Illinois Park and Recreation Association

06/19/2026

In honor of Juneteenth, the IPRA office will be closed today, June 19.

06/17/2026

ADA accessibility updates, concrete repairs, and facility improvement projects can quickly become expensive when outsourced.

Join Illinois Park & Recreation Association and Hard Rock Concrete Cutters, Inc. for a practical Lunch & Learn focused on cost-effective concrete cutting solutions and ADA compliance strategies that can help agencies complete more projects in-house while maintaining safety and accessibility standards.

Learn how the right approach can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and support long-term facility maintenance goals.

📅 Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Register here: https://bit.ly/4xnfEcv

06/16/2026

Registration is now open for the 31st Annual Lifeguard Games!

Hosted by IPRA's Aquatic Committee, this exciting competition gives lifeguards and junior lifeguards the opportunity to showcase their rescue skills, teamwork, athleticism, and agency pride alongside peers from across Illinois. Teams of four will compete in a variety of fitness, teamwork, and lifeguarding challenges designed to test their abilities while having fun.

⏰ Early Bird registration ends June 26
🏊 Lifeguard and Junior Lifeguard divisions available

Gather your team and secure your spot today.

Thank you to our sponsors StarGuard ELITE, Ellis and Associates, PDRMA, and Fifth Third Bank.

Register here: https://bit.ly/4uxJwk1

Hosted by IPRA's Aquatic Committee located within the Facility Management Section, the 31st Annual Lifeguard Games is an exciting opportunity for lifeguards and junior lifeguards to compete for their agency and showcase their skills to their peers. Teams consist of four (4) lifeguards who will ...

06/10/2026

Get the insights you need.

HR Source's 2026 Park and Recreation Compensation Survey benchmarking report provides benchmarks for over 84 diverse positions spanning Administrative Services, Facilities, Recreation and more.

Discover what 121 cooperating agencies are paying so you can make reliable, competitive and equitable decisions by purchasing the full report here: https://bit.ly/4bzOmqE

06/09/2026

Behind the scenes at the 2nd IPRA workforce video shoot!

Thank you to the Bolingbrook Park District for hosting us, and to our amazing “stars” - Jorie Meyer from Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) and Kevin Battles from the Village of University Park - for helping showcase the many opportunities available at park, recreation, and conservation agencies.

Learn more about IPRA’s Workforce Recruitment Resource Kit: https://bit.ly/4iZiMDX

06/08/2026

Employees working through lunch, compensatory time, after-hours communication, and overtime rules continue to create challenges for agencies across Illinois.

Join HR Source for a practical Lunch & Learn focused on common — and risky — wage and hour questions facing park, recreation, and conservation agencies today. Using real-world scenarios, this session will cover compensable time, meal and rest breaks, internships, independent contractors, Illinois-specific requirements, and more.

📅 Tuesday, June 23, 2026
🕚 Register by Monday, June 22 at 12:00 PM CDT

Register here: https://bit.ly/4ea1ofF

06/04/2026

“Whether I have 15 minutes or 50 minutes, I can take courses at my own pace.”

That flexibility is exactly why professionals like Karyn Regner, Youth Enrichment/Day Camp Supervisor at the Town of Normal Parks and Recreation Department, are turning to IPRA University to stay engaged and keep growing—without waiting for the next conference.

Access on-demand courses and CEUs designed to fit your schedule, not the other way around.

Ready to jump in? Start with courses on leadership, networking, DEI, and more: https://www.pathlms.com/ipra-university

06/04/2026

Behind every great program, space, and initiative is someone making it happen.

Suzi Wirtz, IPRA's Executive Director, shares why the IPPY Awards are a chance to highlight the passion and impact of the individuals, teams, and agencies who make a lasting impact in parks, recreation, conservation, and special recreation throughout Illinois.

Know someone who deserves that recognition? Nominate them by July 15!

Nominate here: https://www.ilipra.org/awards-recognition/

06/03/2026

Six County Senior Games is back for its 44th year this summer!

Join us June 25-July 21 for weeks of friendly competition, connection, and community as adults ages 50+ come together to celebrate active living and sportsmanship across a variety of events.

From first-time participants to longtime competitors, the Games offer something for everyone with opportunities to challenge yourself, meet new people, and have fun along the way.

Pickleball: https://bit.ly/43zU6fb
Individual Events: https://bit.ly/4dDgRVz
Team Events: https://bit.ly/4nRPAC4

06/02/2026

Are you missing out?

If you work in parks, rec, or conservation, this is the perfect magazine for you!

From industry trends to legislative updates to real success stories from across Illinois, Illinois Parks & Recreation Magazine keeps you in the loop (and inspired).

Read the May/June digital edition: https://bit.ly/4uJat50