ILLINOIS PARKS & RECREATION

JULY/AUGUST 1993

VOLUME 24

NUMBER 4

A Note From The Editor

The Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association announced last fall that former Chicago Bears linebacker Mike Singletary had joined the Take Time For Fun! public awareness program as spokesman. Since that time, a full publicity campaign has been launched and many exciting activities are taking place.

While shooting a Take Time For Fun! video, Julia Mackavoy had an opportunity to talk to Mike Singletary about his views on parks and recreation. During the interview, Singletary reflected on his childhood and the role his local park district played in molding his future as a professional athlete. Singletary also talked extensively about the importance of investing in the future of our youth through parks and recreation programs and activities. This exclusive interview is featured on pages 28-30. Excerpts will be used in television and radio public service announcements for statewide broadcast in August.

Terri Pistone and Brenda Segal outline the three-year marketing plan for Take Time For Fun! on page 31. Included in their article are many ideas that can be implemented by local park districts, forest preserves and recreation departments. If your agency is not a member of Take Time For Fun! please call the IAPD or IPRA office for information.

This month's issue also focuses on facility management. Throughout the magazine, IAPD and IPRA members share their experience and expertise regarding topics such as developing an Open Space Master Plan; determining sufficient pool capacity; implementing a 90-day employee review plan; creating a Land Management Plan and an Environmental Impact Statement; defining our role as a business and service industry; and recognizing the importance of a quality staff.

If you have an article you would like to share with the readers of Illinois Parks & Recreation, please contact Laura Bedford, editor, (217) 523-4554, for magazine guidelines.