WWW. il-ipra. org

Are you designing your agency's new Web page and don't know where to start? Why not click on the Illinois Park and Recreation Association's new Web site where you can find links to over 60 park and recreation agencies across the state. • Do you need more information on the upcoming National Playground Institute? Find the facts on IPRA's Web page. • Interested in nominating someone for an IPRA Award? Look up the chairperson of the Awards and Recognition Committee on the IPRA Web site.

A New Look

As of July 1, IPRA has the same Web address but a whole new look to its site. Currently averaging 40,000 hits per month, IPRA's site has been redesigned for easier navigation. The redesign was also necessary in order to include new features and information sure to benefit members and visitors alike. Whatever you are looking for, you should be able to locate it promptly on this page. In addition to useful information regarding member benefits, the annual conference, and board and committee contacts, you can also link to over 60 park and recreation agencies across the state of Illinois as well as IPRA affiliates, private and public universities, and other organizations across the country.

Web Advertising

The Partners for the Future Campaign is working closely with the IPRA Technology Committee regarding several new aspects of the Web page. One new feature is the use of advertising banners throughout the site. All IPRA patron members and conference exhibitors have been contacted about the Partners Campaign, which is aimed at enhancing IPRA's effectiveness and ensuring our association's future growth and development. These advertisements will include hot links that take you directly to each advertiser's home page. Another Web site feature is the Preferred Vendor Directory. You can find the latest park and recreation products and services through a search by company name or by product or service name. Some of the companies listed in this Directory will have convenient hot links while others will simply display their contact information. Priority listing and information availability in the Vendor Directory depends on the company's involvement in the Partners for the Future Campaign.

Future Plans

Plans for the future of; the IPRA Web site include a "member's only" area where IPRA members will be assigned a password to enter. Included in this area may be a members bulletin board where questions and information will be posted and members can respond or react. This would be a great way to gather information about a specific policy, procedure or program. Chat rooms may soon be available on the Web where members can go to discuss specific issues currently affecting our field. On-line workshop registration is another project in the planning stages. Ultimately, IPRA's goal is to offer online training for our members to make it extremely convenient to learn new skills and further your professional development.

Key Member Involvement

The redesign and development of the new IPRA Web site was a major project of the IPRA Technology Committee. Many thanks go to the entire committee including Rich Goldberg, Co-Chair, Skokie Park District; Susan Hoster-Suggs, Co- Chair, Bolingbrook Park District; Liz Kessler, Skokie Park District; Debbie Knight, Dundee Township Park District; Barbara Paxton, IPRA; and Mike Selip, Schaumburg Park District, If you are interested in joining this committee, please call Barbara Paxton, IPRA, at 630.752.0141.1

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