1.2 Financial Management Degree and Experience
**Commentary:** At least one employee assigned to the highest level of financial management functions shall possess a bachelor’s degree, or higher in accounting, business administration, or related field from an accredited college, CPRP, CPRE, CPA, or equivalent certification within the field, and a minimum of three (3) years of fiscal management experience.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of degree or in lieu of applicable degree; a degree with five years as a department head supervising finance and accounting operations
2. Copy of employee service/experience record showing three years of fiscal management experience, which includes most current employment
3. Copy of current CPRP, CPRE, CPA, or equivalent certification such as GFOA Certificate
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.2 Fiscal Administration
**Commentary:** There should be a sound fiscal administrative system which strives to meet acceptable legal and fiscal obligations.
2.2.1 Comprehensive Operating Budget
**Commentary:** There should be a comprehensive annual budget approved by the Board at a public meeting.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of current year Board-approved budget
2. Copy of minutes when budget approved
3. Copy of minutes of public hearing
4. Copy of Public Notice
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.2.2 Annual Budget Process
**Commentary:** The annual budget process should utilize the Programming Budget System or at least be based on performance budgeting principles.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of budget utilizing Programming Budget System and/or based on performance budgeting principles
2. Copy of support documentation, if not included in budget, which indicates Programming and/or performance budgeting principles
3. Copy of posting to website or promoted for public viewing
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.2.3 Annual Budget Public Review
**Commentary:** The annual budget should contain a summary format for easy review by the public.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of budget summary page(s)
2. Copy of budget summary graphic page(s) (utilizing graphic illustrations)
3. Copy of posting to website or promoted for public viewing
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.2.4 Accounting System
**Commentary:** The accounting system should be compatible with or may be a part of the central accounting system of the governing jurisdiction. It is essential that an agency establish such a system to ensure an orderly, accurate and complete documentation of the flow of funds.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Chart of Accounts
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.2.5 Financial Report – The Agency should have an accounting system that includes, at a minimum, provisions for monthly status reports showing:
\\* initial appropriations for each account (or program)
\\* balances at the commencement of the monthly period
\\* expenditures and encumbrances made during the period and unencumbered balances
**Commentary:** Each appropriation and expenditure should be classified, at a minimum, according to function, organizational component, activity, object and program.
## Evidence of Compliance:
1. Provide a copy of the last three monthly reports.
2. Evidence of distribution to staff and Board
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.2.6 Financial Plan for Capital Expenditures
**Commentary:** There should be a long range (minimum 3-5 years) financial plan for capital expenditures including maintenance of existing facilities and future capital expenditures. A long range capital expenditure plan should be part of an overall agency master plan.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Board approved long range financial plan for capital expenditures
2. Copy of minutes indicating annual review by Board
3. Copy of master plan which includes long range financial plan for capital expenses
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.2.7 Comprehensive Revenue Policy
**Commentary:** There should be a comprehensive SRA revenue policy which establishes the philosophy for the agency’s revenue generation to include fees and charges.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of comprehensive revenue policy which establish philosophy and/or guidelines for revenue generation including fees and charges
2. Copy of minutes indicating Board approval of revenue policy
3. Evidence agency is complying with established policy
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.3 Annual Audit / Annual Financial Report
**Commentary:** In accordance with the Governmental Account Audit Act (50 ILCS 310, et seq.) a SRA shall file an Annual Financial Report (AFR) containing information required by the Illinois Comptroller.
Additionally, agencies with annual revenues of at least $850,000 shall conduct and file with the Illinois Comptroller an annual audit of all agency accounts and funds by a licensed public accountant.
Agencies with annual revenues of less than $850,000 shall either conduct and file with the Illinois Comptroller an annual audit of all agency accounts and funds by a licensed public accountant once every four years or have their governing Board approve the agency’s AFR by a 3/5th’s vote in accordance with the Act, in which case an audit once every four years is not required.
There should be an annual audit/financial report performed which fulfills all legal requirements of the Act and assures the agency funds are properly dispersed and accounted for.
2.3.1 Certified Accounting Completion by Independent Certified Public Accounting Firm
**Commentary:** An independent certified public accounting firm must complete an annual financial audit.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of audit stating the report conforms to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or Financial Report and set forth the financial position and results of financial operations for each SRA fund
2. Copy of auditor’s opinion indicating agencies statements are fairly presented in all material respects, are free of material misstatements and are in accordance with GAAP _(If a material misstatement is identified or is not in compliance with GAAP it does not meet the standard.)_
3. Evidence Audit or Financial Report was presented to the Board and accepted
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.4 Payments
**Commentary:** Payment of obligations is essential to maintaining a fiscally solvent and responsible SRA.
2.4.1 Payment of All Obligations
**Commentary:** The SRA will make payment on all obligations within the time frame indicated in Illinois Statutes.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Lack of mention in management letter stating payment not made on all obligations made within legal time frames
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.4.2 Payment of s Policy
**Commentary:** The SRA shall have a policy which clearly defines the parameters under which the agency will make timely payment of all bills. This policy shall be in compliance with Illinois State Statutes.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of policy
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.5 Investment of Funds
**Commentary:** The SRA shall establish a policy dealing with the investment of agency funds as directed by Board action and Illinois State Statutes.
2.5.1 Investment Policy
**Commentary:** The SRA shall establish an investment of funds policy or ordinance.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Board approved copy of policy or ordinance
2. Policy or ordinance should mention suitable and authorized investments, and collateral agreements with independent third party or SRA securing said collateral.
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.5.2 Investment of Funds
**Commentary:** The SRA shall have all public funds not needed for immediate expenditure invested according to Illinois State Statutes.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Audit indicating investment of funds
2. Lack of mention in audit management letter
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.6 Employee Wages
**Commentary:** An established policy should govern employee wages.
2.6.1 Federal and State Minimum Wage and Overtime Requirements
**Commentary:** The SRA shall pay employees in accordance with federal and state minimum wage and overtime requirements.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of part-time salary ranges, or Audit management letter with lack of mention regarding payment of minimum wage and overtime requirements.
2. Copy of policy regarding payment of overtime
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.6.2 Payment of Employee Wages Policy
**Commentary:** The SRA shall establish a policy dealing with payment of employee wages. Policy should reflect agency position on paying fair and competitive wages.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Board approved policy dealing with payment of employee wages.
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.6.3 Department of Labor’s Equal Employment Opportunity Poster
**Commentary:** The Department of Labor’s Equal Employment Opportunity Poster must be prominently displayed as required by law.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Visual inspection of posters as required (verify on facility tour)
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.7 Purchasing Policy
**Commentary:** The SRA shall establish a policy setting purchase guidelines.
2.7.1 Purchasing Policy
**Commentary:** The agency shall provide a comprehensive Board approved policy dealing with purchases.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Board approved policy
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.7.2 Economy of Resources
**Commentary:** The SRA shall have a clear policy providing steps in economizing their resources and purchases. In addition, the agency should demonstrate a minimum of one cooperative purchasing venture in order to economize their resources and purchases.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Board approved policy dealing with economizing resources and purchases
2. Provide proof of membership in or use of any joint purchasing arrangement or use of cooperative purchasing
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.8 Comprehensive Insurance Policies with Sufficient Coverage
**Commentary:** Sufficient coverage is important in order to protect the assets of the agency. The limits established are minimums only and each SRA should have in place coverage limits that are commensurate with the exposure resulting from its activities and operation.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Membership in Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA) or Illinois Parks Association Risk Services (IPARKS), Illinois Risk Management Association (IRMA), or Metro Risk Management Association (MRMA)
OR
Copy of insurance certificate and plan for following coverage limits (2.8.1 through 2.8.10).
2.8.1 Property – Replacement Value for real (buildings) and personal property (contents of buildings)
2.8.2 Boiler and Machinery – Value of Building
2.8.3 Fidelity and Crime – $500,000 per occurrence
2.8.4 Builders Risks – Value of construction
2.8.5 General Liability
A. $2,000,000 per occurrence with no annual aggregate, or
B. Minimum of $2,000,000 per occurrence with $4,000,000 annual aggregate
2.8.6 Automobile Liability – Minimum of $1,000,000 – per occurrence with no annual aggregate.
2.8.7 Public Officials Errors and Omissions - $1,000,000 per occurrence and annual aggregate
2.8.8 Worker’s Compensation Statutory Coverage – Employers liability minimum of $500,000 per accident.
2.8.9 Employment Practices Liability Coverage – Minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence
2.8.10 Pollution Liability Coverage – Minimum $500,000 per occurrence and $500,000 annual aggregate
2.8.11 Cyber Security Coverage
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.9 Financial Resources (external)
Agencies, organizations and corporations should be utilized for funding programs and facilities of many different types.
**Commentary:** These listings should include funding programs from foundations, corporations, voluntary agencies, private groups and individuals which have been utilized.
#### Evidence of Compliance
1. Provide list of agencies, organizations and corporations which have assisted and the nature of their assistance
2. Letter of request
3. Letter of acceptance or denial
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.10 Cash or Cashless Handling Procedure
There should be procedures used for collecting, safeguarding, credit cards, and disbursing cash to include, at a minimum:
\\* Cash or cashless handling system procedure
\\* Preparation of financial statement
\\* Conduct of internal audits
\\* Persons or positions authorized to accept or disburse funds
\\* Statement regarding design and separation of duties
**Commentary:** Formal cash and cashless control procedures enable an agency to establish accountability, to comply with funding authorizations and restrictions, to ensure that disbursements are for designated and approved recipients and more importantly, to alert agency management to possible problems requiring remedial action.
**Evidence of Compliance**
1. Provide copy of procedures
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.11 Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI)
**Commentary:** The SRA shall have a policy complying with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS) for the protection of payment card information
**Evidence of Compliance:**
a. Copy of Policy
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.12 Emergency Expenditures
There should be a Board written policy to deal with emergency expenditures.
**Commentary:** Provisions should be determined defining emergency spending authorization, including how much the Director and/or Board President can authorize to spend to react to an emergency situation without full Board Action.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
a. Copy of Policy
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.13 SRA Acceptance of Donations, Gifts & Bequests
**Commentary:** There should be a written policy for the acceptance of gifts, donations and bequests to the SRA. This policy is separate from the required Ethics Ordinance/Resoluton.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Provide a copy of written policy
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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2.14 Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting, Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and/or Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award Programs
As a bonus, a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting will be acknowledged, Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and/or Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award Program will be acknowledged.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of award for GFOA Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting (1/2 point)
2. Copy of award for GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation (1/2 point)
3. Copy of award for GFOA Popular Annual Financial Report (1/2 point)
(1 Point Bonus Maximum)
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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| |
| --- |
| # III. FACILITIES AND PARKS |
**Commentary:** The SRA shall strive to provide the highest quality facilities and recreation programs within financial and personnel resource limitations. There should be a systematic planning program for all facilities, which is linked with a capital expenditure budget and a phased development plan.
3.1 Organizational Structure
**Commentary:** The SRA’s structure of authority should reflect its purpose, methods of operation in relation to its resources, and relationship to the community.
3.1.1 Responsibility for Maintenance Management Function
**Commentary:** Organizational structure should have a position directly responsible for the maintenance management function.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Organizational Chart indicating position for maintenance management functions
2. Job description indicating position responsible for maintenance management function
OR
If the maintenance management function is performed by member agency, then show evidence of performance
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.2 Physical Planning
**Commentary:** The SRA shall provide for physical property planning which shall assist in providing for inventory of assets, goal setting, and short-range and long-range planning.
3.2.1 Inventory of Fixed Assets and Their Locations
**Commentary:** There should be an inventory of all fixed assets and their locations updated at least every two (2) years.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Fixed Asset Report, with locations
2. Evidence of Fixed Asset Report updating within the last two (2) years
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.2.2 Facility & Parks Planning
**Commentary:** Planning for facility and/or park development should include citizen involvement in the planning process.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Evidence of citizen input (for example: minutes, agendas, town halls, focus groups, open houses, postcards, invitations, e-blasts, survey codes, etc.) within last five (5) years
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.2.3 Regularly Scheduled Preventive Maintenance
**Commentary:** There should be a regularly scheduled preventive maintenance system including careful safety checks of all facilities and equipment.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Preventive Maintenance Plan including safety checks of all facilities and equipment and updated within five (5) years
2. Evidence of regularly completed safety checks
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.2.4 Facilities and Equipment Replacement Schedule
**Commentary:** There should be a replacement schedule for facilities and equipment with verification of implementation.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of replacement schedules
2. _Evidence of implementation of the_ _replacement_ _schedule_ _d items:_ _approved budget, payment vouchers,_ _and if applicable,_ _disposal of surplus property ordinances_ _._
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.2.5 Location and Accessibility of Administrative Office
**Commentary:** The SRA administrative office should be fully accessible to the public.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Administrative office is fully accessible to the public (verify on facility tour)
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.2.6 Accessibility to People with Disabilities
**Commentary:** The SRA shall have conducted a self-evaluation study of its facilities on accessibility to people with disabilities and completed a Board approved ADA Transition Plan documenting necessary steps for compliance. The SRA shall have developed a Board-approved timetable for implementing the recommendations in the ADA Transition Plan.
Accessibility compliance (in accordance with the most recent final and enforceable Department of Justice minimum design guideline. Alternatively, evidence of compliance with the final guidelines or final report of the U.S. Access Board. In the absence of a final and enforceable minimum design guideline, and a final guideline, the agency shall demonstrate adherence to accessible design best practices by compliance to the most recent work of the U.S. Access Board). Such evidence within the last ten (10) years can include, but is not limited to: overall accessibility, compliant parking, compliant curb cuts, compliant walks, compliant ramps, compliant stairs, compliant handrails, compliant toilets, compliant fountains, compliant telephones, and compliant trash receptacles, etc.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Evidence of an ADA Transition Plan in compliance with Title 28 C.F.R.§ 35.150(d) shall at a minimum include:
1) Identify the physical obstacles and reference each that limit the accessibility of the park district programs, services, or activities to people with disabilities;
2) Describe the corrective action(s) to be used to make accessible and inclusive; facilities, policies, communications (print & online materials), services and programs;
3) Provide a schedule with cost estimates(s) for making the access and inclusive modifications; provide a yearly schedule for making the modifications if the transition plan is more than one year long; and
4) Public display of the name, address and contact information of ADA Coordinator.
All four (4) points of evidence in 3.2.6.a. are required.
1. Minutes of Board approval of ADA Transition Plan or ADA Transition Plan Update within last ten (10) years.
2. Evidence of Board review of progress and updates most recent completed ADA Transition Plan or ADA Transition Plan Update within last five (5) years.
3. Evidence ADA Transition Plan reflects staff input in the development of the ADA Transition Plan or ADA Transition Plan Update.
4. Show evidence of public input or input from organizations representing individuals with disabilities in the development of the ADA Transition Plan or ADA Transition Plan Update; Or if no input was received, show evidence of an active publicized effort or invitation to obtain input beyond the inclusion of an item on a regular Board or committee meeting agenda.
5. Proof of implementation of ADA Transition Plan (verify on facility tour).
M M
_Scoring to pass this standard will be as follows:_
_3 points = all of 3.2.6.a. plus b-f_
_2 points = all of 3.2.6.a. plus three (3) of b-f_
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.3 Operation/Property
**Commentary:** The SRA should maintain a file on property or facilities, which are owned or leased, and how they are maintained, developed or located. A well-managed facilities program must accurately know what facilities they own and how these sites are accurately planned and maintained.
3.3.1 Legal Descriptions and Plats of Survey and Service Map
**Commentary:** The SRA should have on file all legal descriptions and plats of survey of property currently owned or leased. If leased, the member agency or lessor shall provide a letter from member agency describing location of plats of survey and deeds or contracts including legal descriptions. The District should also have a map displaying service area.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of plats of survey
2. Copy of deeds or contracts including legal descriptions
3. Copy of map with agencies geographic boundaries
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.3.2 Building and/ Facility Plans
**Commentary:** The SRA should have on file, plans for buildings and/or park facilities. If leased, the member agency or lessor shall provide a letter describing location of plans.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of one document listing the location of the storage site of building, facility and park plans and specifications or proof that these files are stored digitally.
2. Verification on tour of plans and specifications for buildings, facilities and parks.
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.3.3 Maintenance Personnel
**Commentary:** The maintenance program should provide competent personnel assigned to clearly defined duties for regular repairs, general cleanliness and orderliness, and overall attractiveness.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. General cleanliness (verify on facility/park tour)
2. Orderliness (verify on facility/park tour)
3. Regular repairs (verify on facility/park tour)
4. Overall attractiveness as maintained by agency personnel or through contracts (verify on facility/park tour)
5. Job descriptions reflecting these responsibilities
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.3.4 Environmental Policy
**Commentary:** The SRA should have an environmental policy including, at minimum, its position on: wise use and protection of air, water, soil and wildlife; wise use of energy resources; reduction and handling of waste; use of environmentally safe and sensitive products, and environmental education and interpretation.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
Copy of Environmental Policy covering, at minimum:
1. Protection and wise use of air, water, soil and wildlife
2. Wise use of energy resources
3. Reduction and handling of waste
4. Use of environmentally safe and sensitive products
5. Environmental education and interpretation opportunities
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.3.5 Emergency Exiting Diagrams
**Commentary:** The SRA should have displayed in their buildings at appropriate locations emergency exiting diagrams.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Verification on facility tour by physical review of building
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.3.6 Conservation of Natural Resources
**Commentary:** The SRA should know where they stand in regard to conservation of natural resources and the protection of our environment. The agency should also have comprehensive procedures and programs reflecting the agency’s commitment to conservation of natural resources and the protection of our environment in the areas of: park and natural resource management, facility management and maintenance, programming, and fleet maintenance.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Evidence of Board review of completed and/or updated IPRA Environmental Report Card for the agency every three (3) years
2. Achieve an agency score of not less than 50% (agency doing a very good job) on the completed and/or updated IPRA Environmental Report Card
3. Copy of procedures and programs
4. Proof of implementation of procedures and programs, including such items as: controlled burn permits or invoices for recycling of florescent bulbs, engine oil, kitchen grease, computers, etc.
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.4 Agency Wide Comprehensive Planning Document
**Commentary:** A well-managed SRA to accurately prepare and plan for the future must take appropriate steps including having a comprehensive long-range plan. This comprehensive plan should take into account resources available in the community and within the SRA. It should be guided by the comprehensive survey of the community’s needs and interests.
3.4.1 Comprehensive Plan
**Commentary:** The SRA shall have a formal comprehensive master planning document - a Comprehensive Master Plan (a process that determines community goals and aspirations in terms of community/agency development), or Strategic Plan (an organization’s process of defining its strategy, or direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this strategy) or both, showing evidence of the use of its goals, plans and recommendations, and have it updated every ten years. In the absence of a plan, the agency should be able to show, by Board action, written policy, etc., the use of long-range capital planning for the agency’s operation. Components should consist of: survey, goals, plans, public input, recommendations, implementation, and periodical update.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Evidence of survey to guide Comprehensive/Strategic Plan
2. Evidence of staff input in development of Comprehensive/Strategic Plan
3. Evidence of Board input in development of Comprehensive/Strategic Plan
4. Evidence of public input in development of Comprehensive/Strategic Plan _(e.g. public hearings, resident advisory focus committees, open houses, on-line feedback, etc.)_
5. Evidence Comprehensive/Strategic Plan is reviewed by Board at least every five (5) years
6. Evidence of new or revised Comprehensive/Strategic Plan approved by Board action within ten (10) years
7. Evidence of public display of Comprehensive/Strategic Plan
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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3.4.2 Comprehensive Needs Assessment
**Commentary:** The SRA should have an approved policy or procedure so stating the agency’s direction and process on obtaining a comprehensive needs assessment.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Policy or Procedure
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Needs Assessment Study to assess and determine the recreation needs and interests of its population.
**Commentary:** A needs assessment study should be made at least every ten years with interim updating due to population shifts and changing social and economic conditions. The needs assessment should be used to guide the development of the agency’s goals and objectives.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Needs Assessment
2. Copy of reporting of needs assessment to Board and Community
3. Copy of staff discussions or action plan based on information in needs assessment withing two (2) years of the assessment to Board and Community
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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| |
| --- |
| # IV. PERSONNEL |
4.1 Organizational Structure
**Commentary:** The SRA’s structure of authority should reflect its purpose, methods of operation in relation to its resources, and relationship to the community.
4.1.1 Personnel Management
**Commentary:** If the chief executive officer does not personally perform the personnel management function, written confirmation should be provided designating the position or component having the responsibility for personnel management functions.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of written confirmation; or copy of job descriptions
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.1.2 Personnel Management Degree and Experience
**Commentary:** At least one employee assigned to the highest level of personnel management functions shall have a bachelor’s degree, or higher, in business administration, public administration, human resources or a related field from an accredited college; or a bachelor’s degree, or higher from an accredited college (unrelated to human resource management) with a professional association/educational certification in human resource/personnel management (e.g. PDRMA Essential of Human Resources Curriculum) with evidence of completion within last two (2) years; CPRP, CPRE, PHR, SPHR, or GPHR; and a minimum of three years of personnel management experience.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of related degree or unrelated degree with professional /educational certification(s) obtained within last two (2) years
2. Copy of employee work service/experience record showing three years of personnel management experience, which includes most current employment
3. Copy of current CPRP, CPRE, PHR, SPHR, GPHR, or equivalent certification
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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**4.2** **Professionalism of Staff**
**Commentary**: If a SRA is to provide quality services, it is essential that employees be trained and highly educated. Consequently, the governing Board of the SRA should have a policy whereby their agency will hire and train professional staff.
4.2.1 Policy on Employment of Certified/Professionally Trained Staff
**Commentary:** The governing Board of the SRA shall have adopted a policy stating it is desirable that employees of their agency be certified/professionally-trained and recruitment and selection of management will emphasize this requirement.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of policy
2. Copy of job descriptions reflecting this policy
3. Documentation listing employees and their current certifications
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.2.2 Continuing Education Opportunities
**Commentary:** Staff, to be aware of the current trends and able to reflect current solutions, must continue to pursue educational opportunities. Consequently, the SRA shall have adopted a policy stating the staff will be encouraged to pursue appropriate continuing education opportunities to obtain or maintain certification.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of policy
2. Evidence of appropriate funding in budget for continuing education within each department
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.3 In-Service Training Plan
**Commentary:** In addition to continuing education, it is essential, due to budget restraints and the need for interaction among the agency’s staff, that an extensive in-house training program be provided. This in-house training program may utilize experts in the field or within your agency. The intention is that training needs, which are unique to recreation, can be accomplished and should be accomplished throughout the calendar year. As such, we are looking for an overall training program reflecting the agency’s goals and objectives and implementation. An in-service training plan shall be available for the agency’s staff throughout the year.
4.3.1 In-House Training - Short Duration
**Commentary:** The SRA should have a planned in-house training program that includes annual training for all appropriate staff in all departments at least three of the seven (7) areas below. This training should be of a minimum duration of 15 - 30 minutes and should be held within the last 12 months.
4.3.1.1 Risk Management
4.3.1.2 Personal Fitness and Health
4.3.1.3 Trends
4.3.1.4 Public Image & Customer Relations
4.3.1.5 Management
4.3.1.6 Operating Procedures
4.3.1.7 Technology
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of attendance
2. Copy of agenda
3. Evidence of training within the last 12 months
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.3.2 All Full-Time Staff In-House Training
**Commentary:** In addition to short duration in-house training, there is a need to provide intense highly focused training to keep all full-time staff current on agency’s needs and direction. Consequently, the SRA should offer in-house training at a minimum total of four (4) hours annually. These training sessions should include an agenda with an outline of a well-planned program.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of agenda
2. Evidence of attendance
3. Evidence of time schedule
4. Evidence of training within the last 12 months
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.3.3 Staff Attendance at Workshops
**Commentary:** The SRA should make funds and time available for the staff to attend workshops sponsored or endorsed by the NRPA, IPRA, IAPD and other recreation-related organizations.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of policy
2. Record of attendance
3. Evidence of designated funds in budget
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.3.4 Specialized In-House Training – Short Duration
**Commentary:** Special recreation agencies should have specialized training for all appropriate staff in order to correctly handle the special needs of the people being served.
4.3.4.1 Behavior Management Policy
4.3.4.2 Wheelchair Transfer
4.3.4.3 CPR
4.3.4.4 Inclusion
4.3.4.5 Defensive Driving
4.3.4.6 Sign Language
4.3.4.7 Activity Adaptation
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of attendance
2. Copy of agenda
3. Evidence the training has been within the last 12 months
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.4 Job Descriptions
**Commentary:** For a SRA to provide effective services, it is essential that staff know their duties and responsibilities. Interaction among staff requires that responsibilities are delineated so all aspects of the agency’s operations are adequately positioned. Job descriptions shall be developed for all full-time and part-time personnel within the agency.
4.4.1 Full-time Job Descriptions
**Commentary:** The SRA shall have completed job descriptions for all full-time positions within the agency to reflect the sequence of operations. Full-time job descriptions and classifications should be distributed to staff during employee orientation and as job descriptions are revised. Job descriptions should also include Essential Job Functions. Job descriptions should be reviewed at least every five (5) years and include employment requirements, education, range of authority, experience responsibilities and duties.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of job descriptions (a sample of job descriptions from each department and area)
2. Copy of essential job functions
3. Evidence of distribution to full-time employees
4. Evidence of administrative review of all full-time job description within the last five (5) years
5. Evidence job description is given as part of orientation and upon revision
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Part-time Job Descriptions
**Commentary:** The SRA shall have developed complete job descriptions for all part-time positions within the agency to reflect the sequence of operations. Part-time job description classifications should be distributed to staff during employee orientations. Job descriptions are to include essential job functions and are to be reviewed at least every five (5) years and include employment requirements, education, range of authority, experience responsibilities and duties.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of job description (a sample of job descriptions from each department and area)
2. Copy of essential job functions
3. Evidence of distribution to part-time employee
4. Evidence of administrative review of all part-time job descriptions within the last five (5) years
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.4.3 Job Descriptions in One Accessible Location
**Commentary:** All the SRA’s full-time and part-time job descriptions should be available in one accessible document or location.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Verification that full-time job descriptions are in one location
2. Verification that part-time job descriptions are in one location
3. Evidence of accessibility (hard copy or availability on a common or shared computer system is acceptable)
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.5 Personnel Policies
4.5.1 Comprehensive Personnel Policies Manual
**Commentary:** To provide a uniform understanding of the benefits, rules and regulations and obligations that employees must work under, a comprehensive personnel manual must be prepared and made accessible to all employees. There have been some concerns that manuals provide a legal obligation and contract to employees; consequently, any personnel manual addition or revisions should be addressed and reviewed by each agency’s general counsel. The SRA shall have developed a comprehensive personnel policies manual including, but not limited to, purpose and philosophy; definition of employees, employment practices, employment conditions, salaries and other compensation; fringe benefits; leaves of absence, grievances, discipline and termination, employee participation and general rules and regulations. There shall be one manual with evidence of input from staff and Board approval within five (5) years.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of personnel policy manual
2. Evidence entire manual is reviewed, including staff input and Board approval, within five (5) years.
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.5.2 Distribution of Personnel Policy
**Commentary:** The SRA should have developed a policy to insure distribution of the personnel policy manual as indicated above in 4.5.1 to all full-time staff and all other appropriate personnel. The policy should address which staff will receive copies of the manual and under what process and at what time. It should also address how copies of revisions are provided and made accessible to all appropriate employees.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of policy regarding distribution of Personnel Policy Manual
2. Evidence of distribution
3. Evidence all employees receive updates/changes
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.6 Employee Relations
**Commentary:** Guidelines for employee relations within the SRA shall be established.
1. Employee Orientation Program
**Commentary:** The employee orientation program should include provisions for providing employees with appropriate manuals, review of personnel policies, rules and regulations governing pertinent agency issues which impact their position. The SRA, to provide for preparation and training for a new employee, must be able to demonstrate an employee orientation program, which prepares an employee for their position.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of full-time orientation
2. Copy of part-time orientation
3. Evidence/proof of implementation
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.6.2 Staff Meetings
**Commentary:** To provide for dissemination of information, a SRA should hold regular staff meetings at least semi-annually with a minimum of all full-time staff. All meetings should have a prepared agenda. Note, Full Time Staff In-house Meetings used as evidence for 4.3.2 will not be accepted as evidence for Staff Meetings.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of agenda (if departmental, copies from each department)
2. Evidence of attendance
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.6.3 Employee Relations Program
**Commentary:** The SRA shall demonstrate an effective employee relations program that includes at least four (4) of the six (6) areas below.
4.6.3.1 Policy or procedure for a formal system of soliciting feedback.
4.6.3.2 Membership in employee assistance program for full-time employees.
4.6.3.3 IRS Section 125 flexible spending account for full-time employees.
4.6.3.4 A deferred compensation plan for all full-time employees.
4.6.3.5 to join a credit union.
4.6.3.6 Opportunity to participate in IPRA’s Exceptional Workplace Award Program
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of any three of the above programs
2. Copy of membership list
3. Evidence of employee promotion
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.7 Professional Involvement
**Commentary:** The SRA shall encourage professional involvement by their personnel.
4.7.1 Professional Affiliation Guidelines
**Commentary:** With the fast pace of our new technologies and ever growing interests and concerns of our constituents, professionals need to stay abreast of the tools necessary to provide our services. Active participation in recreation organizations provides one additional avenue of opportunity to interact and discover current services other agencies are providing. Consequently, all full-time supervisory and above employees are encouraged to maintain a professional involvement with the various organizations as listed below.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Evidence of involvement; sessions, programs, etc.
NRPA IPRA OTHER
Chief Executive M M M
Division Head O M M
Professional Staff/ O O M
Full-time Supervisor Level
1. Evidence of individual membership for required involvement with NRPA, IPRA, and/or Other
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.8 Employee Wages and Appraisals
**Commentary:** A policy on employee wages and appraisals should be established for employees reflecting current market conditions and involving input from staff. This policy should be available for staff review and discussion.
4.8.1
**Commentary:** The SRA should establish approved salary ranges for full-time, part-time and seasonal positions, reviewed at least every two years by Board or Director and revised accordingly to reflect current resources available and reflective of competitive positions. Documentation of authority to approve salary ranges and evidence of approval of the salary ranges as authorized are necessary.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of Board/Director approved full-time salary ranges
2. Copy of Board/Director approved part-time salary ranges
3. Copy of Board/Director approved seasonal salary ranges
4. Evidence of review, at least every two years, by Board or Director
5. Documentation of authority to approve salary ranges
6. Evidence of Board or Director approval (as required)
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.8.2 Salary Standards
**Commentary:** To determine the SRA’s philosophy on securing the highest qualified staff, a sample of current staff salary rates shall be compared with established minimum standards. The IPRA annual Employee Compensation Survey shall be used as ’ standard reference regarding park and recreation salaries. A sample of five (5) positions, as defined by the survey, shall be compared to the below listed minimum standards which are equalized by county.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence that each listed employee meets the minimum set standard for their classification.
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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The following salaries are the Minimum Salary Standards for 2026:
| | | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **County** | **County Equalizing Formula** | **Chief Executive** | **Recreation Admin. / Superintendent** | **Recreation Manager** | **Recreation Supervisor /Coordinator** | | **Registrar / Receptionist** |
| Champaign County | 84.03% | $108,792 | $69,311 | $44,303 | $39,360 | | $27,810 |
| Cook County | 99.31% | $128,582 | $81,919 | $52,362 | $46,519 | | $32,869 |
| De Kalb County | 94.04% | $121,760 | $77,573 | $49,584 | $44,051 | | $31,125 |
| Dupage County | 98.81% | $127,936 | $81,507 | $52,099 | $46,286 | | $32,704 |
| Henry County | 77.64% | $100,519 | $64,040 | $40,934 | $36,367 | | $25,696 |
| Kane County | 98.81% | $127,936 | $81,507 | $52,099 | $46,286 | | $32,704 |
| Kendall County | 99.57% | $128,916 | $82,132 | $52,498 | $46,640 | | $32,955 |
| Lake County | 98.85% | $127,984 | $81,538 | $52,119 | $46,303 | | $32,717 |
| Macon County | 75.57% | $ 97,847 | $62,338 | $39,846 | $35,400 | | $25,012 |
| McHenry County | 98.85% | $127,984 | $81,538 | $52,119 | $46,303 | | $32,717 |
| Ogle County | 91.26% | $118,156 | $75,277 | $48,116 | $42,747 | | $30,204 |
| **Will County** | **100.00%** | **$129,473** | **$82,486** | **$52,725** | **$46,842** | | **$33,097** |
| Winnebago County | 92.30% | $119,507 | $76,137 | $48,667 | $43,236 | | $30,550 |
**Where** **SRA’s** **are located in multiple counties, the highest rate shall apply.** **For counties not listed above as examples, the** **SRA** **shall contact the DPRA Chairperson for salary standards for their county.**
NOTE: These salary standards are computed by taking salary data for each specified position from the most recent published IPRA / HR Source Park & Recreation Compensation Survey based on “Total Responses” per the “Weighted Average” categories and multiplied at 80% to determine a minimum base salary (80% is an HR industry standard salary guideline to determine a minimum salary range from the salary midpoint (Average)). Actual figures are updated each year.
_\*_ _Formula for_ _the most current year_ _\-_ _A statewide equalizing formula, based on Illinois Department of Labor county prevailing wage rates, is used to insure equitable comparison among counties. The formula, based on a sample of six trades common to all counties in_ _, shall establish a county’s average wage rate. The trades included in the sample are Carpenter (all), Electric Power (_ _Lineman_ _), Operating Engineer #1 (Bldg.), Painter (all), Plumber (Bldg), and Truck Driver #1 (all). The percentage of deviat_ _ion from the benchmark_ _county’s average wage rate is applied to the designated sample positions to determine equalized county park and recreation minimum salary standards. Actual figures will vary slightly each year._
4.8.3 Appraisals of Job Performance
**Commentary:** A sound and systematic plan or program shall be implemented for documented appraisals of job performance for all employees. This evaluation shall be completed a minimum of once per year. Components shall include evaluation of full-time and part time staff; appraisal shall distinguish between full time and part-time; and documented grievance procedures.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of the plan or program for evaluating employees’ performance
2. Copy of evaluation form for full-time employees
3. Copy of evaluation form for part-time employees
4. Evidence of evaluations taking place, at a minimum of once a year
5. Documented grievance procedures
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.9.1 Safety Policy Statement
**Commentary:** The SRA shall have a safety statement policy and/or procedure approved by appropriate authority.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of Statement/Policy
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.9.2 Safety Manual
**Commentary:** The SRA shall adopt a comprehensive written and Board approved safety manual to include but not limited to policies, standards, practices, and procedures such as safety policies, emergency response procedures, specific safety rules, accident reporting procedures, and a table of contents.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of manual
2. Evidence of Board approval
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.9.3 Employee Knowledge of Safety Policy
**Commentary:** Both safety policy/procedure and safety manual shall be communicated to all employees, full time, part time, seasonal and volunteers through a documented orientation process. In addition to the orientation for all new employees, there should be an annual review with all full-time employees highlighting the salient points of the manual.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Evidence of orientation process
2. Evidence of receipt of policy and manual by employees
3. Evidence of employee attendance at annual review
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.9.4 Risk Management Representative
**Commentary:** At least one employee should be designated as the agency risk manager or safety coordinator with appropriate responsibilities.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of job description designating individual as risk manager or safety coordinator
2. Evidence of appropriate responsibilities
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.9.5 Risk Management Committee
**Commentary:** The SRA shall develop a policy and/or procedure providing for a risk management (safety) committee with appropriate functions, purpose, appointment of members and operation procedures.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of policy or procedure
2. Policy or management manual should reflect functions, purpose, membership appointment, and how the safety committee operates.
3. Copy of minutes reflecting membership attendance and participation
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.9.6 Safety Inspections and Meetings
**Commentary:** The designated risk manager or safety coordinator along with the management (safety) committee will regularly inspect facilities with the documentation and follow-up of deficiencies discovered as a result of the inspection. The designated risk management representative should conduct meetings with the safety committee on a quarterly basis, preferably monthly. Components of the safety committee meetings should include inspection reports, follow up of reports, and minutes of safety meetings.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of safety committee & risk manager inspections reports of facilities
2. Documentation of follow up of inspection deficiencies
3. Copy of agendas
4. Copy of meeting minutes
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.9.7 Written Accident Investigation and Follow Up
**Commentary:** The safety committee is normally charged with the responsibility of responding to accidents and follow up. As such, the SRA should have a written accident investigation procedure delineating the safety committee’s obligations. The agency needs to document this process for implementing and for corrections of unsafe acts, conditions, etc.
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of procedure
2. Evidence of follow-up
3. Copy of accident form
4. Meeting minutes should reflect review of accident reports by safety committee
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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4.9.8 Emergency Operations Manual
**_Commentary:_** _The_ _SRA_ _should have an Emergency Operations Manual adopted and in use._ _The manual should address emergency procedures for situations such as Armed Robbery, Bomb Threat, Fire, Lockdown Procedure, Missing Child, etc. This manual is NOT the Crisis Communication Plan that addresses items such as communication or team member responsibilities._
**Evidence of compliance:**
1. Copy of manual
2. Evidence employees have received the manual and it has been reviewed annually with them so they understand the contents
3. Availability of manual to employees (verify on facility tour)
4. Evidence of Administrative staff review at least within five (5) years for accuracy
O O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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| # V. RECREATION SERVICES |
**Commentary:** The SRA shall provide a comprehensive recreation program for its constituency.
5.1 Organizational Structure
**Commentary:** The SRA’s structure of authority should reflect its purpose, methods of operation in relation to its resources, and relationship to the community.
Organizational structure should have a person directly responsible for recreation services functions.
5.1.1 Recreation Services Management
**Commentary:** If the agency’s chief executive officer does not personally perform the recreation activities management function, a written directive designates the position or component having the responsibility for recreation activities management functions.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Organizational Chart indicating position responsible for recreation activities functions
2. Job description indicating position responsible for recreation activities functions
## M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Recreation Management Degree and Experience
**Commentary:** At least one employee assigned to the highest level of the recreation services management functions shall have a bachelor’s degree, or higher, in park and recreation administration, leisure studies, therapeutic recreation or a related field from an accredited college; CPRP, CPRE, CTRS, or equivalent certification within the field; and a minimum of three (3) years of recreation management experience.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of degree or in lieu of applicable degree; five (5) years as a department head supervising recreation operations
2. Copy of employee service/experience record showing three (3) years of recreation management experience, which includes most current employment
3. Copy of current CPRP, CPRE, CTRS, or equivalent certification
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Recreation Program Special Needs
**Commentary:** The SRA shall provide programs for all residents of the community with special needs. The agency shall provide a comprehensive inclusion service that allows people with special needs to fully participate in community recreation services along with people without disabilities, through program opportunities for people with economic hardship, and through the use of inclusion staff and inclusion training of member agency staff etc.
1. Program Opportunities for People with Economic Hardship
**Commentary:** The SRA shall provide program opportunities for people with special needs in the community to include people with economic hardships.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of policy or procedure regarding people with economic hardship
2. Evidence of use
## O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Inclusion
**Commentary:** The SRA shall have a policy and procedure regarding providing inclusion services.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of policy on inclusion services, including internal staff responsibilities for inclusion and training of member agency staff on inclusion
2. Copy of inclusion procedures
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Inclusion Training for Staff of Other Agencies
**Commentary:** Staff from each member agency shall be trained on inclusion to better serve the needs of their clients.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Agenda/curriculum for training session
2. Signed roster with agency denoted of those completing inclusion training
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Non-Resident Policy
**Commentary:** Special recreation agencies tend to have high numbers of non-residents in their programs. Therefore, the agency should develop a policy regarding non-resident participants in the programs, including fees, transportation, referrals, documentation, etc.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of policy regarding non-resident participants in agency programs, including fees, transportation, referrals, documentation, etc.
2. Evidence of documentation of non-resident participants
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Community Advocacy and Referrals
**Commentary:** A special SRA often deals with participants who have multiple disabilities and other specialized needs. To better serve these participants, the agency should seek opportunities for community advocacy by providing information and referrals to participants about various other agencies and programs, which may help meet their needs.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of policy and/or procedure regarding community advocacy and referrals for participants
2. Evidence of referral for both residents and non-residents
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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5.3 Comprehensive Year-Round Recreation Programs
**Commentary:** The SRA shall have a policy through which it will provide a variety of year-round recreation programs for all residents within their community.
5.3.1 Policy for Providing Recreation Programs
**Commentary:** The SRA shall have a policy reflecting the agency’s philosophy on providing a variety of recreation programs to all residents.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Policy
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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5.3.2 Comprehensive Year-Round Program Opportunities
**Commentary:** The SRA shall provide recreation program opportunities for all residents of the community including, but not limited to: senior adults, adults, young adults, teens, youth, and pre-school children. These year-round program opportunities shall be in a variety of areas including: sports and athletics, creative and performing arts, environmental and outdoor recreation, leisure learning, and special events. SRA’s, which cooperate with other community organizations for the provision of program services, shall be considered in compliance with this standard.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of brochures or program information
2. Evidence of program implementation through associated reporting
3. Evidence of age-range programming through associated reporting
4. Evidence of program variety through associated reporting
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Recreation Statistics
**Commentary:** The SRA shall have a policy or procedure in which statistics are maintained for all programs within the agency. The agency should report this information to the governing Board and/or the public.
5.4.1 Maintaining Statistics for Recreational Needs
**Commentary:** The SRA should have a policy or procedure reflecting the agency’s goals and purpose in providing and maintaining statistics to assist in the meeting of the recreational needs of the community.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Policy or Procedure
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Evaluation of Services & Information Reporting
**Commentary:** Appropriate service statistics should be maintained to plan, interpret and evaluate the recreation programs more adequately. Staff and program participants should evaluate services on a regular basis, and the agency should maintain these statistics. The agency should include participation, satisfaction and performance statistics. Staff should provide information reports to the governing Board to inform them of recreation program participation and facility visits.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of staff evaluations of programs.
2. Copy of program participant survey results or evaluations.
3. Copy of registration and participation statistics for internal programs
4. Copy of statistics for member agencies inclusion programs
5. Evidence of statistical reports provided to the Board annually
6. Copy of staff discussions or action plan based on information in program evaluations
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Coordinate Recreation Programs and Cooperative Relationships
**Commentary:** The SRA shall develop a policy or procedure which
assists the agency in coordinating recreation programs with other related programs
within the community and utilizes cooperative relationships with other recreation
providers (such as parent-operated youth sports programs or private facilities).
5.5.1Coordinating Recreation Programs and Cooperative Relationships
**Commentary:** The SRA should have an approved policy or procedure on coordinating recreation programs and utilizing cooperative agreements with other organizations within the community, such as schools, voluntary agencies and religious organizations to provide maximum coverage throughout the community.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Policy or Procedure
2. Examples of agreements of cooperative relationships
###### M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Recreation Planning, Development and Evaluation
**Commentary:** In addition to the Community Needs Assessment, the SRA shall have a policy or procedure in which residents within the community shall have input in the planning, development, etc. of all recreation programs.
1. Community Input for Recreation Programs
**Commentary:** The SRA should have an approved policy or procedure involving community resident input regarding planning and development of recreation programs.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Policy or Procedure
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Community Input in Planning and Development
**Commentary:** The SRA should involve residents in the planning and development of programs.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Verification of Community Input such as minutes from meetings with residents or public hearings, advisory groups, sponsors, ad hoc committees, or surveys, etc. (beyond Community Needs Assessment)
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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1. Recreation Fees and Charges
**Commentary:** The SRA shall have a policy or procedure on recreation fees and charges.
1. Recreation Program and Facilities Fees
**Commentary:** There shall be an established comprehensive policy on recreation program and facilities fees and charges or in lieu of policy an approved fee and charges schedule.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Policy or Approved Fees and Charges Schedule
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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5.8 Program Participant Behavior (Internal)
**Commentary:** The SRA shall have a procedure on “Behavior
Management” for their patrons.
5.8.1 Program Participant Behavior (Internal)
**Commentary:** The Behavior Management policy or procedure shall provide staff with an understanding that patron behavior which disrupts programmed activities or risks patron/staff safety shall be addressed through guidelines established within individual program areas.
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of Policy or Procedure.
2. Program area guidelines that list behaviors or actions warranting suspensions or removal from agency program.
3. Program area guidelines that include disciplinary actions up to and including suspensions.
4. Program area guidelines that outline communication between appropriate staff and parents or guardians or program participants.
5. Evidence of program area training for appropriate staff in the agency.
M
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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5.9 Conduct Ordinance
**Commentary:** The SRA shall establish a Conduct Ordinance (Rules and Regulations) for general recreation programs and/or adult and youth athletic/sports program activities and leagues and/or recreational facilities (ex. aquatic/fitness/gyms/ice rink/dog park/courts/fields). The Conduct Ordinance may be displayed in locations where activities occur, website or distributed in program and facility informational materials.
5.9.1 Conduct Ordinance (External)
**Commentary:** **The** **SRA** **should** **make the public, participants, and users aware of the** **Conduct Ordinance** **through a variety of means including signage, web posting, and program materials as appropriate for the activity.**
**Evidence of Compliance:**
1. Copy of the Board approved Ordinance (Rules and Regulations)
2. Evidence that appropriate users have been made aware of the Conduct Ordinance (Rules and Regulations)
3. Evidence staff and/or volunteers (if used) receive training on the Conduct Ordinance (Rules and Regulations) and appropriate methods of accountability or enforcement
O
Agency evidence of compliance:
Agency Self Review: Met Not Met
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Forest Preserve District Standards 2026
# STANDARDS EVIDENCE COMPLIANCE
Commentary: Throughout the standards there are numerous requirements to provide evidence based on a frequency and interval basis. For example, a standard may require providing evidence “annually”, “every two years”, “every five (5) years” and/or “every ten years”. In order to be consistent with all accreditation evaluations the following evidence requirements shall apply:
# Reapplying “Accredited” and New applying agencies:
For standards requiring review/approvals “annually” and “greater” (i.e. every 2 – 5 years); the agency must show evidence of reviewed/approved document(s) within the time frame of the interval requested.
Acknowledgement - Defined as the item was distributed and proof can be shown not only that it was distributed to employees, but also that the employee(s) responded in a documented format (ex. email reply, sign off $<$ signature or hand written $>$ receipt, system documentation confirmation, etc.) whereby it is clear that the employee(s) have accepted responsibility for the material.
Distribution - Defined as the item was distributed and proof can be shown that it was distributed to employees.
Review (conduct employee training on policy, procedure, manual) - Defined as employers’ responsibility to actively educate and inform an employee on an item one on one or in group setting item with employee(s), and the distribution and acknowledgement definitions also are to be met as well.
Review (content of policy, procedure, manual, job description, org chart) - Defined as staff will read through and exam the item to clarify meaning, processes, compliance with legal (if applicable) and determine if changes are necessary.
Proof - Defined as an item that will be reviewed by a Review Team to confirm a meeting was held, the topics discussed and who was in attendance. Ex. meeting sign in sheets (preferably with dated agenda attached or sign in sheet with notes of the meeting topics covered), electronic sign off, email reply or receipt.
Commentary: No points are awarded for this section; however, all legal standards are mandatory. An agency must be in full compliance to be accredited. The agency is expected to meet any and all legal objectives. The following is to serve as a sample evaluation.
# L.1 Open Meetings
# L1.1 Open Meetings (5 ILCS 120, et seq.)
Commentary: Must comply with requirements of Open Meeting Act, reference minutes of all regular and executive session meetings. Notice of meetings must be posted at principal office of agency and copies of notice sent to any news medium that has filed an annual request for such notice. Public Act 94-28 requires an agency to post on its website the agendas of any regular meetings as well as a notice of its annual schedule of meetings if the website is maintained by a full-time staff person. In addition, a public body must post the minutes of its regular meetings on its website within seven (7) days of their approval. Such minutes must remain posted for at least sixty (60) days.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of minutes and web posting, if applicable.
b. Copy of notice and web posting, if applicable.
c. Evidence of public posting of agendas/meeting notices for public viewing at the principal office and the location where the meeting is held 48 hours prior to scheduled meeting. (verify on facility tour).
d. Evidence of public body designating one or more officials/employees (Executive Director preferred) to successfully complete an electronic training curriculum developed and administered by the Illinois Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor.
e. Evidence of designated employees successfully completing the Illinois Attorney General Public annual training program (i.e. certificate).
f. Evidence all Board members successfully completed the Illinois Attorney General Public training program (i.e. certificate).
# L.1.2 Closed Sessions (5 ILCS 120, et seq.)
Commentary: Must comply with requirements of Open Meeting Act regarding closed sessions. Includes semi-annual review of closed session minutes and policies governing recording of closed session minutes and the disposal of these recordings.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of semi-annual review of closed session minutes where a determination is made and reported in an open session that (1) the need for confidentiality still exists as to all or part of closed session minutes; or (2) that the minutes or portions thereof no longer require confidential treatment and are available for public inspection.
b. Policy governing the recording and disposal of closed session minutes.
# L.2.1 Freedom of Information (5 ILCS 120, et seq.)
Commentary: The agency will have complied with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 120, et seq.) to include requirements of Illinois Public Act 96-0542.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of public body designating one or more officials/employees (Executive Director preferred) to act as its Freedom of Information officer (s).
b. Evidence of Freedom of Information officer(s) completed annual training program administered by the Public Access Counselor.
c. Copy of Fee Schedule (should be reasonable fees, which do not include administrative costs).
d. Copy of Municipal Directory (includes: summary of purpose; block diagram of functional subdivisions; total amount of Operating Budget; number and location of all separate offices; total number of full-time and part-time employees; identification and membership of all boards, commissions, and committees; brief description of how to get information through Freedom of Information; designation by titles and addresses of employee(s) to whom requests for public records should be made; any fees allowable under section 6 of the FOIA.
e. Evidence that Municipal Directory is on the website (i.e. Municipal Directory shall be made available for inspection and copying and send through the mail if requested) (verify on facility tour).
f. Copy of Freedom of Information requests and agency response, if available.
# L.3 Prevailing Wages
# L.3.1 Prevailing Wages (820 ILCS 130, et seq.)
Commentary: The agency will have adopted the Prevailing Wage Ordinance for the current fiscal year according to State Statute. The agency will comply with the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act. The agency awarding any contract for a public work must specify in the call for bids, the project specifications, and the contract a stipulation that not less than the prevailing rate of wages must be paid to all laborers, workers, and mechanics performing work under the contract. In the event there are no project specifications or contracts for the work, public bodies still must notify of the applicability of prevailing wage via other written instrument, including as part of the purchase order.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of construction projects public bid, contract, project specification, proposals, written notice to contractor, and/or purchase orders, which include a notice of Prevailing Wage requirements in accordance with (Public Act 100- 1177)
# L.4.1 Harassment (775 ILCS 5, et seq.)
Commentary: The agency will enact and maintain a written harassment policy that includes sexual harassment. All local governments must adopt an ordinance or resolution establishing a policy prohibiting sexual harassment. At a minimum the policy must include:
i. a prohibition on sexual harassment;
ii. details on how an individual can report an allegation of sexual harassment, including options for making a confidential report to a supervisor, ethics officer, Inspector General, or the Department of Human Rights;
iii. a prohibition on retaliation for reporting sexual harassment allegations, including availability of whistleblower protections under the Ethics Act, the Whistleblower Act, and the Illinois Human Rights Act; and
iv. the consequences of a violation of the prohibition on sexual harassment and the consequences for knowingly making a false report.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy including minimum requirements listed above.
b. Copy of ordinance or resolution adopting Sexual Harassment Policy or Harassment Policy that includes sexual harassment.
c. Evidence of annual training to staff.
# L.5 Drug Free Workplace
# L.5.1 Drug Free Workplace Act (30 ILCS 580/1, et seq.)
Commentary: Any agency seeking to obtain federal, state or county grant monies must enact a Drug Free Workplace Act Policy.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy b. Evidence of policy distributed to staff
# L.6.1 Americans with Disabilities
Commentary: The agency will enact and maintain a policy statement or policy reflecting the agency's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act related to employment, programs, services, activities and facilities. The intent of this standard is to show compliance with the law. It is not a qualitative measure of the thoroughness of the agency’s ADA Transition Plan (see standard 3.2.6).
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy or policy statement
b. Evidenced of appointment of an ADA coordinator
c. Evidence that employment applications comply with Americans With Disabilities Act
d. Evidence that facilities comply with Americans with Disabilities Act or have been identified as needing compliance and are scheduled to achieve compliance (completed ADA Transition Plan)
L.7 Family and Medical Leave
L.7.1 Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) (29 U.S.C § 2601, et seq.)
Commentary: The agency will enact and maintain a policy reflecting the agency's compliance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy b. Evidence that the policy has been distributed to staff
# L.8 Communicable Disease Guidelines
L.8.1 Communicable Disease Guidelines (OSHA) (29 CFT 1910.1030)
Commentary: The agency will enact and maintain a policy outlining Communicable Disease Guidelines reflecting the agency's compliance with the Illinois Department of Labor Guidelines.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy
b. Evidence of policy distributed to staff
c. Evidence of a universal precaution training to include communicable disease procedures.
d. Evidence that blood borne pathogen kits are available in relevant areas (verify on facility tour)
L.9.1 Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (325 ILCS 5/1 et seq.)
Commentary: The agency will enact and maintain a policy and procedure covering the requirements of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy
b. Copy of procedure
c. Evidence of distribution of policy to staff
d. Evidence of signed “Acknowledgement of Mandated Reporter Status” (DCFS) form for any employee mandated by virtue of that employment to report under this Act (325 ILCS $5 / 4$ ) and/or evidence of certificate of completion of the online mandated reporter training.
L.10 Employer’s Requirement to Report New Employees
L.10.1 Employer’s Requirement to Report New Employees
Commentary: The agency will have complied with the Employer's Requirement to Report New Employees effective October 1, 1997, which is part of the reform legislation.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy or procedure b. Evidence of reporting new employees
# L.11 Criminal Background Investigations
L.11.1 Criminal Background Investigations of Employees (70 ILCS 1205/8-23)
Commentary: The agency will have complied with the Illinois Park District Code 70 ILCS 1205/8-23 requirement to complete criminal background investigations of employees.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy or procedure
b. Receipt or invoice from State Police serves as evidence of completion of criminal background investigations of employees
L.11.2 Disclosure of Child Sex Offenses by Volunteers (70 ILCS 1205/8-23a)
Commentary: The agency will have complied with the requirements of 70 ILCS 1205/8-23a that an agency shall require volunteers to complete an application prior to beginning any work as a volunteer, which shall include a question for the applicant to answer concerning whether they have been convicted of or found to be a child sex offender. If a volunteer is under 18 years of age, the volunteer’s parent or legal guardian may complete the application on the behalf of the volunteer.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of volunteer waiver or application that satisfies the requirement.
# L.12 Ethics Ordinance/Resolution
Commentary: The agency will have adopted an Ethics Ordinance or Resolution and have a policy regarding State Official and Employees Ethics Act that references the State Official and Employee Ethics Act 5 ILCS 430/.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Board approved ordinance or resolution b. Copy of Board approved policy. c. Evidence of annual distribution to staff
# L.13 Smoke-Free Illinois
# L.13.1 Smoke-Free Illinois (410 ILCS 82, et seq.)
Commentary: The agency will have complied with the requirements of the SmokeFree Illinois Act prohibiting smoking in public places and places of employment and within 15 feet of entrances. Proper signage, as specified in the act, must be displayed.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. An IDPH approved “No Smoking” or the international “No Smoking” symbol per the Smoke-Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82), shall be clearly and conspicuously posted in and at entrances of each public place and place of employment and where smoking is prohibited by the Act (verify on facility tour)
b. No ashtrays, cigarette butt containers within 15 feet of entrance (verify on facility tour)
L.14.1 Toxic Substances Disclosure Act (820 ILCS 255/1, et seq.)
Commentary: The agency will have complied with the requirements of the Toxic Substances Disclosure Act to give each employee notice of his/her exposure to toxic substances which pose known and suspected health hazards and which may cause death or serious physical harm to the employee.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of Hazardous Communications Manual/Plan (HAZCOM Plan) (verify at facility locations on facility tour)
b. Evidence of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Manual located at each appropriate facility to which employees may be exposed to hazardous chemicals (verify SDS manuals on facility tour)
c. Posting in the workplace, at the location where notices to employees are usually posted, a sign which informs the employees of their rights under this act (commonly referred to as the Illinois Employee Right-to-Know Law)
# L.15 Illinois Identity Protection Act
# L.15.1 Illinois Identity Protection Act (5 ILCS 179/1 et seq.)
Commentary: The Illinois Identity Protection Act provides that no state or local government agency may: (1) publicly post or display in any manner an individual’s Social Security Number (SSN); (2) print a SSN on any card required for an individual to access products or services provided by the governmental body; (3) require any individual to transmit his or her SSN over the internet unless the connection is secure or the SSN is encrypted; or (4) print any SSN on any materials mailed, emailed, or otherwise delivered to the individual, unless required by State or federal law.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy $&$ procedures. b. Proof of annual distribution of and training on policy
# L.16 Moveable Soccer Goal Safety Act
L.16.1 Moveable Soccer Goal Safety Act (430 ILCS 145/1 et seq.)
Commentary: The agency will have an approved movable soccer goal safety and education policy that outlines the organization’s safety guidelines for movable soccer goals.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of Policy b. Proof of annual distribution to affiliate organizations, if applicable.
L. 17. 1 Firearm Concealed Carry Act (430 ILCS 66/1 et seq.)
Commentary: The agency will have complied with the requirements of the Firearm Concealed Carry Act prohibiting the possession of a firearm on agency property. Proper signage, as specified in the act, must be displayed.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. The approved no weapon sign shall be posted on every agency owned building and property. (verify on facility tour)
L.18 Illinois Local Government Efficiency Committees (Public Act 102-1088)
Commentary: The agency will have complied with the Illinois Local Government Efficiency Committees (Public Act 102-1088). The act requires agencies to form an Efficiency Committee made up of the Board of Commissioners, two (2) appointed residents and the Executive Director or other officer of the governmental unit to complete a report to be filed with the County. Please Note: Municipal Recreation Departments and Special Recreation Associations are exempt from this standard.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Evidence of public body forming an Efficiency Committee b. Evidence a report has been filed with the County
1.1 Philosophy
Commentary: There should be written statements of philosophy relating to the role of recreation in the life of the individual and the community.
1.1.1 Mission Statement
Commentary: There shall be a mission statement regarding the role of the agency in the community. The statement should be developed by professional personnel and policy/advisory board. The statement shall be based upon the legal purpose as stated in the state statutes.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Shall include input from staff b. Shall be reviewed and approved by the Board within the last five (5) years c. Shall be easily accessible to the community and staff (verify on facility tour)
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# 1.2 Agency Incorporation
1.2.1 Agency Incorporation
Commentary: The agency should have documents showing legality of existence.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Evidence of public authority, charter, by-laws, joint agreement, ordinance, etc. to show establishment of agency
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Commentary: There is continuous debate on defining the difference between goals and objectives. In our criteria, we use those terms interchangeably to indicate a direction or grading tool for the agency. The agency should have agency goals and department goals. There should be written goals defining the task of the agency in providing services for its constituency. The goals and objectives should be easily accessible to the community, board and staff. They should also be condensed and available in one document. The agency should have agency goals which should have a relationship to the mission statement.
# 1.3.1 Agency Goals
Commentary: The agency should have a set of comprehensive Agency Goals which should reflect the relationship of the mission statement and providing an overall direction the agency should be pursuing. Agency Goals should be included in a formal planning or budget document reviewed and approved by the Board of Commissioners. Agency Goals should have a completion time frame beyond Annual Goals, $^ { 2 - 5 + }$ years.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of approval by Board or Director authorized copy
b. Evidence of implementation
O O
1.3.2 Annual Goals
Commentary: In addition to having Agency Goals, the agency should have Annual Goals The Annual Goals, one (1) year, should reflect staff input and include i.e., initiatives, projects, and operations.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of Annual Goals
b. Evidence of approval by Board or Director
c. Evidence of implementation
O O
1.3.3 Evaluation of Agency Goals and Annual Goals
Commentary: Agency Goals should be reviewed no less than every five (5) years.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of evaluation of Agency Goals by Board or Director. b. Evidence of evaluation of Annual Goals by staff and review by Director O O
Distinguished Park & Recreation Accreditation Forest Preserve Standards – 2026
Approved 02/20/26
# 1.3.4 Accessibility of Agency Goals
Commentary: The agency’s goals and objectives should be easily accessible and made available to the community.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of accessibility; i.e., copy of document in community places; registration desk, program brochure, library, web site if available (verify on facility tour)
b. Evidence of availability to Board and staff
O O
1.4 Organizational Structure
Commentary: It is essential for management (staff and board) to effectively reflect responsiveness and lines of authority to each other and to the community. As such, clear lines of accountability must be available in writing and made available to the community, staff and Board.
# 1.4.1 Structure of Authority
Commentary: The agency’s structure of authority (organizational chart) shall reflect its mission statement and methods of operation in relation to its resources. It should also reflect the relationship to the community and interrelationship of staff.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of Organizational Chart (interrelationship of staff) b. Evidence of review annually by administration staff for accuracy c. Shall be approved by Board action or approved by Director authority
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1.4.2 Appointment or Hire of Non-Elected Chief Executive Officer (Director)
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of appointment or hire (at hire, annual appointment optional)
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1.4.3 Designation of Authority and Responsibility of Director
Commentary: The agency’s director is designated as having the authority and responsibility for the management of the agency. This authority should either be through a job description, or written statement issued by the board which shall reflect established written policies.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of written job description and/or employment contract; or evidence of compliance included in Board policy manual
b. Evidence of annual written review of Director by the Board
c. Evidence of organizational structure designating Board and director/staff authority.
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# 1.4.4 Chief Executive Officer Degree/Certification
Commentary: The agency’s chief executive officer shall possess a bachelor’s degree, or higher, in park and recreation administration, public administration or a related field. The degree must be from an accredited college. The chief executive officer should have CPRP, CPRE or CTRS status and possess a minimum of three years of management experience in a park and/or recreation agency or forest preserve.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of degree
b. Copy of current CPRP, CPRE or CTRS certification
c. Copy of employee service/experience record or resume reflecting at least three years of management experience, which should include most current employment
O O
# 1.4.5 Chain of Authority During Absences
Commentary: A procedure should be developed delineating the chain of command/authority when the agency’s chief executive officer and/or department head is incapacitated, out of town, ill or is unable to perform, his/her duties.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of procedure under which the chain of command/authority is implemented
b. Copy of chief executive officer chain of command/authority
c. Copy of department head’s chain of command/authority
d. Shall be approved by Board action or approved by Director authority
e. Evidence of review by Board or Director at least every five (5) years or sooner as positions change
O O
# 1.5 Comprehensive Board Policy Manual
Commentary: The agency shall have a comprehensive board policy manual, which contains all board policies with evidence of review every five (5) years.
# 1.5.1 Comprehensive Board Policy Manual
Commentary: There should be a Board Policy Manual which contains all Board policies in one accessible manual (or reference to location of policies) which is reviewed every five (5) years.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of Board Policy Manual b. Evidence of Board review of entire manual at least every five (5) years c. Evidence of accessibility to Board and staff (verify on facility tour)
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1.5.2 Administrative and Policy Making Functions
Commentary: The agency should provide written and definitive guidelines specifying the difference between board policies, regulations and administrative (staff) operational procedures.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of written guidelines b. Evidence of inclusion in board policy manual c. Evidence of five (5) year review by Board d. Evidence of Board approved or Director authorized copy.
O O
# 1.5.3 Agency Rules and Regulations
Commentary: Agency rules and regulations must be Board approved or Director approved (Director authorized copy) which define the limitations by which residents utilize agency facilities, i.e., hours of operation, "no parking" regulations Such information should be located in one easily accessible document and should be reviewed every five (5) years.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of Park Rules and Regulations (one document)
b. Evidence of accessibility to staff (verify on facility tour)
c. Evidence of five (5) year review/Board approved or Director authorized copy
# 1.6 Administrative Operational Procedure Manual
Commentary: It is important that Board and staff understand the difference between Board action policies and staff generated procedures. Consequently, a separate administrative procedure manual should be developed. This manual should be available to all employees.
# 1.6.1 Operational Procedures
Commentary: Operational procedures indicate how staff will carry out Board policies. These are the actions taken by staff to properly implement the directions given by Board policy. All operational procedures (non-board approved policy actions) relative to the operation of the agency should be included in manuals available to all appropriate staff and which are reviewed and updated every five (5) years.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of procedure manuals
b. Evidence of accessibility to staff (verify on facility tour)
c. Evidence of administrative review and update of entire manual by staff every five (5) years
d. Evidence of distribution of updates to appropriate staff
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# 1.7 Board Member Orientation
Commentary: Each agency should provide an orientation manual for all new and prospective Board members in order to acquaint them with all aspects of the agency.
# 1.7.1 New Board Member Manual
Commentary: A new Board member orientation manual should include written material regarding agency property, facilities, history and existing ordinances and manuals. Additional components, at a minimum, should include brochures, budget, policy, master plan, status reports, phone lists, chain of command, and magazine articles. This information should be in one manual with table of contents. Manual should be presented at the new Board member orientation meeting. Manual shall have agenda outlining information to be covered.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of new Board member orientation manual with table of contents b. Copy of new Board member orientation agenda c. Evidence of receipt of orientation manual by new Board member
# 1.7.2 Prospective Candidate Information Packet
Commentary: The Board, by policy, should direct the staff to prepare a board prospective candidate’s information packet. This prospective candidate’s information packet should include essential information about the agency.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of Board policy
b. Copy of prospective candidate’s packet
(1 point bonus)
B B
1.7.3 Sponsored or Endorsed Workshops
Commentary: The agency, through a policy should make funds and time available for Board members to attend workshops sponsored or endorsed by the NRPA, IPRA, IAPD and other similar organizations.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Record of attendance at programs sponsored by NRPA, IPRA, IAPD or other similar organizations
b. Copy of policy
O O
# 1.8 Cooperative Community Planning
Commentary: There should be established working relationships for cooperative community planning.
# 1.8.1 Working Relationship
Commentary: The agency should have a working relationship with state, federal or local agencies to provide for community planning.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of compliance can be reflected by grants, agreements, letters of understanding and copies of minutes of meetings with local, state or federal agencies.
O O
1.8.2 Citizen Input
Commentary: The agency should have a policy on how and when citizen input is solicited.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy indicating how citizen input will be solicited b. Evidence of how and when citizen input is solicited
O O
1.9 Cooperative Operations Agreement
Commentary: The agency should cooperate with other agencies to economize and effectively provide for programs.
1.9.1 Policy on Cooperative Use and Maintenance of Facilities
Commentary: A policy should be established on cooperative use and maintenance of facilities, program operation, facility design, trails, land development, finances, support and control.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy
b. Evidence of a cooperative agreement between the agency and schools, public and/or private agencies
O O
1.10 Public Relations
Commentary: The agency should have a systematic program of public relations, which is broad, yet comprehensive. It should provide for public interpretation of recreation as a whole, and other specific objectives of the agency toward serving all populations.
# 1.10.1 Promotion of Programs and Services
Commentary: The agency should promote the benefits of its programs and services in a comprehensive manner, which includes publications distributed at least twice a year to each household. We are looking at a comprehensive public relationship program to inform the community of important agency programs, services, procedures and operations.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of current publications b. Evidence of distribution to community
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# 1.10.2 Reports of Agency Operations
Commentary: Regular reports of agency operations should be made to the managing authority and to the agency's constituency. Components of systematic program of reporting should include staff to board reports such as monthly financial reports, program, attendance, facility use, etc. The agency's reporting to constituents should include newsletter, annual reports and news releases.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of staff to Board reporting b. Evidence of reporting to constituency
O O
1.10.3 Authority for Coordinating Public Relations
Commentary: One employee should be designated as the primary authority for coordinating public relations activity.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of job description
O O
1.10.4 Dealing with Catastrophic Incidents
Commentary: The agency should provide a crisis communication plan to accurately and effectively deal with a crisis such as severe injury, catastrophic fire, tornado damage, anything that attracts media attention, etc. The crisis communication plan should delineate individuals responsible for communicating with the press, chain of command on notifying proper people of the incident and overall agency procedures on dealing with catastrophic accidents.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of Crisis Communication Plan
b. Shall be approved by Board action or approved by Director authority
c. Evidence of annual review of crisis communication plan with staff
d. Listing of communications team member responsibilities
e. Crisis Communications procedures, communication guidelines when dealing with press
f. Copy of chain of command
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Commentary: The agency should annually establish regular meetings, dates, locations and times in order to review and discuss all pertinent information in accordance with State Statutes.
# 1.11.1 Monthly Meeting / Written Meeting Minutes
Commentary: The agency's Board of Commissioners (or advisory Board if no policy making Board is authorized) shall meet at regularly scheduled meetings to oversee the affairs of the agency. The agency shall keep written minutes of all public meetings including regular and special Board meetings and committee meetings. These minutes shall be made available to the public.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of regular and special Board meeting annual public notice
b. Copy of regular and special Board meeting minutes signed by board secretary for the prior 12 months
c. Copy of committee minutes, if applicable
d. Evidence of availability to the public (website if applicable and verify on facility tour)
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1.11.2 Annual Meeting
Commentary: The agency Board of Commissioners shall hold a yearly meeting at which they will elect officers. These officers are to include a president and vice president. Other officers and Board committees are appointed as deemed necessary.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of election of officers in official minutes
b. Evidence of policy reflecting functions of committees and officer functions
c. Evidence of terms of office
1.11.3 Establishment of a Meeting Agenda Format /Board Packet
Commentary: The agency Board shall establish a policy reflecting a meeting agenda format, including sections providing roll call for committee reports, action items and public input. Agendas should be sent out a minimum of 48 hours in advance.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy reflecting the meeting agenda format
b. Evidence of agenda format including allowance for public input
c. Evidence of policy regarding advance distribution of Board packet to Board members
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1.12 Membership
Commentary: The agency should be members of professional organizations in support of recreation activities.
1.12.1 Membership
Commentary: The agency should establish membership with the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD)and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of IAPD membership or copy of payment b. Evidence of NRPA membership or copy of payment
O O
1.13 Volunteer Program
Commentary: Volunteers can be a vital part of an agency's ability to provide programs. Volunteers provide an economical workforce and expertise and support groups to supplement the agency's staff. To maintain and reward these volunteer programs, there should be a comprehensive program within the agency utilizing the expertise and willingness of residents to serve.
# 1.13.1 Policy or Procedure on Volunteers
Commentary: The agency should develop a policy and/or procedure concerning utilization of volunteers.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy or procedure b. Evidence of utilization of volunteers
O O
1.13.2 Volunteer Manual
Commentary: The agency should have a volunteer manual reflecting recruitment, training, benefits, needs, resources and chain of command.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of volunteer manual
b. Evidence of recruitment
c. Evidence of training
d. Copy of chain of command
e. Evidence of distribution of volunteer manual to volunteers
O O
1.13.3 Volunteer Recognition Program
Commentary: The agency should provide a volunteer recognition program.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of volunteer recognition program
b. Evidence of benefits earned by volunteering
c. Evidence of recognition
O O
1.14 Information Services
Commentary: The agency must participate in a minimum of 5 out of 9 of the following informational services:
Web site
Cable TV
On-line registration
Phone in registration
Kiosk information
Electronic information signs
Social Network Media (i.e. Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, etc.)
Agency promotional video
Other
# Evidence of Compliance:
x Copy of program
O O
Commentary: The agency may actively participate in various recognition and accreditation programs relating to its mission. Bonus points will be awarded if the agency participates in any of the following recognition and/or accreditation programs (2 point maximum):
NRPA Gold Medal application with the last six (6) years (1/2 point with a maximum of 1/2 point) NRPA Gold Medal finalist within the last six (6) years (1/2 point with a maximum of1/2 point) Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) through NRPA awarded within the last six (6) Years (1 point with a maximum of 1 point) B B
# 2.1 Organizational Structure
Commentary: The agency’s structure of authority should reflect its purpose, methods of operation in relationship to its resources, or relationship to the community. Organizational structure should have a person directly responsible for its financial and business operations.
# 2.1.1 Responsibility for Fiscal Management Functions
Commentary: Organizational structure should have a position directly responsible for fiscal management functions.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Organizational chart indicating position responsible for fiscal management functions
b. Job description indicating position responsible for fiscal management functions
O O
2.1.2 Financial Management Degree and Experience
Commentary: At least one employee assigned to the highest level of financial management functions shall possess a bachelor’s degree, or higher in accounting, business administration, or related field from an accredited college, CPRP, CPRE, CPA or equivalent certification within the field, and a minimum of three years of fiscal management experience.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of degree or in lieu of applicable degree; a degree with five years as a department head supervising finance and accounting operations.
b. Copy of employee service/experience record showing three years of fiscal management experience, which should include most current employment
c. Copy of current CPRP, CPRE, CPA or equivalent certification such as GFOA Certificate
O O
Commentary: There should be a sound fiscal administrative system which strives to meet acceptable legal and fiscal obligations.
2.2.1 Comprehensive Operating Budget
Commentary: There should be a comprehensive annual budget approved by the Board at a public meeting.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of current year Board-approved budget
b. Copy of minutes when budget approved
c. Copy of minutes of public hearing
d. Copy of public notice
e. Copy of Budget & Appropriation Ordinance
f. Copy of County Clerk’s filing receipt for Budget & Appropriation Ordinance
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2.2.2 Annual Budget Process
Commentary: The annual budget process should utilize the Programming Budget System or at least be based on performance budgeting principles.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of budget utilizing Programming Budget System and/or based on performance budgeting principles
b. Copy of support documentation, if not included in budget, which indicates Programming and/or performance budgeting principles
O O
2.2.3 Annual Budget Public Review
Commentary: The annual budget should contain a summary format for easy review by the public.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of budget summary page(s) b. Copy of budget summary graphic page(s) (utilizing graphic illustrations) c. Copy of posting to website or promoted for public viewing
O O
2.2.4 Accounting System
Commentary: The accounting system should be compatible with or may be a part of the central accounting system of the governing jurisdiction. It is essential that an agency establish such a system to ensure an orderly, accurate and complete documentation of the flow of funds.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Chart of Accounts O O
2.2.5 Financial Report – The Agency should have an accounting system that includes, at a minimum, provisions for monthly status reports showing:
\\* initial appropriations for each account (or program)
\\* balances at the commencement of the monthly period
\\* expenditures and encumbrances made during the period and unencumbered balances
Commentary: Each appropriation and expenditure should be classified, at a minimum, according to function, organizational component, activity, object and program.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Provide a copy of the last three monthly reports. b. Evidence of distribution to staff and Board O O
2.2.6 Long Range Financial Plan for Capital Expenditures
Commentary: There should be a long range (minimum 3-5 years) financial plan for capital expenditures including maintenance of existing facilities and future capital expenditures. A long range capital expenditure plan should be part of an overall agency master plan.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Board approved long range financial plan for capital expenditures
b. Copy of minutes indicating annual review by Board
c. Copy of master plan which includes long range financial plan for capital expenses
O O
# 2.2.7 Comprehensive Revenue Policy
Commentary: There should be a comprehensive agency revenue policy which establishes the philosophy for the agency’s revenue generation to include fees and charges.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of comprehensive revenue policy which establish philosophy and/or guidelines for revenue generation including fees and charges
b. Copy of minutes indicating board approval of revenue policy
c. Evidence agency is complying with established policy
O O
# 2.3 Annual Audit / Annual Financial Report
Commentary: In accordance with the Governmental Account Audit Act (50 ILCS 310, et seq.) an agency shall file an Annual Financial Report (AFR) containing information required by the Illinois Comptroller.
Additionally, agencies with annual revenues of at least $$ 850,000$ shall conduct and file with the Illinois Comptroller an annual audit of all agency accounts and funds by a licensed public accountant.
Agencies with annual revenues of less than $$ 850,000$ shall either conduct and file with the Illinois Comptroller an annual audit of all agency accounts and funds by a licensed public accountant once every four years or have their governing board approve the agency’s AFR by a $3 / 5 ^ { \\mathrm { t h } } \\mathsf { s }$ vote in accordance with the Act, in which case an audit once every four years is not required.
There should be an annual audit/financial report performed which fulfills all legal requirements of the Act and assures the agency funds are properly dispersed and accounted for.
2.3.1 Certified Accounting Completion by Independent Certified Public Accounting Firm
Commentary: An independent certified public accounting firm must complete an annual financial audit.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of audit stating the report conforms to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or Financial Report and set forth the financial position and results of financial operations for each district fund.
b. Copy of auditor’s opinion indicating agencies statements are fairly presented in all material respects, are free of material misstatements and are in accordance with GAAP (If a material misstatement is identified or is not in compliance with GAAP it does not meet the standard.)
c. Evidence Audit or Financial Report was filed with the Illinois Comptroller
d. Copy of Management Letter or statement from Auditor that there are no outstanding issues or that a Management Letter is not required.
e. Evidence Audit or Financial Report was presented to the Board and accepted
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# 2.4 Levy Ordinance
Commentary: A levy ordinance shall be established annually by the agency.
2.4.1 Tax Levy Ordinance
Commentary: A levy ordinance must be approved by the agency’s governing board and filed in accordance with the Illinois Statutes.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of public notice of Truth in Taxation hearing $&$ posting to website (if required)
b. Copy of filing Truth in Taxation (if required)
c. Copy of County Clerk filing receipts for tax levy
d. Copy of minutes when Levy is adopted
e. Copy of Ordinance
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Commentary: Payment of obligations is essential to maintaining a fiscally solvent and responsible agency.
2.5.1 Payment of All Obligations
Commentary: The agency will make payment on all obligations within the time frame indicated in Illinois Statutes.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Lack of mention in management letter stating payment not made on all obligations made within legal time frames
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2.5.2 Payment of Bills Policy
Commentary: The agency shall have a policy which clearly defines the parameters under which the agency will make timely payment of all bills. This policy shall be in compliance with Illinois State Statutes.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy
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2.5.3 Annual Treasurer’s Report
Commentary: The annual treasurer’s report (Statement of Receipts and Disbursements) will be prepared, published and filed with the appropriate authorities as prescribed by Illinois State Statutes. When an audit of the funds of a local government has been made and a report of such audit has been filed with the appropriate county clerk, the local governmental unit may publish the report of such audit in lieu of publishing the annual statement of receipts and disbursements.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of annual treasurer’s report or independent audit if no treasurer’s report required
b. Copy of Legal Notice
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Commentary: The agency shall establish a policy dealing with the investment of agency funds as directed by Board action and Illinois State Statutes.
# 2.6.1 Investment Policy
Commentary: The agency shall establish an investment of funds policy or ordinance.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Board approved copy of policy or ordinance
b. Policy or ordinance should mention suitable and authorized investments, and collateral agreements with independent third party or agency securing said collateral.
O O
2.6.2 Investment of Funds
Commentary: The agency shall have all public funds not needed for immediate expenditure invested according to Illinois State Statutes.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Audit indicating investment of funds b. Lack of mention in audit management letter
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2.7 Bond Rating
Commentary: Bond ratings may be obtained by an agency if the agency deems that the bond rating will be of benefit to the agency in selling bonds.
# 2.7.1 Bond Rating Policy
Commentary: The agency shall establish a policy concerning whether or not to obtain a bond rating.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Board approved policy establishing whether or not a bond rating shall be maintained.
O O
2.7.2 Municipal Bond Rating
Commentary: Should the agency’s governing Board choose to obtain a current municipal bond rating, then the agency shall maintain a municipal bond rating from Moody’s of at least an A or the equivalent from Standard and Poor’s. (1/2 bonus point)
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of bond company’s letter or perspective B B
# 2.8 Employee Wages
Commentary: An established policy should govern employee wages.
2.8.1 Federal and State Minimum Wage and Overtime Requirements
Commentary: The agency shall pay employees in accordance with federal and state minimum wage and overtime requirements.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of part-time salary ranges, or Audit management letter with lack of mention regarding payment of minimum wage and overtime requirements. b. Copy of policy regarding payment of overtime.
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2.8.2 Payment of Employee Wages Policy
Commentary: The agency shall establish a policy dealing with payment of employee wages. Policy should reflect agency position on paying fair and competitive wages.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Board approved policy dealing with payment of employee wages.
O O
2.8.3 Department of Labor’s Equal Employment Opportunity Poster
Commentary: The Department of Labor’s Equal Employment Opportunity Poster must be prominently displayed as required by law.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Visual inspection of posters as required (verify on facility tour).
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Commentary: The agency shall establish a policy setting purchase guidelines.
2.9.1 Purchasing Policy
Commentary: The agency shall provide a comprehensive Board approved policy dealing with purchases.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Board approved policy O O
2.9.2 Economy of Resources
Commentary: The agency shall have a clear policy providing steps in economizing their resources and purchases. In addition, the agency should demonstrate a minimum of one cooperative purchasing venture in order to economize their resources and purchases.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Board approved policy dealing with economizing resources and purchases.
b. Provide proof of membership in or use of any joint purchasing arrangement or use of cooperative purchasing.
O O
Commentary: Sufficient coverage is important in order to protect the assets of the agency. The limits established are minimums only and each agency should have in place coverage limits that are commensurate with the exposure resulting from its activities and operation.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Membership in Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA), Illinois Parks Association Risk Services (IPARKS), Illinois Risk Management Association (IRMA), or Metro Risk Management Association (MRMA) OR Copy of insurance certificate and plan for following coverage limits (2.10.1 through 2.10.10).
2.10.1 Property – Replacement Value for real (buildings) and personal property (contents of buildings).
2.10.2 Boiler and Machinery – Value of Building
2.10.3 Fidelity and Crime – $$ 500,000$ per occurrence
2.10.4 Builders Risks – Value of construction
2.10.5 General Liability
A. $$ 2,000,000$ per occurrence with no annual aggregate, or B. Minimum of $$ 2,000,000$ per occurrence with $$ 4,000,000$ annual aggregate
2.10.6 Automobile Liability – Minimum of $$ 1,000,000$ per occurrence with no annual aggregate.
2.10.7 Public Officials Errors and Omissions - $$ 1,000,000$ per occurrence and annual aggregate
2.10.8 Worker’s Compensation Statutory Coverage – Employers liability minimum of $$ 500,000$ per accident.
2.10.9 Employment Practices Liability Coverage – Minimum of $$ 1,000,000$ per occurrence
2.10.10Pollution Liability Coverage – Minimum $$ 500,000$ per occurrence and $$ 500,000$ annual aggregate
2.10.11Cyber Security Coverage
2.11 Financial Assistance (government cost-sharing) Where feasible and appropriate, matching funds by local, state and Federal Government should be sought out.
Commentary: Local agencies are urged to take advantage of State and Federal costsharing programs.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Provide records for past five (5) years showing source and dates of matching funds for specific projects
O O
2.12 Financial Resources (external)
Agencies, organizations and corporations should be utilized for funding programs and facilities of many different types.
Commentary: These listings should include funding programs from foundations, corporations, voluntary agencies, private groups and individuals which have been utilized.
# Evidence of Compliance
a. Provide list of agencies, organizations and corporations which have assisted and the nature of their assistance
b. Letter of request
c. Letter of acceptance or denial
O O
2.13 Cash or Cashless Handling Procedure
There should be procedures used for collecting, safeguarding, credit cards/electronic payments and disbursing cash to include, at a minimum:
\\* Cash or cashless handling system procedure
\\* Preparation of financial statement
\\* Conduct of internal audits
\\* Persons or positions authorized to accept or disburse funds
\\* Statement regarding design and separation of duties
Commentary: Formal cash and credit card control procedures enable an agency to establish accountability, to comply with funding authorizations and restrictions, to ensure that disbursements are for designated and approved recipients, and more importantly, to alert agency management to possible problems requiring remedial action.
# Evidence of Compliance
a. Provide copy of procedures.
2.14 Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI)
Commentary: The agency shall have a policy complying with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS) for the protection of payment card information.
Evidence of Compliance: a. Copy of Policy
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2.15 Emergency Expenditures There should be a Board written policy to deal with emergency expenditures.
Commentary: Provisions should be determined defining emergency spending authorization, including how much the Director and/or Board President can authorize to spend to react to an emergency situation without full Board action.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Provide copy of policy
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2.16 Agency Acceptance of Donations, Gifts & Bequests
Commentary: There should be a written policy for the acceptance of gifts, donations and bequests to the agency. This policy is separate from the required Ethics Ordinance/Resolution.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Provide a copy of written policy
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2.17 Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting, Distinguished Budget Presentation, and/or Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award Programs
As a bonus, a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting, Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, and/or Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award Program will be acknowledged.
Commentary: Where deemed appropriate, a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting, Distinguished Budget Presentation, and/or Popular Annual Financial Report Awards shall be current when reviewed and awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of award for GFOA Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting (1/2 point) b. Copy of award for GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation (1/2 point) c. Copy of award for GFOA Popular Annual Financial Report (1/2 point)
(1 Point Bonus Maximum)
# III. NATURAL RESOURCES / PRESERVATION FACILITIES
Commentary: The agency shall strive to provide the highest quality facilities and recreation programs within financial and personnel resource limitations. There should be a systematic planning program for all facilities, which is linked with a capital expenditure budget and a phased development plan.
# 3.1 Organizational Structure
Commentary: The agency’s structure of authority should reflect its purpose, methods of operation in relation to its resources, and relationship to the community.
3.1.1 Responsibility for Natural Resources Management Function
Commentary: Organizational structure should have a position directly responsible for the natural resources management function.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Organizational Chart indicating position for natural resource functions. b. Job description indicating position responsible for natural resources function. O O
# 3.1.2 Natural Resources Degree and Experience
Commentary: At least one employee assigned to the highest level of natural resources functions shall possess a bachelor’s degree or higher, in park & recreation administration, landscape architecture, horticulture or a related field from an accredited college; CPRP, CPRE, CGM (Certified Grounds Manager) or equivalent certification within the field that requires ongoing continuing education; and a minimum of three (3) years of natural resources management experience.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of degree or in lieu of applicable degree, a degree with five (5) years as a department head supervising natural resources
b. Copy of employee experience/ service record showing three (3) years of natural resources management experience, which should include most current
c. Copy of current CPRP, CPRE, CGM or equivalent certification
O O
3.1.3 Responsibility for Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Commentary: Organizational structure should have a position directly responsible for public safety and law enforcement function.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Organizational Chart indicating position for law enforcement positions
b. Job description indicating position responsible for public safety and law enforcement functions.
O O
3.1.4 Public Safety/Law Enforcement Degree & Experience
Commentary: At least one employee assigned public safety/law enforcement functions shall possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in Criminal Justice or related field from an accredited college; and a minimum of three (3) years of law enforcement management experience.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of degree
b. Copy of employee experience/service record showing three (3) years of law enforcement management experience.
O O
3.2 Physical Planning
Commentary: The agency shall provide for physical property planning which shall assist in providing for inventory of assets, goal setting, and short-range and long-range planning.
3.2.1 Inventory of Fixed Assets and Their Locations
Commentary: There should be an inventory of all fixed assets and their locations updated at least every two (2) years.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Fixed Asset Report, with locations b. Evidence of Fixed Asset Report updating within the last two (2) years
# 3.2.2 Facility & Preserves Planning
Commentary: Planning for facility and/or parks development should include citizen involvement in the planning process.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Evidence of citizen input (for example: agendas, open houses, postcards, invitations, e-blasts, survey codes, etc.) within last five (5) years. O O
3.2.3 Regularly Scheduled Preventive Maintenance
Commentary: There should be a regularly scheduled preventive maintenance system including careful safety checks of all facilities and equipment.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Preventive Maintenance Plan including safety checks of all facilities and equipment and updated within five (5) years
b. Evidence of implementation of preventive maintenance plan including safety checks
O O
3.2.4 Facilities and Equipment Replacement Schedule
Commentary: There should be a replacement schedule for facilities and equipment with verification of implementation.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of replacement schedules
b. Evidence of implementation of the replacement scheduled items: approved budget, payment vouchers, and if applicable, disposal of surplus property ordinances.
O O
3.2.5 Location and Accessibility of Administrative Office
Commentary: The agency administrative office should be fully accessible to the public.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Administrative office is fully accessible to the public (verify on facility tour)
O O
3.2.6 Accessibility to People with Disabilities
Commentary: The agency shall have conducted a self-evaluation study of its facilities on accessibility to people with disabilities and completed a Board approved ADA Transition Plan documenting necessary steps for compliance. The agency shall have developed a Board-approved timetable for implementing the recommendations in the ADA Transition Plan.
Accessibility compliance (in accordance with the most recent final and enforceable Department of Justice minimum design guideline. Alternatively, evidence of compliance with the final guidelines or final report of the U.S. Access Board. In the absence of a final and enforceable minimum design guideline, and a final guideline, the agency shall demonstrate adherence to accessible design best practices by compliance to the most recent work of the U.S. Access Board). Such evidence within the last ten (10) years can include, but is not limited to: overall accessibility, compliant parking, compliant curb cuts, compliant walks, compliant ramps, compliant stairs, compliant handrails, compliant toilets, compliant fountains, compliant telephones, and compliant trash receptacles, etc.
# Evidence of Compliance:
Evidence of an ADA Transition Plan in compliance with Title 28 C.F.R.§
35.150(d) shall at a minimum include:
1. Identify the physical obstacles and reference each that limit the accessibility of the park district programs, services, or activities to people with disabilities;
2. Describe the corrective action(s) to be used to make accessible and inclusive; facilities, policies, communications (print $&$ online materials), services and programs;
3. Provide a schedule with cost estimate(s) for making the access and inclusive modifications; provide a yearly schedule for making the modifications if the transition plan is more than one year long; and
4. Public display of the name, address and contact information of ADA Coordinator.
All four (4) points of evidence in 3.2.6.a. are required.
b. Minutes of Board approval of ADA Transition Plan or ADA Transition Plan Update within last ten (10) years.
c. Evidence of Board review of progress and updates most recent completed ADA Transition Plan or ADA Transition Plan Update within last five (5) years.
d. Evidence ADA Transition Plan reflects staff input in the development of the ADA Transition Plan or ADA Transition Plan Update.
e. Show evidence of public input or input from organizations representing individuals with disabilities in the development of the ADA Transition Plan or ADA Transition Plan Update; Or if no input was received, show evidence of an active publicized effort or invitation to obtain input beyond the inclusion of an item on a regular board or committee meeting agenda.
f. Proof of implementation of ADA Transition Plan (verify on facility tour).
# M M
Scoring to pass this standard will be as follows: 3 points $=$ all of 3.2.6.a. plus b-f 2 points $=$ all of 3.2.6.a. plus three (3) of b-f
# NOTE for 3.3 Property/Parks and 3.4 Property/Facilities:
In 1983 NRPA Guidelines had suggested that a park system, at a minimum, be composed of a “core” system of parklands, with a total of 6.25 to 10.5 acres of developed open space per 1,000 population. Also, specific types of parks were named, sized and suggested as a certain number per 1,000 population. It was further suggested that there should be a certain number of specific facilities for the size of the population. These suggestions left little allowance for the diversity of agencies and the variety of their client’s recreational needs and desires.
By 1996 NRPA developed another way to quantify the parklands and facilities guidelines. These guidelines now include consideration for local community needs and desires. It is primarily based upon Level of Service (LOS), “an expression of the essential ingredients needed to provide the level of park and recreation services desired by the customers in a community.”
At this time very few agencies in Illinois have put into practice the NRPA LOS system. Therefore, for Sections 3.3 Property/Parks and 3.4 Property/Facilities together each agency can choose either: “Option A”, 1983 NRPA guidelines; or “Option B”, the new LOS system components. No mingling of the two options is allowed.
In an instance where an agency is “borrowing” from a private or public agency to meet a standard. The agency should show proof of a cooperative agreement or cooperative/established relationship in order to receive a “3” for the standard. This most appropriately applies to “fee based” facilities such as an aquatic or golf facility. For example, standard 3.4.8 Aquatic Facilities, an agency who does not own/operate an aquatic facility, but a private or public agency operates a facility that meets the standard, may show proof through a cooperative agreement or cooperative/established relationship by providing a copy of an agreement or cooperative/established relationship (ex. brochure pages highlighting programs offered by the agency to the community via the private or public agency facility).
For minimum property requirements, forest preserve district must meet NRPA guidelines for A.3.3.1. For maximum amount of land allowed to be purchased, district must follow downstate Forest Preserve Act (70 ILCS 805).
A3.3 Forest Preserve Classifications
Commentary: The size and amount of additional public parklands will vary for each Agency, but must be taken into account when considering a total, well-rounded system of parks and recreation areas.
# A3.3.1 Forest Preserve/Conservation Area
Commentary: The Agency should have a total of 6.25 acres to 10.5 acres of developed open space per 1000 population.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Inventory List b. Map showing distribution of open space
Urban Preserve: Areas of natural or ornamental quality for outdoor recreation, such as walking, viewing, sitting, picnicking, fishing, trail uses and play areas. The focus of this classification is on preserving unique landscapes and open space.
Regional Preserve: Areas of natural quality for nature-orientated outdoor recreation, such as to view and study nature, wildlife habitat, conservation, picnicking, hiking, fishing, camping, trail uses and active areas. Generally, 90 percent of the land is reserved for conservation and natural resource management, with less than 10 percent used for recreation development.
Preservation Areas: Lands set aside for the protection and management of significant natural resources, remnant landscapes, open space, visual aesthetics and buffering.
Greenways: The areas effectively tie preserve system components together to form a continuous open-space environment that will protect, preserve and emphasize harmony with the natural environment.
Pathways: These are multi-purpose trails located within greenways and preserves that emphasize the enjoyment of open space by hikers, bikers, horseback riders, ect., as well as safe travel for pedestrians to and from preserves and community destinations. This classification focus is as much on transportation as it is on recreation.
Special Use: These areas for specialized or single-purpose recreational activities, such as golf courses, nature centers, conservations, arboreta, display gardens, arenas, outdoor theaters, downhill ski areas, or areas that preserve, maintain and interpret building sites and objects of archeological or historical significance.
Commentary: In 1983 NRPA had suggested guidelines regarding facilities. This adapted listing is only a sample of facilities to be evaluated as an indication of the level of compliance.
# A3.4.1 Bike/Pedestrian Trails
Commentary: One trail system per district.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Map showing the area served by each set of trails
b. List of inventory per park or as located in community (Must be public facility accessible to community.)
O O
# A3.4.2 Golf
Commentary: 9 hole (1 per 25,000 population) or 18 hole standard (1 per 50,000 population); 1/2 to one hour travel time. Course may be located within or adjacent to community or district, but should not be over 20 miles from population center.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Map showing the area served by each course
b. List of inventory per park or as located in community (Must be public facility accessible to community.)
O O
A3.4.3 Other Facilities
Commentary: Bonus points will be awarded if the agency owns and/or operates any of the following separate facilities or other designated facilities/areas, which accommodate current documented trends within the community.
a. Community Center
b. Ice Rink - Artificial
c. Museum or Zoo
d. (Beach or Harbor/Lake/River)
e. Nature Center
f. Stables
g. Interconnected district wide trail network h. Dog Park/ Off Leash Area
j. Campground
k. Outdoor Ice Arena (non-artificial)
l. Community Garden
m. Snow Mobile Trail(s)
n. Other
Distinguished Park & Recreation Accreditation Forest Preserve Standards – 2026
Approved 02/20/26
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Map showing the area served by each facility
b. List of inventory per park or as located in community. (Must be public facility accessible to community.)
(1/4 point bonus each - Maximum 2 points)
O O
“OPTION B” – LEVEL OF SERVICE (LOS)
# B3.3 Property/Parks
B3.3.1 Evidence that the agency has completed a Board approved, full LOS Plan for all parks, recreation areas, and open spaces; implemented the plan to the best of community resources (i.e. financial, available conditions, referendum); and meets the park land requirements for the recreation demand as determined through the needs assessment.
# B3.4 Property/Facilities
B3.4.1 Evidence that the agency has completed a Board approved, full LOS Plan for all activities/facilities; implemented the plan to the best of community resources (i.e. financial, available conditions, referendum); and meets the items on the facilities menu which best satisfy the needs of the citizens as determined through the needs assessment.
3.5 Operation/Property
Commentary: The agency should maintain a file on property or facilities, which are owned or leased, and how they are maintained, developed or located. A well-managed facilities program must accurately know what facilities they own and how these sites are accurately planned and maintained.
# 3.5.1 Legal Descriptions and Plats of Survey
Commentary: The agency should have on file all legal descriptions and plats of survey of property currently owned or leased.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of plats of survey (verify on facility tour.) b. Copy of deeds or contracts including legal descriptions
O O
# 3.5.2 Map
Commentary: The agency should have a map of agency-owned and/or operated property and facilities throughout the community available to the public.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of map with agency’s geographic boundaries including location of all parks and facilities.
b. Evidence map is made available to public (verify on facility tour).
O O
3.5.3 Building and Park Site Plans
Commentary: The agency should have on file, plans for buildings and parks.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of one document listing the location of the storage site of building, facility and park plans and specifications.
b. Verification on tour of plans and specifications for buildings, facilities and parks.
O O
3.5.4 Maintenance Personnel
Commentary: The maintenance program should provide personnel assigned to clearly defined duties for regular repairs, general cleanliness and orderliness, and overall attractiveness.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. General cleanliness (verify on facility/park/preserve tour)
b. Orderliness (verify on facility/park/preserve tour)
c. Regular repairs (verify on facility/park/preserve tour)
d. Overall attractiveness as maintained by agency personnel or through contracts (verify on facility/park/preserve tour)
e. Job descriptions reflecting these responsibilities
O O
# 3.5.5 Environmental Policy
Commentary: The agency should have an environmental policy including, at minimum, its position on: open space planning and preservation; wise use and protection of air, water, soil and wildlife; reduction and handling of waste; wise use of energy resources; use of environmentally safe and sensitive products, and environmental education and interpretation.
# Evidence of Compliance:
Copy of Environmental Policy covering, at minimum:
a. Open space preservation and planning
b. Protection and wise use of air, water, soil and wildlife
c. Wise use of energy resources
d. Reduction and handling of waste
e. Use of environmentally safe and sensitive products
f. Environmental education and interpretation opportunities
O O
3.5.6 Emergency Exiting Diagrams
Commentary: The agency should have displayed in their buildings at appropriate locations emergency exiting diagrams.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Verification on facility tour by physical review of building.
O O
# 3.5.7 Conservation of Natural Resources
Commentary: The agency should know where they stand in regard to conservation of natural resources and the protection of our environment. The agency should also have comprehensive procedures and programs reflecting the agency’s commitment to conservation of natural resources and the protection of our environment in the areas of: open space preservation and planning, park and natural resource management, facility management and maintenance, programming, and fleet maintenance.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Evidence of Board review of completed and/or updated IPRA Environmental Report Card for the agency every three years.
b. Achieve an agency score of not less than $50 %$ (agency doing a very good job) on the completed and/or updated IPRA Environmental Report Card.
c. Copy of procedures and programs.
d. Proof of implementation of procedures and programs, including such items as: controlled burn permits or invoices for recycling of florescent bulbs, engine oil, kitchen grease, computers, etc.
O O
3.5.8 Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and/or PGMS Landscape Management Operations Accreditation
Commentary: The agency may actively participate in various recognition and accreditation programs relating to its parks, natural resources and environmental management practices. Bonus points will be awarded if the agency is currently recognized as having either of the following certification and/or accreditation programs.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. The agency is currently a designated Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary (for golf courses or other areas), and/or has current PGMS Landscape Management Operations Accreditation. (1/2 bonus point each).
(1 point bonus max) B B
Commentary: A well-managed agency to accurately prepare and plan for the future must take appropriate steps including having an agency wide comprehensive master plan. This comprehensive master plan should take into account resources available in the community and within the agency. It should be guided by the comprehensive survey of the community’s needs and interests.
# 3.6.1 Comprehensive Plan
Commentary: The agency shall have a formal comprehensive plan planning document - a Comprehensive Master Plan (a process that determines community goals and aspirations in terms of community/agency development), or Strategic Plan (an organization’s process of defining its strategy, or direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this strategy) or both,, showing evidence of the use of its goals, plans and recommendations, and have it updated every ten years. The agency should be able to show, by Board action, written policy, etc., the use of long-range capital planning strategies for the agency’s operation. Components should consist of: community wide survey compiled within the past 10 years, goals, plans, public input, recommendations, implementation, and periodical update.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Evidence of survey to guide Comprehensive/Strategic Plan
b. Evidence of staff input in development of Comprehensive/Strategic Plan
c. Evidence of Board input in development of Comprehensive/Strategic Plan
d. Evidence of public input in development of Comprehensive/Strategic Plan (e.g. public hearings, resident advisory focus committees, open houses, on-line feedback, etc.)
e. Evidence Comprehensive/Strategic Plan is reviewed by Board at least every five (5) years
f. Evidence of new or revised Comprehensive/Strategic Plan approved by Board action within ten (10) years
g. Evidence of public display of Comprehensive/Strategic Plan
M M
3.6.2 Comprehensive needs assessment
Commentary: The agency should have an approved policy or procedure so stating the agency’s direction and process on obtaining a comprehensive needs assessment.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Policy or Procedure
M O
3.6.3 Needs assessment study to assess and determine the recreation needs and interests of its population.
Commentary: A needs assessment study should be made at least every ten years with interim updating due to population shifts and changing social and economic conditions. The needs assessment should be used to guide the development of the agency’s departmental goals and objectives.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of needs assessment b. Copy of reporting of needs assessment to Board and Community c. Copy of staff discussions or action plan based on information in the needs assessment within two (2) years of the assessment to Board and Community
M O
# 4.1 Organizational Structure
Commentary: The agency’s structure of authority should reflect its purpose, methods of operation in relation to its resources, and relationship to the community.
4.1.1 Personnel Management
Commentary: If the chief executive officer does not personally perform the personnel management function, written confirmation should be provided designating the position or component having the responsibility for personnel management functions.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of written confirmation; or copy of job descriptions O O
4.1.2 Personnel Management Degree and Experience
Commentary: At least one employee assigned to the highest level of personnel management functions shall have a bachelors degree, or higher, in business administration, public administration, human resources or a related field from an accredited college; or a bachelors degree, or higher from an accredited college (unrelated to human resource management) with a professional association/educational certification in human resource/personnel management (e.g. PDRMA Essential of Human Resources Curriculum) with evidence of completion within last two (2) years; CPRP, CPRE, PHR, SPHR or GPHR; and a minimum of three years of personnel management experience.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of related degree or unrelated degree with professional /educational certification(s) obtained within last two (2) years
b. Copy of employee work service/experience record showing three years of personnel management experience, which should include most current employment
c. Copy of current CPRP, CPRE, PHR, SPHR, GPHR or equivalent certification
O O
Commentary: If an agency is to provide quality services, it is essential that employees be trained and highly educated. Consequently, the governing Board of the agency should have a policy whereby their agency will hire and train professional staff.
4.2.1 Policy on Employment of Certified/Professionally Trained Staff
Commentary: The governing Board of the agency shall have adopted a policy stating it is desirable that employees of their agency be certified/professionallytrained and recruitment and selection of management will emphasize this requirement.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy
b. Copy of job descriptions reflecting this policy
c. Documentation listing employees and their current certifications
O O
# 4.2.2 Continuing Education Opportunities
Commentary: Staff, to be aware of the current trends and able to reflect current solutions, must continue to pursue educational opportunities. Consequently, the agency shall have adopted a policy stating the staff will be encouraged to pursue appropriate continuing education opportunities to obtain or maintain certification.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy
b. Evidence of appropriate funding in budget for continuing education within each department
O O
Commentary: In addition to continuing education, it is essential, due to budget restraints and the need for interaction among the agency’s staff, that an extensive in-house training program be provided. This in-house training program may utilize experts in the field or within your agency. The intention is that training needs, which are unique to recreation, can be accomplished and should be accomplished throughout the calendar year. As such, we are looking for an overall training program reflecting the agency’s goals and objectives and implementation. An in-service training plan shall be available for the agency’s staff throughout the year.
# 4.3.1 In-House Training - Short Duration
Commentary: The agency should have a planned in-house training program that includes annual training for all appropriate staff in all departments in at least three of the seven areas below. This training should be of a minimum duration of 15 - 30 minutes and should be held within the last 12 months.
4.3.1.1 Risk Management
4.3.1.2 Personal Fitness and Health
4.3.1.3 Trends
4.3.1.4 Public Image & Customer Relations
4.3.1.5 Management
4.3.1.6 Operating Procedures
4.3.1.7 Technology
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of attendance
b. Copy of agenda
c. Evidence of training within the last 12 months
O O
# 4.3.2 All Full-Time Staff In-House Training
Commentary: In addition to short duration in-house training, there is a need to provide intense highly focused training to keep all full-time staff current on agency’s needs and direction. Consequently, the agency should offer in-house training at a minimum total of four (4) hours annually. These training sessions should include an agenda with an outline of a well-planned program.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of agenda
b. Evidence of attendance
c. Evidence of time schedule
d. Evidence of training within the last 12 months
O O
# Distinguished Park & Recreation Accreditation Forest Preserve Standards – 2026 Approved 02/20/26
# 4.3.3 Staff Attendance at Workshops
Commentary: The agency should make funds and time available for the staff to attend workshops sponsored or endorsed by the NRPA, IPRA, IAPD and other recreation-related organizations.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy
b. Record of attendance
c. Evidence of designated funds in budget
O O
4.4 Job Descriptions
Commentary: For an agency to provide effective services, it is essential that staff know their duties and responsibilities. Interaction among staff requires that responsibilities are delineated so all aspects of the agency’s operations are adequately positioned. Job descriptions shall be developed for all full-time and part-time personnel within the agency.
# 4.4.1 Full-time Job Descriptions
Commentary: The agency shall have completed job descriptions for all full-time positions within the agency to reflect the sequence of operations. Full-time job descriptions and classifications should be distributed to staff during employee orientation and as job descriptions are revised. Job descriptions should also include Essential Job Functions. Job descriptions should be reviewed at least every five (5) years and include employment requirements, education, range of authority, experience, responsibilities and duties.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of job descriptions (a sample of job descriptions from each department and area)
b. Copy of essential job functions
c. Evidence of distribution to full-time employees
d. Evidence of administrative review of all full-time descriptions within the last five (5) years
e. Evidence job description is given as part of orientation and upon revision
# 4.4.2 Part-time Job Descriptions
Commentary: The agency shall have developed complete job descriptions for all part-time positions within the agency to reflect the sequence of operations. Parttime job description classifications should be distributed to staff during employee orientations. Job descriptions are to include essential job functions and are to be reviewed at least every five (5) years and include employment requirements, education, range of authority, experience, responsibilities and duties.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of job description (a sample of job descriptions from each department and area)
b. Copy of essential job functions
c. Evidence of distribution part-time employees
d. Evidence of administrative review of all part-time job descriptions within the last five (5) years
O O
4.4.3 Job Descriptions in One Accessible Location
Commentary: All the agency’s full-time and part-time job descriptions should be available in one accessible document or location.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Verification that full-time job descriptions are in one location b. Verification that part-time job descriptions are in one location c. Evidence of accessibility (hard copy or availability on a common or shared computer system is acceptable)
O O
# 4.5.1 Comprehensive Personnel Policies Manual
Commentary: To provide a uniform understanding of the benefits, rules and regulations and obligations that employees must work under, a comprehensive personnel manual must be prepared and made accessible to all employees. There have been some concerns that manuals provide a legal obligation and contract to employees; consequently, any personnel manual addition or revisions should be addressed and reviewed by each agency’s general counsel. The agency shall have developed a comprehensive personnel policies manual including, but not limited to, purpose and philosophy; definition of employees, employment practices, employment conditions, salaries and other compensation; fringe benefits; leaves of absence, grievances, discipline and termination, employee participation and general rules and regulations. There shall be one manual with evidence of input from staff and board approval within five (5) years.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of personnel policy manual
b. Evidence entire manual is reviewed, including staff input and Board approval, within five (5) years.
M M
# 4.5.2 Distribution of Personnel Policy Manual
Commentary: The agency should have developed a policy to insure distribution of the personnel policy manual as indicated above in 4.5.1 to all full-time staff and all other appropriate personnel. The policy should address which staff will receive copies of the manual and under what process and at what time. It should also address how copies of revisions are provided and made accessible to all appropriate employees.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy regarding distribution of Personnel Policy Manual b. Evidence of distribution c. Evidence all employees receive updates/changes
O O
Commentary: Guidelines for employee relations within the agency shall be established.
# 4.6.1 Employee Orientation Program
Commentary: The employee orientation program should include provisions for providing employees with appropriate manuals, review of personnel policies, rules and regulations governing pertinent agency issues which impact their position. The agency, to provide for preparation and training for a new employee, must be able to demonstrate an employee orientation program, which prepares an employee for their position.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of full-time orientation b. Copy of part-time orientation c. Evidence/proof of implementation O O
4.6.2 Staff Meetings
Commentary: To provide for dissemination of information, an agency should hold regular staff meetings at least semi-annually with a minimum of all full-time staff. All meetings should have a prepared agenda. Note, Full Time Staff In-house Meetings used as evidence for 4.3.2 will not be accepted as evidence for Staff Meetings.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of agenda (if departmental, copies from each department)
b. Evidence of attendance
O O
Distinguished Park & Recreation Accreditation Forest Preserve Standards – 2026
Approved 02/20/26
# 4.6.3 Employee Relations Program
Commentary: The agency shall demonstrate an effective employee relations program that includes at least four (4) of the six (6) areas below.
4.6.3.1 Policy or procedure for a formal system of soliciting feedback.
4.6.3.2 Membership in employee assistance program for full-time employees.
4.6.3.3 IRS Section 125 flexible spending account for full-time employees.
4.6.3.4 A deferred compensation plan for all full-time employees.
4.6.3.5 Opportunity to join a credit union.
4.6.3.6 Opportunity to participate in IPRA’s Exceptional Workplace Award
program
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of any four of the above programs b. Evidence of promotion of the programs to employees
O O
Commentary: The agency shall encourage professional involvement by their personnel.
# 4.7.1 Professional Affiliation Guidelines
Commentary: With the fast pace of our new technologies and ever growing interests and concerns of our constituents, professionals need to stay abreast of the tools necessary to provide our services. Active participation in recreation and civic organizations provides one additional avenue of opportunity to interact and discover current services other agencies are providing. Consequently, all full-time supervisory and above employees are encouraged to maintain a professional involvement with the various organizations as listed below.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Evidence of involvement; participated in educational/professional sessions or trainings, responded to industry-wide surveys or requests for contributors/tions, presented professionally in educational sessions or trainings, served on a committee and/or served as a Board member.
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| NRPA | IPRA | OTHER |
| Chief Executive M | M | M |
| Department Head | O M | M\* |
| Professional Staff/ 0 Full-time Supervisor Level | 0 | M\* |
b. Evidence of individual membership for required involvement with NRPA, IPRA and or Other
\*NRPA membership or IPRA membership may be used as evidence of membership in Division Head and Professional Staff/Full Time Supervisor Level, OTHER category.
# 4.8 Employee Wages and Appraisals
Commentary: A policy on employee wages and appraisals should be established for employees reflecting current market conditions and involving input from staff. This policy should be available for staff review and discussion.
# 4.8.1 Salary Ranges
Commentary: The agency should establish approved salary ranges for full-time, part-time and seasonal positions, reviewed at least every two years by Board or Director and revised accordingly to reflect current resources available and reflective of competitive positions. Documentation of authority to approve salary ranges and evidence of approval of the salary ranges as authorized are necessary.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of Board/Director approved full-time salary ranges b. Copy of Board/Director approved part-time salary ranges c. Copy of Board/Director approved seasonal salary ranges d. Evidence of review, at least every two years, by Board or Director e. Documentation of authority to approve salary ranges f. Evidence of Board or Director approval (as required) O O
# 4.8.2 Salary Standards
Commentary: To determine the agency’s philosophy on securing the highest qualified staff, a sample of current staff salary rates shall be compared with established minimum standards. The IPRA annual Employee Compensation Survey shall be used as Illinois’ standard reference regarding park and recreation salaries. A sample of five (5) positions, as defined by the survey, shall be compared to the below listed minimum standards which are equalized by county.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence that each listed employee meets the minimum set standard for their classification.
O O
The following salaries are the Minimum Salary Standards for 2026:
| | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| County | CountyqualizingFormula | ChiefExecutive | NaturalResources(Horticulturalist) | EnvironmentEduucationManager(Naturalist) | ParkSupervisor(Foreman) | Ranger |
| ChampaignCounty | 84.03% | $108,792 | $42,757 | $39,569 | $57,167 | $30,523 |
| Cook County | 99.31% | $128,582 | $50,535 | $46,767 | $67,566 | $36,075 |
| De KalbCounty | 94.04% | $121,760 | $47,854 | $44,286 | $63,982 | $34,161 |
| DupageCounty | 98.81% | $127,936 | $50,281 | $46,532 | $67,227 | $35,894 |
| Henry County | 77.64% | $100,519 | $39,506 | $36,560 | $52,820 | $28,202 |
| Kane County | 98.81% | $127,936 | $50,281 | $46,532 | $67,227 | $35,894 |
| Kendall County | 99.57% | $128,916 | $50,666 | $46,889 | $67,742 | $36,169 |
| Lake County | 98.85% | $127,984 | $50,300 | $46,550 | $67,252 | $35,908 |
| Macon County | 75.57% | $97,847 | $38,456 | $35,588 | $51,416 | $27,452 |
| McHenryCounty | 98.85% | $127,984 | $50,300 | $46,550 | $67,252 | $35,908 |
| Ogle County | 91.26% | $118,156 | $46,438 | $42,975 | $62,088 | $33,150 |
| Will County | 100.00% | $129,473 | $50,885 | $47,091 | $68,034 | $36,325 |
| WinnebagoCounty | 92.30% | $119,507 | $46,969 | $43,467 | $62,798 | $33,529 |
Where agencies are located in multiple counties, the highest rate shall apply. For counties not listed above as examples, the agency shall contact the DPRA Chairperson for salary standards for their county.
NOTE: These salary standards are computed by taking salary data for each specified position from the most recent published IPRA $/$ HR Source Park & Recreation Compensation Survey based on “Total Responses” per the “Weighted Average” categories and multiplied at $80 %$ to determine a minimum base salary $8 0 %$ is an HR industry standard salary guideline to determine a minimum salary range from the salary midpoint (Average)). Actual figures are updated each year.
\*County Equalizing Formula for the most current year - A statewide equalizing formula, based on Illinois Department of Labor county prevailing wage rates, is used to insure equitable comparison among counties. The formula, based on a sample of six trades common to all counties in Illinois, shall establish a county’s average wage rate. The trades included in the sample are Carpenter (all), Electric Power (Lineman), Operating Engineer #1 (Bldg.), Painter (all), Plumber (Bldg), and Truck Driver #1 (all). The percentage of deviation from the benchmark county’s average wage rate is applied to the designated sample positions to determine equalized county park and recreation minimum salary standards. Actual figures will vary slightly each year.
# 4.8.3 Appraisals of Job Performance
Commentary: A sound and systematic plan or program shall be implemented for documented appraisals of job performance for all employees. This evaluation shall be completed a minimum of once per year. Components shall include evaluation of full-time and part time staff; appraisal shall distinguish between full time and part-time; and documented grievance procedures.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of the plan or program for evaluating employees performance
b. Copy of evaluation form for full-time employees
c. Copy of evaluation form for part-time employees
d. Evidence of evaluations taking place, at a minimum of once a year
e. Documented grievance procedures
O O
4.9 Risk Management Program
Commentary: A risk management program shall be formulated to evaluate the agency’s safety procedures, facilities and programs.
4.9.1 Safety Policy Statement
Commentary: The agency shall have a safety statement policy and/or procedure approved by appropriate authority.
Evidence of compliance: a. Copy of Statement/Policy
O O
# 4.9.2 Safety Manual
Commentary: The agency shall adopt a comprehensive written and Board approved safety manual to include but not limited to policies, standards, practices, and procedures such as safety policies, emergency response procedures, specific safety rules, accident reporting procedures, and a table of contents.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of manual b. Evidence of Board approval
O O
4.9.3 Employee Knowledge of Safety Policy
Commentary: Both safety policy/procedure and safety manual shall be communicated to all employees, full time, part time, seasonal and volunteers through a documented orientation process. In addition to the orientation for all new employees, there should be an annual review with all full-time employees highlighting the salient points of the manual.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Evidence of orientation process
b. Evidence of receipt of policy and manual by employees
c. Evidence of employee attendance at annual review
O
4.9.4 Risk Management Representative
Commentary: At least one employee should be designated as the agency risk manager or safety coordinator with appropriate responsibilities.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of job description designating individual as risk manager or safety coordinator
b. Evidence of appropriate responsibilities
O O
# 4.9.5 Risk Management Committee
Commentary: The agency shall develop a policy and/or procedure providing for a risk management (safety) committee with appropriate functions, purpose, appointment of members and operation procedures.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of policy or procedure
b. Policy or management manual should reflect functions, purpose, membership appointment, and how the safety committee operates.
c. Copy of minutes reflecting membership attendance and participation
O O
4.9.6 Safety Inspections and Meetings
Commentary: The designated risk manager or safety coordinator along with the management (safety) committee will regularly inspect facilities with the documentation and follow-up of deficiencies discovered as a result of the inspection. The designated risk management representative should conduct meetings with the safety committee on a quarterly basis, preferably monthly. Components of the safety committee meetings should include inspection reports, follow up of reports, and minutes of safety meetings.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of safety committee & risk manager inspections reports of facilities
b. Documentation of follow up of inspection deficiencies
c. Copy of agendas
d. Copy of meeting minutes
O O
4.9.7 Written Accident Investigation and Follow Up
Commentary: The safety committee is normally charged with the responsibility of responding to accidents and follow up. As such, the agency should have a written accident investigation procedure delineating the safety committee’s obligations. The agency needs to document this process for implementing and for corrections of unsafe acts, conditions, etc.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of procedure
b. Evidence of follow-up
c. Copy of accident form
d. Meeting minutes should reflect review of accident reports by safety committee
O O
# 4.9.8 Emergency Operations Manual
Commentary: The agency should have an Emergency Operations Manual adopted and in use. The manual should address emergency procedures for situations such as Armed Robbery, Bomb Threat, Fire, Lockdown Procedure, Missing Child, etc. This manual is NOT the Crisis Communication Plan that addresses items such as communication or team member responsibilities.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. Copy of manual
b. Evidence employees have received the manual and it has been reviewed annually with them so they understand the contents.
c. Availability of manual to employees (verify on facility tour).
d. Evidence of Administrative staff review at within five (5) years for accuracy. O O
# V. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Commentary: The agency shall provide a comprehensive environmental education program for its constituency.
# 5.1 Organizational Structure
Commentary: The agency’s structure of authority should reflect its purpose, methods of operation in relation to its resources, and relationship to the community. Organizational structure should have a person directly responsible for recreation services functions.
# 5.1.1 Recreation Services Environmental Management
Commentary: If the agency’s chief executive officer does not personally perform the recreation activities management function, a written directive designates the position or component having the responsibility for recreation activities management functions.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Organizational Chart indicating position responsible for recreation activities functions
b. Job description indicating position responsible for recreation activities functions
M O
5.1.2 Recreation/Environmental Management Degree and Experience
Commentary: At least one employee assigned to the highest level of the recreation/environmental services management functions shall have a bachelor’s degree, or higher, in park and recreation administration, biology, environmental sciences or a related field from an accredited college; CPRP, CPRE, CTRS or equivalent certification within the field; and a minimum of three (3) years of recreation management experience.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of degree or in lieu of applicable degree; a degree with five (5) years as a department head supervising recreation management
b. Copy of employee service/experience record showing three (3) years of recreation/environmental management experience, which should include most recent
c. Copy of current CPRP, CPRE, CTRS or equivalent certification
O O
# 5.2 Recreation Program Special Needs
Commentary: The agency shall provide programs for all residents of the community with special needs. The agency shall provide a comprehensive inclusion service that allows people with special needs to fully participate in community recreation services along with people without disabilities, through program opportunities for people with economic hardship, and through the use of inclusion staff and inclusion training of member agency staff etc.
# 5.2.1 Special Needs for People with Disabilities
Commentary: The agency shall provide program opportunities and inclusion services for people with special needs in the community to include people with disabilities.
# Evidence of compliance:
a. If part of a SRA, provide copy of joint agency agreement, copy of SRA Program brochure, and show agency materials that identify inclusion or inclusion services available.
b. If not part of a SRA, provide copy of brochure materials listing special needs programs and inclusion services.
c. Copy of agency policy or procedure regarding inclusion.
M M
5.2.2 Program Opportunities for People with Economic Hardship
Commentary: The agency shall provide program opportunities for people with special needs in the community to include people with economic hardships.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of policy or procedure regarding people with economic hardship
b. Evidence of use
O O
5.3 Comprehensive Year-Round Environmental Programs
Commentary: The agency shall have a policy through which it will provide a variety of year-round environmental programs for all residents within their community.
# 5.3.1 Policy for Providing Programs
Commentary: The agency shall have a policy reflecting the agency’s philosophy on providing a variety of recreation programs to all residents.
Evidence of Compliance: a. Copy of Policy
M M
5.3.2 Comprehensive Year-Round Program Opportunities
Commentary: The agency shall provide recreation program opportunities for all residents of the community including, but not limited to: senior adults, adults, young adults, teens, youth, and pre-school children. These year-round program opportunities shall be in a variety of areas including: sports and athletics, creative and performing arts, environmental and outdoor recreation, leisure learning, and special events. Agencies, which cooperate with other community organizations for the provision of program services, shall be considered in compliance with this standard.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of brochures or program information b. Evidence of program implementation through associated reporting c. Evidence of age-range programming through associated reporting d. Evidence of program variety through associated reporting
M M
# 5.4 Program Statistics
Commentary: The agency shall have a policy or procedure in which statistics are maintained for all programs within the agency. The agency should report this information to the governing Board and/or the public.
# 5.4.1 Maintaining Statistics for Recreational Needs
Commentary: The agency should have a policy or procedure reflecting the agency’s goals and purpose in providing and maintaining statistics to assist in the meeting of the recreational needs of the community.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Policy or Procedure
M O
# 5.4.2 Evaluation of Services & Information Reporting
Commentary: Appropriate service statistics should be maintained to plan, interpret and evaluate the recreation programs more adequately. Staff, program participants and facility visitors should evaluate services on a regular basis, and the agency should maintain these statistics. The agency should include participation, satisfaction, demographics and performance statistics. Staff should provide information reports to the governing board to inform them of recreation program participation and facility visits.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of staff evaluations of programs.
b. Copy of program participant survey results or evaluations.
c. Copy of facility visitor survey results or evaluations.
d. Copy of registration and participation statistics for internal programs.
e. Copy of statistics for agency’s inclusion programs.
f. Evidence of statistical reports provided to the Board annually.
g. Copy of staff discussions or action plan based on information in program evaluations.
M O
5.5 Coordinate Recreation Programs and Cooperative Relationships
Commentary: The agency shall develop a policy or procedure which assists the agency in coordinating recreation programs with other related programs within the community and utilizes cooperative relationships with other recreation providers (such as parent-operated youth sports programs or private facilities).
5.5.1 Coordinating Recreation Programs and Cooperative Relationships
Commentary: The agency should have an approved policy or procedure on coordinating recreation programs and utilizing cooperative agreements with other organizations within the community, such as schools, voluntary agencies and religious organizations to provide maximum coverage throughout the community.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Policy or Procedure b. Examples of agreements of cooperative relationships
M O
5.6 Program Planning, Development and Evaluation
Commentary: In addition to the Community Needs Assessment, the agency shall have a policy or procedure in which residents within the community shall have input in the planning, development, etc. of all programs.
5.6.1 Community Input for Programs
Commentary: The agency should have an approved policy or procedure involving community resident input regarding planning and development of programs.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Policy or Procedure
M O
5.6.2 Community Input in Planning and Development
Commentary: The agency should involve residents in the planning and development of programs.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Verification of Community Input such as minutes from meetings with residents, public hearings, advisory groups, sponsors, ad hoc committees or surveys, etc. (beyond Community Needs Assessment)
M O
5.7 Program Fees and Charges
Commentary: The agency shall have a policy or procedure on program fees and charges.
5.7.1 Program and Facilities Fees
Commentary: There shall be an established comprehensive policy on program and facilities fees and charges or in lieu of policy an approved fee and charges schedule.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Policy or Approved Fees and Charges Schedule
M O
# 5.8 Program Participant Behavior (Internal)
Commentary: The agency shall have a policy or procedure on “Behavior Management” for their patrons.
# 5.8.1 Behavior Management Policy/Procedure (Internal)
Commentary: The Behavior Management Policy or Procedure shall provide staff with an understanding that patron behavior which disrupts programmed activities or risks patron personal safety shall be addressed through guidelines established within individual program areas.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of Policy or Procedure
b. Program area guidelines that list behaviors or actions warranting suspensions or removal from agency program.
c. Program area guidelines that include disciplinary actions up to and including suspensions.
d. Program area guidelines that outline communication between appropriate staff and parents or guardians or program participants.
e. Evidence of program area training for appropriate staff in the agency.
M M
# 5.9 Facility Conduct Ordinance
Commentary: The agency shall establish a Conduct Ordinance (Rules and Regulations) for general recreation programs and/or adult and youth athletic/sports program activities and leagues and/or recreational facilities (ex. Aquatic/fitness/gyms/ice rink/dog park/courts/fields). The Conduct Ordinance may be displayed in locations where activities occur, website or distributed in program and facility informational materials.
# 5.9.1 Conduct Ordinance (External)
Commentary: The agency should make the public, participants, and users aware of the Conduct Ordinance through a variety of means including signage, web posting, and program materials as appropriate for the activity.
# Evidence of Compliance:
a. Copy of the Board approved Ordinance (Rules and Regulations)
b. Evidence of Facility rules and regulations
c. Evidence that appropriate users have been made aware of the Conduct Ordinance (Rules and Regulations)
d. Evidence staff and/or volunteers receive training on the Conduct Ordinance (Rules and Regulations) and appropriate methods of accountability or enforcement.
Successful Accreditation Review Example - File Sharing Method
## How to Use File Sharing to Complete a Successful Distinguished Accreditation Review
1. Create a main folder (e.g., named “Distinguished Accreditation 2019”) on your computer (or server) and add evidence folders for each of the major sections (I-V plus Legal) within the main folder; then create subfolders under each section where you will store evidence documents. Use the DA numbering and lettering system to name each folder and document. For example: Distinguished Accreditation 2019
I. General Management
2. Finance & Business III. Facilities IV. Personnel
V. Recreation Services
L. Legal
L.1 Open Meetings
L.2 Freedom of Information
3. When collecting the evidence documents, either scan them or convert them to .pdf format and use bookmarks and highlighting when needed to give the reviewers easy access to the relevant evidence within the document. Save them in the appropriate evidence folders. Save the electronic standards Word document provided by IAPD in the DA folder that has all of the evidence folders in it. As you collect the evidence documents, fill in their names in the electronic standards Word document under “Agency evidence of compliance” for the appropriate item. For example:
## Agency evidence of compliance:
L.1.1a Minutes (folder)
L.1.1a Web posting of minutes
L.1.1b Copy of annual meeting notice L 1 1b Web posting of annual meeting schedule
3\. When you have assembled all documents and are ready for the evaluation, link each piece of evidence in the standards document to the corresponding file in your folders, as shown here. Note that these links only work within your file sharing system. Please make sure during the hyperlinking process that the file names and folder names do not change and the locations do not change. Altering the text in any way or moving the file once the link is set will kill the link and the file will not be found. It is recommended to appoint one person to manage the files and hyperlinking process to avoid any issues such as this. If you must change the file name or file path, be sure to re-link the file in the final word document. For example:
## Agency evidence of compliance:
L.1.1a Minutes (folder)
L.1.1a Web posting of minutes
L.1.1b Copy of annual meeting notice
L 1 1b Web posting of annual meeting schedule
4. You can upload your main folder with the standards document and all of the evidence folders and files to a flash drive, or another external digital storage source, and provide that to each member of your team of evaluators. They can use your standards document as a guide and click on the links to go directly to the evidence files.
Note: Our entire Distinguished Accreditation folder (including all subfolders) was 2.1 GB in size, which
can easily fit on a 4G flash drive, at a cost of less than $10 each.
