The Illinois Association of Park Districts at 75 years young: celebrating three-quarters of a century of citizen advocacy

Parks & Recreation, April, 2003 by Ted Flickinger, Ann Londrigan

IAPD became a member of Governor Thompson's newly formed Partners in Conservation coalition, which ultimately developed into the Conservation Congress. The Department of Conservation's publication, Outdoor Highlights, began its presence in Illinois Parks & Recreation magazine as an occasional insert.

IAPD occupies its new headquarters at 211 East Monroe Street, located 100 yards from the State Capitol. Partners in Progress contributions to the building by agencies and individuals totals $20,000, and the mortgage is paid off in three years.

1988

In April, the first Governor's Conference on Tourism is co-sponsored by IAPD and the Illinois Travel and Tourism Council, and Flickinger becomes president of the council to raise awareness for the tourism impact of park districts and forest preserves.

One thousand people attend the first Partners in Conservation rally held on May 18 at the State Capitol in support of OSLAD funding.

IAPD produces its grass-roots legislative advocacy video.

The awareness campaign "Fitness Is Leading the Way" begins with four teams (one running, one bicycling, one in wheelchairs and one walking) traveling 565 miles to bring the scissors and banner for the opening ceremonies at the Illinois State Fair on Aug. 11. The campaign continues its state fair run through 1993.

1989

IAPD lobbies successfully to pass legislation for the Bicycle Path Grants program, Public Act 86-925, which creates a dedicated source of funding for acquisition and development of bike paths.

OSLAD and the Natural Areas Acquisition funds get dedicated funding--a portion of the real estate transfer tax--through Public Act 86-925. To date, $174.6 million has been allocated to 981 local outdoor recreation projects: 177 land acquisition projects and 804 development (construction) projects.

The statewide marketing campaign Take Time for Fun! debuts.

1991

IAPD publishes The Economic Benefits of Illinois Park District Leisure Services, prepared by professors from Western Illinois University.

The Illinois Parks Association Risk Services (IPARKS) program is created as a governmental group self-insurance pool to provide park districts with an alternative to traditional property and casualty insurance coverage. In 2002, the program was used by 154 IAPD members.

1992

Chicago Bear football great Mike Singletary becomes the Take Time for Fun! celebrity spokesperson. The campaign, developed by the IAPD/IPRA Joint Public Awareness committee, runs for several years.

IAPD creates the Director Search Program to provide cost-effective, professional and confidential assistance to park boards in their search for qualified directors. In 11 years, 47 agencies have used the service.

Governor Jim Edgar sponsors the Governor's Conference on New Horizons for Conservation, Park and Recreation.

The first manual for park board leadership, Are You on Board: A Leadership Guide for Agency Executives and Board Members, authored by Flickinger, is published by Sagamore Publishing.

1993

IAPD and IPRA present the first Distinguished Park and Recreation Agency awards to the Arlington Heights Park District, Western Springs Recreation Department and the Woodridge Park District.