Friday of Conference, leaders in the field of parks and recreation were recognized at the annual All-Conference Awards Luncheon. It is important to remember and give thanks to those who dedicate so much of their professional and personal lives to enriching the lives of others through parks and recreation.

The winners of the main individual awards were:

• Outstanding Legislator of the Year - Rep. Sidney Mathias
• Outstanding Legislator of the Year - Rep. Harry Osterman
• Citizen Volunteer of the Year Award - Frank and Consuelo Navarro, Fox Valley Park District
• Rising Star Award - Mark Gartland, Park District of Oak Park
• Young Professional of the Year Award - Jeannette Huber, Alsip Park District
• Honored Professional Award - Jan Buchs, Wheeling Park District
• Professional Recognition Award - Ed Clift, Byron Forest Preserve District
• Mike Cassidy Commissioner Community Service Award - Steve Pennock, Oregon Park District
• Robert Artz Distinguished Service Award - Richard Grodsky, Elmhurst Park District
• Commissioner of the Year Award - David Mason, DeKalb Park District
• Distinguished Service to Leisure Award - Ronald Lehman, Channahon Park District

Do you know someone deserving of an award at next year’s Conference? Nominate them! Online forms will be made available this spring for next year’s awards program.

In the meantime, you can view other agency winners from the Agency Showcase Competition and other award programs on the Conference awards page.