Palatine parks employees earn national certifications

Two Palatine Park District staff members recently earned national certification through the National Recreation and Park Association.

Ed Tynczuk, superintendent of Parks and Planning, is now a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI). The CPSI certification program provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date training on playground safety issues, including hazard identification, equipment specifications, surfacing requirements, and risk management methods.

Joan Scovic, the district's marketing manager, has earned the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification. The CPRP certification is granted to individuals employed in the recreation, park resources, and leisure services professions who meet the eligibility requirements, including a combination of higher education and/or work experience, and who successfully complete the national CPRP examination. The examination tests knowledge in all aspects of general administration, programming, and operations management for parks and recreation.

"Professional certifications show the personal commitment of our staff to learn new skills and continue their professional development," said park district Executive Director Mike Clark. "The park district encourages professional certification programs and for staff to achieve this level in order to meet our mission, create an encouraging work environment, and continue to serve the community at the highest level possible."

The addition of these certifications brings Palatine Park District's total to 15 national certifications through the National Recreation and Park Association.