Elk Grove Park District receives Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency Award
The Elk Grove 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 chief executive officer. “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) made up of members from IAPD and IPRA coordinates the process.
“Agencies submit a self-evaluation and a formal letter requesting admission into the process,” said Wally Frasier, IAPD co-chairman of the JDPRAC. “If the committee determines the agency is eligible to continue the process, we send them an evaluation date.”
According to Frasier, 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 10 days. Agencies that have achieved Distinguished Accredited status are recognized with a plaque at the IAPD/IPRA annual Conference Award Luncheon in January.
“There are tremendous benefits for an agency that achieves Distinguished Accredited status,“ said Mike Clark, IPRA co-chairman of the JDPRAC. “The agencies’ application and review process is an excellent self-evaluation and agencies that apply realize increased operational efficiency and effectiveness. Communities can rest assured knowing that their park district or recreation agency employs qualified professionals and has met professional standards.”
The Elk Grove Park District applied for the Illinois Distinguished Accreditation program in March of 2012 and completed the evaluation process in July 2013.
“The Distinguished Accreditation process can take up to two years to complete. Our staff realized the value of this program and completed the process within 16 months,” said Mike Brottman, executive director of the Elk Grove Park District. “The experience of the accreditation process enabled us to align our standards with the best practices set forth by the evaluation.”
The JDPRAC approved the Elk Grove Park District for Distinguished Accredited status in November 2013. The committee gave special commendations in the areas of goals and objectives, succession procedure and working relationships. They noted that the districts’ conservation of natural recourses were some of the best the team has ever seen. The comprehensive master plan was outstanding, well organized and comprehensive. The team also liked the idea that staff goes out to facilities and programs with electronic tablets to survey user satisfaction.
In compliance with the program, the Elk Grove Park District will be re-evaluated 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 nonprofit 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 nonprofit organization and public interest group that is an advocate in providing quality park, recreation and conservation education, resources and services to professionals and citizens throughout the state of Illinois.