Bonnie W. Noble received a degree in Recreation and Park Administration from the University of Illinois. A native of River Forest, she worked for the Oak Park Recreation Department under then-Director Robert Toalson, and later did University fieldwork under former Des Plaines Park District Director Charles Pezoldt. Highly active in Peoria civic organizations, Mrs. Noble also owns and manages an athletic specialty footwear business. In her limited leisure time she enjoys family activities, tennis, and gardening. She was elected a Peoria Park Board trustee in 1973, re-elected in 1977, and elected President of the Board last spring. She was also appointed to the IAPD Board of Directors in early 1979.

It is my observation that many park district trustees become candidates for board membership because of one specific interest — be it golf, tennis, swimming, or a neighborhood park. Once elected, they quickly realize the need for an intensive course in the basic philosophy for park and recreation administration and programming. No longer can they concentrate on one pet project for they are charged with providing opportunities for wholesome recreation for all citizens.

As a park trustee, I have responsibility for approving basic policy for the operation, control, improvement and planning (present and future) of park and recreation facilities and activities for the Peoria Park District. Sound policy decisions cannot be made in a vacuum. It is not enough to react to crises with emergency measures. Some understanding of the philosophical concepts of planning for leisure service are essential if decisions are to be made on principle, not expediency.

How does an elected park board member acquire this understanding? Although it may be difficult for lay board members to allot the time, there is much to be gained from attending conferences and workshops. Through association with professionals, as well as with other board members, a wider appreciation of park and recreation responsibilities are developed. Park trustees are stimulated to greater and more discerning community service through these associations.

One of the most crucial decisions our park board makes is the selection of the director of parks and recreation who is the chief administrator for the district. The quality of service and achievement of the district rest on the foundation provided by the board and the performance of the chief administrator. It is imperative that board members respect professionals and learn to evaluate their performance and qualifications. Conferences provide an excellent opportunity for lay board members to meet and learn to evaluate professionals.

The park board makes financial provision for the district by adopting the tax levy, passing the appropriation ordinance, and establishing adequate fiscal policies. It is at conferences that a board member begins to understand the legislative framework within which he must function. The interpretation and application of these laws, state and national, determine decisions made by local park boards. Park board members by uniting together have been successful in promoting sound legislation for the advancement of the park and recreation movement and in opposing legislative action that would have been detrimental. Groundwork for this concerted action is generally laid during sessions of our state and national conferences.

I would not pass over too quickly the personal satisfactions to be gained from attending conferences. Your own problems assume less formidable proportions when you have the opportunity to review another's successes — and failures. Personal contacts with other board members and professionals, along with opportunities to observe extensive developments in equipment and methods, provide invaluable experiences for the seasoned board member.

Some preparation before you go can make conference attendance infinitely more valuable. Review your conference program; choose your sessions; and guard your time zealously. If you find yourself in a session that is not what you expected, (and indeed, is downright boring to you) don't be afraid to leave politely. Seek out one that is of value to you.

See COMMISSIONERS...
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Illinois Parks and Recreation 16 September/October. 1979

COMMISSIONERS VIEW...
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The leadership role which rests on elected park trustees is a demanding one. And we must ready ourselves to meet head on the challenges of shrinking tax dollars and ever growing demands for recreational services.

Our park and recreational professionals have forged strong state and national associations which have benefited every park district in the nation. We, as elected board members, must join with them in contributing our support to these organizations. Benefits for us and our park districts will be great. Failure to do so will be disastrous.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 25 September/October, 1979