Northbrook Park District Commissioner Receives Statewide Recognition for Board Service

Michael Schyman, Commissioner of the Northbrook Park District, recently received a Master Board Member Award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD).

Schyman received the honor through his participation in the IAPD Board Member Development Program, which recognizes committee involvement, pursuit of board member educational opportunities, legislative advocacy and achievements at the local, state and national levels in the field of parks, recreation and conservation.

"Master Board Members have gone above and beyond the call of duty as park commissioners," said Peter Murphy, IAPD's President and Chief Executive Officer. "They are very involved at the local level and are outstanding proponents of enhancing the quality of life in Illinois through the services of park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies."

Schyman joined the Northbrook Park District board in 2009. The park district is one of more than 350-member agencies of IAPD.

IAPD was established in 1928 and is the oldest state association for parks, recreation and conservation in America. The association serves more than 2,100 elected park, recreation and forest preserve district board members who govern more than 350 agencies employing 40,000 individuals.

IAPD strives to improve Illinois' quality of life through park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies by establishing grants and other new revenue streams for park land, facilities and services; educating the public about the positive effects parks and recreation have on communities; and meeting the problem of decreasing open space in Illinois.