ALL ASSOCIATION NEWS

7/1/2022

July is Parks and Recreation Month!

This July, join the Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA) for Park and Recreation Month, as we celebrate how Illinois is stronger, more vibrant, and more resilient because of parks and recreation.
5/23/2022

Five Illinois Park and Recreation Agencies are Awarded Finalist Medal in 2022 National Gold Medal Aw

Congratulations to five Illinois park and recreation agencies, recently named as finalists for the 2022 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.
5/17/2022

Welcome Cindy Galvan to IPRA!

Please welcome Cindy Galvan, CMP, to IPRA! Cindy joins IPRA as our Conference & Meetings Manager. She will be responsible for all meeting planning aspects of our Annual Conference and other educational events.
3/8/2022

IPRA Installs 2022 Chair

IPRA has installed Trisha Breitlow, Executive Director of the Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation, as its 2022 Board Chair.
2/1/2022

Marketing and Communication Excellence Recognized at Annual Conference

On January 28, 2022, IPRA honored several park and recreation agencies for excellence in their marketing and communication efforts through the annual Agency Showcase
1/28/2022

Itasca Park District Employee Awarded for Professionalism

On January 28, 2022, IPRA honored Erika Rubo, CPRP from the Itasca Park District, for her commitment and excellent service to parks, recreation, and conservation in Illinois.
1/28/2022

Professional Excellence Recognized at IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference

On January 28, 2022, IPRA honored William McAdam, Executive Director at the Downers Grove Park District, for his commitment and excellent service to parks and recreation in Illinoi
1/28/2022

Oak Brook Park District Recognized for Diversity and Inclusion Efforts

On January 28, 2022, IPRA awarded the Oak Brook Park District with the Champions for Change Award
1/28/2022

Lifetime Achievement Award Presented to Palatine Park District Leader

On January 28, 2022, the Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA) honored Michael Clark, Executive Director of the Palatine Park District, for his commitment and lifetime of service to parks, recreation, and conservation in Illinois.
1/28/2022

Woodridge Park District Employee Recognized at IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference

On January 28, 2022, IPRA honored Julie Rhodes from the Woodridge Park District, for her commitment and excellent service to parks and recreation in Illinois.
12/6/2021

IPRA Names New Executive Director

IPRA announces Barbara Arango, CAE as its new Executive Director. She will start with IPRA on January 3, 2022.
11/5/2021

2022 IPRA Election Results Announced

IPRA Announces election results for 2022 Board of Directors and Section Leadership Positions.
10/1/2021

IPRA Supports Conservation Professionals

IPRA launches a new Section to support the professional needs of members working at forest preserves and conservation districts throughout Illinois.
10/1/2021

IPRA Names 2022 Chair-Elect

La Grange – IPRA has elected Lisa Sheppard, CPRP, Executive Director at the Glencoe Park District, as its 2022 Chair-Elect.
8/12/2021

IPRA Awarded 2021 Power of A Silver Award

IPRA has been named a 2021 Power of A Silver Award winner for IPRA's Safe Zone Conversations program.
4/23/2021

Barry Franks Named IPRA Interim Executive Director

Barry has been with the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) since 2009 as Finance Director.
2/3/2021

Town of Normal Parks & Recreation Director Installed as 2021 Chair of IPRA

The Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA) has installed Doug Damery, Director of Parks & Recreation for the Town of Normal, as its 2021 Chair of the Board of Directors.
2/2/2021

Skokie Park District Recognized for Diversity and Inclusion Efforts

On January 28, 2021, IPRA awarded the Skokie Park District with the first ever Champions for Change Award, honoring their commitment to diversity and inclusion.
2/2/2021

Glenview Park District Employee Recognized at IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference

IPRA honored Todd Price from the Glenview Park District, for his commitment and excellent service to parks and recreation in Illinois.
11/9/2020

2021 IPRA Election Results Announced

IPRA Announces election results for 2021 Board of Directors and Section Leadership Positions.
10/28/2020

IPRA Executive Director Named Vice Chair of the National Association of Park Foundations

The National Association of Park Foundations (NAPF) has named Debbie Trueblood, CAE, Executive Director of the Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA) as Vice Chair of NAPF’s Board of Directors.
10/6/2020

IPRA Names Trisha Breitlow 2021 Chair-Elect

Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA) Names Maine-Niles Association Special Recreation (M-NASR) Executive Director as 2021 Chair-Elect
8/10/2020

Illinois Park & Recreation Association Receives National Award

The Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA) has been awarded the ASAE Power of A Silver Award, for its 75 Conversations Tour.
5/21/2020

IPRA Announces New Board of Directors Member

IPRA has appointed Lisa Sheppard, CPRP, Executive Director of the Glencoe Park District, to serve as the Chicago Metro Representative to IPRA’s Board of Directors.
3/13/2020

Announcing 2020 Chair of Illinois Park & Recreation Association

The Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA) has installed Erin Folk, Executive Director of the Oregon Park District, as its 2020 Chair of the Board.
2/19/2020

IPRA Announces $25,000 Grants in Partnership with National Fitness Campaign

IPRA, IPRF and the National Fitness Campaign (NFC) are now offering $25,000 grants to ten Illinois park and recreation agencies (with at least one IPRA member) to join and launch the Fitness Court and NFC initiative.
12/3/2019

IPRA Donates Bikes to 360 Youth Services

Illinois Park & Recreation Association Donates Bikes to 360 Youth Services
11/11/2019

2020 IPRA Election Results Announced

IPRA Announces election results for 2020 Board of Directors and Section Leadership Positions.
11/1/2019

American Ninja Warrior’s ‘Deaf Ninja’ to Speak at Chicago Conference

The Illinois Park & Recreation Association is thrilled to have Kyle Schulze speak as a headliner of our ‘Inspire’ track of professional development workshops at the IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference in January 2020.
10/11/2019

Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA) Names 2020 Chair-Elect

The Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA) has elected Doug Damery, Director of Parks & Recreation for the Town of Normal, Illinois, as its 2020 Chair-Elect.
8/8/2019

IPRA Named Finalist for Platinum PR Awards

IPRA has been named a finalist in the Anniversary category of the Platinum PR Awards!
7/1/2019

2019 Six-County Senior Games to Begin in July!

Summer is here, which means it’s time to get out and discover the great things happening at your local parks and recreation agency.
5/2/2019

IPRA Welcomes New Membership & Website Manager

Lynn Rotunno will join the Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA) on May 6, 2019 as its Membership & Website Manager.
4/16/2019

CEO and Founder of GreenPlay, LLC Keynotes 2019-20 Leadership Academy

In 2012, The Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA) launched its Leadership Academy, an intensive program that benefits park and recreation professionals, regardless of what stage they are in their career.
1/31/2019

Vernon Hills Park District Executive Director Named 2019 Chair of IPRA

The Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA) has installed Jeff Fougerousse, Executive Director of the Vernon Hills Park District, as its 2019 Chairman of the Board at the association's annual conference, held January 24-26 at the Hy
11/13/2018

Election Results Announced for IPRA Board of Directors and Section Leadership Positions

The Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA) is pleased to announce the election results for positions with the IPRA Board of Directors, as well as numerous leadership positions within the Section Boards.
10/23/2018

IPRA Names 2019 Chair Elect

The Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA) has elected Erin Folk, Executive Director of the Oregon Park District, as its 2019 Chair-Elect.
7/20/2018

July is National Parks & Recreation Month

Summer is here, which means it’s time to get out and discover the great things happening at your local parks and recreation agency.
7/18/2018

Hundreds of Active Adults Participate in 37th Annual Six-County Senior Games

At 100 years young, Don Savage from Chicago’s northwest side has been participating in the Annual Six-County Senior Games for over 25 years.