Geneva Park District Receives Award From Statewide Associations

The Geneva Park District has been recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA).

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, according to a news release.

“Illinois has a reputation for the best park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies in the nation,” said Peter Murphy, IAPD President and CEO. “The Illinois Distinguished Accreditation program provides an opportunity for these agencies to undergo a voluntary, comprehensive evaluation process to demonstrate that they have met state guidelines to provide exceptional park and recreation services to their community. The end result is to improve the quality of life for Illinois residents.”

“This program gives recognition to park and recreation agencies that go above and beyond in dedicating themselves to offering quality programs and services designed to fulfill their community’s needs,” said Debbie Trueblood, IPRA Executive Director.

A park district or recreation agency interested in applying for Distinguished Accredited Agency recognition undergoes a detailed, lengthy process of application and evaluation. A Joint Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation Committee (JDPRAC) comprised of members from IAPD and IPRA coordinates the process, according to the news release.

“Agencies submit a self-evaluation and a formal letter requesting admission into the process,” said Penny Randel, IAPD Co-Chair of the JDPRAC. “If the committee determines the agency is eligible to continue the process, we send them an evaluation date.”

According to Randel, on the day of the evaluation, the agency presents documented information and gives a tour of pertinent facilities and parks for the evaluation team’s review.

The team reviews general management procedures, finance and business operations, facilities and parks, personnel, recreation services, legal documentation and other materials including mission statements, goals and safety manuals.

Upon completion of the evaluation, the agency is notified in writing of the official results within ten days. Agencies that have achieved Distinguished Accredited status were recognized with a plaque at the IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference Awards Luncheon on January 20, 2017.

“There are tremendous benefits for an agency that achieves Distinguished Accredited status,” said Dan Jones, IPRA Co-Chair of the JDPRAC. “The agency’s application and review process is an excellent self-evaluation and agencies that apply realize increased operational efficiency and effectiveness. Communities can have confidence that their park district or recreation agency employs qualified professionals and has met professional standards.”

“I am very proud to have the Geneva Park District recognized as a leader in the Parks and Recreation field meeting the highest standards of our profession. This program provided us with a process to perform an internal review to ensure that we are providing our community with exceptional parks, programs and facilities,” said Sheavoun Lambillotte, Geneva Park District Executive Director.

“It is an honor and a privilege to serve on the Geneva Park District Board of Commissioners and to belong to such an outstanding Park District,” said Susan Vanderveen, Board President.