Lemont Park District Commissioner Trains at Statewide Seminar

Steve Richmond, commissioner of the Lemont Park District, recently attended the Illinois Association of Park Districts’ (IAPD) 2023 Boot Camp.

IAPD offers the educational course to elected officials and professionals at Illinois park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation, and special recreation agencies. Attendees receive targeted, in-depth training on an array of topics including understanding the Open Meetings Act; making a difference through legislative advocacy; breaking down the fundamentals and best practices of park district finances; implementing DEI strategies; promoting effective relationships among the board, executive director, and staff; and adhering to ethical requirements.

“This content-rich program provides tremendous benefits to board members and staff and sets them on track to advance their agencies as a unified force. They gain a greater appreciation of the critical role that park commissioners play in good governance, compliance with state law, and enhancing the quality of life for residents of their communities. As locally elected, non-compensated community leaders, their service is a genuine labor of love,” said Peter Murphy, IAPD President/CEO.

Richmond joined the Lemont Park District board in July 2022.

Established in 1928, IAPD is a nonprofit service, research and educational organization representing more than 350 park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation, and special recreation agencies throughout Illinois. IAPD’s mission is to advance these agencies in their ability to preserve natural resources and improve the quality of life for all people in Illinois.