From the Editor

FROM THE EDITOR

Celebrating 100 Years of Park District Service

by Laura J. Bedford

The basis of the Illinois park district system can be traced back to 1830 when parts of Fort Dearborn were set aside as property for parks (Grant Park). The first laws granting authority to provide park districts in Illinois were adopted in 1869, when the Illinois state legislature established three park districts as separate local governments within the city of Chicago. In 1893, the Illinois General Assembly passed the Pleasure Driveway and Park District Act. The Peoria Park District was established that following year. The three districts within Chicago merged in 1934, forming the Chicago Park District.

In this issue of Illinois Parks and Recreation, we celebrate Peoria Park District's 100th anniversary, thus making it the state's oldest park district under the Pleasure Driveway and Park District Act. Peoria's proud history is summarized in an article written by free-lance writer, Monica Vest, who is also editing a book marking the centennial of the Peoria Park District (pg. 16). In addition, we have included a listing of all agencies organized prior to World War II (pg. 19).

ON THE COVER
These hand-painted picture postcards of Peoria Park District's Glen Oak Park and South Park Play Ground are from the archives of William A. Smith, Associate Professor of Leisure Studies, Eastern Illinois University.

4 • Illinois Parks & Recreation • March/April 1994