The Illinois Park and Recreation Association has been selected as a top award winner in the Associations Advance America Awards Program for its outstanding contributions to America. From 240 entries, the IPRA Sports-Field Lighting Electrical Systems Guidelines and Safety Considerations Program was selected with seven other association programs to receive the highest level of recognition — the Summit Award. This safety program was unanimously selected by the judges for its extended value to society. Sponsored by the American Society of Association Executives, the Associations Advance America Awards recognize significant contributions to society by associations in areas such as education, product and safety standards, professional standards and codes of ethics, research, international activities and community service.

The Sports-Field Lighting Electrical Systems Guidelines and Safety Considerations Manual was developed by a task force of the IPRA Parks and Natural Resource Management Section and Musco Lighting. Published in December 1992, the manual is an example of a joint public/private venture that benefits society by helping to make outdoor lighted play areas safer. Musco Sports Lighting provided the technical expertise in lighting and the park professionals the practical aspects of maintaining and supervising outdoor facilities.

John Vann, Superintendent of Parks for the Westmont Park District, spearheaded the project because a 13 year-old boy was electrocuted while watching a baseball game at a Westmont Park when he touched a metal fence and a wooden light pole at the same time. Although the lights had just been inspected, at that time little was known about the inherent dangers in outdoor lighting and the problems that can develop without warning. The accident didn't result from carelessness or lack of concern, but because of the lack of research on lighting safety. Thus, the Lighting/Electrical Safety Task Force was formed to tackle the job. The safety manual and checklist for safety was completed in December 1992, was updated in 1994 and continues to be circulated not only in Illinois but nationwide.

The Illinois Park and Recreation Association was honored to accept this prestigious award in a special ceremony, Tuesday, August 30 in San Francisco.

In commenting on the Association's Advance America Awards, the ASAE President, R. William Taylor, CAE, said, "Too often we are so caught up in providing services to our members that we forget how truly beneficial our association's activities are to society as a whole. What may seem like routine to us, can be a vital part of what makes America unique. It is the banding together of individuals to do collectively what cannot be done separately that distinguishes the spirit of volunteerism."

Illinois Parks & Recreation * September/October 1994 * 53