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Click Here for IPRA Calendar or Submit an IPRA meeting or event MARCH 3/21 IPRA Arts and Events Committee Meeting 3/22 Train the Trainer with Ruby Newell-Legner (1.5 CEUs) 3/23 Recreation Section Meeting 3/24 Chicago Bulls Tickets 3/24 OSLAD Online Grant Application Workshop (0.2 CEUs) 3/24 Senior Committee Meeting 3/28 IT Network Group Meeting APRIL 4/5 OSLAD Online Grant Application Workshop (0.2 CEUs) 4/6 Participant Services Division of ITRS Meeting 4/6 A&F Board Meeting w/IPRA Board Change Discussion 4/6 Aquatic Supervisor Roundtable: New CPR Guidelines & Programming Ideas 4/6 ITRS Meeting 4/6 Athletic Committee Meeting 4/7 Direct Fitness Solutions- Preventative Maintenance & New Facility Tour 4/12 C&M Section Board Meeting & Roundtable Session 4/18-19 Aquatic Facility Operator Certification Course 4/20 Ethnic Minority Section Meeting 4/20 School Age-Day Camp Committee Meeting 4/21 Senior Committee Meeting MAY 5/4 Participant Services Division of ITRS Meeting 5/4 IPRA Teacher Appreciation Award Dinner 5/9-11 National Playground Safety Institute Certification Course 5/11 School Age-Day Camp Committee Meeting 5/17 Revenue Diversification: From Sponsorships to Contributions 5/18 Recreation Section Meeting 5/19 Basic Leadership Training - Aquatics 5/19 Senior Committee Meeting 5/23 HR Manager's Luncheon JUNE 6/1 ITRS Meeting 6/1 Basic Leadership Training - Aquatics 6/15 IPRA Board of Directors Business Meeting 6/16 Senior Committee Meeting 6/24 Camp Counselor Challenge 6/27 & 29 IPRA Day at Six Flags Great America JULY 7/5 Kane County Cougars vs. Dayton Dragons 7/7 Senior Committee Meeting 7/12 & 13 & 15 IPRA Day at Six Flags Great America 7/13 Schaumburg Flyers vs. Gary Railcats 7/17 Kane County Cougars vs. Lansing Lugnuts 7/20 Recreation Section Meeting 7/20 Chicago Cubs vs. Houston Astros 7/26 Chicago White Sox vs. Minnesota Twins AUGUST 8/3 & 5 IPRA Day at Six Flags Great America 8/5 IPRA Lifeguard Games 8/9 IPRA Overnight Teen Canoe Trip 8/18 Senior Committee Meeting 8/19 Park District Conservation Day 8/24 ITRS Lunch Meeting Read These Articles and More Online or Submit your news releases to IPRA MARCH 3/16 HEPD Appoints New Deputy Director/Recreation Director 3/15 Moody's Upgrades Elk Grove Park District Rating 3/15 Roselle park district asking for tax raise to rebuild pool 3/12 Park plans make a splash 3/10 Park getting new amenities 3/10 New Director Named at Homewood-Flossmoor Park District 3/2 Watch the Ruby video! FEBRUARY 2/27 Heart Smart Program Targets Youth 2/24 New bicycling park part of river project 2/23 Director passing baton to protege 2/23 Pool may not surface after latest closing 2/22 Conference Pictures Galore! 2/20 Spring Training is here! 2/19 Nature sanctuary to get grant for upgrade 2/19 Blackhawk players to join village’s efforts to stay healthy 2/19 Club gives disabled a place to shine Order your plate TODAY Advertise Here 2005 March April May May extra June June extra July August August extra September October November December December extra 2006 January February February extra	It takes hard work and lots of practice to become a world champion baseball team...the same is true when advancing your career. Join us for the Spring Training series of workshops geared to make YOU a world champ! Train-the-Trainer Workshop with Ruby Newell-Legner March 22-24 - White Pines Golf Club, Bensenville Park District Cost: $425 for IPRA members (coupon) 1.5 CEUs offered for the 3-day workshop. Click here for registration information. To stay competitive, productive and profitable, successful organizations must recognize the need for ongoing, results-driven training programs. Don’t leave your staff development to chance. Send your leaders to this powerful training so they can help your organization grow and prosper with newfound skills. A well thought-out, well-delivered employee training program can make a substantial difference in your future. Are you ready to bring on new staff and develop the ones who are already part of your team? Come learn how to design, deliver, and evaluate your training program for maximum effectiveness. Leave with a complete training outline that can be used immediately for a new employee orientation program. Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification Course April 18-19 - Wheaton Park District Cost: $290 for IPRA members registered before March 28 1.5 CEUs offered for the 2-day workshop. Click here for registration information. The Aquatic Facility Operator course is an 18-hour training program specifically designed to meet the needs of those working in public and semi-public recreational pool or water park facilities. The AFO program offers a unique risk management approach, rarely offered to operations personnel. The course provides information and training for both supervisory and operations personnel. In-depth instruction will be given on filtration, disinfections, water testing and treatment, design consideration, facility management, risk management, facility trouble-shooting and much more. The AFO certification course is the most comprehensive program available for those responsible for operating clean, safe, and efficient aquatic facilities. National Playground Safety Institute (NPSI) Certification Course May 9-11 at the Elk Grove Park District Cost: $385 for IPRA members registered before April 18 1.2 CEUs offered for the 3-day workshop. Click here for registration information. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 205,000 children are treated for playground accidents annually, with approximately 15 resulting in death. Of these, 70% occurred at public parks and schoolyards. Does your equipment measure up? How many preventable injuries occurred in your parks? Sponsored by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), this course is the most comprehensive training program offered on playground hazard identification and risk management methods. Advanced reading and ten hours of training will prepare you to take the Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Exam, which will take place on the last day. Revenue Diversification: From Sponsorships to Contributions May 17 at the Oakbrook Park District Cost: $99 for IPRA members registered before May 3 0.4 CEUs offered for the 1-day workshop. Click here for registration information. Park districts around the state and across the country are looking for ways to off-set costs and diversify revenue. When revenue discussions arise, the topics of sponsorships, charitable contributions, and foundations are not far behind. Is your agency really ready to raise money, or are there more productive options that are right for your district and your community? Join the IPRA for a four-hour workshop and networking luncheon designed to help attendees assess their options and learn how to get money in the door. Who should attend? This innovative workshop is designed for those professionals (Foundation Board Members or Officers, Commissioners, Financial Officers, Development Personnel) responsible for securing funds through foundations, sponsorships, and special events. This workshop is hosted by Jerry Handlon, who brings over 30 years of experience in the field of parks and recreation. Jerry is known for his ability to find creative ways of generating revenue through unique sponsorships and events. Paul Amundsen, a foundation consultant, is experienced in all realms of foundation development, governance and helping agencies move forward. Thank you to our 2006 Spring Training sponsors: It's Time To Renew Your IPRA Membership 2006 is going to be an exciting year for IPRA! The value and benefit of membership in IPRA is increasing and expanding as more and more great resources become available to you online. Our educational workshops and certification program is tops in the nation. We are here to help you advance in your professional career. The deadline for renewing your membership is March 31. Please contact Polly McKee, Membership/Certification Assistant, if you have any questions. Nowhere else will you be able to find the type of education, resources, networking and certification opportunities that are here at IPRA. Advance with IPRA! IPRA's ListServs - Networking Made Easy As a member of IPRA you have the profession at your finger-tips! Join an IPRA ListServ that interests you and take advantage of the quick and easy email communication. Ask a question...bounce ideas off one another...remind everyone about a meeting...the ListServ is here to help you out. Login and join a ListServ today! Schedule A Podcast Show Help get the word out about your next educational workshop, event or meeting with WIPRA - The Voice. Stop by to discuss current events or issues facing the field of parks and recreation. We are open to any of your ideas and we want to hear from you...literally! Contact WIPRA to schedule your next podcast show! Testimonials: "WIPRA is phenomenal!" - Jim Reuter, Past IPRA Chairman "Terrific job with the podcast" - Allison Pellegrino, Batavia Park District "Listen up. It's great!" - Bill McAdam, IPRA Chairman "Very entertaining. Very informative." - Katie White, Bloomingdale Park District Got Questions? The Member Forum Can Help The IPRA Member Forum is the perfect place for members to ask questions and get answers from others in the field. The Forum will undergo a facelift sometime this year to better serve to growing requests we have received for this service. Here are some recent Forum postings. Login and help out a fellow member! Performance Measurement Question Would anyone know what their labor costs are to mow parks per acre? In addition, if anyone would know the total cost, i.e. fuel, depreciation, etc. that would be helpful also. Thanks. Store Front Facilities We are wondering if any agency uses store front facilities for their programs. Please let us know as we are looking into this possibility. Thanks! How to deal with developers I've been asked to sit in on a community subdivision ordinance review with one of the goals being to require developers to participate in parks & open space construction. Has anyone been down this road? I could really use some guidance/ideas on how to deal not only with the developers, but zoning staff that may not have the desire to disagree with the developers or Planning/Zoning boards. Thanks and have a great day! In Need of Computer Instructor Does anyone have a contact of anyone who would be interested in teaching computer classes in the south suburbs one day per week? We are very flexible around the day of the week. If you are using the instructor, we will not schedule classes on your same day. Also, the instructor will not need any of his/her own equipment. We have our own computer lab. I would appreciate any responses. Thank you! Recently Certified Professionals! Certified Park & Recreation Professionals (CPRP) Shonnah Flaherty, Byron Forest Preserve Katrin Humphrey, SRSNLC Rachel Lux, Waukegan Park District Renee Miles, NWSRA Associate Park & Recreation Professionals (APRP) Debbie Cimaglio, Gurnee Park District Melton Goldmon, Park District of Highland Park Christine Trigsted, Gurnee Park District Lynsey Heathcote, Bartlett Park District Volunteer For The 2006 Western Open Be apart of the Western Open tradition and volunteer your time this summer. IPRA coordinates to the only free volunteering program at the Western Open. Not only will you get to hang out with your friends and contribute to the largest group of volunteers at the golf tournament, you will also get a free golf shirt, a free hat/visor, free food and drinks and free admission for the days you aren't volunteering! IPRA’s role in the Western Open tournament is to recruit, organize, train, and supervise volunteers who work in the clubhouse, the hospitality areas, gate and ticket operations, and VIP player parking. IPRA’s solid reputation in the parks and recreation field has resulted in 13 years of peak efficiency, steady volunteer management, creative problem-solving, and superb customer service. Register to volunteer with our online application. Register to volunteer with our mail-in application form. Planning A Daytrip This Summer? Your group will have a blast going to the Schuamburg Flyers and Kane County Cougars minor league baseball games! Maybe spending the day Six Flags Great America and splashing around at Hurricane Harbor Water Park is more your style. The Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox outings are already sold out. Click here to get registered for your next outing!
Copyright © 2006 Illinois Park & Recreation Assoc. IPRA Website

Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification Course
April 18-19 - Wheaton Park District
Cost: $290 for IPRA members registered before March 28
1.5 CEUs offered for the 2-day workshop.
Click here for registration information.

The Aquatic Facility Operator course is an 18-hour training program specifically designed to meet the needs of those working in public and semi-public recreational pool or water park facilities. The AFO program offers a unique risk management approach, rarely offered to operations personnel.

The course provides information and training for both supervisory and operations personnel. In-depth instruction will be given on filtration, disinfections, water testing and treatment, design consideration, facility management, risk management, facility trouble-shooting and much more.

The AFO certification course is the most comprehensive program available for those responsible for operating clean, safe, and efficient aquatic facilities.

National Playground Safety Institute (NPSI) Certification Course
May 9-11 at the Elk Grove Park District
Cost: $385 for IPRA members registered before April 18
1.2 CEUs offered for the 3-day workshop.
Click here for registration information.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 205,000 children are treated for playground accidents annually, with approximately 15 resulting in death. Of these, 70% occurred at public parks and schoolyards. Does your equipment measure up? How many preventable injuries occurred in your parks?

Sponsored by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), this course is the most comprehensive training program offered on playground hazard identification and risk management methods. Advanced reading and ten hours of training will prepare you to take the Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Exam, which will take place on the last day.

Revenue Diversification: From Sponsorships to Contributions
May 17 at the Oakbrook Park District
Cost: $99 for IPRA members registered before May 3
0.4 CEUs offered for the 1-day workshop.
Click here for registration information.

Park districts around the state and across the country are looking for ways to off-set costs and diversify revenue. When revenue discussions arise, the topics of sponsorships, charitable contributions, and foundations are not far behind.

Is your agency really ready to raise money, or are there more productive options that are right for your district and your community? Join the IPRA for a four-hour workshop and networking luncheon designed to help attendees assess their options and learn how to get money in the door.

Who should attend?
This innovative workshop is designed for those professionals (Foundation Board Members or Officers, Commissioners, Financial Officers, Development Personnel) responsible for securing funds through foundations, sponsorships, and special events.

This workshop is hosted by Jerry Handlon, who brings over 30 years of experience in the field of parks and recreation. Jerry is known for his ability to find creative ways of generating revenue through unique sponsorships and events. Paul Amundsen, a foundation consultant, is experienced in all realms of foundation development, governance and helping agencies move forward.

Thank you to our 2006 Spring Training sponsors:

It's Time To Renew Your IPRA Membership
2006 is going to be an exciting year for IPRA! The value and benefit of membership in IPRA is increasing and expanding as more and more great resources become available to you online. Our educational workshops and certification program is tops in the nation. We are here to help you advance in your professional career.

The deadline for renewing your membership is March 31. Please contact Polly McKee, Membership/Certification Assistant, if you have any questions.

Nowhere else will you be able to find the type of education, resources, networking and certification opportunities that are here at IPRA. Advance with IPRA!

IPRA's ListServs - Networking Made Easy
As a member of IPRA you have the profession at your finger-tips! Join an IPRA ListServ that interests you and take advantage of the quick and easy email communication. Ask a question...bounce ideas off one another...remind everyone about a meeting...the ListServ is here to help you out. Login and join a ListServ today!

Schedule A Podcast Show
Help get the word out about your next educational workshop, event or meeting with WIPRA - The Voice. Stop by to discuss current events or issues facing the field of parks and recreation. We are open to any of your ideas and we want to hear from you...literally!

Contact WIPRA to schedule your next podcast show!

Testimonials:
"WIPRA is phenomenal!" - Jim Reuter, Past IPRA Chairman
"Terrific job with the podcast" - Allison Pellegrino, Batavia Park District
"Listen up. It's great!" - Bill McAdam, IPRA Chairman
"Very entertaining. Very informative." - Katie White, Bloomingdale Park District

Got Questions? The Member Forum Can Help
The IPRA Member Forum is the perfect place for members to ask questions and get answers from others in the field. The Forum will undergo a facelift sometime this year to better serve to growing requests we have received for this service.

Here are some recent Forum postings. Login and help out a fellow member!
Performance Measurement Question
Would anyone know what their labor costs are to mow parks per acre? In addition, if anyone would know the total cost, i.e. fuel, depreciation, etc. that would be helpful also. Thanks.
Store Front Facilities
We are wondering if any agency uses store front facilities for their programs. Please let us know as we are looking into this possibility. Thanks!
How to deal with developers
I've been asked to sit in on a community subdivision ordinance review with one of the goals being to require developers to participate in parks & open space construction. Has anyone been down this road? I could really use some guidance/ideas on how to deal not only with the developers, but zoning staff that may not have the desire to disagree with the developers or Planning/Zoning boards. Thanks and have a great day!
In Need of Computer Instructor
Does anyone have a contact of anyone who would be interested in teaching computer classes in the south suburbs one day per week? We are very flexible around the day of the week. If you are using the instructor, we will not schedule classes on your same day. Also, the instructor will not need any of his/her own equipment. We have our own computer lab. I would appreciate any responses. Thank you!

Recently Certified Professionals!
Certified Park & Recreation Professionals (CPRP)
Shonnah Flaherty, Byron Forest Preserve Katrin Humphrey, SRSNLC Rachel Lux, Waukegan Park District Renee Miles, NWSRA

Associate Park & Recreation Professionals (APRP)
Debbie Cimaglio, Gurnee Park District Melton Goldmon, Park District of Highland Park Christine Trigsted, Gurnee Park District Lynsey Heathcote, Bartlett Park District

Volunteer For The 2006 Western Open
Be apart of the Western Open tradition and volunteer your time this summer. IPRA coordinates to the only free volunteering program at the Western Open. Not only will you get to hang out with your friends and contribute to the largest group of volunteers at the golf tournament, you will also get a free golf shirt, a free hat/visor, free food and drinks and free admission for the days you aren't volunteering!

IPRA’s role in the Western Open tournament is to recruit, organize, train, and supervise volunteers who work in the clubhouse, the hospitality areas, gate and ticket operations, and VIP player parking. IPRA’s solid reputation in the parks and recreation field has resulted in 13 years of peak efficiency, steady volunteer management, creative problem-solving, and superb customer service.

Planning A Daytrip This Summer?
Your group will have a blast going to the Schuamburg Flyers and Kane County Cougars minor league baseball games! Maybe spending the day Six Flags Great America and splashing around at Hurricane Harbor Water Park is more your style.

The Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox outings are already sold out.

Click here to get registered for your next outing!