Wheeling Park District receives Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency Award

The Wheeling Park District has been recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency by the Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association.

The Illinois Distinguished Accreditation program, administered jointly by IAPD and IPRA, aims to improve the delivery of park and recreation services statewide. The accreditation process includes a thorough review of key operational areas such as governance, finance, facilities, programming, safety and community engagement. Agencies must demonstrate compliance with best-practice standards, participate in an on-site evaluation, and show a commitment to continuous improvement. This rigorous assessment ensures accredited agencies operate with the highest level of professionalism and effectiveness.

“Illinois is widely regarded as home to the nation’s leading park districts, forest preserves, conservation districts, recreation, and special recreation agencies,” said Peter Murphy, IAPD President and CEO. “The Distinguished Accreditation program gives agencies the opportunity to undergo a voluntary, comprehensive evaluation to demonstrate that they meet established standards and criteria for delivering exceptional park and recreation services.”

“This program recognizes agencies 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.”

The Wheeling Park District has continually pursued this accreditation as part of its long-standing commitment to transparency, accountability and excellence in public service. This ongoing dedication ensures the district consistently meets, and strives to exceed, the highest standards in parks and recreation.

“This distinguished accreditation reflects the commitment of our board of commissioners, community, staff and volunteers to ensuring the Wheeling Park District remains the provider of choice in parks and recreation,” said Jan Buchs, executive director of the Wheeling Park District. “We take great pride in creating memorable experiences that enrich our community, and this achievement affirms the high standards we strive to uphold every day.”

“We are extremely proud of the dedication and hard work demonstrated by our staff, volunteers, and community,” said Sue Stein, board president of the Wheeling Park District. “Their continued efforts allow the Wheeling Park District to provide the highest standards in parks and recreation, and this recognition is a testament to the excellence they bring to our district.”

The JDPRAC approved the Wheeling Park District for Distinguished Accredited status in November 2025. In compliance with the program, the Wheeling Park District will be re-evaluated in six years to verify that the agency continues to demonstrate sound management practices and provide high-quality parks and recreation services to the community.

IAPD is a nonprofit service, research, and education organization that serves park districts, forest preserves, conservation districts, recreation departments and special recreation associations. The association advances these agencies, their citizen board members, and professional staff in their ability to provide outstanding park and recreation opportunities, preserve natural resources and improve the quality of life for all people in Illinois.

IPRA’s mission is to provide and promote exceptional standards of education, networking and resources for all professionals in the Illinois park, recreation and conservation communities. The association advances professional knowledge and business excellence and enhances networking and growth for all professionals in the state of Illinois.

The Wheeling Park District serves roughly 45,000 residents across Wheeling and portions of Prospect Heights, Buffalo Grove and Arlington Heights with over 350 acres of parks, facilities and recreational amenities. Established in 1961, the district provides a full range of programs, events, open spaces and services guided by its mission to deliver memorable experiences in parks and recreation that enrich the community.