Gurnee Park District board member earns honor
Submitted by Jennifer Gilbert
Libby Baker, president of Gurnee Park District’s Board of Commissioners, was awarded the Distinctive Board Member Award during the annual Illinois Association of Park Districts and Illinois Parks and Recreation Association’s “Soaring to New Heights” conference in Chicago.
The award, part of the IAPD Board Member Development Program, gives recognition to local board members who consistently go above and beyond the call of duty through committee involvement, attendance at continuing educational opportunities and achievements at the local, state and national levels.
Baker has served on the Gurnee Park District Board of Commissioners for the past eight years and has led the district as president for the last three years.
Her contributions have made so many accomplishments possible, including, most recently, the addition of Village Park, the lease of Sedol Pool to increase indoor aquatic opportunities, and the National Recreation and Parks Associations Gold Medal Award and Illinois Parks and Recreation Association’s Distinguished Accreditation Distinction.
“Libby’s sincere dedication to the Gurnee Park District and the field of parks and recreation is evident in her very active and committed tenure as a board commissioner. She is an exceptional leader who keeps the needs of our community as her top priority,” said Susie Kuruvilla, Gurnee Park District executive director.
“Parks and recreation has always been a passion and priority in my life,” Baker said. “From my educational studies as a student in the parks and recreation field, to my professional experience in various park districts, I have always felt that my service as a commissioner is a natural extension of my belief that preserving open space and offering recreational opportunities are integral part of a healthy and fulfilled community.
“I want to thank our Gurnee community for supporting me for these many years, and I look forward to supporting the district in providing an equally enriching future for generations to come.”
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