Make New Friends

By Ruth Slottag, APR

"Friends" groups are gaining popularity at park districts and recreation agencies with a number of Friends programs being established in recent years. These groups are nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations established to receive charitable gifts and donations which are tax deductible.

Chicago's Friends of the Parks has been at the forefront of urban environmental action since 1975. Its more than 2,000 members play a major role in safeguarding Chicago's 7,300 acres of public park land by advocating for the improvement of neighborhood parks, developing innovative park events and programs, and encouraging participation in park beautification. In cooperation with the Chicago Park District and the city of Chicago, they mobilize 10,000 volunteers to assist with Friends events such as an annual Earth Day clean up of the parks. Through their environmental education program, Friends of the Parks introduces Chicago public school students to issues of park stewardship, recycling and environmental protection.

"Our goal is to make Chicago's parks safe, clean and fully usable and to encourage everyone—kids, families, seniors, athletes and nature lovers—to become park patrons," says Erma Tranter, executive director of Chicago's Friends of the Parks.

A Friends of the Parks Foundation was formed at the Buffalo Grove Park District in 1994 to support the district in the development and enhancement of its programs, services, facilities and planning. Since its formation, the Buffalo Grove Friends group has provided additional forums and communication channels within the district.

"Although Buffalo Grove's Friends of the Parks Foundation is a relatively small group of approximately 50 people, it has been very successful in soliciting advertising and sponsorships," says Mike Rylko, director of the Buffalo Grove Park District.

For the third year, the Friends group has hosted the Buffalo Grove Stampede, a series of races including a 10k run, 5k run and wheelchair race, 5k walk and a one mile family fun run for all ages. This years Stampede had more than 400 participants in the races. They also hosted a soccer tournament in August, and sponsored the cost of installation of the districts first outdoor inline skating rink, which is also frozen in the winter for ice hockey. This fall the park district intends to install dasher boards, and the foundation is planning to sell advertising space on the dasher boards to generate additional income for future projects.

Friends of the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District was established in 1993 and serves as a foundation and advocate by supporting the park districts efforts to preserve open space and support park and recreation activities.

"Our Friends group is made up of interested, hardworking citizens," says Greg Meyer, director of the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District. "The funds they raise are revenue that doesn't come from tax dollars. The community can enjoy improved park and recreation services without an increase in taxes."

Currently, the Friends group is spearheading a "Save the Auditorium" campaign. Working with other community groups such as service organizations, a church, and a private basketball club, they are raising money to renovate the auditorium, which also houses a community gymnasium.
"To date, more than $400,000 has been raised, which puts them two-thirds of the way toward meeting their goal of $600,000," adds Meyer.

September / October 1998 | 27

Events sponsored by the Friends of Ryerson Woods include the Smith Symposium, a series of workshops, hikes and lectures on nature topics featuring international experts, plus the award-winning Youth Environmental Symposium, in which local high school students explore environmental careers and issues. "The Friends' mission is to advocate and promote the sustainability of excellence in conservation values, quality stewardship and environmental ethics," says Thomas E. Donnelley II, chairman of the Friends of Ryerson Woods.

To meet the increasing needs of a fast-growing community, Friends of the Plainfield Township Park District was formed in 1983 by a group of concerned citizens to assist the district in raising funds and encouraging the acquisition, development and preservation of park land. The group holds events to raise funds and increase public awareness.

"Proceeds from our fund-raising events are used to purchase items that can be used and enjoyed by the public," says Greg Bott, director of the Plainfield Township Park District.

"Some of the items purchased recently include deck furniture for the pool, trees, and a handicapped- accessible drinking fountain." From planting trees on Earth Day to raising thousands of dollars for park development, citizens make great friends. ˛

RUTH SLOTTAG, APR
is the public relations director of the Illinois Association of Park Districts.

IAPD Launches "Friends of Illinois Parks" By Dr. Ted Flickinger, CLP Our award-winning Illinois park districts and forest preserves were created by concerned citizens who invested time and resources so that families and individuals of all ages could enjoy open spaces for recreational activities and quality leisure time. These citizens advocated to safeguard our precious natural resources and wildlife habitat. Today, these issues are still with us, and Illinois citizens have a new opportunity to participate in the future of parks and recreation. In continuing the tradition of citizen involvement and volunteerism, the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) has established "Friends of Illinois Parks." This Friends group will support and promote parks, forest preserves and recreation areas. It will provide a new avenue for individuals and groups to have their voices heard in the preservation of our precious green space and the quality of life on a statewide level. IAPD has worked toward the creation and establishment of park land and trails across the state, but more needs to be done because the demand is greater today. Land is becoming prohibitively expensive. Are we making the same commitment our forefathers made before us? Friends of Illinois Parks will recruit members through a direct appeal and media campaign. Members will be individuals and groups who share a common belief in the importance of open green space, wholesome recreational opportunities, and the preservation of natural resources and wildlife habitat. Friends of Illinois Parks goals • Advance the acquisition and beautification of parks, open spaces, greenways, trails and bike paths in Illinois communities. • Support the preservation of natural resources and wildlife habitat in our state's park districts, forest preserves and recreation agencies. • Help find solutions for teenagers and preteens in "at risk" environments by providing information and guidance for after-school programs during the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., when the highest crime rate occurs. • Support family and individual recreation programs to help maintain healthy lifestyles for all ages from youth to seniors. • Develop a network of advocates to work together to help pass legislation favorable to park and forest preserve districts and recreation agencies. • Conduct an intensive campaign to recruit more citizens to spread the Friends message throughout Illinois. Why join Friends of Illinois Parks? In addition to an opportunity to help support and promote park districts, forest preserves and recreation agencies throughout the state, members will receive a Friends of Illinois Parks T-shirt and a semi-annual newsletter featuring recreational opportunities in Illinois. Members will also receive information about park and recreation issues and how they can participate in advocacy initiatives. Who can join Friends of Illinois Parks? Anyone who is interested in helping support and promote park districts, forest preserves and recreation in Illinois may join Friends of Illinois Parks. Membership is available for groups or individuals, with individual memberships starring at $25. For more information about joining Friends of Illinois Parks, contact IAPD, 217.523.4554. • DR. TED FLICKINGER, Ph.D. is the executive director of the Illinois Association of Park Districts.