Hoffman Estates Park District receives Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency Award
The Hoffman Estates Park District (HEParks) has been recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) for the fifth time. HEParks received the five year accreditation in 2000, 2006, 2011, 2017 and 2023. This accreditation was awarded to HEParks at the annual Illinois State Park and Recreation Conference by the Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Parks & 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 is recognized as having the best park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies in the nation," said Peter Murphy, IAPD President and CEO. "Our Distinguished Accreditation program provides an opportunity for these agencies to undergo a voluntary, comprehensive evaluation process to demonstrate that they have met established guidelines to provide exceptional park and recreation services to their communities."
HEParks underwent a detailed, lengthy process of application and evaluation. A Joint Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation Committee (JDPRAC) comprised of members from IAPD and IPRA coordinates the process. HEParks began preparing the application for the Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency in February 2022.
"We are thrilled to have been honored again as an Illinois Distinguished Agency," said Executive Director Craig Talsma. "Everything we do at HEParks is driven by our mission to provide the best in parks and recreation within Hoffman Estates. The Illinois Distinguished Agency Accreditation process, while challenging, ensures that providing exceptional programs, facilities, parks and services to our community is at the heart of every district decision." Talsma continued by saying, "This award, along with our National Gold Medal Award and CAPRA Award, is the greatest recognition we can receive as a public recreation agency."
The National Gold Medal Finalist Award, which the district won in 2022, and the National Gold Medal Award, won in 2009, is awarded by the National Recreation & Parks Association (NRPA). Awarded for excellence in parks and recreation management, these awards are the highest national honor for public recreation agencies. In 2018 HEParks received its second five year accreditation by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), also administered by NRPA. HEParks is currently seeking its third reaccreditation with CAPRA.
About Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD)
IAPD is a non-profit service, research and education organization that serves park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies. 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. Learn more: ilparks.org.
About Illinois Parks & Recreation Association (IPRA)
IPRA is a not-for-profit organization and public interest group who is an advocate in providing quality parks, recreation and conservation education, resources and services to professionals and citizens throughout the state of Illinois. Visit ilipra.org for more information.
About HEParks
HEParks provides first-class parks, facilities, programs and services for a dynamic community of more than 50,000 in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. HEParks operates two community centers, twin ice arenas, a premier 18-hole golf course, a state-of-the-art fitness center, family aquatic center and more than 70 parks. Facilities include Triphahn Community Center & Ice Arena, Willow Recreation Center, Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club, Prairie StoneTM Sports & Wellness Center, Seascape Family Aquatic Center and Vogelei Park & Barn. For more information, visit heparks.org or call 847-885-7500.