CONGRATULATIONS NEW MEMBERS

We are happy to report IAPD now has a total membership of 220 agencies comprised of 205 park districts, 5 forest preserve districts, 3 conservation districts, 6 city park and recreation agencies and the Illinois Department of Conservation. These agencies represent approximately 1,100 elected commissioners/trustees. Just four months ago our total membership was 201 agencies. We will increase our numbers and become stronger provided we continue to adhere to our high principles, maintain quality standards and keep moving ahead. Our unified efforts will increase our strength and public interest support.

We welcome new and returning IAPD members representing the park districts of Arthur Community, Caps, Huntley, Murphysboro, Plum Grove Countryside, Quincy, Round Grove, and Wilmington Island. And, to the Boone County Conservation and Vermilion County Conservation Districts.

WHO ARE THESE BOARD MEMBERS REPRESENTING PARK, FOREST PRESERVE AND CONSERVATION DISTRICTS?

It has been determined that commissioner/trustees involved in IAPD represent a variety of professions and come from all walks of life. I have found in my eight months of employment with IAPD that the commissioners are men and women who are truly committed in giving their talents and energies toward developing and improving park and recreation areas and services. These citizens comprise an integral part of our progress and achievement. They are often the unsung heroes of the park and recreation movement. Their collective influence has had far reaching, highly beneficial effects. Professionals within the park and recreation field can not walk alone. Citizen involvement is the very foundation of our existence, without it we are lost. The need has never been greater for a unified front, for a firmly cemented cohesion between park and recreation professionals and citizen board members.

LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE

The Legislative Conference is scheduled for April 15th at the Springfield Hilton Hotel. Please contact your representatives and senators today and encourage them to attend the 6:00 p.m. reception. We also encourage you to meet with your legislators the late afternoon of April 15th or schedule a dinner meeting with them that evening. We will explain our Legislative Platform in order that you might be able to share this information with your legislators.

MAY 9th COMMISSIONERS EDUCATIONAL TRAINING

Mark your calendars now for May 9th to attend this most important training seminar. This special training seminar is designed to provide you with the most up-to-date information and education available to help you carry out your important board member duties and responsibilities effectively.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to park districts passing tax increases in 1980, including Glencoe, Winnetka, Champaign, and Bolingbrook.

If we say the twentieth is leisure's century, and if we want it to be that, we should know what is involved. Yet once you know what leisure is, you still may not want it. Leisure requires a sacrifice.

Sebastian de Grazia

Illinois Parks and Recreation 25 January/February 1981