AURORA – On Friday, February 17, 2023 Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (FVSRA) and Fox Valley Park District (FVPD) hosted area state legislators for an Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) Legislative Forum.  The focus of this forum was to connect state legislators with Park & Recreation, Special Recreation, and Forest Preserve professionals to exchange ideas as to how to best support the quality of lives of residents of their respective communities. Legislators shared what is currently happening at the Legislative level and what they see on the horizon. Park & Recreation, Special Recreation, and Forest Preserve personnel shared pressing issues impacting their communities.

“For over 10 years, FVSRA has hosted the IAPD Legislative Form to build relationships with local legislators, fostering an environment where collaboration is possible.” stated Alex Engelhardt, Executive Director of FVSRA.

“We look forward to this opportunity to partner with FVSRA to welcome our legislators into the Prisco Community Center and engage with these elected officials. We appreciate their interest in current issues affecting the delivery of park and recreation services.”

Legislators in attendance included Senator Donald De Witte, Senator Linda Holmes, Senator Karina Villa, Representative Matt Hanson, Representative Maura Hirschauer,  Representative Stephanie Kifowit, and Representative Dan Ugaste.

Park and Recreation, Forest Preserve, and Special Recreation staff and Commissioners attended from the Park Districts of Batavia, Fox Valley, Oswegoland, St Charles, the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, and Fox Valley Special Recreation Association.