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Stay up to date with the latest announcements, award winners, and recognitions from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association.
2026 Conference
Individual Award Winners
IPRA proudly recognizes these outstanding individuals for their exceptional contributions to the parks and recreation profession.
Robert Artz Award
Bill McAdam
Downers Grove Park District
Read Release
Professional of the Year
Maryfran Leno
Itasca Park District
Read Release
Champions for Change
Waukegan Park District
Read Release
Community Impact
Bobby Collins
Glencoe Park District
Read Release
Young Professional of the Year
Shannon Stevens
Glencoe Park District
Read Release
Marketing & Communications
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Agency Showcase Awards
Overall
- 1Wheeling Park District
- 2Downers Grove Park District
- 3Itasca Park District
People's Choice
- Arlington Heights Park District
Category Honors
Brochure - Print
Lake County Forest Preserve District
Brochure - Virtual
McHenry County Conservation District
Integrated Photography
Wheeling Park District
Large Format Marketing
Rolling Meadows Park District
Logo Design
Barrington Park District
Marketing Campaign
Itasca Park District
Print Communication - Informational
Downers Grove Park District
Print Communication - Promotional
Plainfield Park District
Social Media Campaign
St. Charles Park District
Tabletop Display
Itasca Park District
Videography - Long Form
Forest Preserve District of Will County
Videography - Short Form
Homewood-Flossmoor Park District
Website
Oswegoland Park District
Written Content
Palatine Park District
Workplace Excellence
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Exceptional Workplace Awards
These agencies have demonstrated outstanding workplace culture, employee engagement, and professional development.
Glenview Park District
Mt. Prospect Park District
Northbrook Park District
Palatine Park District
Schaumburg Park District
Waukegan Park District
2025 - 2030
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Distinguished Park & Recreation Accredited Agencies
These agencies have earned the prestigious Distinguished Accreditation through a rigorous, voluntary peer-review evaluation process.
Cary Park District
Geneseo Park District
Glencoe Park District
Glenview Park District
Huntley Park District
Waukegan Park District
Worth Park District
Project Excellence
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Outstanding Awards
Recognition for outstanding parks, facilities, programs, and special events across Illinois.
Park - Division I
United City of Yorkville
Rotary Park
Park - Division II
Des Plaines Park District
Lake Opeka Shoreline Restoration Project
Facility - Division II
Park Ridge Park District
Oakton Sports Complex
Program - Division I
Oakbrook Terrace Park District
Animal Care Assistant Mentoring Program
Program - Division II
Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA)
The Fully Involved Fire Academy
Special Event - Division I
Roselle Park District
Passion Project
Special Event - Division II
McHenry County Conservation District
The Great Outdoors Beer Trail
Section Recognition
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Section Distinguished Awards
IPRA's eight specialty sections honor outstanding professionals making significant contributions to their fields.
Administration & Finance
Kara Moss
Glenview Park District
Communications & Marketing
Sameera Luthman
Naperville Park District
Diversity
Devin Frendreis
Homewood-Flossmoor Park District
Facility Management
Joey Kalwat
Geneva Park District
Parks & Natural Resources
Chris Leiner
Northbrook Park District
Recreation
Jenna Jezek
Park Ridge Park District
Therapeutic Recreation
Tammy Kerrins
WDSRA
Forest Preserve & Conservation
Caitlynn Martinez-McWhorter
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County