Appearing before more than 400 park district leaders from around the state during the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) Legislative Conference on April 29, State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Peru) encouraged the locally elected officials to increase their dialogue with state legislators.
“I have been learning about the challenges, achievements, and where park districts want to go,” Rezin said. “Learning about where park districts envision their programs going forward and who they want to impact in the future is the big key for me. It’s vital knowledge for all legislators as we craft our state budget and work on legislation.”
Rezin appeared with several other legislators as part of a panel at the IAPD Legislative Conference. The hundreds of local elected officials included people from park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation, and special recreation agencies.
“Raising my family in Grundy County, I was always amazed with what the Channahon Park District offered,” Rezin said. “The Channahon Park District has had a huge impact on my life and my four children, and it continues to this day. My husband and I started our children in sports through the Channahon Park District, which has led to them to playing sports in high school and college. I have so many fond memories of my children participating in sports and other programs at the park district, and I know other parents share my sentiments.”
“Park districts across the state are doing so much to create a positive community within each village, town, or city,” Rezin said. “They also play a huge role in creating healthy lifestyles and fostering positive social experiences, for all ages, from toddlers to seniors. That’s in the best interest of government, businesses, communities, and families. That’s why supporting park districts is extremely important.”