It's time for us to give ourselves a well-deserved pat on the back.

The Governor recently signed into law both the appropriation and substantive bills enacting the Build Illinois program. Our interest in, and active support of, this economic initiative played an important role in its passage.

Elected park officials and leisure professionals were among the first — and constant — supporters of this economic development program. The IAPD's executive director was one of the eight selected members of the Governor's Build Illinois Committee to testify on the House floor in support of this legislation.

Knowing that Illinois must be economically healthy to attract new industries, we share the Governor's philosophy that long-term investments in sewer systems, roads, business development — and the environment — are essential for the State's growth.

The overall quality of life here is an important facet of Illinois' fiscal condition. The programs and services which we provide are perhaps the most crucial type of "preventive health care" rendered by anyone in the State.

Build Illinois contains $4.6 million for the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Act in 1986. As your Association, we have stressed the importance of OSLAD funds to the Governor and his staff. We have also asked every park, forest preserve and conservation district to contact the Governor in support of these funds.

Our unified effort this spring resulted in the passage of Build Illinois. Our continued work this summer realized the approval of overdue and desperately needed OSLAD funds.

Many people have spent countless hours planning the programs, educational sessions, entertainment and other details for the 1985 Illinois Park and Recreation Conference.

As you read the special preconference insert in this magazine, you will quickly note that the '85 conference does indeed offer something for everyone. The varied agenda gives each of us a chance not only for professional growth, but also to better serve our constituencies with innovative programs, services and ideas.

The conference is especially designed to cover a broad spectrum of topics that will address the concerns of both the park commissioner and professional alike.

Mark your calendar now to be at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare Hotel in Rosemont on Nov. 21-24.

Your 1985 Park and Recreation Conference promises to be the most exciting, entertaining and informative conference yet. We have made sure it is something you cannot afford to miss.

It s hard for us to understand why residents of the Village of Brownstown in southern Illinois now want to dissolve the new park district which they approved this spring.

Efforts to do away with the district focus on the necessity of taxes to support it. Residents opposing the district contend they did not know that new taxes would be needed when the issue passed in April. Now they feel that a park district would be more of a luxury than a necessity. We disagree.

Any programs and services which alleviate stress, aid the physical development of youngsters and provide a needed, healthy social outlet for persons of all ages are not luxuries. Rather, they are a sound investment in the well-being of present and future generations.

Additionally, we have a current study assessing the economic significance of recreation to a community and area. For every dollar taken from a community in taxes, there is a $1.50 put back in business to local merchants, jobs for local residents and services to the community.

Furthermore, not all income for park districts is generated from taxes. With many districts, only 40 to 50 percent of all revenue comes from taxes. The remaining revenues are from fees and charges assessed for recreational services.

We strongly urge Brownstown residents to stop their efforts to have the park repeal measure put on the November election ballot.

Illinois Parks and Recreation                                 6                                     September/October 1985