Hoffman Estates Park District and School District 54 win prestigious Intergovernmental Cooperation Award
The Hoffman Estates Park District (HEParks) is proud to announce its joint recognition, along with Schaumburg School District 54, as winners of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Award by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD). This honor celebrates the successful partnership between the two governmental entities to improve safety and accessibility at Lincoln Prairie School through the transfer of a portion of Sycamore Park.
The collaborative project addressed traffic congestion and safety concerns during student drop-off and pickup times by creating a safer bus route and additional parking spaces. In exchange for the land, the school district reimbursed HEParks $350,000, which will be reinvested into the park district by relocating and upgrading the park's playground.
“We are excited to see this partnership recognized,” said Craig Talsma, executive director of HEParks. “This award highlights how working together can lead to innovative solutions that benefit the entire community.”
HEParks and School District 54 were formally recognized last week at the IAPD Best of the Best Awards Gala, which took place at the Wheeling Park District’s Chevy Chase Country Club.
Established in 1928, the Illinois Association of Park Districts serves over 370 park, recreation, and conservation agencies throughout the state. IAPD assists their members in providing the best parks, facilities and programs for the citizens they serve. For more information about IAPD, its board, and mission, please visit the IAPD website at ilparks.org.
Hoffman Estates Park District (HEParks) stands as a cornerstone of community life in Illinois, distinguished by its extensive array of parks and top-tier recreational services. Awarded multiple state and national honors, including prestigious gold medals, HEParks exemplifies excellence in park management and recreational programming.
Spanning over 900 acres, our facilities include more than 70 parks, a Level 1 accredited arboretum, two dog parks, and five engaging splash pads. The community centers feature comprehensive fitness facilities and host a diverse range of sports and recreation programs tailored for every age group — from toddlers to seniors.
Highlights of offerings include a premier 18-hole golf course, a cutting-edge fitness center, a dual-ice arena, a family aquatic center, specialized child care programs for ages 3-12, and an active senior center. To learn more about the park district’s commitment to enhancing community life, visit heparks.org.