Buffalo Grove park official wins statewide recognition

The Illinois Association of Park Districts has named Larry Reiner, who is in his eighth term as a Buffalo Grove Park District board member, the winner of the 2015 Mike Cassidy Commissioner Community Service Award.

"I cannot find the words to express how truly honored and grateful I am to receive this award," Reiner said. "When I look back on my years of service as a park district commissioner, and what we as a district have been able to accomplish for our community, it is extremely fulfilling. I certainly couldn't have done it alone. There are so many people who have been part of my journey and I want to thank each and every one of them for their part in me receiving this recognition."

"The park district simply wouldn't be what it is today without the leadership of Larry," said Executive Director Ryan Risinger.

Reiner has been the executive director of the Butterfield Park District since 2011 and he served as the executive director for the Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association for 33 years. That experience, combined with his knowledge and experience of the legislative process, has helped the district obtain millions of dollars in grant funding to add amenities, Risinger said.

"People probably don't realize how significant an impact Larry's leadership has had on Buffalo Grove being the community it is," he said.

Reiner was first elected to the Buffalo Grove Park Board in April of 1987. He was awarded the National Recreation and Park Association's State Citizen/Board Member Service Award in 1996 and was Rotary Club of Elmhurst's 2001 Man of the Year.

Reiner established the Rusty Reiner Veterans Memorial Fund in honor of his cousin who served in Vietnam. The fund provides scholarships and fee assistance for active duty military personnel and their families for Buffalo Grove Park District programs.

He is also a co-founder of Allenforce's Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies program that brings together veterans, families and communities in an effort to bridge military and civilian life. He and his co-founder launched the program in 2012; it has served more than 500 veterans in five states.

"Reiner has tirelessly assisted the district in realizing major goals, worked alongside state legislators to pass significant laws that have advanced park districts throughout Illinois, and facilitated the district's position of being one of the premier park districts," said Buffalo Grove Park District Board President Adriane Johnson.