Local parks promote the arts

July is Arts in the Parks Month, and recreation agencies are urged to join the celebration.

By Jane Brandley

A statewide campaign to launch Arts in the Parks Month was initiated in 1983 by the Public Awareness Committee of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA).

The purpose of the month-long celebration is to bring public attention to the wide range of arts programs which are offered each summer by local recreation agencies. The celebration also increases public awareness of Illinois park districts by integrating the arts into all facets of their programs.

The development of a logo has been a primary consideration of the Arts in the Parks Committee, which is chaired by Matt Ellmann of the Westmont Park District. It is hoped that the widespread use of the new logo, designed by John Deom, will bring instant recognition of the Arts in the Parks theme and encourage greater agency participation in the month's programming.

Those agencies not planning special cultural events in July are encouraged to enhance existing programs by incorporating a planned professional art additive and using the logo.

Public perceptions

The general public may not be aware that park districts have been actively involved in arts programming since their inception. While the quality of arts in recreation is varied, most park districts remain committed to this concept.

in the park

Unfortunately, this inconsistency of quality has led to the general discounting of the park district as a cultural programmer. However, in many areas, the park district may provide the only access to arts experiences. For example, free outdoor park concerts may be some people's only live cultural experience.

Because park districts have the task of providing low-cost cultural programming, it is in the best interest of recreational personnel to be trained in, and committed to, providing quality cultural experiences for their constituents.

Attracting attention

All agencies hope for maximum attendance at quality programs, concerts, arts fairs and exhibits. The use of the special logo will bring instant recognition of an arts activity. Also, the attractiveness of the logo will attest to the quality of the program.

This instant awareness, of course, takes time and depends on the use of the logo. The arts programmer is urged to use the logo in all advertising and promotion of cultural activities during July. To facilitate this, the Arts in the Parks Committee has prepared a promotional packet which will be available this month to park districts, organizations and IPRA members statewide.

Illinois Parks and Recreation                                 10                                                        May/June 1985

The widespread use of the logo can also help organize and unify programs and programming. Many people working in recreational arts feel that they struggle alone to bring valid cultural experiences to their constituents. A unifying logo would help create a feeling of being part of a much larger design working toward the same end.

Many agencies have expressed support for this project. Some, like the Special Recreation Association of Northern Illinois (SRANI) and North Shore Round Table (NSRT) have given monetary contributions to the committee.

It is hoped that every recreation agency and park statewide will become actively involved in Arts in the Parks Month. A highly visible project like this benefits all of us now and in the future. The use of the special logo will help make the tax-paying public aware that its recreational facilities are in the forefront of cultural programming.

Additional information is available from Matt Ellmann, Westmont Park District, 75 E. Richmond, Westmont, IL 60559 (312/963-5252).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jane Brandley has been employed by the Ridgeville Park District for 13 years. She is currently director of programs there and is involved in arts programming. She has a bachelor of science degree in arts education from the University of Wisconsin.

See the June issue of Leisure Review for more information about Gov. Thompsons support for an economic assessment of recreation study.

Governor endorses recreation conference

Governor James R. Thompson was the featured speaker at the Illinois Association of Park Districts' Seventh Annual Legislative Conference in Springfield on April 17.

Gov. James R. Thompson

In an exciting keynote presentation to conference participants, the Governor announced his support for both an economic assessment of recreation study and a special Governor's Conference on Recreation after the assessment is completed. Thompson addressed conference participants during lunch.

Other elected officials participating in the day-long event included State Rep. John Matijevich (D-61), assistant House majority leader; Rep. Sam Vinson (R-90), assistant House minority leader; Rep. Gene Hoffman (R-40), assistant House minority leader, Sen. Greg Zito (D-26) and Sen. Roger Keats (R-29).

Michael Witte, director of the Illinois Department of Conservation, discussed new directions for his department's programs and plans. The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision affecting the Fair Labor Standards Act was addressed by Ed Bergman, partner of the firm of Seyfarth, Shaw, Fairweather & Geraldson in Chicago. Bruce Witwer, president of Witwer and Associates, St. Louis, MO, discussed the importance of positive motivation.

The more than 160 members attending the conference were encouraged to meet with their legislators to promote passage of the IAPD/IPRA joint legislative platform. More than 96 legislators attended a special reception held that evening in their honor to discuss important park and recreation issues.

Representatives from the Addison Park District talked with House Minority Leader Lee Daniels (R-46) during the legislative reception. Pictured from the left are Donald Jessen, William Tookey, Rep. Daniels and Virginia Clark.

Sen. Roger Keats participated on a legislative panel which discussed "Dominating Issues" in the General Assembly.

DOC Director Michael Witte invited park and recreation professionals to communicate with him about their problems, concerns and future goals.

Rep. Gene Hoffman shared his perspective of the General Assembly. Among other changes, he noted that the reduction in the size of the Illinois House from 177 to 118 members has increased the powers of both the Republican and Democratic leadership.

Reps. Sam Vinson (at podium) and John Matijevich gave their views of the Governor's proposed "Build Illinois" program. Both legislators indicated that school funding would be a crucial issue facing the 84th General Assembly this year.

Illinois' economic future depends, to a large extent, on the States infrastructure system Sen. Greg Zito is chairman of a special Senate subcommittee which is assessing community needs statewide. The results of those hearings will be presented to the General Assembly.

Illinois Parks and Recreation                                 11                                                        May/June 1985