Prospect Heights Park District, city commission honored for cooperation

The Prospect Heights Park District and Prospect Heights’ Natural Resources Commission are among the 2025 winners of the Illinois Association of Park Districts’ award for intergovernmental cooperation.

Formal recognition of the award was received at the association’s Best of the Best Awards Gala in late October.

The park district nominated the partnership to express its gratitude to the city-run commission’s tireless volunteerism and lasting impact on the community, officials said.

“We have created a successful partnership that maximizes tax dollars and benefits residents throughout Prospect Heights,” park district Executive Director Christina Ferraro said. “The PHNRC is a model example of how intergovernmental cooperation can deliver long-term value for the public.”

The park district and commission have created a five-acre prairie, installed a 480-foot boardwalk and pedestrian bridge, and developed a two-acre preserve.

During the past seven years, their collaboration has secured five grants that brought hundreds of thousands of dollars for environmental restoration and community recreation.

“Beyond the ecological impact, the PHNRC mobilizes more than 100 volunteers who contribute nearly 4,000 hours annually,” park district board President Tim Jones said. “We’re thrilled that IAPD has recognized the tremendous value of this partnership.”

To learn more about ongoing projects and volunteer opportunities, visit phnrc.com or phparks.org/phnrc.