The Oak Brook Park District was recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) at the Soaring to New Heights conference recently.
According to a news release, the two statewide associations administer the Illinois Distinguished Accreditation program with the goal of improving the delivery of park and recreation services to Illinois residents.
“Illinois has a reputation for the best park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies in the nation,” Peter Murphy, IAPD President and CEO, said in the release. “Our Distinguished Accreditation program provides an opportunity for these agencies to undergo a voluntary, comprehensive evaluation process to demonstrate that they have met established guidelines to provide exceptional park and recreation services to their communities.”
A Park District or recreation agency interested in applying for Distinguished Accredited Agency recognition undergoes a detailed, lengthy process of application and evaluation, the release said. A Joint Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation Committee (JDPRAC) comprised of members from IAPD and IPRA coordinates the process.
“This outstanding program gives recognition to park and recreation agencies and forest preserve districts that go above and beyond in their dedication to provide quality programs, services, and facilities designed to fulfill their community’s needs,” Barbara Arango, IPRA Executive Director, said. “The end result is to improve the quality of life for Illinois residents.”
According to the release, upon completion of the evaluation, the agency is notified in writing of the official results within 10 days. Agencies that have achieved Distinguished Accredited status are recognized during the IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference in January.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the team here at the Oak Brook Park District,” Dave Thommes, Deputy Director, said. “Their commitment to excellence and service is truly inspiring.”