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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD)
3is recognizing a momentous hallmark in its exceptional years of
4service by celebrating its 85th anniversary during 2013; and
 
5    WHEREAS, The Illinois Association of Park Districts
6represents more than 2,100 locally elected officials and serves
7more than 360 park districts, forest preserves, conservation,
8recreation, and special recreation agencies throughout the
9State of Illinois; and
 
10    WHEREAS, During the past 85 years, thousands of elected
11park officials have selflessly embraced the meaning of true
12volunteerism, dedicating countless hours of service and
13contributing their wisdom, talents and resources to the
14Illinois Association of Park Districts and to improving the
15quality of life in the communities they represent; and
 
16    WHEREAS, Throughout its 85-year history, the Illinois
17Association of Park Districts has advanced its member agencies,
18their citizen board members, and professional staff through
19education, research, and advocacy in order to enhance their
20ability to provide outstanding park and recreation
21opportunities, preserve natural resources, and improve the
22quality of life for all people in Illinois; and
 

 

 

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1    WHEREAS, As a result of their collaborative efforts,
2millions of Illinois citizens of all ages enjoy access to high
3quality, affordable recreational facilities, parks, and
4programs, including more than 3,800 baseball and softball
5fields, 3,700 playgrounds, 3,100 miles of recreational trails,
62,600 tennis courts, 1,600 soccer fields, 670 aquatic
7facilities, 600 fishing areas, 460 football fields, 140 golf
8courses, 110 museums, 90 campgrounds, and numerous botanic and
9community gardens, natural areas, skate parks, and other
10recreational areas; and
 
11    WHEREAS, IAPD's steadfast determination in establishing
12and securing dedicated funding for parks, recreation, and
13conservation, such as the OSLAD grant program, has resulted in
14an investment of more than three quarters of a billion dollars
15in Illinois' recreational infrastructure and protected more
16than 10,000 acres of open space for public parks, recreation,
17and conservation; and
 
18    WHEREAS, Eighty-five years after the Illinois Association
19of Park Districts was formed, the spirit and commitment to
20excellence of the Association is strong with an active and
21dedicated board of trustees and staff whose energy, enthusiasm,
22and perseverance to make Illinois a better place to live, work,
23and play is an inspiring example to all; therefore, be it
 

 

 

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1    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL
2ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate Wednesday,
3May 1, 2013 as Parks and Park District Day in the State of
4Illinois; and be it further
 
5    RESOLVED, That we recognize the board of trustees, staff,
6and entire membership of the Illinois Association of Park
7Districts on the occasion of its 85th anniversary; and be it
8further
 
9    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
10presented to the Illinois Association of Park Districts as a
11symbol of our esteem and respect.