Ronald M. Lorenzo is Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Palos Heights. Active in S.S.P.R.P.A. since 1976, he has served as Membership Chairman. Treasurer, Vice President and President. Before coming to Palos Heights he was Recreation Director for the Littlestone Managment Company.

Striving for Unity ... The South Suburban way

by Ronald Lorenzo and John Wilson

Throughout the career of the practitioner in the field of parks and recreation we are asked the question, "Will you join our association?" The question comes from various national, state and independent associations from all over. With everyone wanting an individual to become a member of their association, one really has to review which association or organization is going to be beneficial to both the practitioner and the agency where he or she is presently employed.

It is taken for granted that the majority of practitioners in the state are members of I.P.R.A., I.A.P.D. and/or N.R.P.A. However, being a member of these associations does not automatically guarantee professional growth. To grow professionally in the field of parks and recreation every individual must put an effort into that growth and being heavily involved on the state and national levels is sometimes impossible for some practitioners for a number of reasons.

So how does an individual grow professionally if involvement in state and national organizations is impossible or limited? The practitioner can turn to the local affiliate organization connected with the state or national association.

What is an affiliate organization? The World Book Dictionary defines affiliate as " . . .to connect close association, an organization or group associated with other similar bodies, to attach to or associate with larger groups ..."

Affiliate organizations are excellent for the practitioner who cannot get involved with the state and national associations as much as they would like. Knowing this, affiliate organizations must have the potential to offer a variety of services to its total membership to facilitate professional growth. Affiliate organizations are the link between the practitioner and the state and national association. Affiliate organizations should offer the grass root programs that will hopefully lead their members to get involved with the state and national associations.

Informal conversation is educational too.

The South Suburban Park and Recreation Professional Association is an affiliate organization which includes communities of the south suburban metropolitan area. Its membership consists of practitioners in the field of parks and recreation, commissioners, board members, students and recreation/park sales representatives. Members come from park districts, municipal departments, YMCA's, colleges and commercial agencies.

The South Suburban Park and Recreation Professional Association began in 1974. A group of directors from several agencies on the south side decided this newly developed region needed improved parks and recreation services. Thus, S.S.P.R.P.A. began. During the first few years only a handful of directors would meet to discuss their common problems, concerns and how to solve them. By May 1981, however, membership included 143 people affiliated in some way with parks and recreation. The membership breakdown is as follows: 102 professionals, 13 commissioners, 4 students, and 24 associates.

The purpose of the South Suburban Parks and Recreation Professional Association is to serve all communities in our area through better parks and recreation. It is strongly believed by the members of S.S.P.R.P.A. that through the professional ties and exchange of ideas of individual members, each agency will benefit by improved recreational and leisure services. We strive to make our members aware of the current trends and practices in all areas of parks and recreation. In keeping abreast with current trends, S.S.P.R.P.A. can provide our members with guidance and leadership related to leisure in whatever context is necessary.

The South Suburban Park and Recreation Professional Association meets on the second Thursday of every month beginning in September and going

Illinois Parks and Recreation 32 September/October 1981

John Wilson is Director of Parks & Recreation, Chicago Ridge Park District. An active member of S.S.P.R.P.A. since 1979, he served as Program/Workshop Chairman and presently is Treasurer. Before moving to Chicago Ridge, he was Recreation Planner for the City of Danville.

through May. Monthly meetings are held at different agencies throughout the southern region of metropolitan Chicago enabling our members to visit different park and recreation facilities. This arrangement is a perfect way to observe first hand new practices and ideas. The meetings consist of the conducting of regular business, an informative program with a guest speaker and a luncheon. The key in getting members out to the monthly meetings is a good solid educational program. If a member can go back to his or her agency with at least one new idea, the organization feels that it has accomplished one of its many goals.

Last year some of the educational programs consisted of, "How to Design a Unique Brochure", "Small Park Development", "Promoting Your Agency", "Simplified Park Management", "Motocross Programming" and "Co-sponsorship with a Community College". The creditability of these educational programs has been recognized by I.P.R.A which allows Continuing Education points (C.E.P.) to be obtained by our professional members. For every three meetings attended throughout the year by professional members, one C.E.P. is received from I.P.R.A.

In addition to the monthly programs, special workshops are held to benefit our membership. A Director's Luncheon was sponsored by S.S.P.R.P.A. and the topic was "Grantmanship, Who, What, Where." Over thirty-five administrators, plus several architects and commissioners attended to learn what's available and how to obtain various grants through private, state and federal sources. Representatives from the Heritage Conservation and Recreation Services and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs provided valuable information to each member who attended.

The highlight of the year was our legislative ban-

Illinois Parks and Recreation 33 September/October 1981

quet titled, "Park Board Member . . . Community Leader." Twenty-six agencies participated in this banquet. Drawing nearly 150 directors, commissioners, and recreation board members, participants had the opportunity to meet local legislators in a casual atmosphere to discuss current legislation that would affect parks and recreation and most importantly, exchange personal viewpoints on issues. The conclusion of the program was a guest speaker who provided the keynote message on the role of the Board Member.

A Baseball Diamond Workshop was held at Comiskey Park for all directors and park superintendents this past summer. Mr. Roger Bossard, Head Groundskeeper, provided valuable insights on maintaining ball diamonds during this workshop.

In addition to the education programs, special workshops, and banquets, our members have an opportunity to participate in a variety of social functions during the course of the year. Our annual hospitality suite at the I.P.R.A./I.A.P.D. Conference drew over 500 persons. This was a perfect way to unwind among fellow practitioners after a very successful conference. An overnight ski outing was held in which over twenty-five agencies participated. The ski resort provided information concerning the planning of a ski trip from the time of leaving through return. Above and beyond this information, the ski resort paid for all expenses for our members. To conclude our year, the 1st Annual Superstars Competition took place last May. Full, part-time staff, commissioners and recreation board members competed in over ten events from racquetball to foosball and even including an obstacle course. Points were awarded to the top finishers with a traveling trophy going to the winning agency.

In addition to these activities, tournaments are sponsored by S.S.P.R.P.A. throughout the year. Sport tournaments sponsored are flag football, men's basketball, women's volleyball and men's and women's softball. Any agency may send a team to participate in these various tournaments with awards going to the winning teams.

One can see, an affiliate organization can be very valuable and productive for its members. Through these various examples of educational programs, workshops and social functions, any other affiliate organization on the state or national level can offer to their membership the same type of educational offerings as the parent association, thus enabling the practitioner to have opportunities for professional growth.

We firmly believe that an affiliate organization is only as strong as its members. The more the members get involved with an affiliate organization the better it is for the entire membership. It is fortunate that in the South Suburban Park and Recreation Professional Association, members are involved and concerned for their agency development and other members. The entire membership is always available to help or offer guidance to each other whenever the opportunity arises. That's what makes it a strong association. The South Suburban Park and Recreation Professional Association is young and still has a long way to grow, but is definitely heading in the right direction.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 34 September/October 1981