Bill Text: IL SR0256 | 2013-2014 | 98th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Designates May 1, 2013 as Parks and Park District Day in the State of Illinois and recognizes the board of trustees, staff, and entire membership of the Illinois Association of Park Districts on the occasion of its 85th anniversary.

Sponsorship: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-1)

Status: (Passed) 2013-05-01 - Resolution Adopted [SR0256 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2013-SR0256-Introduced.html

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SR0256 LRB098 11843 GRL 45021 r
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD)
is recognizing a momentous hallmark in its exceptional years of
service by celebrating its 85th anniversary during 2013; and
WHEREAS, The Illinois Association of Park Districts
represents more than 2,100 locally elected officials and serves
more than 360 park districts, forest preserves, conservation,
recreation, and special recreation agencies throughout the
State of Illinois; and
WHEREAS, During the past 85 years, thousands of elected
park officials have selflessly embraced the meaning of true
volunteerism, dedicating countless hours of service and
contributing their wisdom, talents and resources to the
Illinois Association of Park Districts and to improving the
quality of life in the communities they represent; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its 85-year history, the Illinois
Association of Park Districts has advanced its member agencies,
their citizen board members, and professional staff through
education, research, and advocacy in order to enhance their
ability to provide outstanding park and recreation
opportunities, preserve natural resources, and improve the
quality of life for all people in Illinois; and

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

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