WWW.ILparks.org

What's New! IAPD has added a new section to the Web site called "What's New." This page will update you on IAPD events, programs and other timely information. Visit this new section and remember to check back often, as this page will continually feature new information, Park District & Forest Preserve Events Calendar Here's a place to publicize your agency's special events. Click on "What's New" for the Park District Events Calendar! 108 Links to Pork District and Forest Preserve Sites lAPD's Web site has the most comprehensive list of links for Illinois park districts, forest preserves, recreation and natural resource agencies. Go to "Links," and there you'll find, too, links to national sites of interest and allied organizations.

legislative Advocacy

Have a question about a bill or how to advocate for it? Explore the "Legislative Advocacy" section. Here you'll find:

• Updated information on legislation moving through the Illinois House and Senate.

• The new "Legislation at a Glance" section provides information on the most important bills that can affect the park and recreation field.

• Under "Tips," you can also find topics such as "How To Write To Your Legislator" and "Building Relationships with Your Legislator."

• Links to Illinois legislators, state officers, U.S. congressional leaders, as well as resources such as the Illinois Legislative Research Unit (LRU) and more.

Search the Archives of Illinois Parks & Recreation Magazine

Looking for articles on a certain subject or by a particular writer? Go to www.ILparks.org/whatsnew.htm for a link to Northern Illinois University's "Illinois Periodicals Online (IPO) Project." Here you'll find Illinois Parks 6' Recreation magazine on-line, an archive of back issues from 1996 through 2000 with the goal to include the entire backlist through 1970. View an entire issue or search by keywords such as a subject (e.g., skate park, aquatics) or author name.

IAPD Calendar of Events

Find educational programs for commissioners and executives, here at the IAPD Event Calendar, updated weekly.

Friends of Illinois Parks

The Friends section of the site is geared toward the general public with information on the benefits of parks and recreation, special events at park districts and forest preserves across the state and how to join the organization.

New Design for the IAPD Web Site Under Way

While IAPD adds and updates its Web site daily, look for the site to take on an all new design in the fall of 2000. Features of the revamped site:

• A more user-friendly format.

• More pages for the general public that promote the benefits of park districts and forest preserves as well as locators and links for local agency events and facilities.

• A password protected "Members Only" section for information that cannot be shared with a general audience. Each IAPD member agency will receive a password.

• A more secure site to expand LAPD's e-commerce and on-line registration.

-by Angie Howard, communications director for the Illinois
Association of Park Districts

July/August 2000 ¦ 29