The Bolingbrook Park District and Lake County Forest Preserves are Grand
Award Winners of the prestigious National Gold Medal Award, presented
annually for excellence in park and recreation administration in cooperation with the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). Winners in each class were
selected based on improvement, service, continuing development, future
planning and degree of participant involvement and acceptance by the
community. The 1999 Gold Medal Grand Awards were presented at the
NRPA Congress last November to:
LAKE COUNTY (ILL.) FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT
Class I, nominated by Bass Pro Shops
City of Henderson (Nev.) Parks & Recreation Department
Class II, nominated by Sportco Sporting Goods
City of Westminster (Co.) Parks, Recreation & Libraries
Class III, nominated by Holly's Soccer 2000
BOLINGBROOK (ILL.) PARK DISTRICT
Class IV, nominated by Palos Sports
Georgetown (Tex.) Parks, Education & Recreation Division
Class V, nominated by Rooster Andrews Sporting Goods
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Recreation & Parks
State Parks, nominated by Oshman's Super Sports
1999 Finalists - Illinois
ITASCA PARK DISTRICT
Class V, nominated by Hildebrand Sporting Goods
Smalley Receives Meritorious
Service Award
Norman P. Smalley, a retired Elmhurst Park District commissioner, received the 1999 American Park and Recreation Society (APRS) Meritorious Service Citizen Award at the NRPA Congess. Smalley was first elected
to the Elmhurst Park District board of commissioners in 1968 and was re-elected for five consecutive six-year terms until his retirement in early
1999. During his tenure, the following projects were completed: built
The Courts and Courts Plus; constructed Sugar Creek 9-hole golf course;
the park district received the 1991 National Gold Medal Award from
NRPA; rebuilt 25 playgrounds and served with 24 other park board
members.
Three Illinois Agencies Recognized
for Communication Excellence
Through its Marketing & Communications Kudos Awards Program, the
National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recognizes agencies
that best market and communicate the benefits of parks and recreation to
the public. Four of the thirteen awards presented at the NRPA Congress
went to Illinois park districts.
Downers Grove Park District
Best Print Catalogue, Class I
Skokie Park District
Best Print Catalogue, Class II
Bolingbrook Park District
Best Overall Communicator, Class I
Skokie Park District
Best Overall Communicator, Class II
Elk Grove Recognized for Business
and Wellness Excellence
The Elk Grove Park District received two awards in November of 1999.
The Lincoln Foundation for Business Excellence awarded the district
"The Lincoln Commitment to Excellence Award," the beginning level in
this award's three-tiered award process which recognizes organizations for
their "Journey Towards Excellence." The Lincoln Foundation challenges
Illinois organizations in business, education, health care and government
to measure themselves against seven criteria of excellence including leadership and strategic planning. The Elk Grove Park District is the first
recreation association to be recognized with the award. The district also
received a "Wellness Achievement Award" by the Worksite Wellness Council
of Illinois, which encourages and rewards quality and excellence in health
promotion. Awards are only given to organizations that meet the rigorous
standards set by the Wellness Councils of America.
Champaign and Elmhurst Achieve
"Distinguished Agency" Status
The Champaign Park District and the Elmhurst Park District were named
among the top park districts in the state by the Illinois Association of Park
Districts (IAPD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA).
The agencies earned the "Distinguished Agency Award" from the state
associations' Joint Distinguished Park and Recreation Committee, because the districts exemplify the highest industry standards in delivering
recreation services to their residents and professionally work to improve
the quality of life in their communities. Only 22 other park districts have
earned the distinction in a field of more than 350 agencies across the state.
January/February 2000 | 45
PEOPLE AND PLACES
Friends of Illinois Parks Receives
Award for Communication Excellence
The Illinois Association of Park Districts' Friends of Illinois Parks program received two top honors from in the Master Communicator Awards
Program, sponsored by the central Illinois chapters of the Public Relations Society of America, International Association of Business Communicators and Association of Women in Communication. The Friends of
Illinois Parks introduction campaign (plan, brochure, PSAs, media packet
and coverage) received a first place award, while the Friends of Illinois
Parks brochure received an "Award of Merit."
Illinois Parks & Recreation Magazine
Receives Master Communicator Award
Illinois Parks & Recreation magazine, published by the Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association,
received an "Award of Merit" for its editorial content and design from
the Master Communicator Awards Program, sponsored by the central
Illinois chapters of the Public Relations Society of America, International Association of Business Communicators and Association of Women
in Communication.
Heather Cotton-Wade was named coordinator of figure skating
development for the Peoria Park District's Owens Center in Lakeview
Park. She will implement and coordinate the group ice skating lesson
program and special skating events including the annual ice show, summer figure skating school and the annual spring skating competition. She
is a Master Rated Group Instructor by the Professional Skater's Association, a Gold Certified Judge by the Ice Skating Institute (ISI), and an ISI
Precision/Formation Team Coach.
Joe Olson was appointed coordinator of hockey programs for the Peoria Park District's Owens Center in Lakeview Park. Olson will coordinate
group lessons, special clinics, summer hockey camps and adult leagues.
He is a former Peoria Youth Hockey Bantam AA Travel Team Coach and
a player for Michigan State and the Peoria Blades.
Kayla Kleckner joined the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association
(FVSRA) as a Therapeutic Recreation Program Specialist. She completed
her internship at FVSRA and is a graduate of the University of St. Francis
with a bachelor of arts degree in Recreation Administration and was a
member of the women's basketball team. Kleckner's responsibilities at
FVSRA include coaching the Special Olympics sporting teams, leading
leisure education programs, leading general programs and special events.
Jessica L. Markillie was hired as inclusion coordinator for the Fox
Valley Special Recreation Association (FVSRA). She graduated from Grand
Valley State University of Grand Rapids, Mich., with a Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation, then continued her education in
the field with an internship on a Psychiatric Unit at Children's Memorial
Hospital in Chicago. Her role at FVSRA include programming, leading
recreational and educational activities, recruiting participants for specialized programs, and providing assistance or additional services for individuals with disabilities already involved in community activities.
Mark Heinicke, ASLA, was hired as the first
landscape architect of the Quincy Park District.
Heinicke most recently served as director of Parks &
Planning for the Bourbonnais Township Park District. Prior to that he worked as a landscape architect
for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. He
also has had experience working for a consulting
engineering company in New Hampshire. He is a
CLP, registered landscape architect in both Illinois
and Indiana and is nationally certified with the
Council of Landscape Architecture Registration Boards, member of IPRA,
NRPA & ASLA. Heinicke holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
degree from Iowa State University. With more than 10 years of resource
and recreation planning experience, he will be preparing park/facility
development plans and specifications for formal bidding, performing
project administration, construction management and coordination, formulate design concepts, and prepare grants.
46 | Illinois Parks and Recreation
PEOPLE AND PLACES
Nan Newlon was named the director of building and planning at the
Naperville Park District. She will oversee the planning and construction of
the proposed skate park, the proposed enhancement project for Centennial Beach, and other capital projects. Newlon served as the City of
Naperville's assistant director of public works since 1993. She is a civil
engineer with a master's degree in Public Administration from Northern
Illinois University.
Judy Connelly was hired as human resources manager by the
Naperville Park District. Connelly will oversee recruitment, staffing, training, and all benefits and compensation programs. She also will supervise
the administrative services support staff. Prior to joining the park district,
Connelly worked as a human resources director for a local bank. She has a
master's degree in Business Administration from Lewis University.
Matt Karth joined the Glen Ellyn Park District as the facilities and operations manager. He
has ample experience from his time working as
the assistant golf manager at the Glenview Park
District and as a building supervisor for the
Dundee Township Park District. Karth's duties
will include overseeing the facilities at the Lake
Ellyn Boathouse, Main Street Recreation Center and the Spring Avenue Recreation Center
when it opens next year. He receive a bachelors
of science degree in Recreation Studies from Aurora University.
Cyristyn Castellani was hired as a program specialist at the Northwest Special Recreation Association. Her responsibilities include coordinating programs for children, teens and young adults diagnosed as train-able, multiply or severely/profoundly mentally handicapped. She also
coordinates die "TGIF" Club and fun Fair for the day camp participants.
Castellani majored in psychology/neuro science and is a 1997 graduate of
Indiana University.
Lindsoy Stankee was hired as a program specialist at the Northwest
Special Recreation Association. Her responsibilities include coordinating
programs and day camp for individuals with learning disabilities and
behavior disorders. She is a 1998 graduate of the University of Iowa and
majored in Therapeutic Recreation. Stankee was previously employed
with the South Suburban Special Recreation Association.
Marco Rossi was named program specialist at the Northwest Special
Recreation Association. He is a 1999 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, majoring in Therapeutic Recreation. His responsibilities include
coordinating the Summer Sports Camp, assisting with volunteer recruitment and coordinating programs for adults with mental impairments.
Rossi previously completed his internship with North East DuPage Special Recreation Association.
Marv Segal is a friend of the Deerfield Park District
Marv Segal cheerfully dons a costume every year for the Deerfield Park District's Halloween Hoopla.
What's the saying? It's all about who you know. For the
past 13 years, Marv Segal has dressed in costume to help
entertain thousands of children at the Deerfield Park
Districts' popular Halloween Hoopla event. Segal is married
to Brenda Segal, public informarion/fimd-raismg coordinator for the park district.
Tell us about your friends.
People from all walks of life are making a difference in parks
and recreation. These "friends" make monetary contributions,
give their time to clean-up parks and forest preserves, teach
classes or coach sports teams. Friends of Illinois Parks is a new
nonprofit organization that strives to involve more citizens
statewide as friends in these ways and
others, such as legislative advocacy.
Tell us about friends of your park district
or forest preserve and we'll publicize them
in this space. Send a photo and caption to
Friends of Illinois Parks, 211 E, Monroe
Street, Springfield, IL 62701. To learn more
about Friends of Illinois Parks, call toll-free
1-877-523-4558.
January/February 2000 | 47
PEOPLE AND PLACES
Susan Byrne was hired as a program specialist at the Northwest Special
Recreation Association. She is a 1998 graduate of the University of Kansas and majored in Sport and Exercise Science. Her responsibilities include
coordinating programs and clubs for individuals with physical and visual
impairments. Bryne was previously employed with the St. Louis Wheel-chair Athletic Association.
Susie Julison was named superintendent of recreation at the Northwest Special Recreation Association. An employee at NWSRA since 1987,
she previously was the manager of inclusion services and she worked at
the Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation from 1981-1987.
Deb Caruthers was named superintendent of recreation at the Northwest Special Recreation Association. She has been an NWSRA employee
since August, 1998. Previously, she was superintendent of recreation at
the Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation since 1980.
April Prescott, staff enrichment coordinator
for the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA), was named to the board of
directors of the Brain Injury of Illinois Association
(BIA). The BIA is a statewide membership organization consisting of people with brain injuries,
their families and friends, rehabilitation providers, physicians, lawyers, concerned citizens and
corporate partners who are concerned with the
physical and emotional well-being of people with
brain injuries. Prescott will represent DuPage County in her year-long
term. Prescott currently hires part-time staff and volunteers for WDSRA,
in addition to overseeing the agency's Brain Injury Leisure Club, day
Camps, Leisure Education and Community Awareness programs.
Jane Hodgkinson, executive director of the
Western DuPage Special Recreation Association
(WDSRA) was inducted into the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, honoring individuals who have made a significant impact in the field of recreation. Goals of Academy members are to enhance the practice of park and recreation administration, to promote broader public understanding of the profession, and to
advance it through research, seminars and published articles. Hodgkinson's lifelong goal has been to improve access for people with special needs. She was a founding board member of the Illinois Special Olympics and has chaired over 40 committees during her more than 20 years in the field of parks and recreation. She has served on
the board of directors of Parents Alliance, DuPage Inter-Agency Paratransit Coordination Council and the Joliet Area Autism Society. Major accomplishments of Hodgkinson include author/co-author of two manuals;
Outstanding Woman Leader in 1987 by the DuPage County YMCA; recipient of three statewide honors from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association, and an active Carol Stream Rotary Member.
Diane Stanke was named communications
and marketing manager of the Illinois Park and
Recreation Association (IPRA). Along-standing
member of IPRA, Stanke has worked in a number of capacities in the parks and recreation field,
most recently as the community services supervisor for the past 10 years at the Morton Grove
Park District. Stanke will be responsible for IPRA's
promotional and marketing efforts.
In accepting the position Stanke said: "IPRA is standing at the threshold of a new millennium with new leadership and ideas. I look forward to
the challenges that lie ahead which include developing new partnerships
and pursuing grant opportunities. However, my main focus will always
be to provide quality programs and services to our members."
Phil A. Hayunga was named land acquisition coordinator for the
Forest Preserve of Kane County. Hayunga has extensive experience in the
farm and land brokerage and real estate business. He has completed more
than 200 farm land appraisals and also has experience with all phases of
land acquisition. He has worked with several divisions of government and
is a member of the Northern Illinois Farm and Land Brokers, and Multiple Listing Service of Northern Illinois.
Valerie Lorimer joined the staff at Wheaton Park District as the public
information coordinator assistant. Previously, she was the public information coordinator for the Park District of Highland Park. Lorimer brings 16
years of graphic arts experience to the job and is responsible for Web site
48 | Illinois Parks and Recreation
PEOPLE AND PLACES
design/maintenance and graphic design. She is a member of the Communications and Marketing Section of IPRA, and is responsible for the layout and design of Get the Message newsletter.
Brianna Beers was named Special Olympics Illinois Northern Regional Manager of
Sports Training. She works out of the Special Olympics Illinois Northern office in Glen Ellyn.
In her position, Beers will be working with the eight local area programs in the northern part of
the state to coordinate training programs for Special Olympics athletes and coaches. Previously, she was program specialist for Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) in Rolling Meadows since 1996. While there, she served as NWSRA head coach for Special Olympics athletics (track & field) and youth basketball teams,
and also coordinated athletics for Northwest Suburban Special Olympics/Area 18. Beers received a bachelor of science degree in Leisure Studies with an emphasis on Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana in 1995. She is a certified leisure professional.
Tom McPike has been named manager of C-U Special Recreation, a cooperative program between the Champaign and Urbana Park Districts which provides recreation programs and
leisure services for residents with disabilities. Previously, McPike was Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor with the Chicago Park District. A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, McPike
has directed clinical recreational therapy programs, recreational and life skills programs for
emotionally disturbed adults and youth, and developed outdoor recreation programs for disadvantaged youth. He has consulted in the areas of substance abuse treatment, youth service agencies, alternative schools,
correctional programs, early childhood intervention, and hospital settings.
He is a member of the National Recreation and Parks Association, National Therapeutic Recreation Association, Illinois Parks and Recreation Association, and Illinois Recreational Therapy Association.
Sandy Metcalfe as a recreation coordinator of the Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association (NEDSRA). She will assist with the coordination of school-related programs and Special Olympics sports. She has extensive educational training and a variety of experiences with individuals with disabilities. Metcalfe piloted a
school program for the Decatur School District involving alternative recreation programming.
She also worked at the Cunningham Children's Home, the Baby Fold and Metcalf Elementary School. Metcalfe graduated from Illinois State University with a bachelor's degree and master's degree in Parks and Recreation with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation.
IPRA Dedicates New Building, Recognizes Kay Forest
On Friday, Nov. 19, 1999, the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) dedicated its new headquarters in Carol
Stream and recognized Kay Forest for her 27 years of service to the association. About 150 members and guests enjoyed the events of the day including a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony and the unveiling of a dedication plaque located at the entrance to the new facility. (Picture left to right: Bill Wald, Kay Forest, Mark Badasch, Liza McElroy, Don VanArsdale, Mike Rylko). IPRA's new 14,000-square-foot headquarters features a training/meeting room, nine offices and space for a future technology lab and libra. IPRA purchased its new headquarters to provide services that will help association members continue to grow and thrive into the new century.
Kay Forest, who retired Oct. 1, was recognized by Dr. Ted Flickinger, executive director of the Illinois Association of Park Districts; George Whitehead spoke on behalf of the Southern Illinois Park and Recreation
Association; and Pat Ryan and Jane Hodgkinson from the IPRA Administration and Finance Section. Liza McElroy and board member Mike Clark commended Forest for developing IPRA into a nationally recognized association that has brought Illinois to the forefront of the parks and
recreation movement.
Lake County Purchases New 403-Acre Forest Preserve; Adds 28 Acres Added to Lakewood Forest Preserve
Creating a new 403-acre Forest Preserve in western Lake County and adding 28 acres to Lakewood Forest Preserve near Wauconda were among the actions approved by the Lake County Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners at their December 17, 1999, meeting. The Board acquired parcel for $7.1 million and created Lake County's newest forest preserve. The former cattle farm, known as Ray Lake Farm, is bounded by Erhart, Gilmer and Fremont Center Roads in Fremont Township. The Ray Lake Farm property boasts three wetlands totaling 120 acres, 80 acres of woodlands with predominantly bur oak, hickory and cherry trees, and sprawling farm fields ready to be restored to prairie.
The board also purchased a 28-acre in Fremont Township, known as the Wolff property, for just over $ 1 million. The property adjoins Lakewood Forest Preserve to the north and is located just east of Stockholm Lake Forest Preserve. Its strategic location offers the forest preserve an opportunity to own a complete 2.5-acre wetland complex that can be managed as a single unit. The site's wetland is part of a larger wetland that extends north into Lakewood. The land surrounding the wetland features scattered oak and hickory trees and former farm fields that will allow for reforestation and prairie restoration. The 28-acre addition brings Lakewood's total acreage to 2,091, allowing it to retain its title as Lake County's largest forest preserve.
January/February 2000 | 49
PEOPLE AND PLACES
Miss America Visits Bourbonnais
Miss America 1999, Nicole Johnson, visited the Bourbonnais Township Park District's Exploration Station... a children's museum last November. Fourteen area diabetic children and Johnson enjoyed the hands-on interactive exhibits at the children's museum. When the children finished playing in the castle, the group headed to a museum conference room to hear Johnson speak about the diabetes. Johnson is a diabetic herself and has had to learn to lie and adjust to the disease. Olivet Nazarene University and Provena/St. Mary's Hospital co-sponsored Johnson's visit to the area.
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Ryan Signs Melissa Bill in Bourbonnais
The Melissa Bill is signed into law by Gov. George Ryan in front of the Exploration Station...a children's museum. The bill gives victims of sexual abuse an extension of time to come forward and prosecute their offenders. Many children from the area gathered to watch.
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Northlake's Kahl Park is Rededicated
Veteran Park District's board of commissioners rededicated Kahl Park in Northlake upon the completion of numerous improvements that have been needed for many years. Kahl's expansive overhaul ranges from itssidewalks, to all new playground equipment, and a drainage system under all new wood mulch. Handicap- accessible pieces are included in the new playground design. (Pictured left to right: Commissioner Ron Glick, Executive Director Joseph Bronge, Commissioner/Board President Steven Morella and his daughter, Anastasia, Supt. A.J. Morella with Commissioner Charles Fredrickson.)
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Elmhurst Park District Receives Illinois First Grant
Senator Dan Cronin presented Elmhurst Park District board president Kubiesa with a $30,000 check from
the Illinois FIRST program for York Commons Pool.
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50 | Illinois Parks and Recreation