By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current
Congratulations are in order to the Staff and Board of the Geneseo Park District!
The Geneseo Park District has been recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (APD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (PRA).
This is the third time the Geneseo Park District has received the award.
The purpose of the award is to improve the quality of life for Illinois residents and to recognize those agencies that provide exceptional Park and Recreation services to their community through a voluntary, comprehensive, professional accreditation process.
Information received from the Park District states, “Successful completion of the Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation process is a testament not only to the agency, but the staff, board and community with the ultimate result of improved quality of life, making Illinois the best place to live, work, and recreate,” said Suzi Wirtz, IPRA Executive Director.
Successful completion of the Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation process has these benefits:
-Recognition that the recreation agency provides exceptional Park and Recreation services to their community.
-Increased operational efficiency and effectiveness.
-Opportunity for updating and clarifying policies and procedures.
-Meet professional standards for facilities and services.
-Acknowledges elected officials as effective and efficient guardians of the public interest in parks and recreation, and of the public resources provided for recreation opportunities.
-Acknowledged as employing qualified professionals.
-Recognized as a leader in the State of Illinois in the field of parks and recreation.
Andy Thurman, Geneseo Park District Executive Director, said, “The Staff and Board of the Geneseo Park District is extremely proud to receive this award for the third time. Going through this rigorous process every five years is a testament to our commitment to excellence. The hard work and dedication over the past five years to uphold these standards and continue operating at such a high level have been tremendous. Our staff has effectively managed the records for the standards, ensuring that the Park District maintains the exceptional level of service our community expects and deserves.”
Information from the Geneseo Park District states that the GPD started the accreditation process in 2011 and received the first Illinois Distinguished Accreditation Award in November of 2012. Since that time, the Park District has continued its commitment to exceeding the highest standards in the park and Recreation profession. Because of the Board and Staff’s commitment, the Geneseo Park District was able to earn 492.58 points out of a base of 500 points. The score exceeded the minimum 440 points required to pass.