Naperville Park District Recognized for Excellence in Arts
The Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) honored the Naperville Park District for excellence in its community arts programs at IAPD's annual awards gala in Wheeling on Friday, October 13.
Winning second place in the competition for the Helen Doria Arts in the Park Award, the Naperville Park District arts programming was recognized for its long-term commitment to providing affordable, accessible high-quality arts programs and public art for the community through partnerships with area artists, businesses and organizations.
According to IAPD's description of the award, the Arts in the Park Award "is named in memory of Helen Doria, who dedicated her career to creating a space for the arts in Chicago's parks." The 2017 nominations for the award were judged by Arts Alliance Illinois.
Program Manager Brittany Malatt and Director of Recreation Brad Wilson accepted the award for the Naperville Park District. Malatt has encouraged innovation in the District's arts programs, working with creative instructors to develop new programs like Hip Hop/Jazz Fusion and Glass-on Glass Mosaic Art to provide more diverse offerings for the community.
Naperville Park District offers programs for all ages in dance, theater, music, visual art and media, such as pottery, woodcarving and film-making. Additionally, the District partners with area businesses to offer free outdoor concerts and theater in parks during the summer. Performing for audiences in Naperville and in the Chicago area, the District's Élan Dance Company provides artistically challenging experiences for young dancers in a collaborative atmosphere. The District's Magical Starlight Theatre program involves entire families in great community theater led by volunteers who collectively give 8,000 hours annually and perform for audiences of 3,000+.
Other agency awards presented at the IAPD awards gala included awards for intergovernmental cooperation, partnership and best green practices.
"It was great to see the different park districts support their communities in many ways," said Malatt.