As stated in the last issue of the magazine, Illinois Parks & Recreation is our solid link with you. Any change that is made in an attempt to improve our communications is important, and this publication is an essential link in our communication channels. With this in mind, I present to you the new and improved Illinois Parks & Recreation magazine!

In addition to the noticeable change in format, which provides the magazine with a new and exciting "look," you will find improvements in the content of the articles featured. We have included graphs and side bars to make the articles easier to read. And through the contributions of our readers, we are building an article bank that provides us with a variety of articles which appeal to the different segments of our membership.

Our regular articles are still included — boardmanship, trends, intergovernmental cooperation, public awareness, legal/legislative, and people in the news. A new department has been added this year entitled "Conservation Corner." This section will include information from the Illinois Department of Conservation, including articles from DOC's publication, Outdoor lllinois. We appreciate the Department's contributions to our magazine and look forward to continuing our cooperative ventures.

The focus of this issue is grants and funding. Feature articles include "A Helping Hand —Park, Recreation and Conservation Grant Programs in Illinois" (pg. 18), "User Fee Policies of Illinois Park Districts" (pg. 29), "The Name of the (non) Game" (pg. 38) and "Governor Edgar Visits Local Park Districts to Present State Grants" (Pg. 17).

Sit back, relax and enjoy the new and improved Illinois Parks & Recreation. If you would like to comment on the new look, drop me a note: Editor, Illinois Parks & Recreation, 211 East Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62701.

ON THE COVER This winter scene of a snow covered tree was taken by Kim Harris. He used a Nikon 8008 camera, 28-85 mm lens and Fugichrome 50.

4 * Illinois Parks & Recretion * January / February 1994