Champaign Park District & Volunteers Win Statewide Awards
The Champaign Park District was presented with two awards on October 15, 2021 by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) – Arts in the Park and Outstanding Citizen Volunteer – at the IAPD Best of the Best Awards Gala. The “Best of the Best” Awards recognize individuals and agencies for going above and beyond to advance parks, recreation, and conservation.
Arts in the Park
The Arts in the Park Award recognizes agencies that support the arts and partner with artists and arts organizations to enhance the quality of life in their communities.
The Champaign Park District is committed to equitable arts for all. The theatre programs give people of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds an opportunity in cultural arts through offering free inclusion services for individuals with disabilities and offering programs like Equilusion Theatre.
Springer Cultural Center provides hundreds of arts programs annually and hosts art exhibits for professionals and amateurs.
There are 27 public art elements in Champaign parks, making art accessible to all and the historic Virginia Theatre hosts community events, movies, and major touring acts, providing entertainment options for everyone.
“Promoting the arts is part of our mission, and we are honored to see our commitment recognized with the Arts in the Park Award!” said Joe DeLuce, Champaign Park District Executive Director.
Outstanding Citizen Volunteer
The Outstanding Citizen Volunteer Award recognizes citizens’ volunteer efforts to enhance a park district, forest preserve, conservation, recreation or special recreation agency program, service, parkland, open space or facility.
It is impossible to quantify the impact that Fred and Sandy Lu Newport have had on the Champaign and Urbana Park Districts and the Champaign County Forest Preserve District.
Fred founded the Forest Preserve’s lake steward program, and he has spent countless hours cleaning up litter and removing invasive species. Sandy Lu never misses an opportunity to connect children with nature or regional history.
The Newports have recently added advocacy to their efforts, serving on a Champaign County Forest Preserve District committee to investigate a referendum.
Champaign Park District is honored to be recognized by Illinois Association of Park Districts. For more information on Champaign Park District offerings, visit champaignparks.org.
*Made an Impact – Support the Champaign Parks Foundation today: https://champaignparks.com/about-us/foundation/
