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Palatine Parks' Mike Clark Elected to American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration

Michael Clark, Executive Director of the Palatine Park District, has been elected to the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration. Clark was inducted recently at the Academy's Annual Meeting during the National Recreation and Park Association Congress in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The nomination paperwork, put forth by Dr. Terry Schwartz, describes Clark as "creative in his focus toward new management strategies that he has demonstrated in his current position as Executive Director of the Palatine Park District." Schwartz went on to write, "(Clark's) experience in significant leadership roles as executive director and in voluntary positions will provide the Academy with a young person who continues his high level of activity in extra-curricular activities of our esteemed profession."

The Academy is a group of distinguished practitioners and educators who are leaders in the field of parks and recreation. They must have served for at least 15 years in a high level of administration in a park and recreation agency or as a recognized educator in parks and recreation administration or they must manage a park and recreation department for an agency with a population of more than 500,000. They also must have demonstrated outstanding ability in administration, management or education in the profession; displayed broad interest with a direct service benefit to the advancement of public parks and recreation or assumed leadership with a keen desire to contribute to the advancement of the field. The Academy is limited to 125 active members.

Established in 1980, the Academy was formed to advance knowledge related to the administration of recreation and parks; encourage scholarly efforts by both practitioners and educators to enhance the practice of park and recreation admin¬istration; promote broader public understanding of the importance of parks and recreation to the public good; and conduct research, publish scholarly papers and/or sponsor seminars related to the advancement of park and recreation administration.

"The Class of 2015 is a great addition," said 2015 President William Scalzo of Phoenix, Arizona. "We have a diverse group - all with superior career experience and a dedication to improving the quality of life through the provision of high quality parks and recreation opportunities."

More information on the Academy is available at www.aapra.org.

The mission of Palatine Park District is to provide a variety of safe, enjoyable and affordable parks and recreation facilities and activities that will enhance the quality of life by promoting good health and well-being for all residents and visitors of the Palatine Park District.

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