Illinois Parks & Recreation Magazine 2003 Photo Contestwinners

Photographers from across the state submitted 123 high-quality photos featuring nature and landscapes, recreation, wildlife and sports in the 2003 "Give Us Your Best Shot" Photo Contest sponsored by the IAPD/IPRA Joint Editorial Committee.

The field was very competitive, and the judges - consisting of the IAPD/IPRA Joint Editorial Committee - had an extremely difficult time determining the winners for each category. Winners will be recognized with an award at an upcoming meeting of their park district's board of trustees.

Photographs from the contest - even those that aren't chosen as winners — may appear in upcoming IAPD or IPRA publications. The Joint Editorial Committee looks forward to seeing just as many fine pictures from Illinois parks in the 2004 contest.

Nature Landscape

1st Place
"Historic Wagner Farm"
Julie Baran-Reilly
Glenview Park District

2nd Place
"Golden Orb Weaver"
Carol Tapio
Downers Grove Park District

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Sports
1st Place - "Determination is Everything"
Birgit Olson, Carol Stream Park District

2nd Place
"Caution - Fast Pitch!"
Birgit Olson, Carol Stream Park District

Recreation
1st Place
"In Good Hands"
Jerry Daliege, Park Ridge Recreation & Park District

2nd Place
"Day Camp 2003"
Nicole Stark, Park District of Franklin Park

Wildlife
1st Place
"Rabbit Best Served with a Chablis Wine"
Jerry Pask, Elmhurst Park District

2nd Place
"Ghost of the Prairie"
Dan Thompson, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

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But, of course, you read the magazine for the articles. Lost year was another great year of reading, thanks mostly to the members and associate members who volunteered their time, talent and energy to write stories that were entertaining as well as useful. A team of judges from the state's leading park and recreation education programs looked at the 2003 issues of Illinois Parks & Recreation magazine and have determined that the following stories were the best of the year.

Our thanks go to the judges: Dr. Nick DiGrino, Western Illinois University; Robert Espeseth, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Dr. Regina Glover, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; Dr. Cynthia J. Wachter, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Administration/Management
"Interview for Your Next Job Every Day"
by Joe DeLuce of the Champaign Park District
March/April issue, page 17

Judges' Comments: "With all the discussion about the new generation of workers and their different perceptions of being a professional, this is a timely and helpful article."

Environment
"Environmental Coalition Shapes Future of Northern Illinois"
by Jamie Johannsen of the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District
May/June issue, page 30

Judges' Comments: "This article provides effective how to steps for a successful partnership consisting of several groups or agencies. In addition, the breadth of action undertaken by the partnership is impressive. The complexity of environmental issues makes partnerships a must."

Facilities Management / Design
"Off-season Greens"
by Beth Bales, PHN Architects
March/April issue, page 22

Judges' Comments: "This excellent article points out the need for good design of facilities for optimum use. It also cites specific examples of how existing facilities can be more effectively managed and utilized."

Features/Special Issues
"Doing IT Right for You"
by Thomas Ellison, Sterling Network Integration Inc.
September/October/November, page 52

Judges' Comments: "The author does a remarkable job of reducing relatively complex technology issues to language that is meaningful to the park and recreation decision maker. The article is supported with very good examples."

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Legal
"Non-Referendum Bonds Can Be Used to Pay Alternate Bonds"
by Heidi A. Katz of Robins, Schwartz, Nicholas Lifton & Taylor, Ltd. and Lynda K. Given of Chapman and Cutler, LLP
September/October/November issue, page 14

Judges' Comments: "This is a very timely article about a recent state appellate court ruling that will have a significant impact on park districts and forest preserve districts. It is easy to understand and very well written -not just legalese."

Partnerships
"Sharing Spaces"
by Melissa Connelly of the Chicago Park District and Jennifer Zuithoff of Ten Talents Public Relations
January/February issue, page 11

Judges' Comments: "This is a well written article that is clear and informative. It is much more than a 'show and tell' success story. The authors introduce and review several important concepts necessary for meaningful and equitable public/private partnerships."

Recreation Programming
"Dog Area Opportunities"
by Craig Bruska, Lake County Forest Preserve District
July/August issue, page 40

Judges' Comments: "This article was not only useful in providing details for picking, preparing the site, and establishing fees, but also in providing pros and cons of different approaches to these topics based on experience. A great article for any organization planning a dog park."

Trends/Research
"A Guide to Bike Trail Grants in Illinois"
by Craig Williams and Rae Casale of Edwards and Kelcey
September/October/November issue, page 61

Judges' Comments: "This article provides very helpful information for navigating funding sources for the development of bike trails. The authors do an admirable job of articulating the purpose and critical elements of several applicable grants both large and small. This timely article takes a bit of the mystery out of finding and pursuing funds for the development of bike trails as desirable community amenities."

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