Page 4 - Illinois Association of Park Districts Benefits of Membership 2017 - 2018

As a statewide GRASSROOTS EDUCATIONAL, RESEARCH AND ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION, IAPD engages thousands of board members and professionals across the state in grassroots advocacy to ensure that the laws passed by the Illinois General Assembly benefit its member agencies. For example, IAPD’s advocacy efforts resulted in a permanent grant program, the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Program (OSLAD), to provide matching funds to local agencies to assist in the acquisition of open space and the development of recreational opportunities. Other grant programs that are the result of IAPD advocacy include the Bicycle Path Grant Program, which financially assists eligible units of government to acquire, construct and rehabilitate public bicycle paths and non-motorized trails; the Museum Grant Program, which is designed to help public museums in Illinois expand and upgrade facilities and create new exhibitions; and the Boat Access Program, which provides financial assistance to local government agencies for the acquisition, construction and expansion/rehabilitation of public boat and canoe access areas on Illinois' lakes and rivers.
IAPD’s efforts, and yours, have resulted in a more than 92% passage rate of the association’s legislative initiatives since 1980.
IAPD offers many NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES that connect board members; professionals, legislators and corporate members so that they can discuss and solve problems, share ideas and learn from the experiences of others.
IAPD actively seeks PARTNERSHIPS that will benefit the membership, including alliances with leaders in state government, other nonprofit organizations and the business community.
IAPD’s team of HIGHLY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND EXPERIENCED STAFF is dedicated to helping boards and agency directors overcome challenges by providing quality educational programs and services. Our staff has a combined total of 113 years of dedicated service with the Illinois Association of Park Districts.
Remember, we are always just a phone call or e-mail away. Contact us at (217) 523-4554 or iapd@ILparks.org.
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