Schaumburg Park District recognized by two state organizations

The Schaumburg Park District has been recognized for the third time as an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency by the Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association, officials announced this week.

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

A park district or recreation agency interested in applying for the recognition undergoes a detailed, lengthy process of application and evaluation. On the day of the evaluation, the agency presents documented information and gives a tour of pertinent facilities and parks for the evaluation team's review. The team reviews general management procedures, finance and business operations, facilities and parks, personnel, recreation services, legal documentation and other materials including mission statements, goals and safety manuals.

"Quality parks and recreation services benefit communities in a number of ways, and Schaumburg Park District prides itself on providing outstanding opportunities to our residents," Schaumburg Park District Executive Director Tony LaFrenere said in a news release. "Given the operational challenges brought on by the pandemic, receiving Distinguished Accredited status is especially meaningful to our board and staff members who work hard year-round to be worthy of this distinction."