Page 64 - Illinois Association of Park Districts Benefits of Membership 2017 - 2018

Some IAPD members are encouraging planned gifts and bequests from residents as a means of demonstrating support for needed community improvements while also providing opportunities to establish family legacies or to remember loved ones. More than 65 agencies have an affiliated non-profit friends group or foundation in support of their mission, and these agencies realize many successes in advancing parks and recreation at the local level.
Partnerships with other units of government, such as school districts and library districts, as well as with the private sector provide unique opportunities that benefit the public. There are countless examples of success stories from across Illinois where park and recreation needs have been markedly improved as a result of community leaders and business partners joining together for the common good.
Conclusion
The ability to secure adequate and reliable funding for current and future needs remains a significant challenge for Illinois’ park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies.
The Illinois Association of Park Districts recognizes the role and importance of federal and state grant programs that enable our members to provide open space, parks and recreation and protect natural resources.
ACTIONS
The Illinois Association of Park Districts supports its members by aggressively pursuing all available revenue sources, both public and private. The Association assists its members in providing quality parks, recreation facilities and programs.
We will:
 Work to preserve dedicated funding for the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development program
(OSLAD), the Natural Areas Acquisition Fund (NAAF) and the Land and Water Conservation Fund
(LWCF).
 Work with our members to ensure that legislators and the general public understand the benefits of
parks and recreation and the importance of providing sufficient and reliable funds, including grant funds, for current and future needs.
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