In This Issue

By Ted Flickinger
Managing Editor

Illinois parks are viewed from various perspectives in this issue. One involves the policies instituted by districts statewide to deal with the problem of residents who cannot afford to pay program fees. Others examine the work being done by the State's Abandoned Mines Reclamation Council to turn useless areas into parks and wildlife sanctuaries, and the various State parks, forests and nature preserves which make ideal vacation stops.

Park district programming is explored through a special survey conducted by Editor Barb Valiukenas. In addition, we are presenting a statistical profile of districts statewide, including their areas and facilities. A separate article examines the benefits of involving park districts in popular water-skiing activities, while another highlights festivals in southern Illinois.

Our recent lobbying effort in Springfield for affordable and available liability insurance coverage, and highlights from the Governor's Conference on the Economic Significance of Recreation are also included.

Your comments about the publication are always appreciated. Please let me hear from you.

On The Cover

The cover photo was taken by Terry Farmer, Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, at Lincoln Park in Springfield, IL.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 5 May/June 1986