Highlights from the Recreation Conference

The Governor's Conference on the Economic Significance of Recreation created a new and exciting chapter of Illinois history.

Governor James R. Thompson credited Illinois' recreation industry for generating $6.3 billion in personal spending and 150,000 jobs last year.

His remarks were made during the opening session of Illinois' first Governor's Conference on the Economic Significance of Recreation on April 30 in Springfield. The event, which concluded May 1, was attended by more than 300 professionals specializing in the public and private recreation sectors and tourism interests, and elected park commissioners.

National Park Service Dir. William Penn Mott, Jr. (at podium) accepted the Prairie Lawyer sculpture from Gov. Thompson. The work was created by John Frank of St. Charles, MO, and will be displayed at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site Visitor Center in Springfield, IL. Mott later outlined the goals and plans of the National Park Service during his keynote banquet address.

Quality of life

Thompson also presented the results of a recent study which indicated that public agencies spent more than $575 million providing recreation in 1985.

"This conference is just one indication of the growing realization that recreation, conservation and other quality-of-life factors are becoming increasingly important to Illinois' economic development," Thompson said.

He also stressed that the State's economy is changing, and new businesses are looking more closely at Illinois' quality of life.

State programs which are designed to improve recreation and attract tourism include the Park and Conservation Fund program, Build Illinois initiatives and the $10 million tourism promotion fund.

Special presentations

At the end of his address, Thompson presented a Lincoln sculpture, the "Prairie Lawyer," to William Penn Mott, director of the National Park Service and featured speaker at the conference banquet. The sculpture, which was donated by sculptor John Frank of St. Charles, MO, will be placed on permanent display at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site Visitor Center in Springfield.

The Governor received an award from the Arlington Heights Park District on behalf of all park, forest preserve and conservation districts in recognition of his contributions to recreation in Illinois. State Conservation Dir. Michael Witte was also recognized for his outstanding leadership dur-

Illinois Parks and Recreation 6 May/June 1986

ing his 18 months as head of the Illinois Department of Conservation.

Findings

The conference unveiled the fiscal impact of Illinois' park, recreation, forest preserve and conservation agencies on the State and local economies. Approximately 40 speakers addressed the conference participants.

Proceedings

The conference was cosponsored by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the Illinois Department of Conservation (DOC) in cooperation with the Illinois Departments of Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) and Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA).

Conference proceedings will be available from the IAPD. The cost for IAPD members is $7 per book. If eight or more books are purchased, the cost will be $6 each.

Non-members will be charged $10 per individual copy and $8 per copy when purchasing eight or more books.

Additional information is available from the IAPD office, 217 E. Monroe, Suite 101, Springfield, IL 62701. Phone (217) 523-4554.

Bonnie Noble and Tom Richardson, immediate past presidents of the IAPD and IPRA respectively, presented Mike Witte (right) with a special plaque honoring his accomplishments since becoming director of the State Department of Conservation in November, 1984.

IAPD Pres. Roger Toohey (left) chatted with Rep. and Mrs. Donald Hensel (R-50). He also addressed conference participants on the impact of recreation agencies in Illinois.

IPRA Pres. George Whitehead discussed Illinois' changing recreational delivery system during Thursday s session on future trends.

The Arlington Heights Park District presented Gov. Jim Thompson with a State seal handcrafted by Dick DiCanio, Mike Spilotro, Benny Aviles, Alan Welk and Tim Brodnan. Participating in the presentation were (from the left) Board Pres. Arlene Mulder, Commissioner Sandra Femstrom and Vice-Pres. Kathryn Graham. (Photo courtesy of the Illinois Information Service.)

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House Republican Leader Lee Daniels (center) chatted with Chicago Park District representatives George Wolf (left) and Michael Hennessy during a pre-conference reception at the Governors Mansion.

State Rep. Margaret Parcells (R-57), center, received a photo from the Winnetka Park District commemorating her participation in its dedication of a marine project on Lake Michigan. Joining in the presentation were (from the left) Commissioner Susie Schreiber, Dir. Dan Newport, IAPD Exec. Dir. Ted Flickinger, Parcells and IAPD Legal/Legislative Counsel Peter M. Murphy.

In addressing conference participants, Thompson indicated that recreation in Illinois is economically significant because it is a strong and growing industry in the States economy, it influences more business and skilled labor location decisions, and contributes to a physically, psychologically and socially healthy and well-adjusted workforce.

IAPD President-elect Ralph Cianchetti moderated a special work session
exploring future trends and directions in the park and recreation field.

Plant donations aid project

Various park, conservation and forest preserve districts statewide are participating in the restoration of the grounds at the Governor's Mansion in Springfield by donating plant materials. Tom Martin (bottom left), Mansion horticulturist, accepted the delivery of 350 hosta plants from Marvin Wolf (center), superintendent of parks, and Ron Bakes, foreman, at the Addison Park District. The plants were donated by Shemin Nursery, Addison, in cooperation with the park district.

Drake Branca (right), deputy director of operational services, and Bob Cole, development ranger, delivered red and burr oak trees on behalf of the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 8 May/June 1986