Congrats to Fortner on special rec award

We would like to congratulate State Rep. Mike Fortner on being awarded the Association of Park Districts’ 2011 Outstanding Legislator of the Year Award. Rep. Fortner was recently recognized for his commitment to advancing park districts and recreation opportunities for all Illinois citizens.

Rep. Fortner’s commitment to the field and to the special needs community has been well known here at Western DuPage Special Recreation Association. He voted to support special recreation funding in Illinois and to allow new communities to join or form special recreation associations. He also regularly hosts a forum on autism. Fellow legislators are invited to attend and become informed on the needs of those individuals living with autism and their families.

We also thank him for supporting physical accessibility by supporting area park districts with access grants. Through his words and more importantly his actions, Rep. Fortner has helped the many families of our communities enhance their quality of life through recreational programs and services. It is essential for individuals with special needs to keep their skills sharp, acquire new skills, connect with the community around them, and to discover their full potential.

We commend Rep. Fortner for the role he has played in making that possible and congratulate him on this distinguished award.

Sandra Gbur

Executive Director

Western DuPage Special Recreation Association