IPRA has received a federal grant under the Intergovernmental Personal Act to develop a "Management Institute for Park Executives". This institute will consist of a series of management seminars and for the first year will be offered only to those employed in parks and natural resource management.

We will be working with the Parks and Natural Resource Section of IPRA and various other management consultants to develop a quality program. More information will be mailed to all agencies within the next few months.

One of our priorities for the year is increased public awareness of the field. This takes a commitment on the part of all of the members. IPRA will sponsor several "leisure - park and recreation awareness days and activities." These need your support.

IPRA DAY with the CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Wednesday, June 20, 1979

IPRA DAY with the STING
Saturday, June 30, 1979

IPRA DAY with the CHICAGO CUBS
Monday, July 23,1979

Once again the Recreation Section will sponsor Abe's Amble - the 10,000 meter run at the State Fair. We urge you to send people to represent your agency and maybe even run in the event yourself for your profession. Abe's Amble will be held August 19, 1979 at 6:30 a.m. in Springfield. Hope to see you there. Application blanks can be obtained from the office.

The nominating committee will begin their work this year in May to select candidates to run for the IPRA Board of Directors. If you are interested or if you would like to recommend someone to serve on the Board, please send a letter to Fred Hall, Chairman, IPRA Nominating Committee, 600 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016.

Congratulations are in order for the Continuing Education Committee for their excellent planning of Happening II. Evaluation of this year's event is now underway. We thank all of you who have offered suggestions for improvement. Because of your input we hope to plan an even better Happening III. If your agency/city is interested in hosting next year's event, please let us know. We are looking for a location for 1980 and 1981. Special thanks goes to Tom Richardson, Chairman of the Happening, and Jim Coutts, Fon du lac Park District, who was in charge of all local arrangements.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 16 May/June, 1979