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Waukegan Park District Receives Four Best of the Best Awards from the Illinois Association of Park Districts

October 302, 2014

PRESS RELEASE Waukegan Park District Receives Four Best of the Best Awards from the Illinois Association of Park Districts Waukegan, IL (October 29, 2014) – The Waukegan Park District was honored by the Illinois Association of Park Districts with four Best of the Best Awards at the Annual Awards Gala on Friday, October 24th. Nominated by the Waukegan Park District, Dan Moran, a reporter with the Lake County News Sun received the Illinois Parks’ Top Journalist. Best Friend of Illinois Parks-Mid-sized business was awarded to North Shore Gas for their support of Waukegan Park District’s programs related to children’s health and wellness, increased physical activity and outdoor exploration. The Waukegan Park District Cultural Arts Division received the Helen Doria Arts in the Park Award citing its outreach activities in the schools and neighborhoods and the many partnerships with local agencies that extend cultural arts programming and resources. Ralph McLean, was chosen for the Illinois Association of Park Districts Good Sportsmanship Award. He has officiated as an umpire at more than 5000 Waukegan Park District softball games inspiring players, coaches and other umpires with his love and knowledge of the game, his professionalism, and respect for all. ? About the Waukegan Park District Established on December 26, 1916, the district has 48 sites and more than 735 acres of land, including the 18-hole Bonnie Brook and 9-hole Greenshire Golf Courses. Properties are managed to the highest environmental and conservation standards. Facilities operated by the district include the Field House Sports and Fitness Center, the Jack Benny Center for the Arts, the Waukegan SportsPark, the Waukegan Skate Park, the Waukegan BMX Track, recreational centers, an outdoor swimming pool, disc golf course, dog exercise area, outdoor sports fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports courts including basketball and tennis. A full range of programs and services are offered year round for all ages, from infants to seniors as well as special needs populations. Healthy lifestyles, wellness initiatives, and a connection with the outdoors and nature are integrated throughout programs, services, and special events. Cultural events are provided by the Waukegan Symphony Orchestra and Concert Chorus, the Bowen Park Theatre Company, and the Waukegan History Museum. There is something for everyone! The award-winning District employs 59 full-time and over 250 part-time, year round, seasonal, and temporary employees. The District is a member of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD), and Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA). The district maintains national accreditation from the NRPA Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), the Illinois Association of Park District (IAPD) Distinguished Agency accreditation and the Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA) accreditation and sustains a Level A Loss Control Program. The district was a NRPA Gold Medal Finalist in 2012 and 2013, and awarded the NRPA National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management in 2013. 9.5.14/Comm. Relations. Contact: Theodora Anderson Manager, Community Relations Waukegan Park District [email protected] 847-360-4726 www.waukeganparks.org

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