FROM THE EDITOR

Yes, you are reading Illinois Parks & Recreation, the statewide magazine for the field of parks, recreation and natural resources.

It's the same magazine with a facelift.

We heard a call from readers to improve "the look" of the magazine. And we listened.

The masthead will no longer get lost in the four- color photography featured on the cover (which, I might add, is donated by kind and talented free-lance and professional photographers).

Above and beyond design changes, which we hope you agree improve the look and readability of the magazine, we've made several content changes.

Our departments stay with us, but several have new names.

"Intergovernmental Cooperation" has been renamed "Partnerships" to expand its focus. In addition to traditional partners like schools, we've found more and more park districts and forest preserves joining forces with the private sector and nonprofit organizations.

The "Legal/Legislative Scene" is now "Statehouse Insider" and will feature news and insights from the State Capitol as well as grants and legal Q&A.

Ellen O'Sullivan, a nationally known trend tracker for the field of parks and recreation, will share her expertise in the "Trend Watch" department.

In later issues, you'll see a return to the popular point/counterpoint articles.

In this issue, the focus is hot sports and you'll read about todays up-and-comers, including women's boxing, in-line hockey and snowshoeing.

In every issue, the special focus articles will continue to tackle topics that are important to our field.

Change helps keep the creative juices flowing. Let us know what you think of our new look resolution for '97.

Call, fax, write or e-mail us. Even personal visits are welcome. (Our address hasn't changed.)

ANN LONDRIGAN
Editor

4/ Illinois Parks and Recreation