Rolling Meadows Park District takes home two statewide awards
Rolling Meadows Park District received two statewide recognitions during the Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association Soaring to New Heights Conference Jan. 29-31 in Chicago.
The district was recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency and presented with a plaque from IAPD and IPRA, highlighting staff’s commitment to meeting the highest professional standards and providing quality programs, parks and recreation facilities to the community.
“Reaching the status of a Distinguished Accredited Agency is no small task,” Rolling Meadows Park District Board President Elizabeth Bolash said. “After months of self-evaluation and assessment, our staff have demonstrated a strong commitment to providing exceptional park and recreation services through best practices in the field and high standards of professionalism. As a board member, I feel proud of our staff for this significant accomplishment and so grateful to have such high-quality services in our community.”
The Illinois Distinguished Accreditation program is administered with the goal of improving the delivery of park and recreation services to Illinois residents.
“This program gives recognition to park and recreation agencies and forest preserve districts that demonstrate a strong commitment to providing exceptional programs, services and facilities that enrich the lives of their communities and residents,” IPRA Executive Director Suzi Wirtz said. “Achieving Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation is a testament to the dedication of the agency, its staff, board and community. This accomplishment strengthens quality of life and contributes to making Illinois one of the best places to live, work and recreate.”
Rolling Meadows Park District applied for the Illinois Distinguished Accreditation program in March 2024. Executive Director Nick Troy said the thorough and collaborative journey allowed the district to evaluate, refine and strengthen operations.
“Applying for accreditation provided an opportunity to align with the highest industry standards and ensure we are delivering exceptional services to the community,” Troy said. “Achieving Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency status is a proud moment for our team and a reflection of the dedication, planning and commitment that went into every step of the process.”
Rolling Meadows Park District also received a first-place award in the Large Format Marketing Agency Showcase category during the conference. The award was given for an informational display installed in September 2025 as part of new additions to Community Center Park, which included a bioretention basin created to capture stormwater runoff, reduce pollutants entering local waterways and promote a healthy ecosystem through native vegetation.
“I am extremely proud of our staff for achieving these statewide recognitions and reaching the highest standards in multiple categories,” Troy said. “We look forward to building on our success with exciting projects and initiatives in 2026 that will provide even more opportunities to play, learn, and grow in the community.”