Park District Conservation Day a Huge Success

It started as a small idea. Ted Flickinger asked, "How can we build upon our previous public awareness achievements at the Illinois State Fair — programs such as Fitness Is Leading The Way and Walk Illinois? How can we effectively promote the benefits of constructive leisure time at the state's largest outdoor recreational event? How can we emphasize the tremendous, positive impact parks and recreation have on Illinois' economy, tour- ism and quality of life issues?" It was a small idea... a small idea that blossomed into an overwhelming success — Park District Conservation Day at the Illinois State Fair.

Held on Saturday, August 20, Park District Conservation Day was sponsored by the Illinois Association of Park Districts, the Illinois Department of Conservation, and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. Park and recreation activities were held throughout the fairgrounds for the 90, 000 people in attendance.

The day began with a kickoff ceremony in Conservation World. Governor Jim Edgar presented a plaque to the Peoria Park District commemorating their 100th anniversary. Governor Edgar also presented a proclamation to IAPD President Judy Beck and IPRA President Steve Pohlman honoring the first Park District Conservation Day. The ceremony ended with a 50th birthday celebration for Smokey Bear.

Highlights of the day featured performances by Illinois park districts, forest preserves, and special recreation associations. In Conservation World, educational programs included Peoria Park District — Glen Oak Zoo's Reptile Show; Forest Preserve District of DuPage County's "Adventures in a Mysterious Marsh"; Forest Preserve District of Cook County — Brookfield Zoo's "How to Build an Elephant"; Glenview Park District — The Grove's "Snakes in Illinois"; Oak Lawn Park District's The Eagle Eye Neighborhood Park Watch Program starring "SEEMORE" the Eagle; and Springfield Park District— Henson Robinson Zoo's "Unloved Animals" and "Endangered Species."

Performing at the Lincoln stage were Granite City Park District's Drill & Dance/Twirl Teams; Bolingbrook Park District's Park Dancers; Oak Lawn Park District's StarMakers and Rhythm Express; Champaign Park District's Dance and S.T.A.R. Programs; Markham Park District's Performing Troupe; Waukegan Park District's Benny Tones Barber Shop Quartet (who also performed at the kickoff ceremony); Oak Forest Park District's Gliders; Joliet Park District's Kippers Gymnastic Team; Peoria Park District's Sunshine doggers; and Beardstown Community Park District's Dance groups.

The Senior Center Auditorium hosted the Schaumburg Park District's Fitness Recall Plus, Park Ridge Recreation & Park District's Stampede and Tap-Dancers; and Rolling Meadows Park District's Senior Center Variety Show.

The Chicago Wheelchair Bulls and Wheelchair Bulls Juniors basketball teams, sponsored by the Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association, dazzled the crowds at Club Mickey D's.

The goal of "spreading the word" about the park, recreation, and conservation opportunities in Illinois was an undeniable success. It's amazing where a small idea might lead.

Laura Bedford is the Director of Communications, and Bobbie Jo Moore is the Public Relations Coordinator/or the Illinois Association of Park Districts.*

Illinois Parks & Recreation* September/October 1994* 31