Illinois Association of Park Districts

07/08/2025

Addison Park District is celebrating Winnie's 104th time around the sun in style! From all of us at IAPD, we wish Miss Winnie a whole lot of yummy cake, sweet friends, and a very happy birthday! 🥳

07/08/2025

“The least we can do is the best we can.” - Country Club Hills Commissioner Leroy C. Barnes, Jr. is using the power of play—and film—to inspire change in his community in City Of Country Club Hills. Forge Movie

07/07/2025

At IAPD, we’re proud to celebrate the park and recreation agencies that brought neighbors together and made hometown traditions shine. Thanks for creating safe, festive, and memorable ways for residents to celebrate our nation's birthday this weekend!

07/07/2025

The FY26 OSLAD grant cycle is now open! 📣 IDNR is accepting applications through September 30 via the State’s AmpliFund portal. Agencies must be pre-qualified through the Illinois Grantee Portal (but there is still time to complete this step).

For more details and supporting materials, visit IDNR’s OSLAD grant webpage: https://dnr.illinois.gov/grants/openspacelandsaquisitiondevelopment-grant.html

07/03/2025

07/02/2025

Happy birthday to the newest member of the IAPD family!

Since joining the IAPD team, Maura has brought endless curiosity, unstoppable enthusiasm, and a true passion for advocating on behalf of Illinois’ park districts, forest preserves, conservation districts, and recreation agencies. Ask her, and she’ll tell you she has the best job in the world—and she’s already looking forward to another fun trip around the sun in this exciting role.

07/02/2025

ROAR! What better way to honor the innovation and imagination of our park districts than by stepping into a world where recreation meets natural history?

07/01/2025

Happy ! We’re kicking off our spotlight series by talking with Mike Benard, Executive Director of Wheaton Park District. We asked Mike what “barrier-free play” means to him and to the Wheaton community. His answer reflects the values that drive so much of our work—inclusion, accessibility, and creating spaces where everyone can play.

07/01/2025

July is Park and Recreation Month—a time to celebrate the incredible people behind the places and programs we love! The Illinois Association of Park Districts is proud to recognize the 2,100+ elected commissioners, 160,000+ full-time professionals, and countless seasonal staff and volunteers who make it all possible.

IAPD President & CEO Peter Murphy is honored to kick off this month with a special video message.

06/30/2025

We are honored to share that Governor JB Pritzker has officially proclaimed July as in Illinois. This proclamation, presented to the Illinois Association of Park Districts, recognizes the vital role that park districts, forest preserve districts, conservation districts, recreation, and special recreation agencies play in strengthening our communities, protecting natural spaces, and enriching the lives of Illinois residents of all ages.

06/26/2025

We love seeing our member agencies create meaningful, memorable experiences for young campers! 🚒👮‍♂️ Hats off to Park District and these first responders for bringing safety education to life this summer.