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.
