Arlington Heights Park District Earns 2 Awards

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — The Arlington Heights Park District received two awards from the Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association during the statewide organizations’ annual conference on Jan. 27-29.

AHPD Board President Maryfran Leno was presented with the Mike Cassidy Commissioner Community Service Award, which recognizes park district commissioners for extraordinary community service, personal integrity and ingenuity, according to a news release. The Park District was again recognized in receiving an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency award, which is presented to park districts delivering exceptional park and recreation services that improve residents’ quality of life. This is the fifth consecutive time the Park District has earned this recognition, and it has maintained distinguished agency status since the award’s creation in 1993.

“I’m incredibly honored to receive the Mike Cassidy Commissioner Community Service Award,” Leno said. “As a lifelong resident of Arlington Heights, it’s been a privilege to work with our Park District team and Board members to serve our community. This award is a testament to our continuing dedication to making a difference for our families and many others.”

Leno was elected to the Park District Board in 2001 and has served as President since 2005. During her tenure, the Park District has received a national Gold Medal and multiple Distinguished Agency Accreditation awards, as well as completed major capital projects including renovating Lake Arlington and the Arlington Lakes Golf Club course and clubhouse; installing new synthetic turf fields at Sunset Meadows; and opening the state-of-the-art Arlington Ridge Center, according to the district. The Park District also updated and created new programming to "meet the Arlington Heights community’s evolving needs," including Children at Play and preschool programs.

“Our team has worked tirelessly over the past several years to ensure we’re providing the utmost support for our community by developing new and outstanding programming and recreational opportunities in our facilities,” said Carrie Fullerton, Arlington Heights Park District Executive Director. “We’re grateful to be recognized as a distinguished accredited agency and honored to continue to serve our residents.”