IADP Awards Commissioner Penelope Randel With A State Award

From The IAPD:The Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) recognized Northbrook Park District Commissioner Penelope Randel with one of their highest honors recently. On Friday, January 20, 2017, IAPD awarded Randel with the Mike Cassidy Commissioner Community Service Award at the annual Illinois park and recreation conference. The annual state award is given to someone who has made an impact in the field of parks and recreation as well as in their community.

Randel has been involved in parks and recreation on a local, state, and national level for the past three decades. She has served as a Commissioner for the Northbrook Park District since 1992 and has volunteered with IAPD serving as Chair of several committees including Distinguished Agency Accreditation. In the late 1990s and into the early 2000s, Randel served on the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Citizens Council as well as the Great Lakes Regional Council.

Penny is always on the lookout for opportunities to improve the quality of life in Northbrook by providing programs and open space for both active and passive outdoor recreation. In addition, Penny's eye is always open and searching for new and

interesting ways to enjoy parks and provide the innovative opportunities to exercise and play. There is not a committee or a task that Penny has refused to do. She is generous of her time and experience.

She tirelessly works to make sure she stays current with the needs of communities by being involved herself in these very activities. Any given day she can be found somewhere in Northbrook helping out or participating in an activity run by the Park District.

Penny will kid around when asked if she "works," saying "I am a professional volunteer!" Anyone who has worked with her on a Volunteer project is well aware that statement is no joke. She is a "pro" at every project she undertakes. Whether researching tax records and easements, organizing information from public input sessions, or scheduling over 150 volunteers to work the five day Northbrook Days Festival, Penny can be counted on to get the job done! Every step of the way she is prepared, organized, committed and energized! Penny Randel is a true hearted and generous community volunteer who brings thoughtful insights, an open mind, fantastic organizational skills and commitment to everything she does.

“Penny Randel is thoughtful, does her homework, and isn’t afraid to voice her opinions. She is fiscally moderate and has made sure the Northbrook Park District is run well, but not exorbitantly. She is available to the community and to residents. Penny works across municipal government to make sure that all opinions and concerns are voiced. She understands the value of working with us (the Village) and sharing resources, where appropriate. This is good stewardship. And exemplifies what Penny Randel means to our community and beyond.” Sandy Frum, President, Village of Northbrook “Every project whether an open space, facility or program, Penny puts forward ideas and seeks out opportunities for environmental stewardship, as the District works to get the job at hand done. Penny has been a wonderful mentor during our shared time on the Board. Mary Ann Chambers, Board of Commissioners, Northbrook Park District. It is truly fitting that Penny Randel be recognized with the Mike Cassidy Commissioner Community Service Award for her significant contributions to the Northbrook Park District, the Village of Northbrook, the Illinois Association of Park Districts, and the National Recreation and Park Association.

Her contributions at Northbrook Park District include:

• current Vice President
• attends 12+ events per year including volunteering at Autumnfest, Liberty Loop, and Spring Bunny Trail
• involved with land acquisition and development of the 60 acre Techny Prairie Park and Fields
• secured grant funding to acquire and develop the Trail through Time
• liaison to Northbrook residents in the Greenview and Floral neighborhoods to acquire and develop two neighborhood parks
• Randel's community involvement over the past 30 years includes:
• Serving on District 30 School Board (1987-1989)
• Northbrook Park District commissioner (1992-present)
• Glenbrook North High School college guidance volunteer program (1990's)
• League of Women Voters (1990 - 1998)
• Downtown Northbrook Redevelopment Task Force memeber
• Northbrook Civic Foundation (2001-present)
• Northbrook Days Festival (2000-present)
• Northbrook Bank and Trust (2000-present) Board of Directors
• Chicago Botanical Gardens volunteer (2016-present)

Images Courtesy of IADP