Again Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA), PlayCORE, GameTime and Cunningham Recreation are aligning resources and strategically partnering for the second state-wide funding initiative. This educational/funding initiative promotes best practices in parks and recreation, provide quality education, and arm communities with evidence-based resources.
Parks are essential to creating healthier, happier societies across generations. Complimentary professional development events will be hosted on November 27 – December 3 in multiple cities across the state of Illinois. This interactive education symposium will help participants effectively fuel their community’s passion for play and recreation and empower stakeholders to become champions for high quality outdoor play and recreation environments that meet the diverse needs of children, families, and communities.
Attendees will be inspired by unique design and program innovations, leadership case examples, and strategies to creatively consider the needs and goals of community stakeholders. The content and hands-on learning activities will equip participants in developing strong advocacy messages of how investing in parks and recreation has a positive impact on building viable communities through physical activity, inclusive play, engagement with nature, and play value in a collaborative effort to improve the quality of life in communities across Illinois.
Each city's local parks and recreation organization will host the symposiums designed for professionals in the fields of park and recreation, landscape architecture, and education. The sessions will offer Continuing Education Units for professionals and promise to be lively, informative, and educational. Communities that did not participate in the first partnership funding initiative are excited to have the opportunity to do so this time. Some communities that previously participated are hoping to bring more play and fitness opportunities to their communities.
