HR0421 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0421 LRB100 12660 MST 26017 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Tim Dimke on the occasion of his retirement from the Rockford Park District; and

WHEREAS, Tim Dimke is a Rockford native and has been an employee of the Rockford Park District for 44 years; he began as a seasonal maintenance employee and has held a variety of leadership positions throughout his career, including Deputy Director, Chief Operating Office, and Executive Director; and

WHEREAS, During his 44 years of service to the citizens of Rockford, Tim Dimke is credited with the development of many recreation facilities, notably the Carlson Ice Arena, the Aldeen Golf Club, Mercyhealth Sportscore Two, and the acquisitions of Magic Waters and the Indoor Sports Center; and

WHEREAS, As Executive Director, Tim Dimke has been instrumental in the development of the Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, restoration of the Eclipse Lagoon and other gardens, and Reclaiming First, which has kept Rockford at the forefront of amateur sports; and

WHEREAS, Tim Dimke has spearheaded initiatives that have improved services for the Rockford Park District, such as the quality assurance guarantee, the Fun for All Kids program that made programs and facility admission accessible and affordable to families, and many expanded partnerships with community organizations; and

WHEREAS, Under Tim Dimke's leadership, the Rockford Park District has twice been awarded the prestigious National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, and twice has been honored with the Distinguished Agency accreditation from the Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association; and

WHEREAS, Tim Dimke graduated from Auburn High School; he received a Bachelor of Science in Parks and Recreation Management from Eastern Illinois University, and his master's degree in business administration from Rockford College; and

WHEREAS, Tim Dimke has been married over 34 years to his high school and college sweetheart, Dr. Debra Dimke; they have one son, Derek Dimke, who received a finance degree from the University of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, In 2012, Tim Dimke received the Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award from his alma mater, Eastern Illinois University, for attaining distinguished professional success and prominence, and for being a living role model in the discipline represented by the College of Education and Professional Studies; and

WHEREAS, In 2017, at the annual state conference, the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association and the Illinois Association of Park Districts honored Tim Dimke with the prestigious Robert Artz Lifetime Achievement Award and the Honored Professional Award; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Tim Dimke on his retirement from the Rockford Park District, and we wish him the best in all his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Tim Dimke as an expression of our esteem and respect.