Northbrook Park District Receives 2 'Best of the Best' Awards

NORTHBROOK, IL — The Northbrook Park District was presented with two awards on Oct. 15 by the Illinois Association of Park Districts — "Best Green Practices" and "Arts in the Park" — at the IAPD Best of the Best Awards Gala.

This annual program provides a public platform to thank those who "give so generously of their time, talents and resources to further the park, recreation and conservation mission," according to a news release.

According to award application materials, “across the state of Illinois, board members, professionals, citizen volunteers, local businesses and the media deserve to be acknowledged for going above and beyond to advance parks, recreation and conservation. The Best of the Best Awards Gala is a prestigious way to express gratitude for the countless hours they dedicate to making Illinois’ park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies the envy of the nation.”

Accepting the award on behalf of the Northbrook Park District were: Eileen Loftus, Northbrook Park District Director of Recreation; Joan Scovic, Northbrook Park District Director of Marketing & Communications; and Katie Kotloski, Northbrook Park District Recreation Division Manager, Molly Hamer, Northbrook Park District Executive Director; and Drew Kambach, Northbrook Park District Recreation Supervisor.

Best Green Practices
The IAPD Best Green Practices Award is presented to an agency that has taken the initiative to incorporate and encourage environmentally friendly business practices and policies.

The Mission of Northbrook Park District is to enhance the Northbrook community by providing outstanding services, parks and facilities through environmental, social and financial stewardship, according to the news release. Many sustainable measures are taken, both daily and with larger capital projects, throughout the District.

• Techny Prairie Activity Center is a new 44,200 square foot Net Zero Energy facility. The 833 rooftop solar panels will produce more energy than the building consumes in a twelve-month period.
• Heritage Oaks Golf Club re-opened to the public after course renovations and clubhouse construction. Sustainability was front of mind, from furnishing selections to construction methods to the planting of 356 new trees on the property.
• Recycling is conducted at all facilities and parks. Special attention is given to water conservation and stormwater management using permeable pavers and bioswales while LED lighting and highly efficient HVAC and mechanical systems conserve energy.

The District manages 52.5 acres of native plantings and is home to several Monarch butterfly gardens and milkweed planting areas while walking and biking are encouraged on the District’s 7.7 miles of trails.

Northbrook Park District is responsible for over 500 acres of open space; preserving this land and its assets is at the heart of what we do as a park district.

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