April 28, 2024
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Channahon Park District receives distinguished accreditation

End result ‘is to improve the quality of life for Illinois residents’

By Denise M. Baran-Unland

Chris Caldwell, chairman of the Channahon Park District Board of Commissioners, is seen with the Channahon Park District's recent award naming the district an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency. (Photo provided)

The Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association recently recognized the Channahon Park District as an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency.

The two statewide associations administer the Illinois Distinguished Accreditation program with the goal of improving the delivery of park and recreation services to Illinois residents.

The end result of the accreditation “is to improve the quality of life for Illinois residents.” Peter Murphy, IAPD President and CEO, said in a news release.

A park district or recreation agency interested in applying for Distinguished Accredited Agency recognition undergoes a detailed, lengthy process of application and evaluation.

A Joint Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation Committee comprised of members from IAPD and IPRA coordinates the process.

Bob Schmidt, IAPD Co-Chair of the JDPRAC said in the release, “If the committee determines the agency is eligible to continue the process, we send them an evaluation date.”

According to Schmidt, on the day of the evaluation, the agency presents documented information and gives a tour of pertinent facilities and parks for the evaluation team’s review.

The team reviews general management procedures, finance and business operations, facilities and parks, personnel, recreation services, legal documentation and other materials including mission statements, goals, and safety manuals. the news release said.

Agencies that have achieved Distinguished Accredited status were recognized during the IAPD/IPRA Virtual Annual Conference, which was held January 28 to Jan. 30.

In compliance with the program, the Channahon Park District will be reevaluated in six years to verify that it has continued to demonstrate sound management practices in providing quality park and recreation services to the community, the news release said.

The Channahon Park District covers more than 360 square miles and serves over 16,000 people in and around the village of Channahon. The Channahon Park District maintains numerous parks and facilities and plans a variety of programs and activities for all ages throughout the year.

For more information about the Channahon Park District, call 815-467-7275 or visit channahonpark.org.