IAPD President's Message

by Henry Deihl

It is an honor and a privilege to be elected president of the largest State Association representing parks.

In accepting this gavel and the responsibility of this office, I pledged to you that I would give forceful leadership to the Association. But, if we are to have a successful year in 1976, your interest and active participation is required. An association is only as strong as its internal strength and our strength is being tested. Whether we will bend or stand the strain, depends on you. If the Association's Board of Directors is to function properly, it can only be accomplished by strong active committees. The committees have been revised, new ones created, and, where possible consolidated for effective utilization. And again I invite all of you to give your talents and energies to your organization.

Our country will be celebrating its 200th anniversary during the year of 1976. Let our slogan be the New Spirit of '76: I ask each and every member not to look backwards, but let us all join together and march forward in achieving our goals to provide better parks for more people.

Let the New Spirit of '76 rejuvenate your energies and your committment to the Illinois Association of Park Districts.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 27 January/ February 1976