Illinois Association of Park Districts

06/11/2026

06/11/2026

Did YOU know that this iconic scene from Ferris Bueller's Day Off was filmed at the Glencoe Park District??

06/10/2026

Can we just take a moment to appreciate the brilliance of IAPD member agencies? This is such a cool idea for a 5K Bartlett Park District (Official)!

06/07/2026

What a momentous day to go to the park!

06/05/2026

Take a hike or ride a bike... Tomorrow is ! So this weekend, we're celebrating a few incredible trails throughout our great state. Scroll to learn more...

The Kickapoo Rail Trail is an impressive 24.5 miles of retired railroad corridor that spans from Urbana to the Vermilion County Fairgrounds and Kickapoo State Park, this trail passes through some of the most diverse ecosystems in this part of the state, including woodlands, prairies, and wetlands. (Champaign County Forest Preserve District and Vermilion County Conservation District)

The Jane Addams Trail stretches 17 miles from Tutty’s Crossing Trailhead in downtown Freeport to Wisconsin state line, where it connects to the Badger Trail (a 40-mile trail to Madison, Wisconsin). Weaves through/over 22 bridges—including the 1885 historic Van Buren Bridge! (Freeport Park District)

33 miles of the Millennium Trail are open to hikers, bicyclists and cross-country skiers. The trail surface alternates from gravel to paved along various completed sections of the trail. (Lake County Forest Preserves)

The 50+ mile Constitution Trail (Friends of the Constitution Trail) has been a Bloomington-Normal staple since 1989. Much of the trail follows the old Illinois Central Gulf Railroad right-of-way through the community. It was dedicated and named in celebration of the 200th birthday of the United States. In 2000, the trail was designated a Millennium Trail by the White House Millennium Council. (Town of Normal Parks and Recreation Department)

The first 5.5-mile segment of the 38-mile Sangamon Valley Trail opened in summer 2011 and runs between Centennial Park and Stuart Park in Springfield. The trail follows an abandoned right-of-way of the old St. Louis, Peoria and North Western Railway, which later became part of the Chicago and North Western Railroad. (Springfield Park District)

The 15.5 mile MCT Schoolhouse Trail connects parks, forests, fields, and neighborhoods from Maryville to Granite City—with stops at the Metro East Park and Recreation District and Horseshoe Lake State Park!

06/03/2026

Looking for a really COOL job opportunity? Don't let this one SKATE by... The Pekin Park District is its next Executive Director!

Learn more and apply today: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4413067865/

05/28/2026

Congratulations, Jan, on your 33 years of service at the Wheeling Park District! As you go into your very last day as Executive Director tomorrow, know that your friends at IAPD will miss you and wish you the very best!

As her tenure draws to a close, the longtime leader of the Wheeling Park District staff was publicly honored Tuesday night. Two resolutions recognizing Executive Director Jan Buchs’ decades of servi...

05/26/2026

From IAPD's President and CEO, Peter Murphy: "Today’s dedication of Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation’s All Abilities Activities Hub is a powerful reminder that parks are for everyone. This thoughtfully designed outdoor space creates new opportunities for people of all ages and ability levels to participate in inclusive fitness, recreation, therapy, and social connection in a safe, accessible environment. We are grateful to Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for supporting projects like this through the OSLAD fund, which helps communities throughout Illinois create spaces where EVERYONE belongs.”

05/26/2026

Thank you to the many park, recreation, and conservation agencies that hosted or participated in yesterday's ceremonies, parades, and other moments of remembrance throughout the state. We are grateful for the care and dedication shown by local agencies, veterans organizations, volunteers, and community members who helped ensure these traditions continue for future generations.

05/22/2026

Congratulations, Bill!