FROM THE EDITOR

How to Reach Us OFFICES 217.523.4554 FAX 217.523.4273 E-MAIL rwhelpley@ILparks.org WORLD WIDE WEB www.ILparks.org MAIL 211 East Monroe Street Springfield, Illinois 62701-1186 Managing Editor TED FLICKINGER, President/Cheif Executive Officer, IAPD Editor RODD WHELPLEY, Publications Director, IAPD

Change is tough. But growth is good.

Color
For Illinois Parks & Recreation, our latest change is colorful. Starting with this issue, you'll notice that four-color photos, graphics and text can appear anywhere in the magazine — not just on the covers and in the focus sections. We decided to make this change for two reasons:

First, because IAPD and IPRA members should have a magazine that — on every page — can reflect the beauty and dynamics of Illinois' parks, forest preserves and conservation and recreation agencies. Second, because we believe we've found an economically responsible way to make the move to a full, four-color magazine.

Efficiency
If all goes according to plan, you'll (hopefully) notice that each issue looks more lively, more inviting. Behind the scenes, we'll be working out the kinks with new printing and mailing vendors and watching our spreadsheets.

But isn't that just how it is at your agency? Your entire team — from the board of commissioners right on down to the person who inventories the paper towels — are constantly learning how to do better, do more and be efficient. And you strive to make it look effortless to the people you serve.

That's one of the underlying themes of the articles in this issue that focuses on personnel matters. Nancy Aldrich (page 23) and Steve Gulden (page 18) offer their insights on how to motivate employees to learn new skills and how to appreciate their roles in making the agency the best it can be.

Growing Beyond the Page
And don't by any means overlook James Wascher's expert advice on employee investigations. You'll find a preview of his article on page 27. But to get the full story, you'll need to check out the Illinois Parks & Recreation Web Extra sections on the IAPD or IPRA web sites. (Go to www.ILparks.org, scroll down to the "News Alert" section and click on the link, or check out www.il-ipra.org, click on "Table of Contents" and then select IPR Magazine X-tras).

Starting this issue, these web extras are going to be an important extension to the print version of the magazine. It's a way for us to be good stewards of your association dollars. You'll get bonus information without incurring the cost of felling more trees.

Doing better. Doing more. Becoming more efficient. Hey, we're just trying to keep up with you.

RODD WHELPLEY
Editor

Illinois Parks and Recreation (SSN 0019-2155) is published bimonthly at 211 E. Monroe Street, Springfield, Illinois, by the Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. Annual subscription rates: $6 for IAPD/IPRA members; $25 for non-members; 430 foreign; $20 educational institutions. Single copies: $2 members; $5 nonmembers. Periodicals postage paid at Springfield, Illinois. POSTMASTER; Send address changes to Illinois Parks & Recreation 211 E. Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62701-1186. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily express views of the IAPD/IPRA. Likewise, the publication of any advertisement is not to be construed as an endorsement of the product or services offered Members of the IAPD and the IPRA and other interested persons are encouraged to submit articles and illustrative photos for possible publication in the magazine. Send for manuscript guidelines and deadline dates: Editor, Illinois Parks & Recreation, 211 E. Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62701-1186, 217-523-4554, rwhelpley@ILparks-org, www.ILparks.org

Copyright® by the Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. All rights reserved. Reprints of articles in whole or in part without prior written permission are prohibited.

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