Lemont Park District Recognized for Services, Dedication to Community

The Lemont 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.

“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. “Agencies submit a self-evaluation and a formal letter requesting admission into the process,” said Steve Eckelberry, 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 Eckelberry, 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.

The Lemont Park District was recognized for achieving Distinguished Accredited status at the IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference Awards Luncheon that took place on Friday, January 29, 2016. Lemont Park District Board President, Brian Pepich and Executive Director, Louise Egofske along with Director of Recreation and Fitness and project lead, Kim Passini, took to the stage to proudly accept the award plaque that will be displayed within park district facilities.

“There are tremendous benefits for an agency that achieves Distinguished Accredited status,” said Rita Fletcher, 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 rest assured knowing that their park district or recreation agency employs qualified professionals and has met professional standards.”

The Lemont Park District began the accreditation process back in 2011. “This past year marked another extraordinary time at The Lemont Park District,” said Louise Egofske, Executive Director. “After much hard work, staff wrapped up a nearly five-year process in preparing for the highest achievement within the State of Illinois Park District industry. The Lemont Park District staff have truly given their all to this process and preparation for our evaluation. Not only am I very proud of this “distinguished” team, I am honored to work beside them on a daily basis,” added Egofske.

“One thing is certain about the Lemont Park District staff, they exemplify the word “team” in all they accomplish. Becoming a Distinguished Accredited Agency just magnifies the integrity and professionalism that district staff has mastered. The Board enjoyed participating in this process and congratulates our staff on another exceptional job well done,” added Park District President, Brian Pepich.

The JDPRAC approved the Lemont Park District for Distinguished Accredited status in October 2015 and emphasized the districts preparation resulted in very high rankings across the board for a first-time agency submission.

In compliance with the program, the Lemont Park District will be reevaluated in six years to verify that they have continued to demonstrate sound management practices in providing quality park and recreation services to the community.

In addition to being recognized for achieving the Distinguished Accredited status, the Lemont Park District was also acknowledged in the “Agency Showcase” for marketing materials at the annual state conference. The Agency Showcase is a spirited competition spotlighting bright ideas exhibited by park, recreation and conservation agencies. This professionally judged competition recognizes Illinois agencies for their marketing and communication efforts ranging from print to multimedia. The Lemont Park District brought home first place in the Media Campaign category and placed third in the Marketing Promotion category.

IAPD is a non-profit service, research and education organization that serves park districts, forest preserves, and conservation and recreation agencies. The association advances these agencies, their citizen board members and professional staff in their ability to provide outstanding park and recreation opportunities, preserve natural resources and improve the quality of life for all people in Illinois.

IPRA is a not-for-profit organization and public interest group who is an advocate in providing quality park, recreation and conservation education, resources and services to professionals and citizens throughout the state of Illinois.###

For more information contact, Carrie Dellamano, Sales and Marketing Director of the Lemont Park District at 630-327-2496 or carrie-dellamano@lemontparkdistrict.org.