Buffalo Grove Park District wins statewide environmental award

Representatives from Illinois park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies were recently recognized at the Illinois Association of Park Districts' statewide Best of the Best Awards Gala at Wheeling Park District's Traditions at Chevy Chase Country Club.

The Buffalo Grove Park District won an award for Best Green Practices.

IAPD's Best Green Practices Award recognizes park agencies that have taken the initiative to incorporate environmentally friendly business practices and policies, thereby encouraging others to do the same.

The Buffalo Grove Park District has created a staff-driven Green Team that has developed and initiated green policies that are followed by all employees. And, the park district was instrumental in the formation of a citizen committee, known as the Environmental Action Team, to champion many environmental causes that have inspired positive green initiatives throughout the community.

"The Buffalo Grove Park District is a tremendous inspiration to other park agencies throughout the state when it comes to establishing good green practices," said Peter Murphy, IAPD president and chief executive officer. "We were honored to recognize them with this prestigious award."

The awards gala provided an opportunity to give board members, citizen volunteers, businesses, government officials and media the recognition they deserve for doing so much to advance parks, recreation and conservation. Agencies throughout Illinois submitted nominations for the following categories: Board Member Service Anniversaries, Agency Anniversaries, Illinois Parks Top Journalist, Best Friend of Illinois Parks - Business, Intergovernmental Cooperation, Partnership, Arts in the Park, Best Green Practices, Good Sportsmanship, and Outstanding Citizen Volunteer of the Year.

"It is important to recognize those who give so much of their time, resources and talents to making the Illinois park, recreation and conservation system one of the best in the nation," said Murphy. "The Buffalo Grove Park District is one of the state's premier park districts, and they are setting the pace for other agencies throughout the state."

According to Murphy, the award nominations were divided among several committees of judges who reviewed and scored each nomination. Winners were invited to attend the awards gala for recognition in front of a statewide audience of more than 250 board members, professionals, legislators, volunteers and businesses.

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