Photo: Staff and Commissioners Accept Distinguished Accredited Agency Award
Front row, left to right: Chelsea Norton, Commissioner Jane Solon, Cindy Harvey, Tammy Hoggatt.
Back row, left to right: Dan Olson, Joe DeLuce, Commissioner Craig Hays, Commisioner Tim McMahon,
Commisioner Kevin Miller.
Champaign, IL – – The Champaign Park District has been recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA).
The two statewide associations administer the Illinois Distinguished Accreditation program with the goal of improving the delivery of park and recreation services to Illinois residents. “Illinois has a reputation for the best park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies in the nation,” said Peter Murphy, IAPD President and CEO. “The Illinois Distinguished Accreditation program provides an opportunity for these agencies to undergo a voluntary, comprehensive evaluation process to demonstrate that they have met state guidelines to provide exceptional park and recreation services to their community. The end result is to improve the quality of life for Illinois residents.”
“This program gives recognition to park and recreation agencies that go above and beyond in dedicating themselves to offering quality programs and services designed to fulfill their community’s needs,” said Debbie Trueblood, IPRA Executive Director.
A park district or recreation agency interested in applying for Distinguished Accredited Agency recognition undergoes a detailed, lengthy process of application and evaluation. A Joint Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation Committee (JDPRAC) comprised of members from IAPD and IPRA coordinates the process. “Agencies submit a self-evaluation and a formal letter requesting admission into the process,” said David Johnson, IAPD Co-Chair of the JDPRAC. “If the committee determines the agency is eligible to continue the process, we send them an evaluation date.”
According to Johnson, on the day of the evaluation, the agency presents documented information and gives a tour of pertinent facilities and parks for the evaluation team’s review. The team reviews general management procedures, finance and business operations, facilities and parks, personnel, recreation services, legal documentation and other materials including mission statements, goals and safety manuals.
Upon completion of the evaluation, the agency is notified in writing of the official results within ten days. Agencies that have achieved Distinguished Accredited status are recognized with a plaque at the IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference Awards Luncheon in January.
“There are tremendous benefits for an agency that achieves Distinguished Accredited status,” said Dan Jones, IPRA Co-Chair of the JDPRAC. “The agency’s application and review process provide an excellent self-evaluation and agencies that apply realize increased operational efficiency and effectiveness. Communities can have confidence that their park district or recreation agency employs qualified professionals and has met professional standards.”
The Champaign Park District applied for the Illinois Distinguished Accreditation program in August 2017 as a renewal to it’s previous accredited status from 2012 to 2017.
“The Champaign Park District has been accredited through the IPRA and IAPD for 17 years and uses this accreditation as a guide and tool to maintain and exceed standards in the industry,” said Joe DeLuce. “Every staff member plays a role in making this happen. I am especially grateful to the staff-led committee that helped in the long and detailed application process.”
The JDPRAC approved the Champaign Park District for Distinguished Accredited status in November 2017 for years 2018-2023 with a near perfect score.
In compliance with the program, the Champaign Park District will be reevaluated in six years to verify that they have continued to demonstrate sound management practices in providing quality park and recreation services to the community.
IAPD is a non-profit service, research and education organization that serves park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies. The association advances these agencies, their citizen board members and professional staff in their ability to provide outstanding park and recreation opportunities, preserve natural resources and improve the quality of life for all people in Illinois.
IPRA is a not-for-profit organization and public interest group who is an advocate in providing quality park, recreation and conservation education, resources and services to professionals and citizens throughout the state of Illinois.
Contact:
Chelsea Norton
Director of Marketing and Communications
chelsea.norton@champaignparks.com
217-819-3843
