Orchard Valley, Rend Lake, and ThunderHawk Earn Golf Digest's 4 1/2 Stars

In Golf Digest's fifth edition of its popular guidebook, Places to Play 2002-2003, the best places to play are listed for each state, each earning a minimum 4 1/2 star rating (out of a possible 5 stars). Among the thirteen resort and public Illinois courses in this rank are the Fox Valley Park District's Orchard Valley Golf Course, the Rend Lake Conservancy District's Rend Lake Golf Course, and the Lake County Forest Preserves ThunderHawk Golf Club. See www.golfdigest.com.

IPRA Announces Newly Certified Professionals

• Beth M. Black, CPRP, recreation supervisor, Belvidere Park District

• Sarah A. Campbell, CPRP, leisure services supervisor, Oswegoland Park District

• Chad B. Dyson, CPRP, athletics coordinator, Westmont Park District

• Trevor G. Garcia, CPRP

• Dana L. Fortin, CPRP, athletic supervisor II, Geneva Park District

• Cathleen R. Gibson, CPRP, community recreation supervisor, Rock Island Parks and Recreation

• George A. Grey, CPRP, recreation supervisor, Bensenville Park District

• Emily M. Johnson, CPRP, CTRS, program specialist, NWSRA

• Kristien M.Kron.CPRP

• Jared G. Lerner, CPRP, athletic director, Waukegan Park District

• Michael M. Mayfield, CPRP, recreation supervisor, Waukegan Park District

• Joshua D. Mikeworth, CPRP, parks and grounds supervisor, Savoy Department of Public Works

• Kendall A. Parrott, APRP, director, Harvey Park District

• Mark E. Pasqualini, CPRP, recreation services coordinator, Burr Ridge Park District

• Scott E. Pepino, CPRP, recreation coordinator, Hinsdale Park & Recreation Department

• Paul P. Plzak, CPRP, athletic supervisor, Rolling Meadows Park District

• Shawn M. Preuss-Kuhn, APRP

• Kari A. Pumala, CPRP, recreation supervisor, Wauconda Park District

• Ronald T. Schneider, CPRP, Oakton Center facility manager, Skokie Park District

• Jason Stoneham, CPRP, athletic supervisor, Vernon Hills Park District

• Beth A. Tempestini, CPRP, program coordinator, WDSRA

• Brian J. Tibbs, CPRP, Fon Du Lac Park District

• Crystal G. VanHyning, CPRP, recreation supervisor, Park Ridge Recreation and Park District

Noble Named Peoria's Citizen of the Year

Bonnie W. Noble, director of parks and recreation for the Peoria Park District was recently awarded the 2001 Ray A. Neumann Tri-County Citizen of the Year Award, presented by the Peoria Downtown Kiwanis Club and recognizing community leadership. Noble's accomplishments in 2001 include guiding the successful completion of the district's RiverPlex Recreation and Wellness Center, all 8,000-square-foot facility developed through public/private partnership, and providing direction enabling the district to receive the 2001 Gold Medal Award. Judges for the award noted Noble's commitment to improving quality of life in the area and expanding Peoria's RiverFront. Noble began her service with the Peoria Park District as an elected member of the Board ofTrustees in 1973. She joined the district's professional staff as director in 1992. Under her leadership, the district has grown from a $14.5 million budget to a $20 million budget with 175 full-time and 1,100 part-time/seasonal employees with 9,000 acres of park land.

McKone Wins Communication Award

Cyndy McKone, superintendent of marketing and public relations for the Peoria Park District, was recently awarded the Lydia Moss Bradley Communications Award at the YWCA's annual Leadership Luncheon in Peoria. McKone was cited for her exemplary efforts in marketing park programs and facilities over her 14 years with the district, including the two National Gold Medal Awards. Most recently, McKone coordinated the multi-year campaign for the district's new RiverPlex Recreation and Wellness Center. Under her management, the Marketing Division has grown from one full-time staff person to seven full-time professionals.

IPRA Awards Scholarships

Jamie Wolf (at left), a sophomore at Western Illinois University, and Tori Wilson (right), a graduate student at Western Illinois University, are recipients of scholarships awarded by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association's College and University Relations Committee. Funded largely by the Silent Auction held at the IAPD/IPRA Conference, scholarships up to $1,500 are awarded and each recipient receives a one-year IPRA membership.

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Trudy Wdkeman, CPRP, was promoted to director of parks and recreation of the Village of Lake in the Hills in March 2002 after serving four years as its first superintendent of recreation. Previously, Wakeman worked with the Wheeling Park District as the promotions coordinator and aquatic/special events coordinator and as a recreation supervisor for the Libertyville Parks and Recreation Department. Her involvement with IPRA includes serving as co-chair of the IPRA Triathlon, as an active member of the Facility Management Section and the Communications and Marketing Section.

Kelly Lendman joined the Lake in the Hills Parks and Recreation Department as the recreation supervisor. She develops and administers a day camp program for the village as well as coordinates adult and youth athletics, trips and special events. Previously, she was a facility coordinator with the Champaign Park District and received a bachelor of science and master's degrees in Parks and Recreation Administration from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.

Maria Pineiro joined the Vernon Hills Park District staff as the business manager. Previously, she interned at the Village of Vernon Hills for two years and worked for Virtual Restoration, Inc. for eight years. Pineiro has a bachelor of science degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse, and a master's degree in Public Administration from Northern Illinois University.

Torn Ritter joined the Vernon Hills Park District as superintendent of recreation. Ritter moved from the Glenview Park District where he had worked for nine years. He earned a bachelor of science degree in Recreation and Park Administration from Illinois State University.

Beth Diamond was hired as horticulture supervisor for the Vernon Hills Park District. Diamond is responsible for designing landscape plans and maintenance of gardens for several new and existing parks. Her background includes management and supervisory training for industrial companies domestically and abroad. She received a bachelor of science in Ornamental Horticulture from the University of Illinois, Champaign.

Dana Olszta, CTRS, CPRP joined the Woodridge Park District staff as senior coordinator overseeing the Golden Years Program and all senior activities. She coordinates weekly meetings, educational programs, special events, and trips. Previously, she worked at the Naperville Park District as senior manager and held professional positions at the Joliet-Bolingbrook Special Recreation Association, DuPage Convalescent Center, and Maine-Niles Special Recreation Association.

Angie Fehling joined the Vernon Hills Park District as athletic supervisor for adult basketball, youth baseball, softball, karate and gymnastics. Previously she worked for the Great Lakes Naval Base as a recreation specialist. Fehling also interned as a recreation specialist with the Navy in Pensacola, Fla. She received a bachelor of science degree in Leisure Studies from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.

Christine Lambrakis was named communications manager for the Vernon Hills Park District. Previously, she worked for Arizona State University for five years, and before that Kraft Foods for 11 years. Lambrakis has a bachelor's degree in Communications Studies/Journalism from Northwestern University.

Jan Buchs was named executive director of the Wheeling Park District. Since 1993, Buchs has held several positions with the district including director of recreation (1998-2002), superintendent of recreation, facilities coordinator, aquatic coordinator. Previously, she worked for the Arlington Heights, Lindenhurst and Mundelien park districts. Buchs holds a bachelor of science degree from the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater. She is a member of NRPA, IPRA and the World Waterpark Association.

Ron Gbur has been promoted to executive director of the Palatine Park District. He began his career at Palatine in 1981 as athletic coordinator. Over the past 20 years he has served as facilities and aquatics coordinator, golf course manager, superintendent of revenue facilities, superin-

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tendent of recreation and, most recently, deputy director. He effectively has worked on the design teams of the Family Aquatic Center, Community Center renovation, and the Hamilton Reservoir reconfiguration. A graduate from Eastern Illinois University in Recreation Administration, Gbur received a master's degree in Guidance and Counseling from Chicago State University. Prior to arriving in Palatine, Gbur spent time at the South Holland Recreation Department and City of Phoenix, Arizona, Recreation Department.

Keith Williams was promoted to superintendent of recreation with the Palatine Park District. He has been with the district since 1982 when he was an intern for the Recreation Department. He became athletic coordinator in 1983, facilities/aquatics coordinator in 1987 and assistant superintendent of recreation since 1989. Williams was instrumental in developing the Recreation Department to its present level of service to the community. He is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University.

Donelda Danz was promoted to assistant superintendent of recreation with the Palatine Park District. She began her career with the park district in 1977 as a lifeguard. Prior to becoming recreation manager in December 2001, she was the aquatics coordinator beginning in 1993. Over the years Danz has been responsible for implementing many of the pool operational procedures that are in place at district aquatic facilities. She is a graduate of Western Illinois University and holds a master's degree in Special Education from Northeastern Illinois University

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IAPD Legislative Conference Is Parks & Recreation's Ultimate Lobby Day

A record-setting 350 professionals and board members attended IAPD s annual Legislative Conference and Reception held April 23-24 in Springfield. Special guest speakers included U.S. Senator Carl Hawkinson, Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor; Illinois Senator Lisa Madigan, Democratic candidate for Attorney General; and Winnebago County chairman Kristine Cohn, Republican candidate for Secretary of State.

At the popular IAPD Legislative Reception, pictured from left to right are: 1. Rep. Tim Schmitz (R-42), IDNR Deputy Director Andrea Moore, Sue Simpson of Warren PD and Cindy Moore of Vernon Hills PD; 2. Bob Porter, Lemont PD, and Rep. James Meyer (R-82); 3. Todd Gedville of Vernon Township, Buffalo Grove PD's Ryan Risinger and Mike Rylko, Sen. Terry Link (D-30), Buffalo Grove PD's Larry Reiner and Dan Schimmel; 4. Sen. William Shaw (D-15), Rep. Mary Flowers (D-21) and IAPD president and Winnetka PD's Mary Garrison; 5. Sen. Dick Klemm (R-32) and Gary PD's Steve Cherveny; 6. Elmhurst PD's Ghip Collis and Rep. Carole Pankau (R-49); 7. Elmhurst PD's Laura Guttman, Colleen Callahan, Colette Kubiesa with IAPD general counsel Peter Murphy, Elmhurst PD's Bob Fonzino, Don Chapman and Rich Grodsky; 8. Lake County Forest Preserves' Pamela O. Newton, WDSRA's Jane Hodgkinson and Gurnee PD's Chuck Balling with Rep. Susan Garrett (D-59); 9. Waukegan PD's Wayne Motley, Rep. Terry Link (D-30), Waukegan PD's Greg Petry and Cindy Moote of Vernon Hills PD; 10. Batavia PD's Jim Eby and Mike Clark with Rep. Tim Schmitz (R-42); 11. Northbrook PD's Ed Harvey, Rep. Karen May (D-60) with Northbrook's Penny Randel and Mary Ann Chambers; 12. Arlington Heights PD's MaryFran Leno, Gerry Oakes, Mayor Arlene Mulder, Roger Key and Mike Gilfillan; 13. Manhattan PD's Dave Beemsterboer and Jamie Doyle with Rep. Robert Ryan (D-79); 14. Sen. Doris Karpiel (R-25) and James Breen, St. Charles PD; 15. Frankfort PD's Jeff Boubelik, Channon PD's Chuck Szoke with New Lenox PD's Roxanne Long and Greg Lewis; 16. Peoria PD's Tim Cassidy with Sen. Carl Hawkinson (R-47) and Stan Budzinski, Peoria PD; 17. Champaign PD's Joe DeLuce, Champaign County Forest Preserves' John Potts, Champaign PD's Bobbie Herakovich and Al Griggs with Rep. Tom Berns (R-104), Rep. Rick Winkel, Jr. (R-103) and Dr. Bruce Larson, Urbana PD; 18. Park Ridge PD's Gayle Mountcastle and James Lange, Lynn Jarog and Sen. David Sullivan (R-28) with Mike Gilfillan of Arlington Heights

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PD and David Fairburn, Mr. Prospect PD; 19. Sycamore PD's Mike Doty with Rep. David Wirsing (R-70); 20. Quincy PD's Tom Ernst with Rep. Art Tenhouse (R-96) and John Hecker, Quincy PD; 21. Rep. Elizabeth Coulson (R-57), Winnetka PD's Bill Murphy and Mary Ann Chambers, Northbrook PD; 22. 1PRA president Jill Bartholomew, Homewood Flossmoor PD and Mary Garrison of Winnetka PD, IAPD president.

Parks Day at the Capitol 2002

Forty-five park districts, forest preserves, SRAs, IAPD and IPRA participated in Parks Day at the State Capitol, lining the first floor and rotunda area with displays and handing out giveaways, park maps, recreation resources and even professional stress-relief massages. Secretary of State Jesse White stopped by to greet participants, as did many legislators. The day began with a press conference in the State Capitol Blue Room, where 15-year-old Jovon Dixon and 14-year-old Albert White of the championship Harvey Twisters wrestling team eloquently spoke about the positive impact the program offered by the

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Harvey Park District has on their lives. IAPD president Mary Garrison and executive director Ted Flickinger spoke about the need for more open space and the Illinois Land Preservation Initiative.

IAPD Members Receive IDNR Grant Money

At the IAPD Legislative Conference, James Garner, Deputy Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, presented 10 ceremonial grant checks for local park development projects, funded by the IDNR-administered OSLAD, Bike Path and Museum Grant programs. Pictured with Garner are park district representatives and IAPD president Mary Garrison. 1. Batavia Park District, $247,700 for Fox River Trail Bridge/Riverside Link; 2. Deerfield Park District, $200,000 for Jaycee Memorial Park Development; 3. Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District, $76,380 for Bike RACC; 4. Kane County Forest Preserve District, $72,000 for Museum Capitol Grant for Tekawith Woods Nature Center; 5. New Lenox Park District, $100,000 for Sharon's Bay Park Development; 6. Park Ridge Recreation and Park District, $105,000 for Hinkley Tennis Courts Renovation; 7. Peoria Park District, $70,000 for Glen Oak Zoo and World Wide Waters; 8. Rockford Park District, $173,000 for Martin Park Path and Shorewood Park Path; 9. Vernon Hills Park District, $200,000 for Hartmann Park Development; and 10. Waukegan Park District, $186,075.95 for Hidden Glen Subdivision Park.

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Pam Stoltz was promoted to recreation manager with the Palatine Park District. Stoltz began her career at the park district in 1979 as a gymnastics instructor. In 1984 she was promoted to gymnastics coordinator and has been the special interest coordinator since 1993. As recreation manager she will be a member of the Recreation Department Management Team, overseeing three full-time staff.

Don Self, CPRP, was promoted to assistant superintendent of recreation for the Crystal Lake Park District. He continues his existing duties as athletic supervisor in addition to assuming additional duties with his promotion. Self began his career at the Crystal Lake Park District as an intern. After graduation from Southern Illinois University with a B.S. in Education and a Recreation Administration major, he worked in the Parks Department for one year and then accepted the position of Athletic Supervisor in 1994. Self is an active member of the IPRA Amletic Section, as well as United States Specialty Sports Association as an umpire and area director. Self has coached football for four years at Prairie Ridge High School in Crystal Lake.

Raven Radke has joined the Crystal Lake Park District as a recreation supervisor, responsible for all district Concessions and Teen Programming. Radke completed an internship with the Crystal Lake Park District in the summer of 2001. Upon graduation, she returned to the Crystal Lake Park District as a part-time recreation supervisor. In May of 2002, Radke accepted the full-time position as coordinator of teen programs. She is a graduate of Johnsburg High School, earned a bachelors degree in Parks and Recreation from Winona State University.

Lisa Guthrie joined the Palatine Park District as special interest coordinator. She is responsible for the coordination of programs such as day camps, trips and special events. She also is district liaison to the C.A.R.E. before and after-school program. Guthrie brings 11 years of experience in day camps and before/after-school programming to the district. In 1999, Guthrie was recognized by School District 25 PTA for her devoted service and unselfish dedication to the children of the district. She previously was employed at the Arlington Heights Park District and most recently as a programming counselor on the Walt Disney Cruise Line in Florida.

Deb Owen of the Palatine Park District was promoted to public information manager and webmaster, which adds full responsibility for the Web site to her duties as public information manager. She will be producing a new look for the Web page along with coordinating efforts with the Registration Department to offer on-line registration. Owen has been with the district for the past four years and is a graduate of Eureka College. She holds her master's degree in Recreation Administration from Illinois State University.

Acquisitions & Developments

• At its May 17 meeting, the Lake County Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners approved two new land purchases totaling 14.5 acres for $264,900. The parcels add land to two different forest preserves: 14 acres to Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve near Wadsworth ($105,000), and one half acre to ThunderHawk Golf Club ($159,900). Both parcels expand existing preserves. The parcels are the 18th and 19th acquisitions made using funds from the successful, voter-approved November 2000 referendum, and increase the total acres of Forest Preserves in Lake County to 24,029 acres.

• The Forest Preserve District of Kane County announced on May 8 the purchase of 318 acres as an expansion to the Dick Young Forest Preserve. This purchase establishes a goal of a 1,000-acre forest preserve in Kane County as well as defining the edge of urban development. CTE

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IPRA PATRON MEMBERS

Engineers did a water study and found this parcel to be significant in controlling water for the West Aurora area as well as being a recharge area for Kane County Water Supply. Now, the size of the Dick Young Forest Preserve will allow for uninterrupted trail usage and bird watching.

• At the May 21 meeting of the Veterans Park District Board of Commissioners, construction plans for a new playground at Grant Park in Northlake received a "green light" with the bid awarded to Great Lakes Landscaping. The project is part of the district's master plan. Bids also were approved regarding the construction of a walking track at Gouin Park.

Schaumburg Plants Champion Trees

In celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day, Schaumburg Park District officials planted five green ash "Champion Trees" at three park locations.

"We can't think of a better way to celebrate Earth and Arbor Days than to plant these outstanding trees—which will be with us for generations to come," said park district executive director Jerry Handlon.

District staff were joined by representatives from the National Tree Trust, Schaumburg Village President Al Larson, The Champion Tree Project, Friends of Illinois Parks, and community groups who assisted in planting trees. Champion trees are the largest living examples of every tree species. The Champion Tree Project was established in 1996 to preserve the biggest, tallest and oldest representative of Earth's largest living plants. See www.champtree.org.

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