Features Referenda Results - March 21, 2006 12 - complied by Peter Murphy Great Writing and Photo Finishes 14 Illinois Parks and Recreation Magazine 2005 Photo Contest and Writing Award Winners - by Rodd Whelpley Legislative Conference 18 Parks Day at the Capitol 21 Special Focus Making the Case for Parks and Recreation Academic Programs 22 - by David N. Emanuelson, Ph.D and Sarah E. Hardin, Ph.D IPRA Education for Career Advancement 26 One of the Four Pillars of Advancement Offered by the IPRA - by Dina Kartch, IPRA Education and Conference Director Becoming the Master Board Member 32 - by Bobbie Jo Hill, IAPD Public Relations Manager

ON THE COVER I found this tulip blooming in the moonlight at the Illini Country Club on the evening of the 2005 legislative reception on page 18 This issue's special focus is on getting the education you need to put your career into full bloom. See those stories on pages 22, 26, and 32. Departments From the Editor 4 Get on Board 6 Don't Make Personnel Matters Personal Eye on the Profession 8 Hiring From Within the Profession Statehouse Insider 10 Open Space Funding Increases in Budget People and Places 36