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illinoisVo l u m e 4 3 , N u m b e r 6PRNovember/December 2012PARKS AND RECREATIONThe magazine of the Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Park and Recreation Associationprogramming trendsPLUS: 2013 Legal Calendar
IN THIS ISSUE16204From the Editor6Get on Board8Eye on the ProfessionAn expression of gratitude from IAPD President/CEOPeter MurphyGreetings from new IPRA Executive Director DebbieTrueblood10Statehouse Insider122013 Legal Calendar16Wacky Races Set the Pace20A Way to Drum Up New Business23Good Customer Service252623If you ever need to borrow a Viking hat, our editor hasyou coveredJason Anselment shows you how to make the most ofvaluable IAPD member benefitsA convenient resource for key legal dates throughoutthe fiscal yearAdd some fun to your run with non-traditional racethemesDrumming is quickly growing in popularity as a stressrelieving total body fitness programAttorneys Gina Madden and Anthony Ficarelli explorepractical ways to improve customer service and createloyalty2012 Best of the Best Awards GalaPeople and PlacesFaces and places making news around the stateOn the Cover: “Kids with Attitude” by Melissa Swanner,Geneva Park District, was the 2011 Give Us Your Best Shot photocontest second place winner in the Sports category.I L L I N O I SP A R K SA N DR E C R E A T I O N
illinoisFROM THE EDITOROn a sunny Saturday morningin early August, my husband,Jeremy, and a carload of hisfriends – one from as far awayas Florida – headed out tospend the day covered in mud,running up steep inclines,dodging barbed wire andjumping over fire. It wasn't amilitary training exercise oranything of the sort. It was aWarrior Dash, and they paid 85 apiece for the privilege ofputting themselves in oneprecarious situation after another. Their efforts were rewardedwith an “I Survived” medal, a fuzzy Viking hat with horns and anenormous stein of beer.Upon crossing the finish line, Jeremy knew immediately that hewanted to do the Warrior Dash again next year. And almost asquickly, he began reaching out to friends on Facebook,encouraging them to give it a try as well. (For the record, Ideclined the invitation.)You can't put a price on word-of-mouth advertising, especially inthis modern era when excitement and enthusiasm – along withphotos from the event and even links to online event pages – arespread so quickly through social media. In a day's time, thisnovice who has never participated in an organized race beforewas transformed into an eager advocate for fun runs. And hisexperience is far from unusual.On page 16, Ian Everett explores the burgeoning trend of themeruns that take participants off the beaten path – sometimes quiteliterally. From mud-soaked obstacle courses to 'run for your life'zombie-crazed races, the options are as endless as theimagination. If your agency hosts an unusual running event, we'dlove to hear about it at editorialdept@ilparks.org.Another non-traditional programming trend allows participants toimprove brain waves, reduce stress and build endurance througha cardio workout – burning up to 400 calories an hour – in a fungroup atmosphere. Who knew banging a drum had so manyhealth benefits? Read more about the drumming trend on page20.These are just two innovative programming trends with thepotential to bring new participants to your agency, but how doyou convert initial curiosity into long-term loyalty? Attorneys GinaMadden and Anthony Ficarelli suggest that while qualityprogramming gets consumers in the door, it's quality customerservice that brings them back. Learn which techniques theysuggest on page 23.Best regards,— LORI HARLANPhoto ContestDeadline December 3rdThe "Give Us Your Best Shot" photo contest, sponsored by theIAPD and IPRA, is a great way to showcase your agency. Contestphotos are used in a variety of ways throughout the year, andwinning photos are displayed at our annual conference. Do youhave great shots from agency events? Enter them to win! Thecontest deadline is December 3, 2012. Contest rules and waiverform are available online at ILParks.org.4Illinois Parks & RecreationPRPARKS AND RECREATION211 East Monroe Street, Springfield, Illinois 62701-1186 217.523.4554 FAX 217.523.4273 iapd@ILparks.org www.ILparks.org www.ILipra.orgManaging EditorPETER M. MURPHY, President and Chief Executive Officer, IAPDGraphic DesignGOSS GRAPHIC DESIGN, 217.423.4739, www.gossgrfx.comEditorLORI HARLAN, Publications Director, IAPDJOINT EDITORIAL COMMITTEEIAPD RepresentativesIPRA RepresentativesANN AUSTIN, Rock Island Park & Recreation DepartmentJENNIFER BLUM, Round Lake Area Park DistrictROBERT GELWICKS, Downers Grove Park DistrictMIKE KROST, Chillicothe Park DistrictNATHANIEL "NATE" MARTIN, Rockford Park DistrictARNIE BIONDO, Carol Stream Park DistrictLAURA BARRON, Oakbrook Terrace Park DistrictLISA LEONE, Lisle Park DistrictILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF PARK DISTRICTSLINDA JOHNSON, Chairman, Crete Park DistrictDON ANDERSEN, Chairman-Elect, Oak Lawn Park DistrictWALLY FRASIER, Immediate Past Chairman, Mundelein Park & Recreation DistrictDIANE MAIN, Vice Chairman, Westmont Park DistrictNATHANIEL “NATE” MARTIN, Vice Chairman, Rockford Park DistrictJOSEPH PETRY, Vice Chairman, Champaign Park DistrictGRAY NOLL, Treasurer, Springfield Park DistrictERIC ENTLER, Sergeant-At-Arms, Park District of Forest ParkTOM BARZ, Frankfort Park DistrictGAYLE CINKE, Grayslake Community Park DistrictKEN COLLIN, Freeport Park DistrictCAROLYN EDLEY, East Saint Louis Park DistrictJOHN HOSCHEIT, Forest Preserve District of Kane CountyIAN LARKIN, Winnetka Park DistrictRON LEHMAN, Channahon Park DistrictDAVID MCDEVITT, Effingham Park DistrictCHRIS RILEY, Decatur Park DistrictFRANK SCARPELLI, Dundee Township Park DistrictMIKE VOGL, Bloomingdale Park DistrictIAPD HEADQUARTERS211 East Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62701-1186 217.523.4554 www.ILparks.orgPETER M. MURPHY, President and Chief Executive OfficerJASON ANSELMENT, Legal/Legislative CounselCINDY DEITERS, Marketing DirectorLORI HARLAN, Publications DirectorBOBBIE JO HILL, Public Relations DirectorALAN HOWARD, Finance DirectorSHERRI KHILE, Executive SecretarySHANNON SARTAIN, Legal SecretarySUE TRIPHAHN, CMP, Educational Services DirectorILLINOIS PARK AND RECREATION ASSOCIATIONJOHN CURRAN, Chairman, Tinley Park Park DistrictALLISON L. NIEMELA, Chairman-Elect, Batavia Park DistrictLORIKAY PADEN, Immediate Past Chairman, University of IllinoisCHICAGO METRO REGIONJANICE P. HINCAPIE, Lincolnwood Parks & Recreation DepartmentSOUTHERN REGIONMARY JEANNE HUTCHISON, O'Fallon Parks and RecreationCENTRAL REGIONJOSEPH C. DELUCE, Champaign Park DistrictNORTHERN REGIONPATRICK J. KLOSS, Belvidere Park DistrictCOUNCIL REPRESENTATIVENANCY M. MCCAUL, Fox Valley Park DistrictMEMBER-AT-LARGERICK A. HANETHO, Northbrook Park DistrictIPRA HEADQUARTERS536 East Avenue, LaGrange, IL 60525-6815 708.588.2280 Fax 708.354.0535 www.ILipra.orgDEBBIE TRUEBLOOD, Executive DirectorMATT FAIRBANKS, Membership and Education DirectorBARRY FRANKS, Finance DirectorDINA KARTCH, Meeting and Conference DirectorSHEILA MULVEY-TATORIS, Education and Member Services ManagerHEATHER WEISHAAR, Communications and Development ManagerIllinois Parks and Recreation(ISSN 0019-2155) is published bimonthly at 211 E. Monroe Street, Springfield, Illinois, by the Illinois Association of Park Districts and the IllinoisPark and Recreation Association. Annual subscription rates: 12 for IAPD/IPRA members; 50 for non-members; 60 foreign; 20 educationalinstitutions. Single copies: 2 members; 10 nonmembers. Periodicals postage paid at Springfield, Illinois and additional post offices.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Illinois Parks & Recreation, 211 E. Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62701-1186. Opinions expressed inthis publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily express the official views of the IAPD/IPRA. Likewise, the publication of anyadvertisement is not to be construed as an endorsement of the product or services offered. Members of the IAPD and the IPRA and otherinterested persons are encouraged to submit articles and illustrative photos for possible publication in the magazine. Send for manuscriptguidelines and deadline dates: Editor, Illinois Parks & Recreation, 211 E. Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62701-1186, 217.523.4554,iapd@ILparks.org, www.ILparks.org. By submitting articles for publication, authors are assigning the copyright to the Illinois Association ofPark Districts.Copyright by the Illinois Association of Park Districts and theIllinois Park and Recreation Association. All rights reserved.Reprints of articles in whole or in part without prior writtenpermission are prohibited.w w w. i p r a o n l i n e . c o m
w w w. I L p a r k s . o r gNovember/December 20125
gGET ON BOARDVolunteerism The Hallmark of SuccessPeter M. MurphyIAPD President and CEOAs 2012 draws to a close, I look back on the year and all weaccomplished with great pride. An association is only as strongas its membership, and the Illinois Association of Park Districtsis fortunate to have countless dedicated, hard-workingmembers whose support enables us to succeed at the highestlevels.I would be remiss if I didn't pause to say thank you to each ofyou who played a role in helping IAPD not only to achieve ourgoals but also in inspiring us to aim even higher next year. In2013, IAPD will celebrate its 85th anniversary, and we areexcited to share this milestone with our membership.I recently had the privilege of recognizing many of ourmembers’ citizen volunteers and business partners at IAPD'ssixth annual Best of the Best Awards Gala. These individuals,organizations and businesses have made an indelible impact intheir communities through their service and generosity.It was an exciting evening that reflected the unique supportpark districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreationagencies receive from volunteers throughout the state of Illinois.Their stories and those like them need to be told, and Iencourage each of you to actively do this at the local level.In addition, this year we recognized 60 commissioners forservice anniversaries totaling more than 975 years, includingChannahon Park District's Ron Lehman whose four decades ofservice is an inspiration to us all. Now that is volunteerism atits best.If you haven't recognized your commissioners' service anniversaries, itis not too late. Contact Bobbie Jo Hill (bjhill@ilparks.org) for moreinformation.Feeling gratitude andnot expressing it is likewrapping a present andnot giving it.- William Arthur WardPark districts have a rich history in Illinois, and the following IAPDmembers were also recognized for agency anniversaries:Oak Brook Park District – 50 yearsRiverdale Park District – 75 yearsDolton Park District – 85 yearsForest Preserve District of Will County – 85 yearsGlencoe Park District – 100 yearsIn this fast-paced world, time is a priceless commodity, which makesvolunteer work all the more admirable. Thank you to each of youwhose passion and hard work improves the quality of life and protectsthe fragile natural resources in your community. Illinois' park,recreation and conservation system is second to none in the nationthanks to your perseverance.I would also like to publicly thank the sponsors whose generositymade the 11th Annual IAPD Summer Golf Tour a success.Special thanks to our tour sponsor, W-T Engineering, Inc. Thank youto our tour hole sponsors: Ancel Glink, Call One, FGM Architects,Hyatt Regency Chicago, IPARKS, Mesirow Financial, Musco SportsLighting, PDRMA, Planning Resources and Speer Financial, Inc.6Illinois Parks & Recreationw w w. i p r a o n l i n e . c o m
2013 CALENDAR OF EVENTSJanuary 24-26IAPD/IPRA AnnualConferenceHyatt Regency ChicagoApril/MayFlying 4 Kids MonthWe also appreciate our hole sponsors: Cunningham Recreation,Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Hitchcock Design Group, The MulchCenter, PHN Architects, PMA Financial Network, Inc., Rose PavingCompany and Tressler LLP.A special thank you also goes to the hosts of the 2012 SummerGolf Tour: Settler's Hill Golf Course (GolfVisions Management, Inc.),Arrowhead Golf Club (Wheaton Park District), Shepherd's CrookGolf Course (Zion Park District) and Fox Bend Golf Course(Oswegoland Park District).The generous support of our sponsors and the hard work ofeveryone involved in this summer's tour make it the networkingevent of the year. Mark your calendars now with dates for the 2013Summer Golf Tour (listed in the Calendar of Events) and get readyfor another tremendous tour next year.Legal Symposium Still Available ThroughLive StreamingThe 2012 Legal Symposium held in October was another first-classIAPD training event designed to keep our members up-to-date onchanges in the law.Special thanks to Speer Financial, Inc., event sponsor; Chase,breakfast sponsor; and Chapman and Cutler LLP, luncheon sponsor.If you missed the event, it's not too late to participate. For the firsttime ever, IAPD conducted live streaming which broadcast theevent in real time allowing participants who registered toparticipate from the comfort of their offices. The live streaming wasrecorded, and the entire symposium, including handouts, will beavailable for purchase soon. Watch your inbox for an email withmore information.April 30Parks Day at the CapitolState Capitol, SpringfieldApril 30Legislative ReceptionIllini Country Club,SpringfieldMay 1Legislative ConferenceCrowne Plaza, SpringfieldAugust 17Park DistrictConservation DayIllinois StateFairgrounds,SpringfieldAugust 20Summer Golf TourEvent #3 – NoonShotgunFoss Park Golf CourseFoss Park DistrictSeptember 9Summer Golf TourEvent #4 – 9 a.m.ShotgunPrairie Bluff GolfCourseLockport TownshipPark DistrictMay 20SummerGolfTour EventFor the mostup-to-dateCalendar of Events and information forregistrationvisit the IAPD websiteat www.ILparks.org.September27#1– NoonpleaseShotgunIAPD Best of the BestPalatine Hills Golf ClubAwards GalaPalatine Park DistrictChevy Chase CountryClub, Wheeling ParkJune 10DistrictSummer Golf Tour Event#2 – Noon ShotgunOctober 8-10Old OrchardNRPA Congress &Country ClubExpositionProspect Heights ParkHouston, TexasDistrictJuly 18Legislative Golf OutingWhite Pines Golf ClubBensenville Park DistrictNovember 7Legal SymposiumHamburger University,Oak BrookFor the most up-to-date Calendar of Events, pleasevisit the IAPD website at www.ILparks.org.At IAPD, we are committed to harnessing the power of technologyto educate and empower our membership. I am proud of theassociation’s accomplishments this year, and even more excitedabout our 85th year of service to our membership in 2013. I wishyou and your family a healthy and happy holiday season and NewYear.w w w. I L p a r k s . o r gNovember/December 20127
eEYE ON THE PROFESSIONA C LO S E R LO O K AT T R E N D S A N D I S S U E S I N T H E PA R K A N D R E C R E AT I O N P R O F E S S I O NBenefits Abound withIPRA MembershipBy Debbie TruebloodIPRA Executive DirectorOnce again, it is my pleasure to meet you as the new ExecutiveDirector for IPRA. I have been with IPRA since August 1, and I havegreatly enjoyed my time so far. I have been out traveling nearly everyday meeting members from every section, large and small agenciesall over the state as well as meeting people and forming partnershipsand collaborations with other associations. IPRA has been incrediblywelcoming to me, and I appreciate so much all the people who haveshared their perspectives on IPRA with me. I look forward to meetingmany more members. If you would like me to come out and visit youragency and learn more about your programs and facilities, pleaseemail me at debbie@ilipra.org. Specifically, I would like to meetpeople from agencies who have not been involved with IPRA in thepast or who have something they want to share with me about theirperspective. I would also very much like to hear from students andnew professionals about your thoughts.While I am out traveling and meeting members, it is also a busy timefor IPRA as we start getting ready for membership renewal time,elections, budgets and final planning for the annual conference.Soon it will be dues renewal time once again. We have all heard thestatement that “We pay dues to get the conference member discountrate” or “I'm a member because my employer signed me up,” but Ithink there is a much bigger picture to consider. The questions I hearfrequently are, “Why does IPRA charge dues? What do we get for ourdues? How come other groups do not charge as much for their dues?”Let's discuss!Plus, as this issue of IP&R is about programming, it is a greatopportunity to share with you a few thoughts on IPRA's programmingfor our members.At IPRA, we are not just a group of people working in parks andrecreation, held together loosely by a board of directors; we are amembership organization, and we do much more than put on thejoint conference with IAPD. We come together for many activities andprojects, some of which are opportunities for members to volunteer,and others are activities which directly benefit the membership.8Illinois Parks & RecreationIPRA is an investment in your career and an opportunity to learn,connect and inspire others in the community. IPRA has manymember benefits that may help you to advance your career:1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.Network of 2,500 members and growingAccess to complete online membership directory and resource librarySubscription to Illinois Parks & Recreation magazine46% discount to Soaring to New Heights conferenceOpportunity to compete for awards and recognition for you or youragency50% discount on educational opportunities including in-personsessions, webinars and the new Leadership Academy25% discount on online job postingsOpportunity to serve on committees and get involved with SectionsAccess to bulk purchase rates through Joint Purchase ProgramIPRA is an investment inyour career and anopportunity to learn,connect and inspire othersin the community.Here is what some of your colleagues said about their membership withIPRA in the 2011 membership satisfaction survey:“I was able to expand my connections in the facility/program areawith other districts. This allowed me to increase my knowledge of thearea and receive/share great programming ideas and vendorcontacts.”“It provided me with the experiences and opportunities that I trulybelieve helped me to grow as a professional and land the position thatI currently have. I am a strong advocate for my profession and IPRA,and my sections have provided me the spring board to exploreinvolvement on a national level.”w w w. i p r a o n l i n e . c o m
“I am a firm believer in IPRA and what it has provided for methroughout my years. I hope to be a big part in assisting with thefuture of this association for all current and future professionals.”From what I can see, as a new person coming in, most people joinIPRA so they can work on a project in some way, participate with asection or attend an educational event on a specific topic. But I hearfrom members frequently that they stay with IPRA year after yearbecause of the friendships and connections they have made here,sometimes spanning several decades. Membership creates a situationwhere colleagues can work as volunteers and leaders together,continuing to build their professional network as they acquire newskills, learning, connecting and inspiring each other in this communityof parks and recreation professionals.To new people and those who may be reading a colleague's copy ofthis magazine, please feel welcome to try us out and join our family.Each of us was the new girl or the new boy once. (I am still quite newmyself!) Give it a chance, and you will find you quickly have manyfriends here. I feel I am already making connections and friendshipsin IPRA.This year, at dues time, we have made it a little easier for you torenew. We will highlight on-line renewal for individuals as well asrenewal for multiple staff from the same agency. Those who renewearly by December 15 will get a 15 discount, and those who renewearly and on-line will also have their names (the names of themembers, not the person submitting the information) entered into araffle for a free iPad. Watch your email for more information.UPCOMING IPRAEDUCATIONAL OFFERINGSNovember 2Certified Park and RecreationProfessional (CPRP) ExamPreparationMatteson Community Center10 AM - 4 PMNovember 3Early Childhood Trends WorkshopDowners Grove Park District Lincoln Center8:30AM - 11:45AMNovember 11-14Professional Development SchoolDecatur Conference Center & HotelWe are already planning for some exciting programs in 2013: We plan to continue working with the new MembershipCouncil to better serve the sections and bring all our memberstogether for more networking and educational opportunities. We plan to continue to build on our partnerships andcollaborations with other related associations to discover moreways to serve all our collective members. We plan to develop more technologies to enhance memberservices, adding to the website redesign and enhancementsfrom 2011. We plan to once again host a members-only educational eventwith an outside speaker (similar to the “Oz Principle”presentation from 2012) sponsored in part by the Foundation. We plan to work toward a new strategic plan to begin in 2014. We plan to bring back the popular Leadership Academy.November 30Innovation Renovation Workshop- People, Purpose, PassionOak Brook Park District;Central Park West9 AM - 3 PMJanuary 24-26, 2013IAPD/IPRASoaring to New HeightsConferenceHyatt Regency ChicagoSo, as we get ready for dues season, share with me your thoughtsand perspectives on IPRA, and while you are at it, share with mewhat keeps you coming back to IPRA at debbie@ilipra.org. We willshare your testimonials, and it will give me a chance to get to knowyou.For the mostup-to-date Calendarof Events, pleasevisit the IPRA websiteat www.ILipra.org.w w w. I L p a r k s . o r gNovember/December 20129
sSTATEHOUSE INSIDERI S S U E S & I N S I G H T S F R O M T H E L E G A L / L E G I S L AT I V E S C E N EAre You Taking Advantage of One of IAPD'sMost Valuable Member Benefits?Jason AnselmentLegal/Legislative CounselEach year, IAPD responds to hundreds of legal-relatedinquiries from member agencies. Questions related to theFreedom of Information Act, the Open Meetings Act,financial procedures, tax levies, and purchasing propertyare just a few of the most popular topics.Indeed, the general legal guidance we are able to provideis one of IAPD's most valuable member benefits. Whetherwe are consulting with board members, professionals oragency attorneys, IAPD is pleased to discuss legal issuesfacing its members.Visit IAPD’s Homepageat www.ILParks.orgto Access Legal ResourcesAlthough IAPD is never more than a phone call away, wehave been striving to make more and more resourcesavailable to our members through the simple click of abutton. Over the past few years, IAPD has revamped theLegal Assistance section of our website. We havedeveloped numerous legal resources such as modelpolicies, templates and forms, sample ordinances,answers to frequent member inquiries, and a section oncourt opinions, to name just a few. In fact, we continue toroll out new features each month, so it is important to visitthe Legal Assistance web page frequently to find the latestadditions.Member Resources Save Time and ExpenseBased on the feedback we have received from members,the most popular resources can be accessed through theMember Resources page of the Legal Assistance section.There, you will find valuable resources IAPD hasdeveloped exclusively for our members.For example, model conduct ordinances on nearly 60different topics are available. You can also find modelpolicies for permitting remote attendance under the OpenMeetings Act, a sample Soccer Goal Safety and EducationPolicy, a template for the new Notice of Availability ofAudit Report form that is saving some members thousandsof dollars in lieu of publishing their annual treasurer'sreport, as well as a sample Identity Protection Policy.Primers on the Open Meetings Act, the Prevailing Wage10Illinois Parks & RecreationAct, the Public Officers Prohibited Activities Act and guidelines forcomplying with restrictions on election activities are also available to IAPDmembers only.Practice Tools Provide Guidance on Common AreasOne of the most recent additions to the Legal Assistance section is thePractice Tools page. Members can access useful resources from state andfederal agencies which help local governments comply with legalrequirements. For instance, resources related to the new electronic trainingrequirements on the Open Meetings Act, forms for complying withPrevailing Wage Act requirements, record retention policies and otherinformation concerning the Local Records Act and sample sexualharassment policies are just a few of the resources available at the PracticeTools page. Information on important topics such as concussion awarenessand prevention and playground safety are also available.w w w. i p r a o n l i n e . c o m
Popular Member Inquiries Answer YourQuestions, TooMany of the questions put to IAPD have been asked by othermember agencies in the past. We also recognize that otheragencies may have these same questions. In order to chroniclethese common questions, and the answers to them, this pastsummer IAPD unveiled one of our newest resources. The MemberInquiries page is dedicated to common questions facing IAPDmember agencies. At least once a month, IAPD adds a newquestion with the corresponding answer, so visit this page often.Public Resources - Your One-Stop ShopIn an effort to make it easier to find pertinent, useful websites,IAPD developed a single page that contains links to more than 50popular sites. Links to most statutes and administrative rules thataffect IAPD member agencies, as well as websites for Illinoiscourts, state agencies and federal laws are all neatly organized bycategory on the Public Resources page. You can avoid wastingvaluable time searching for legal resources on the web by simplymaking IAPD your one-stop shop.must-have for every agency professional and board member.Based on our conversations with many local counsel with whomwe have worked closely over the years, we also know that copiesof these publications are much appreciated by your agencyattorneys. In fact, the answers to most of the questions that IAPDfields can be found in our publications, and we are committed toexpanding these offerings.Copies of IAPD’s Election Calendar (published in theSeptember/October issue) & Legal Calendar (on page 12) are alsoavailable under the Legal Assistance section. These popular toolsprovide key election dates and deadlines by which agencies mustperform legal obligations.Take Advantage of These Resources TodayAlthough IAPD's legal resources and publications cannot be asubstitute for the independent advice of your own local counsel,they are an extremely valuable way to obtain information aboutlegal matters facing your agency. When members need basicguidance or have an unusual question that requires our expertise,we are always delighted to help point them in the right directionto avoid legal pitfalls or to discuss the matter with their attorneys.Follow the Courts through Recent CasesAnother popular feature is IAPD's Recent Cases section wheremembers can find in-depth discussions on recent court decisionsimpacting park and recreation agencies. Currently, the pageincludes recent opinions pertaining to eminent domain, tax caps,the Tort Immunity Act and more than 10 other legal topics. Likethe Member Inquiries section, IAPD updates this page monthly asnew decisions from Illinois and federal courts are handed down.New judicial decisions have the ability to impact memberagencies as much as new statutes, so it is important to keep upwith this body of law.Timely Information Available Through LegalNewsYet another resource for staying current on the law is throughIAPD’s regular email updates in Legal News. Upcomingdeadlines, newly enacted regulations, and recently released courtdecisions are just a few of the items covered. If you happen tomiss these important emails, you can still obtain copies as allpast editions of Legal News are available under the LegalAssistance section.PURCHASE IAPD PUBLICATIONSMember PriceIllinois Park DistrictFinancial Procedures,7th Edition 35Guide to IllinoisSunshine Laws 25The ParkDistrict Code 10Handbook onIllinois ParkDistrict Law 35Don't Forget IAPD's PublicationsIAPD offers many publications that address nearly all of the legalissues park and recreation agencies confront. The IAPD LawHandbook, the Park District Code, the Financial ProceduresManual and the Guide to Illinois Sunshine Laws are just a few ofIAPD's most popular legal resources. These publications are aTO PLACE YOUR ORDER, VISIT ILParks.org/storew w w. I L p a r k s . o r gNovember/December 201211
legal calendar 2013Prepared by Peter M. Murphy, IAPD President/CEO & Jason Anselment, IAPD Legal/Legislative CounselThe following park district calendar includes key dates based on a fiscal year that begins on May 1 and ends on April 30. For thosepark districts that have adopted another date for the commencement of the fiscal year (70 ILCS 1205/4-4), this calendar must beadjusted for those duties that must be performed at times related to the fiscal year. The calendar is also established around regularpark board meetings held on the third Thursday of each month selected. Selected election dates are based on the ConsolidatedPrimary Election to be held on February 26, 2013, and the Consolidated Election to take place on April 9, 2013. For additionalelection dates, consult IAPD's election calendar published in the September/October issue of Illinois Parks & Recreation.All references are to the Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS).ANNUALREQUIREMENTSAT THE BEGINNING OF THECALENDAR (OR FISCAL) YEAR:? Post the date, time and place ofpark district regular meetings for theyear.
JOSEPH C. DELUCE, Champaign Park District PATRICK J. KLOSS, Belvidere Park District NANCY M. MCCAUL, Fox Valley Park District RICK A. HANETHO, Northbrook Park District Managing Editor PETER M. MURPHY, President and Chief Executive Officer, IAPD Editor LORI HARLAN, Publicat
