SPRINGFIELD, IL - - Representative Jim Durkin of Western Springs was presented with the Illinois Association of Park Districts’ (IAPD) Outstanding Legislator of the Year Award at its annual conference held recently at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

“Representative Durkin was honored by the Illinois Association of Park Districts for his tremendous support in advancing parks and recreational opportunities throughout Illinois,” said Peter Murphy, IAPD’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “He understands and recognizes the important role park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies have in the lives of Illinois citizens.”

Representative Durkin has been a reliable advocate for grant funding for park districts and recreation agencies, and he understands the value of local government. The Outstanding Legislator of the Year Award was presented at the IAPD/Illinois Park and Recreation Association’s annual awards luncheon, attended by more than 1,700 park and recreation elected officials and professionals.

IAPD was established in 1928 and is the oldest state association for parks, recreation and conservation in America. The association serves more than 2,100 elected park, recreation and forest preserve district board members who govern more than 390 agencies employing 40,000 individuals.

IAPD strives to improve Illinois’ quality of life through park districts, forest Preserves, conservation and recreation agencies by establishing grants and other new revenue streams for park land, facilities and services; educating the public about the positive effects parks and recreation have on communities; and meeting the problem of decreasing open space in Illinois.