Vernon Hills Park president receives statewide recognition

David Doerhoefer, president of the Vernon Hills Park District, recently received a Master Board Member Award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts.

Doerhoefer received the honor through his involvement in the IAPD Board Member Development Program, which recognizes committee involvement, pursuit of board member educational opportunities, legislative advocacy and achievements at the local, state and national levels in the field of parks, recreation and conservation.

"Master Board Members have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their leadership roles," IAPD's President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Murphy said.

"Those who reach this highest level of the Board Member Development Program are extremely involved at the local level, and they are outstanding proponents of enhancing the quality of life in Illinois through the services of park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation, and special recreation agencies."

Doerhoefer was elected to the Vernon Hills Park District board in 2005. In 2013, he was awarded the Vernon Hills "Person of the Year" award. In 2010, he was recognized by the Illinois Association of Park Districts with the "Rising Star Award," given to park board members serving their first term who exemplify outstanding effort in the field of parks and recreation.

IAPD was established in 1928 and serves more than 2,100 elected park, recreation, conservation, and forest preserve district board members who govern 360 agencies employing 40,000 individuals.

The association strives to improve Illinois' quality of life through park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies by establishing grants and other new revenue streams for park land, facilities and services; educating the public about the positive effects parks and recreation have on communities; and meeting the problem of decreasing open space in Illinois.

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