Arlington Heights Park District earns 'distinguished' status from state agency

The Arlington Heights 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 two statewide associations administer the Illinois Distinguished Accreditation program with the goal of improving the delivery of park and recreation services to Illinois residents.

"Illinois has a reputation for the best park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies in the nation," said Peter Murphy, Illinois Association of Park Districts president and CEO, in a news release.

The group approved the Arlington Heights Park District for Distinguished Accredited status in November 2015 and highlighted specific areas deserving of special commendation. These included: fiscal administration, master plan, recreation statistics, risk management, employee relations and conservation of natural resources.

Executive Director Steve Scholten wrote, "Thanks really must go to all of our staff for their great work in making the Arlington Heights Park District special. It's their hard work that has been recognized and I'm proud of all of them for this accomplishment."

The Arlington Heights Park District has been an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency since 1993.