HR1262 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1262 LRB095 21008 GRL 50095 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize and congratulate John N. McGovern as he steps down as the Executive Director of the Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) after 16 years of outstanding leadership; and

WHEREAS, The Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association is an intergovernmental partnership of the park districts of Deerfield, Glencoe, Glenview, Highland Park, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff, Northbrook, Northfield, Wilmette, and Winnetka, the Cities of Highwood and Lake Forest, and the Village of Riverwoods; and

WHEREAS, During John N. McGovern's tenure, the NSSRA has been cited for numerous awards by the National Therapeutic Recreation Society, the National Institute on Recreation Inclusion, the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association, and the Illinois Therapeutic Recreation Section; and

WHEREAS, John N. McGovern has been a leader in the field of parks and recreation in Illinois and across the nation; he has been a long-time advocate for recreation services for persons with disabilities and is committed to access to recreation for all people; and

WHEREAS, As an advocate for individuals with disabilities, John N. McGovern has led many of the legislative efforts affecting Special Recreation Associations in Illinois over the last twenty years; and

WHEREAS, John N. McGovern is an active member of the Joint Legislative Committee of the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association and the Illinois Association of Park Districts, through which he brilliantly lead the charge to introduce and successfully pass Senate Bill 1881, a piece of legislation that allows for residents across the State to advocate and receive year-round special recreation services; and

WHEREAS, John N. McGovern's experience and education make him a sought-after speaker and nationally recognized expert on the application of the American with Disabilities Act to public parks and recreation; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we extend our congratulations to John N. McGovern on all of his success and wish him the best in the future as he continues to be an advocate for access to recreation for all people; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to John N. McGovern as an expression of our esteem.