1st Special Event Showcase on Southside

The South Suburban Park & Recreation Professional Association (SSPRPA) held its first Special Event Showcase featuring entertainers, business and organization that deal with community Park Districts on February 24, 2016. The goal of this event was to allow Park & Recreation professionals the opportunity to meet and learn about companies that cater to the Park District industry. Some thirty-two vendors showcased their services and products to local Park Districts, Forest Preserves and fair committee members.

Highlighting the event was a showcase by Magical Balloon-dude Dale balloon show Art of Inflation. Dale captured the audience’s attention as colorful four-foot balloons waved about and transformed into a large braid all while choreographed to music. With every twist of the wrist the balloon hat grew until the finale when Dale produced a peacock headdress. This was one of ten acts that showcased their skills.

The SSPRA Special Event Showcase was hosted by Romeoville Park District. “I see this event only getting bigger”, says Lauren Marino SSPRPA Special Event Committee Chair. “This is a new showcase and once the word gets out both venders and attendees will grow in size”, states Marino.

The SSPRA is an association of Southside Park Departments whose mission is derived from South Suburban Park and Recreation District. The District’s mission is to foster healthy living through stewardship of the environment, parks, trails, and open space and by providing recreational services and programs.

In the late 1950s, several Arapahoe County civic leaders shared a vision to create a public park that would provide local residents with numerous recreational amenities. That vision grew into an entire parks organization, supported by its citizens, that would strive to provide public parks and recreational programs that would benefit all of its residents.