Batavia Park District commissioners train at statewide seminar
Batavia Park District board treasurer Sam Bell and secretary Julie Larson recently attended the Illinois Association of Park Districts' 2023 Boot Camp.
The association offers the educational course to elected officials and professionals at Illinois park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation, and special recreation agencies.
Attendees receive targeted, in-depth training on an array of topics including understanding the Open Meetings Act; making a difference through legislative advocacy; breaking down the fundamentals and best practices of park district finances; implementing DEI strategies; promoting effective relationships among the board, executive director, and staff; and adhering to ethical requirements.
"This content-rich program provides tremendous benefits to board members and staff and sets them on track to advance their agencies as a unified force. They gain a greater appreciation of the critical role that park commissioners play in good governance, compliance with state law, and enhancing the quality of life for residents of their communities. As locally elected, non-compensated community leaders, their service is a genuine labor of love," said Peter Murphy, association president and CEO.
Bell and Larson were elected to the Batavia Park District board in April of this year.
Established in 1928, the Illinois Association of Park Districts is a nonprofit service, research and educational organization representing more than 350 park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation, and special recreation agencies throughout Illinois.
Its mission is to advance these agencies in their ability to preserve natural resources and improve the quality of life for all people in Illinois.