PlayCore, a leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of a broad range of play and recreation products along with its GameTime brand are thrilled to recognize 17 Illinois park and recreation departments at the upcoming IAPD/IPRA 2018 Exploring New Heights Conference in Chicago.

The park and recreation departments that were awarded grant funds from GameTime totaling 1.7 million dollars, were part of an Illinois statewide initiative to promote healthy play in partnership with Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA), PlayCore, and GameTime. Each project fully implemented evidence-based best practices and have been designated as National Demonstration Sites in areas such as inclusive play, physical activity, fitness, and nature integration.  These high-quality park projects have contributed data towards the initial publication of a white paper that highlights best practices and outcomes achieved.

Friday’s Conference Session, IPRA Promotes Play Statewide Initiative: Turning Research Into Practice, will highlight the awardees that deployed research throughout the state in an effort to innovate new park and recreation destinations that intentionally promote health and wellness.  Additionally, each department will be recognized at IPRA’s Annual Business Meeting for their leadership.  

“Parks play a critical role in the quality of life of communities.  These projects are outstanding examples that will further champion play and recreation initiatives, demonstrate effective strategies, and share positive outcomes, said Jennie Sumrell, Director of Education at PlayCore. “The leadership case examples are inspiring and we look forward to sharing their success stories.”

The park and recreation departments that will be recognized for their participation in the IPRA Promotes Play Statewide Initiative include:

Alton Parks and Recreation

Oregon Park District

Bartlett Park District

Palatine Park District

Bolingbrook Park District

Plainfield Park District

City of Galesburg Parks & Recreation

Pleasant Dale Park District

City of Pontiac Parks and Recreation

Schaumburg Park District

Crystal Lake Park District

Tinley Park Park District

DeKalb Park District

Village of Lake in the Hills Parks and Recreation Department

Naperville Park District

Wheeling Park District

Oak Lawn Park District

 

About IPRA

Established in 1944, the Illinois Park and Recreation Association’s mission is to provide and promote exceptional standards of education, networking, and resources for all professionals in the Illinois park, recreation, and conservation communities. Learn more at ILipra.org

About PlayCore

PlayCore helps build stronger communities around the world by advancing play through research, education, and partnerships. The company infuses this learning into its complete family of brands. PlayCore combines best in class planning and education programs with the most comprehensive array of recreation products available to create play solutions that match the unique needs of each community they serve. Learn more at playcore.com.