Ian Larkin Elected to Statewide Association Board

Ian Larkin, commissioner of the Winnetka Park District, was recently elected to the Illinois Association of Park Districts’ (IAPD) board of trustees.

As an IAPD trustee, Larkin will assist the association with its mission of advancing Illinois park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies in their ability to preserve natural resources and improve the quality of life for all people in Illinois. Larkin will work with the 19-member board to advise the association in providing service, research and educational endeavors to its membership. 

“Ian is a dedicated park board member and a true asset to the park and recreation field,” said Peter Murphy, IAPD President and Chief Executive Officer. “His commitment and enthusiasm to Illinois’ park districts, forest preserves, conservation, and recreation agencies are unparalleled. We are fortunate to have him on the IAPD board.”

Larkin serves on the IAPD membership and program committees. Locally, he serves on the non-profit board, Redmoon Theater and serves on the Winnetka Park District audit (Chair), recreation and finance committees. 

Larkin was elected to the Winnetka Park District board in 2011. 

IAPD was established in 1928 and is the oldest state association for parks, recreation and conservation in America.  The association serves more than 2,100 elected park, recreation and forest preserve district board members who govern more than 390 agencies employing 40,000 individuals. 

IAPD strives to improve Illinois’ quality of life through park districts, forest

Preserves, conservation and recreation agencies by establishing grants and other new revenue streams for park land, facilities and services; educating the public about the positive effects parks and recreation have on communities; and meeting the problem of decreasing open space in Illinois.