IPRA Encourages Environmental Leadership

by Ralph Voris & Arnie Biondo

Who is best suited to lead environmental awareness issues and programs? It's hard to say. Even if not the best, the employees and officials of parks, recreation and conservation agencies are certainly in natural leadership positions. By implication, by legislation, and by position, elected officials and professionals arc seen as leaders in the environmental arena. Both through boards as they set policy, and through staff in daily activities, these agencies have the opportunity to demonstrate and teach the value of sound environmental philosophy, principles and practices.

Park and conservation districts and county and municipal park and recreation departments are the local connection. As the stewards of highly visible open space, agency care for the land is watched and evaluated by the community. As providers of leisure activities for all ages, agency staff often acts as role models and educators. This being the case, a concerted effort on behalf of all Illinois park, recreation and conservation agencies is wise. Offering programs, leading by example and supporting appropriate legislation are some ways this can be achieved.

Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) is encouraging its members to become environmentally pro-active. Recent actions with joint purchasing and the annual conference are examples.

Last year, 225 cases of recycled office paper were ordered through joint purchasing. In addition, 900 cases of paper cups and more than 1,000 recycled steel and plastic drums were ordered by various agencies.

At the conference, session signs were re-used, and an attempt was made to recycle plastic badges. Styrofoam products were refused and the program was printed on recycled paper.

In 1990, the IPRA Issues Committee was charged with addressing the question of what a park agency's role should be on environmental issues. On March 4, the IPRA Board of Directors unanimously approved a position presented by the committee. The intent was that the position statement serve as a guideline for staff wishing to draft and adopt an environmental policy.

Recommended Environmental Guideline Policy District/Agency Environmental Philosophy Statement

This should verbalize the agency's reason for enacting or desiring an environmental policy. The following is the environmental position statement used by the Rockford Park District, prepared in April 1990: "The public and the park district are increasingly concerned about environmental issues facing our entire community. It is our intent to have the park district be a role model and assume a partnership role in developing and implementing programs that demonstrate and teach the value and validity of sound environmental policies, practices and procedures."

District/Agency Environmental Principles

The following are examples of principles that might be used.

1. Use renewable resources.

2. Conserve nonrenewable resources.

3. Use recycling practices.

4. Practice safe waste disposal.

5. Conserve energy resources.

6. Eliminate or restrict the use of pesticides.

7. Practice integrated pest management.

8. Establish purchasing policies that are supportive of positive environmental impacts.

9. Actively promote public awareness and education of environmental issues.

District/Agency Environmental Practices

The following are examples of practices that might be used.

1. Use of programs for children and families that teach sound environmental activities.

2. Work closely with other governmental and private agencies to promote sound environmental practices such as recycling and composting.

3. Develop a program of integrated pest management.

4. Develop a comprehensive tree planting and replacement program.

5. Use of recycling receptacles in parks.

6. Use of biodegradable items when possible.

7. Use of recycled products.

Park, recreation and conservation staff should take every opportunity to inform their communities of what the agency is doing to protect the environment. The agency should encourage people to do their part.

IPRA will begin to act as a clearing house to supply members with supplemental information. Members who have valuable information are encouraged to share that with the IPRA office to help build a library.

To conclude, park and recreation professionals have an opportunity and an obligation to be environmental leaders in their communities. Lead by example; lead through programming; and, when possible, lead through legislative support.

About the Authors

Ralph Voris is Executive Director of Batavia Park District and Arnie Biondo is Superintendent of Leisure Services at Wheeling Park District.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 22 May/June 1991