A FUN Way to Get Into the Illinois State Fair FREE!
(posted June 18, 2013)

It’s the ultimate celebration of parks, recreation and conservation … and cows and corn dogs!  Park District Conservation Day is coming to the Illinois State Fair on Saturday, August 17^th. 

Join IAPD and IPRA for this outstanding public awareness opportunity. Volunteers are needed to distribute giveaways, coordinate park district entertainment, assist with the Park Play Station (free children’s activities) and work the Park District Conservation Day booth.

Volunteers receive FREE parking and FREE admission to the fair. Sign up today! 

 Youth Employment Dollars Available to IAPD Members
(posted June 17, 2013)

Applications due by close of business Wednesday, June 19, 2013! The Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources are pleased to announce that the Governor's Office just released approximately $3.5 million for IAPD members to hire additional youth for the summer.  

Review 2013 grant instructions and/or complete an electronic application no later than June 19, 2013. Email the completed application to dnr.grants@illinois.gov. Please address questions to the IDNR via e-mail at dnr.grants@illinois.gov or by phone at (217) 782-7481. 

A Sign of the Times
(posted June 14, 2013)

Kudos to the Buffalo Grove Park District for reminding everyone the importance of good sportsmanship!

The park district installed a half-dozen metal "adult behavior” signs offering perspective for parents getting a little too into the event. The main goal of the signs is to allow children to enjoy their sport and have fun.

Great idea Buffalo Grove!  Read more about it. 

(updated June 11, 2013)

The IAPD Boot Camp is a must for newly-elected board members! Join us at one of the following convenient dates and locations:

• June 19, 6-9:15 p.m. - Channahon Park District
• June 20, 6-9:15 p.m. - Effingham Park District
• June 22, 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m. - Park District of Oak Park
  

Millions of Dollars in Energy Efficiency Grants Available
(posted June 11, 2013)

IAPD continues to work with the University of Illinois Energy Resources Center and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity  to deliver new grant opportunities that will help IAPD member agencies pay for energy efficiency improvements.

The 2013-2014 Illinois Energy Now Grants for public sector energy efficiency improvements are now available. Projects completed between June 1, 2013 and May 15, 2014 are eligible. More than $70 million is available to help fund these projects.

For more information and to find out how to obtain a free energy efficiency building assessment, view IAPD's recent Legislative Update.

Ethics Webinar--FREE!
(posted June 13, 2013)

Whether you are newly elected to the park board or an experienced commissioner, this informative program will provide you with a solid understanding of the most important ethical principles governing your conduct as a park commissioner. Designed to provide you with practical direction, the presentation will alert you to situations that may "cross the line" and expose you and the park district to political and legal consequences.

Join us Thursday, July 11th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. for this is FREE webinar. CEUs or CLEs may be purchased at the time of registration. Register today!

Join Us FORE the IAPD Legislative Awareness Golf Outing on July 18th!
(posted June 11, 2013

One of the IAPD's most popular events is almost here - the Legislative Awareness Golf Outing, Thursday, July 18th. This special outing is open to all legislators, IAPD member commissioners, agency directors and staff. It is a wonderful opportunity to talk with your legislators in a casual, relaxed setting. The outing begins with registration and warm-up at 10:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 11:30 a.m. Lunch is available from 11:30 until 2:00 p.m., and a reception with dinner and awards begins at 5:00 p.m.

IAPD has sent a formal invitation to all legislators, but it is very important that you also invite your legislators and communicate with other districts to be sure that all legislators receive a personal invitation. Register today!

Governor Awards More Than $15 Million in FY13 OSLAD Grants!
(posted May 13, 2013)

Governor Quinn announced that 45 different park districts, forest preserves and recreation agencies throughout the State will receive a total of $15,329,300 in OSLAD Grants for FY13 benefiting more than 7 million Illinois citizens!

View the list of OSLAD grant recipients.

Legislation Expediting OSLAD Grant Payments Headed to Governor
(updated May 21, 2013)

SB 1637 (Kotowski, D. / Nekritz, E.) has passed the House unanimously and is now headed to the Governor for signature. This IAPD Platform initiative would expedite the payment process under the OSLAD grant program by allowing agencies to receive 50% of the funds at the time the grant is awarded. The remainder of the funds would be distributed quarterly on a reimbursement basis. This legislation will substantially improve the OSLAD grant program.

Four other IAPD Platform measures have also passed both chambers. HB 1404 (Bradley, J. / Biss, D.) would help alleviate costs associated with local government construction contracts by allowing units of local government to choose to waive surety bond requirements on small construction projects that are less than $50,000, which is the current standard for State construction projects.SB 1410 (Cullerton, T. / Welch, C.) would allow park districts to adopt a supplemental appropriation ordinance up to the amount of additional revenue which becomes available subsequent to the adoption of their annual appropriation ordinance.

HB 1353 (McAsey, E. / Holmes, L.) is also headed to the Governor for signature. This IAPD Platform initiative amends the Public Funds Investment Act to provide park districts, forest preserve districts and conservation districts with the ability to invest in high-grade municipal bonds.

HB 2232 (Tryon, M. / McConnaughay, K.) is an IAPD Platform initiative that amends the Park District Code to clarify that park districts may enter into a contract to purchase energy from a utility or an alternative retail electric supplier for a term exceeding one year, but not to exceed 3 years. This legislation will help park districts save additional funds on their energy bills by giving them flexibility to negotiate multi-year contracts when energy prices are low. HB 2232 now heads to the Governor for signature.  

Swing Into Golf Season!
(posted May 22, 2013)

The golf outings are outstanding opportunities to network, make new acquaintances, visit with good friends and learn about other agencies' golf operations, facilities and programs. Register your foursome today!

Special Thanks to our Tour Sponsor

The Park District Code - 2013 Edition is Here!
(updated April 17, 2013)

The Park District Code contains the most comprehensive compilation of laws affecting park districts.

Place your order today!