By Linda Wander and John Wilson Conference Co-chairs

Calling all park board members and recreation professionals!

Do you want to learn about up-to-date developments in the park, recreation and conservation field? Would you like to share ideas with your colleagues from across the State in a relaxed but yet stimulating environment?

If your answer is "yes" to either question, Catch the Leisure Wave with other members of the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) November 19-22 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Rosemont.

IPR Conference Co-chairs Linda Wander and John Wilson set the mood for November's beach party.

The 1987 Illinois Park and Recreation Conference promises to be as unique as any previous conference. Returning to the Hyatt, delegates will have the opportunity to be a part of a conference that will not be the "typical Hyatt conference." The quality and content of the educational sessions, preconference workshops and social activities will surpass those offered on the national level.

The core

The educational sessions have been developed by a subcommittee representing all IPRA sections and the IAPD. This task was accomplished under the guidance of Committee Co-Chairs Ed McLaughlin, commissioner, Alsip Park District, and Bill Geihsler, Palatine Park District.

Educational sessions will explore a variety of topics on every imaginable interest for anyone related to the leisure field. Topics will dwell on liability insurance, arts, leisure programming, financial matters for the park agency, park planning and design, clinical and therapeutic recreational settings, legal/legislative concerns, and AIDS and other infectious diseases.

Of special interest to the park board member are sessions focusing

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on bond referenda, public relations, board/staff relations and advisory boards. For a complete list of educational sessions, see the conference insert in this issue.

Preconference workshops

In addition to the many educational sessions, there will be seven preconference workshops for delegates to choose from on Thursday. These workshops have a special fee, and registrations are processed through the IPRA office.

On Friday and Saturday, delegates will have an opportunity to attend workshops sponsored by the Conference Committee. These workshops will be free provided that you do not want Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Should you elect to apply for CEUs, there will be a $5 charge for each workshop you attend on Friday and Saturday. Registration will be at the door of the workshop.

A variety of workshop topics will be listed in the preconference flyer, along with the registration form.

Members of each Association will have an array of educational opportunities to select from throughout the conference.

Saturday night

As we mentioned, this conference will not be the typical conference. Yes, after pushing your mental capability to the limits with all the educational sessions, you will be able to relax and Catch the Leisure Wave at the beach party. Take the tie, coat and shoes off; put on the sandals, jams and tank top, and hit the beach front — commonly referred to as the Hyatt ballroom.

Other highlights • The Agency Intern Mart will be held on Friday afternoon. This provides an opportunity for agencies and students to meet and discuss job opportunities in the leisure field. Agencies should have received a special application for the Intern Mart. (These forms are also available from the IPRA office.) • Agency Showcase entries will be displayed in the main lobby of the hotel. Judging will take place prior to the conference; awards will be presented at the Saturday Joint Awards Luncheon. •The Exhibit Hall will be an exciting place to visit. This year the Exhibit Hall has been expanded. You will have more exhibitors to talk with and more of their products to review. Please remember, these exhibitors support IAPD and IPRA throughout the year. • Social activities are planned for all three evenings. Thursday's opening mixer will feature the music of the Dancing Noodles. Friday evening will also represent a first for the conference. It seemed every year delegates had nothing to do late Friday evening. This year there will be a D.J. in the ballroom beginning at 10 p.m. A fee of $1 for students and $2 for delegates will be charged. Proceeds from this social will go toward the Student Scholarship and the Illinois Park and Recreation Foundation. Saturday is our beach party and dance. • A Proceedings Booklet will be sold at this year's conference. The booklet will include speakers' presentations. Agencies sending five or more delegates will receive one copy of the booklet at no charge.

The Saturday night Beach Party Committee is co-chaired by John Curran, Alsip Park District, and Sheila Franklin, Wheaton Park District. They have been hard at work planning a fun-filled evening for you to relax and let loose.

After you cross over the pier to the beach, you will be greeted by scenes of children building sand-castles, teens roasting marshmallows and families picnicking. What would a beach be without a spectacular sunset? Yes, you can enjoy a sunset with brilliant reds, deep yellows and flaming oranges combined over an azure Pacific Ocean to create the illusion of a never-ending day.

The beach will be scattered with custom concession stands with bright yellow and white awnings. Grab one of your three food tickets and have a sampling of your choice.

After dinner, get your team together and play some beach volleyball. After volleyball, try your luck at the different game booths, and we cannot forget the dancin' music. Throughout the evening you will be entertained by a rockin', beachin' D.J. and his '58 Chevy Show. Limber up for various contests like the Twist, Hula Hoop and Limbo.

After you are exhausted, grab a snack with one of your four snack tickets. If for some reason you are not in the mood for games and sports, enjoy a beverage of your choice at the cabana. So get ready to take the mystical tour, from the

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Hyatt lobby in November, to the sunny beach of Malibu.

Final reminder

Each agency will receive a final copy of the program prior to the conference. This will enable its staff to see the detailed listing of sessions, speakers and times before arriving at the Hyatt.

It's been a busy, but enjoyable, year for the Conference Committee. As co-chairs, we hope you will agree with us that the 1987 conference will provide everyone with a unique blend of educational and social activities. Take the opportunity to join us in November and, Catch the Leisure Wave.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Linda Wander is president of the Downers Grove Park District. John Wilson is a sales representative for Mike Schram and Associates.

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