IPRA Calendar
IPRA Calendar
Lunch & Learn: I-9 DIY - How to Audit Before They Do
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
With immigration enforcement on the rise, many employers are concerned about the accuracy and completeness of their I-9 forms.
Lunch & Learn: Why Your Parks & Recreation Agency Needs a Mobile App
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Let’s face it—when you think of government innovation, your mind probably doesn’t jump straight to cutting-edge tech.
Parks & Natural Resource Management Section Virtual Roundtable
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
IPRA's Parks & Natural Resource Management (PNRM) Section consists of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around parks and natural resources. Â If you are interested in joining the Section or simply wish to attend ...
Recreation's Role in Advancing Inclusivity for the LGBTQAI2S+ Community
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Park and recreational professionals can create inclusive environments where people are able to find a sense of belonging.
Social Media Task Force Roundtable
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Hosted by IPRA's Communications & Marketing (C&M) Section, the Social Media Task Force covers content strategy, best practices, platform updates, analytics, engagement tactics, accesibility, emerging trends, and much more. If you are interested in joining
Safe Zone Conversation: Fostering Inclusion Through Open Dialogue
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
In celebration of Pride Month, you are cordially invited to participate in IPRA's second member-wide Safe Zone Conversation of 2025 on the topic of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). A Safe Zone Conversation (SZC) is ...
Administration & Finance Section Board Meeting
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
IPRA's Administration & Finance (A&F) Section consists of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around administration, finance, human resources, information technology, registration services, and/or risk management. If you are i
Therapeutic Recreation Section Board Meeting
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
IPRA's Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Section consists of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around special recreation agencies. The section meeting will mainly consist of reports from the Section Board and each ...
Inter-Agency Sports Committee Meeting: Softball Seeding / Football & Volleyball Scheduling
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Recreation (TR) Section, the Inter-Agency Sports Committee consists of a group of professionals that specialize or work in and around Therapeutic Recreation Athletic programs. Â This meeting we will discuss basketball ...
Recreation's Role in Advancing Inclusivity for the LGBTQAI2S+ Community
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Park and recreational professionals can create inclusive environments where people are able to find a sense of belonging. Perhaps the newest frontier in the diversity, equity, and inclusion movement has been with the LGBTQAI2S+ community. This ...
HR Committee Roundtable
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Administration & Finance (A&F) Section, the HR Committee consists of a group of professionals that specialize in Human Resources. At this roundtable, we will have an open discussion - so bring your HR topics and questions! If you are
Fitness Center Committee Roundtable & Tour
12:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Facility Management (FM) Section, the Fitness Center Committee consists of a group of professionals that either specialize or work in and around fitness and fitness centers. Topics to be discussed could include fitness ...
Six County Senior Games 2025
12:00 AM
SIX COUNTY SENIOR GAMES celebrates its 43rd year this summer! Join us for fifteen great days of friendly competition and excellence!
Six County Senior Games 2025: Pickleball Events
12:00 AM
SIX COUNTY SENIOR GAMES celebrates its 43rd year this summer! Join us for fifteen great days of friendly competition and excellence!
Senior Committee Meeting
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Located within IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section, the Senior Committee consists of a group of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around seniors. Â At this meeting we will discuss upcoming events, program ideas, ...
Six County Senior Games 2025: Team Events
12:00 AM
SIX COUNTY SENIOR GAMES celebrates its 43rd year this summer! Join us for fifteen great days of friendly competition and excellence!
How to Think Big in Parks and Recreation
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
This engaging workshop empowers parks and recreation professionals to envision and implement impactful projects, groundbreaking programs, and innovative services that address evolving community needs.
Lifeguard Games 2025
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Hosted by IPRA's Aquatic Committee located within the Facility Management Section, the 30th Annual Lifeguard Games is an exciting opportunity for lifeguards and junior lifeguards to compete for their agency and showcase their skills to their peers. Teams c
7th Annual Unplug Illinois Day
The 7th Annual Unplug Illinois Day is Saturday, July 12, 2025 – join park, recreation, and conservation agencies state-wide in planning an event to highlight the programs and facilities that make your community thrive! Unplug Illinois promotes the ...
Forest Preserve & Conservation Section Board Meeting
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
The Forest Preserve and Conservation (FPC) Section consists of professionals that either specialize or work in and around forest preserves and/or conservation. Â If you are interested in joining the section or simply wish to attend for ...
How to Think Big in Parks and Recreation
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Unlock new potential in this session designed to inspire a bold, expansive approach to community development. This engaging workshop empowers parks and recreation professionals to envision and implement impactful projects, groundbreaking ...
'25 Financial Sustainability Certificate Program - Part II
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
This next level, 3-day program is designed for professionals (and elected officials) committed to deepening their understanding of financial sustainability within local government, particularly in the realm of quality of life services.
Lunch & Learn: Outdoor Adult Fitness Parks Best Practices for Promoting Community Healthâ„¢
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join us for this informative program and learn about the key benefits of Outdoor Adult Fitness Parks, their applications in outdoor park design, considerations for ensuring total-body fitness, and real-life examples from National Demonstration Sites to ins
Risk Management Committee Roundtable & Social
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Administrative & Finance Section, the Risk Management Committee consists of a group of park district professionals that either specialize or work in safety/risk management/HR. At this meeting we will have an virtual ...
'25 Communications & Marketing Summit
9:00 AM - 3:15 PM
Hosted by IPRA's Communications & Marketing (C&M) Section, the C&M Summit is designed to provide a full day workshop and professional networking. Led by Sarah Noel Block, Founder of Tiny Marketing, this 4-hour in-person workshop will have ...
IT Networking Committee Roundtable
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Administration & Finance Section, the IT Networking Committee consists of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around information technology. If you are interested in joining the committee or ...
Parks & Natural Resource Management Section Virtual Roundtable
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
IPRA's Parks & Natural Resource Management (PNRM) Section consists of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around parks and natural resources. Â If you are interested in joining the Section or simply wish to attend ...
The Leader's Guide to Mental Health & Resiliency
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Stress is an inevitable part of life, whether at home, work, or play. This session focuses on helping individuals understand and manage their responses to stress by recognizing it is a normal reaction to challenging or abnormal situations.
Park District Conservation Day
Park District Conservation Day began in 1994 as a special recognition day for Illinois park districts, forest preserves, conservation districts, recreation, and special recreation agencies. Agencies send dance groups, bands, chorales, theater groups, ...
The Leader's Guide to Mental Health & Resiliency
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Stress is an inevitable part of life, whether at home, work, or play. This session focuses on helping individuals understand and manage their responses to stress by recognizing it is a normal reaction to challenging or abnormal situations. ...
Communications & Marketing Section Summer Social
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
We’re heading to District Brew Yards in Wheeling for an afternoon of networking, games, and great brews. This pour-your-own beer hall has tons of space, an outdoor patio, and all your favorite bar snacks. "It's like a brewery crawl under one roof." We'll s
Walk the Talk: Mindfulness and Well-Being for Park & Recreation Leaders
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
This webinar will introduce a Mindful Leadership Framework, designed to help balance organizational demands with personal well-being ultimately reducing internal and external conflict.
CPRE Virtual Exam Prep - Exam Basics
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The first of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) exam. This class will consist of an overview of all five content ...
CPRP Virtual Exam Prep - Exam Basics
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
The first of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) exam. This class will consist of an overview of all five ...
IPRF Golf Outing
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
The annual IPRF Golf Outing is a great opportunity to enjoy a day of golf, fun, and networking! The proceeds from this event support the Illinois Park and Recreation Foundation’s programs including scholarships which assists students and professionals in t
Illinois Delegate Reception @ NRPA 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Join us in Atlanta! Â On October 9, 2024, IAPD and IPRA are co-hosting our annual Illinois Delegate Reception during the NRPA Annual Conference. Â Complimentary appetizers and soft drinks will be provided; a cash bar available. This event is 5 pm ...
Walk the Talk: Mindfulness and Well-Being for Park & Recreation Leaders
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
This webinar will introduce a Mindful Leadership Framework, designed to help balance organizational demands with personal well-being ultimately reducing internal and external conflict. Attendees will learn effective techniques for emotional ...
CPRE Virtual Exam Prep - Communications
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The second of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive review ...
CPRP Virtual Exam Prep - Communications
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
The second of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive ...
CPRE Virtual Exam Prep - Finance
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
The third of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive review ...
CPRP Virtual Exam Prep - Finance
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
The third of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive ...
High Road Leadership: How to Bring People Together in a Divided World
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Join us for a dynamic workshop on the essential principles of transformative leadership.
Parks & Natural Resource Management Section Roundtable & Social
1:30 PM - 5:00 PM
IPRA's Parks & Natural Resource Management (PNRM) Section consists of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around parks and natural resources. Â If you are interested in joining the Section or simply wish to attend ...
CPRE Virtual Exam Prep - Human Resources
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The fourth of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive review ...
CPRP Virtual Exam Prep - Human Resources
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
The fourth of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive ...
CPRE Virtual Exam Prep - Operations
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
The fifth of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive review ...
High Road Leadership: How to Bring People Together in a Divided World
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Join us for a dynamic workshop on the essential principles of transformative leadership. Based on the work of John Maxwell, you’ll learn how to unite people in a divided world, balancing self-confidence with humility while understanding your ...
CPRP Virtual Exam Prep - Operations
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
The fifth of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive ...
CPRE Virtual Exam Prep - Planning
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The last of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive review of ...
CPRP Virtual Exam Prep - Programming
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
The last of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive review ...
Professional Development School - Jurassic Parks & Rec
5:00 PM - 11:00 AM
IPRA's longest-standing educational and networking opportunity takes place in November at the majestic Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena, Illinois. Professional Development School, otherwise known as PDS, provides park, recreation, forest ...
The Wisdom to Do Good Work: A Crash Course
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
The best preparation for a good world tomorrow is to lead with courage and do good work today.
The Wisdom to Do Good Work: A Crash Course
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The best preparation for a good world tomorrow is to lead with courage and do good work today. And what does it mean to do good work in parks and recreation? It means focusing on the common good and less so on special interests. It means not ...
The Courage to Be Unfair: Promoting Equity
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Often, inequity is the unintentional biproduct of decision making focused on short term satisfaction or making a special interest group happy and can often come at the expense of those who can go unnoticed or unheard.
The Courage to Be Unfair: Promoting Equity
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Often, inequity is the unintentional biproduct of decision making focused on short term satisfaction or making a special interest group happy and can often come at the expense of those who can go unnoticed or unheard. Good intention may not ...