Jim Rogers, executive director of the Elmhurst Park District, is pictured with the IPRA Professional of the Year Award.
The Elmhurst Park District (EPD) recently announced that it was the recipient of multiple awards at the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD)/Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) Soaring to New Heights Conference, held Jan. 23-25 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
According to the IPRA, the Soaring to New Heights Conference is “the largest state park and recreation conference in the nation.”
The event includes “quality educational programming, networking and professional development.”
Even Gov. JB Pritzker acknowledged the conference, stating, “This occasion offers an exciting opportunity for everyone in attendance to join fellow members of IAPD and IPRA and generate ideas that implement solutions. I commend the work you have done to help make Illinois a stronger and more enjoyable state.”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson praised the organizations, saying: “The Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) have been a vital resource for park districts, forest preserves, conservation efforts, municipal parks and recreation, and special recreation agencies across the state, offering exceptional service, research and education.”
At the conference, EPD Executive Director Jim Rogers was given the IPRA Professional of the Year award which, the EPD explained, is “presented annually to a current Illinois park and recreational professional who has made a significant impact or achievement in the field of parks and recreation and/or the community in which they serve.”
Rogers has been with the EPD since 1994, and has served as director of Recreation and director of Parks and Recreation. He became the executive director in 2012.
The EPD noted how Rogers has “expanded recreational opportunities” over his 30 years of service, such as securing $1.8 million in 2012 for renovation of the historic Wilder Park Conservatory, connecting the Salt Creek Greenway Trail in 2018 and “expanding parks and facilities,” such as Centennial Park, the Mary E. Kies Recreation Center, Pick Park and the Canine Corner dog park.
He is also involved in the Elevate Elmhurst Parks initiative—after the passage of a referendum in 2024—which will include a new community center and a band shell in Wilder Park, permanent heated bathrooms in four locations and the conversion of a grass field at Berens Park to artificial turf.
When asked about receiving the award, Rogers said, “I’m truly honored to have received the award and know that it also represents the larger efforts made by everyone here at the district.”
In a press release, park district commissioner Meghan Scarsella commented of Rogers: “His legacy of innovation and dedication continues to shape a vibrant, accessible and inclusive future for Elmhurst.”
Julie Bruns, EPD director of Human Resources and Risk, received the inaugural IPRA Liz Cox SIGnificance of Excellence Award.
According to the park district, the award was created “to recognize individuals in the administrative and financial section of IPRA who have exhibited excellence in collaborative leadership and/or mentoring within the organization.”
Bruns has been a fulltime human resources professional in the field of parks and recreation for 26 years.
Catalina Galvan, EPD Human Resources and Risk supervisor, said of Bruns, “Her outstanding contributions not only advance the HR profession but also enrich the experiences of all IPRA members involved in HR and risk management.”
Besides Rogers and Bruns receiving awards, three members of the EPD Board of Commissioners were recognized by the IAPD “for their participation in the Board Member Development Program. This program recognizes board members who go the extra mile in their commitment to achievements, committee involvement and attendance at continuing educational opportunities. The program has three levels of achievement,” according to the EPD.
“Commissioner Carolyn Ubriaco obtained the third and highest level of Master Board Member, and Commissioners Meghan Scarsella and Susan Smentek obtained the second level of Distinctive Board Member,” the EPD outlined.
Lastly, the EPD took home first place in the Agency Showcase-Marketing Campaign category “for their submission of referendum materials,” the EPD shared.
In response to the multiple recognitions at the conference, Kari Felkamp, CPRP, EPD director of Marketing and Communications, shared the following comment: “The Elmhurst Park District is honored to be recognized with these awards, which highlight the dedication and talent of our staff, as well as the commitment of our Board of Park Commissioners. Our team consistently strives to provide exceptional parks, programs and services to our community and these achievements are a testament to their hard work and passion.
“We take great pride in the caliber of work we produce, and we remain committed to enhancing the quality of life for Elmhurst residents through innovation, collaboration and outstanding service.”
According to the park district, the event included over 4,000 parks and recreational professionals together from across the state.
For more information about the Elmhurst Park District, visit www.epd.org.