Author: PDOP

OAK PARK, IL (October 21, 2025) – The Park District of Oak Park has been recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA).

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. “Illinois is widely regarded as home to the nation’s leading park districts, forest preserves, conservation districts, recreation, and special recreation agencies.” said Peter Murphy, IAPD President and CEO. “The Distinguished Accreditation program gives agencies the opportunity to undergo a voluntary, comprehensive evaluation to demonstrate that they meet established standards and criteria for delivering exceptional park and recreation services.”  

“This program gives recognition to park and recreation agencies, and forest preserve districts that demonstrate a strong commitment to providing exceptional programs, services, and facilities that enrich the lives of their communities and residents,” said Suzi Wirtz, IPRA Executive Director. “Achieving Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation is a testament to the dedication of the agency, its staff, board, and community. This accomplishment strengthens quality of life and contributes to making Illinois one of the best places to live, work, and recreate.” 

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 (JDPRAC) comprised of members from IAPD and IPRA coordinates the process. “Agencies submit a self-evaluation and a formal letter requesting admission into the process,” said Jan Arnold, IPRA Co-Chair of the JDPRAC. “If the committee determines the agency is eligible to continue the process, the agency is assigned a mentor to assist them with their preparation toward an evaluation date.” 

According to Arnold, 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.

Upon completion of the evaluation, the agency is notified in writing of the official results within ten days. Agencies that have achieved Distinguished Accredited status are recognized during the IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference in January.

“There are tremendous benefits for an agency that achieves Distinguished Accredited status,” said Jay Moffat, IAPD Co-Chair of the JDPRAC. “The agency’s application and review process are an excellent self-evaluation and agencies that apply realize increased operational efficiency and effectiveness. Communities can have confidence that their park district, forest preserve district, or recreation agency employs qualified professionals and has met professional standards.”

The JDPRAC approved the Park District of Oak Park for Distinguished Accredited status in November 2025, after awarding the district more than a perfect score due to extra credit opportunities.     

In compliance with the program, the Park District of Oak Park will be reevaluated in six years to verify that they have continued to demonstrate sound management practices in providing quality park and recreation services to the community.

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About IAPD: IAPD is a non-profit service, research, and education organization that serves park districts, forest preserves, conservation districts, recreation departments, and special recreation associations. The association advances these agencies, their citizen board members, and professional staff in their ability to provide outstanding park and recreation opportunities, preserve natural resources and improve the quality of life for all people in Illinois.

About IPRA: IPRA’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. The association advances professional knowledge and business excellence and enhances networking and growth for all professionals in the state of Illinois.

About Park District of Oak Park: The Park District of Oak Park serves the recreation needs of Oak Park’s 54,000 residents, providing nearly 8,000 programs and special events annually throughout our versatile recreation centers, 18 parks totaling 84 acres, a community recreation center, two outdoor pools, an indoor ice rink, a gymnastic center, the Oak Park Conservatory, Cheney Mansion and Pleasant Home. Since 1912, our high-quality programs and well-maintained parks and facilities have dependably met residents’ diverse leisure, wellness, childcare and other needs and helped enhance quality of life. Learn more at pdop.org.

Mark of distinction recognizes commitment to highest level of service to community

OAK PARK, IL (October 21, 2025) – The Park District of Oak Park joins the ranks of elite park and recreation agencies across the country and internationally by earning accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). This distinguished accomplishment was awarded during the 2025 NRPA Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida.

CAPRA accreditation is the only national accreditation for park and recreation agencies and is a measure of an agency’s overall quality of operation, management and service to the community. This mark of distinction indicates that an agency has met rigorous standards related to the management and administration of lands, facilities, resources, programs, safety and services.

As part of the accreditation process, the Park District of Oak Park had to demonstrate compliance with 154 recognized standards and document all policies and procedures. Often the process helps identify efficiencies and heighten areas of accountability, all of which translate into higher quality service and operation to benefit the community.

The process for accreditation involves a formal application, self-assessments, a site visit by a team of trained volunteers that results in a written report, and a hearing with the Commission to grant accreditation.

The Commission is comprised of representatives from NRPA, the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials, the International City/County Management Association, The Academy for Leisure Sciences, the Armed Forces Recreation Network, the Council of State Executive Directors, The National Recreation and Park Ethnic Minority Society, The National Association of State Park Directors, and the American Therapeutic Recreation Association.

For more information about CAPRA accreditation, visit nrpa.org/CAPRA. To learn more about NRPA, visit nrpa.org.

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About Park District of Oak Park: The Park District of Oak Park serves the recreation needs of Oak Park’s 54,000 residents, providing nearly 8,000 programs and special events annually throughout our versatile recreation centers, 18 parks totaling 84 acres, a community recreation center, two outdoor pools, an indoor ice rink, a gymnastic center, the Oak Park Conservatory, Cheney Mansion and Pleasant Home. Since 1912, our high-quality programs and well-maintained parks and facilities have dependably met residents’ diverse leisure, wellness, childcare and other needs and helped enhance quality of life. Learn more at pdop.org.

About the National Recreation and Park Association: The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and supporters — the catalysts for positive change in service of parks for all, environmental resilience, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit parksandrecreation.org.

OAK PARK, IL (September 25, 2025)—For the third time in history, the Park District of Oak Park has been named the best in the nation for park and recreation management. The District received the Grand Plaque in the 2025 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, the highest honor in the field on September 17 at the National Recreation and Parks Association’s national conference in Orlando, FL.

The Gold Medal Award, presented by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recognizes public park and recreation agencies and state park systems across the United States that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation. Agencies are judged on their vision, innovation, environmental stewardship, programming, and commitment to serving residents. Each year, only one agency is selected as the national winner in each population category.

“This award is a true testament to the vision and dedication of our entire community,” said Kassie Porrecca, President of the Park District Board of Commissioners. “Our residents, staff, volunteers, and fellow commissioners have all played a role in achieving this honor. Winning the Gold Medal for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management affirms that Oak Park is not only a wonderful place to live but also a national leader creating parks and programs that enrich the lives of our residents every day.”

Agencies across the country undergo a rigorous review and are judged on their management expertise to address the needs of those they serve through the collective energies of community members, staff members, and elected officials. In March, the Park District was named as one of only four Finalists in Class IV, representing communities with populations of 30,001 to 75,000, a remarkable achievement in itself.

Advancing to the Grand Plaque round placed the District among the very best park and recreation agencies in the nation. In the final stage, each Finalist submitted a five-minute video in support of their application, highlighting their story and accomplishments. Additionally, the judges reviewed progress on the Park District’s Comprehensive and Strategic Plans.

A panel of five park and recreation professionals judged all application materials. Judges are chosen for their considerable experience and knowledge of parks and recreation on both the local and national levels.

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized on a national stage for the work we do every day in partnership with our community,” said Jan Arnold, Executive Director of the Park District of Oak Park. “Earning the Gold Medal is the highest honor we could earn and is a reflection of our team’s commitment to providing high-quality, accessible recreational opportunities, maintaining beautiful parks, and creating meaningful experiences for all.”

The Park District of Oak Park has a proud history with the Gold Medal Award program. The District earned the Grand Plaque in 1966, the inaugural year of the award, and again in 2015. In addition, the Park District has been recognized as a national Finalist for the past five consecutive years, an accomplishment that demonstrates the District’s sustained excellence and leadership in the field. The District credits its success to the strong support of Oak Park residents, whose participation, feedback, and involvement continue to shape parks, programs, and facilities.

The Park District invites the community to celebrate this national achievement by exploring the parks, programs, and facilities that make Oak Park a great place to live, work, and play.

For more information on the National Gold Medal Award program, visit www.nrpa.org/goldmedal or www.aapra.org.

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About Park District of Oak Park: The Park District of Oak Park serves the recreation needs of Oak Park’s 54,000 residents, providing nearly 8,000 programs and special events annually throughout our versatile recreation centers, 18 parks totaling 84 acres, a community recreation center, two outdoor pools, an indoor ice rink, a gymnastic center, the Oak Park Conservatory, Cheney Mansion and Pleasant Home. Since 1912, our high-quality programs and well-maintained parks and facilities have dependably met residents’ diverse leisure, wellness, childcare and other needs and helped enhance quality of life. Learn more at pdop.org.