The racial tensions in America in 2020 were not limited to big cities. In the sleepy little north shore suburb community of Deerfield, a movement to rename a park due to allegations of racial injustice garnered local and regional support. Learn how

It may feel like the time for thinking about goals has already passed, but with the hecticness of the holidays and the pressure of New Year’s resolutions behind us, now is the perfect time to plot out a plan of attack for

Deciding to pursue a referendum can be daunting, and how do you determine where to begin? We’ll guide you through the stepping stones (comprehensive plans, master plans, etc.) that are required to be in place years in advance. We’ll discuss how to

While living through the COVID-19 disaster declaration in Illinois, park district executive directors have implemented difficult employment decisions regarding staffing, COVID testing, quarantining, and vaccine mandates. Even park district patrons have shouldered less-than-perfect COVID-related services and rules to avoid infection. Now, in

Build a bridge to connect your expertise in nature programming to your community school district. Foster a working relationship that brings your nature education programming and real-world science into classrooms. Use nature and environmental science to adapt to diverse learners and build

Are you one of the many parks and recreation professionals who do not have a marketing background? It’s ok; you’re not alone. We all face the challenges of promoting our programs and departments, but what do you use to get the word

This presentation will discuss the basic requirements of the act. What constitutes a meeting? What are the pitfalls of using electronic communication? When is there a quorum? What should be on the agenda? What can or should be discussed in closed sessions?

Become more confident in using the parliamentary procedure as a presider or participant in board meetings. This session will cover the basics of what you need to know to make your meetings efficient and effective. Attendees will learn the importance of a

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became effective on January 26, 1992. Parks and recreation agencies have learned a lot about making programs inclusive and parks and facilities accessible in the last 30 years, but a peek at today’s enforcement activity shows

Illinois nature preserves are more than just open spaces in the park system. These are special places protected from development in perpetuity by state law because of their irreplaceable natural features and biodiversity. In the age of invasive species and climate change,