IPRA Calendar
IPRA Calendar
ProConnect: The Magic of Mentorship - Lights, Camera, Action!
This final event brings the triad brings the triad mentorship story to center stage—parks, recreation, and conservation style!
SDWS : Doing More with Less - Collaboration Is the Key to Success
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Budget cuts, staffing shortages, and growing community needs are realities for many park and recreation professionals. The good news? Collaboration can turn limited resources into expanded impact.
Reframing Problems as Positives - Changing Perspective
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Leadership is as much about mindset as it is about skillset.
Forest Preserve and Conservation Section Meeting and Learning Lab: Buzzing with Purpose
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
The Forest Preserve and Conservation (FPC) Section consists of professionals that either specialize or work in and around forest preserves and/or conservation. If you are interested in joining the section or simply wish to attend for educational and netwo
Early Childhood Committee Meeting
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Located within IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section, the Early Childhood Committee consists of a group of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around early childhood programs. If you are interested in joining the ...
Nature Committee Meeting: Growing Your Reach: Expanding Nature Programming for All
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section, the Nature Committee consists of a group of professionals that specialize or work in and around nature centers and nature programming. Don't work at a nature center? Don't worry, we still have so much to offe
Cultural Arts Committee Meeting
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Located within IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section, the Cultural Arts Committee consists of a group of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around dance, music, theatre, and visual arts. If you are ...
'26 Spring Playground Maintenance Course (Chicago Metro)
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
The National Recreation and Park Association's Playground Maintenance Course (PMC) is a one-day (6.25 hour) educational course that provides participants with an understanding of basic playground hazards, applying safe maintenance practices on equipment, i
SDWS : Doing More with Less - Collaboration Is the Key to Success
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Budget cuts, staffing shortages, and growing community needs are realities for many park and recreation professionals. The good news? Collaboration can turn limited resources into expanded impact.
New Professionals Committee Meeting
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Section, the New Professionals Committee consists of new professionals that have been in the field of therapeutic recreation for five (5) years or less. If you are interested in joining the ...
Lunch & Learn: Branding Your Agency, Facilities and Programs: How to Create a Compelling Story with Impact
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Your brand is your story. It connects you with your audiences, makes an impression and guides them to act. In this Lunch & Learn, a5 Branding & Digital will show you what makes a great brand, walk you through rebranding case studies,
Communications & Marketing Section Meeting & Summer Content Workshop
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
IPRA's Communications & Marketing (C&M) Section consists of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around marketing, communications, graphic design, and sponsorship. Join us for our Q1 Board Meeting, followed by a Marketing Roun
Youth & Day Camp Committee Site Director Workshop: Sun, Fun & Safety Done Right!
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Section, the Day Camp Committee consists of a group of professionals that either specialize or work in and around camps at special recreation agencies. This event will consist of a presentation ...
Senior Committee Meeting
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section, the Senior Committee consists of a group of park district professionals that serve older adults. If you are interested in joining the committee or simply wish to attend for educational and networking purpose
Cultural Arts & Special Events Committee (TR)
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Section, the Cultural Arts & Special Event Committee is a group of professionals who specialize or work in and around Therapeutic Recreation cultural arts and/or special event programs. If you are interest
Forest Preserve & Conservation Section Board Meeting
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
The Forest Preserve and Conservation (FPC) Section consists of professionals that either specialize or work in and around forest preserves and/or conservation. If you are interested in joining the section or simply wish to attend for ...
SDWS : Breaking Down Barriers: Understanding and Addressing Ableism in Customer Service
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
More than one in four Americans lives with a disability — some visible, many not. Yet ableism, or bias against people with disabilities, often appears in ways we don’t even recognize
Safe Zone Conversation: Pride, Inclusion & the Realities of LGBTQ+ Belonging
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
You are invited to participate in IPRA's second member-wide Safe Zone Conversation of 2026, on the topic of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).
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. If you are interested in joining the Section or simply wish to attend ...
SDWS : Breaking Down Barriers: Understanding and Addressing Ableism in Customer Service
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
More than one in four Americans lives with a disability — some visible, many not. Yet ableism, or bias against people with disabilities, often appears in ways we don’t even recognize
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
Six County Senior Games 2026: Pickleball Events
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
SIX COUNTY SENIOR GAMES celebrates its 44th year this summer! Join us for fourteen great days of friendly competition and excellence!
Graphic Design Task Force Meet Up & Roundtable
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Hosted by IPRA’s Communications & Marketing (C&M) Section, the Graphic Design Task Force covers design principles, branding, visual storytelling, software tools, accessibility, industry trends, and best practices in digital and print design. If you are in
Six County Senior Games 2026
12:00 AM
SIX COUNTY SENIOR GAMES celebrates its 44th year this summer! Join us for a month full of friendly competition and excellence!
Six County Senior Games 2026: Team Events
12:00 AM
SIX COUNTY SENIOR GAMES celebrates its 44th year this summer! Join us for fifteen great days of friendly competition and excellence!
SDWS : Critical Thinking: Making Decisions That Stick
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Practical thinking requires curiosity, perspective, and new approaches to problem-solving. The good news? Critical thinking is a skill anyone can learn.
8th Annual Unplug Illinois Day
The 8th Annual Unplug Illinois Day is Saturday, July 11, 2026 – 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 ...
Risk Management Committee Roundtable
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Located within IPRA's Administrative & Finance Section, the Risk Manager Committee consists of a group of park district professionals that either specialize or work in safety/risk management/HR. At this meeting we will meet virtually for our December “Coff
Cultural Arts & Special Events Committee (TR)
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Section, the Cultural Arts & Special Event Committee is a group of professionals who specialize or work in and around Therapeutic Recreation cultural arts and/or special event programs. If you are interest
SDWS : Critical Thinking: Making Decisions That Stick
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Practical thinking requires curiosity, perspective, and new approaches to problem-solving. The good news? Critical thinking is a skill anyone can learn.
Adult Day Program Committee Meeting
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Located within IPRA's Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Section, the Adult Day Program Committee consists of a group of special recreation professionals that either specialize or work in and around Adult Day Programming. The meeting will consist of opportunities
Sponsorship Committee Roundtable: From Handshake to Ledger: Managing Sponsorships with Finance in Mind
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Hosted by IPRA's Communications & Marketing (C&M) Section, Sponsorship Committee covers all the current topics and trends regarding sponsorship and partnership in the parks and recreation field. If you are interested in joining the C&M Section or simply w
SDWS : Building Trust & Collaboration Across Generations
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
In today’s parks and recreation teams, five generations work side by side — each bringing unique strengths, values, and communication styles.
SDWS : Building Trust & Collaboration Across Generations
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
In today’s parks and recreation teams, five generations work side by side — each bringing unique strengths, values, and communication styles.
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, ...
Cultural Arts Committee Meeting
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Located within IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section, the Cultural Arts Committee consists of a group of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around dance, music, theatre, and visual arts. If you are ...
SDWS : Staying Positive in a Negative World: Practical Strategies for Leading with Calm, Credibility, and Optimism
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
In an era of constant change, conflict, and public scrutiny, maintaining a positive outlook can be one of a leader’s greatest challenges — and most powerful tools.
IPPYS (Illinois Park Professionals Yearly Soirée)
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Designed to honor outstanding achievements and careers in Illinois parks, recreation, and conservation, giving professionals an opportunity to celebrate colleagues and agencies. Step into the spotlight at the IPPYS—celebrating excellence, leadership, and
SDWS: Staying Positive in a Negative World: Practical Strategies for Leading with Calm, Credibility, and Optimism
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
In an era of constant change, conflict, and public scrutiny, maintaining a positive outlook can be one of a leader’s greatest challenges — and most powerful tools.
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 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Join us in Philadelphia! On September 30, 2026, IPRA and IAPD are co-hosting our annual Illinois Delegate Reception during the NRPA Annual Conference. Complimentary appetizers and soft drinks will be provided; a cash bar available.
SDWS : Keep Cool Under Pressure
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Amid uncertainty and rising public incivility, maintaining composure has never been more essential for today’s professionals.
SDWS : Keep Cool Under Pressure
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Amid uncertainty and rising public incivility, maintaining composure has never been more essential for today’s professionals.
'26 Software Symposium Vendor Registration
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
IPRA's Administration & Finance (A&F) Section will be hosting the 2026 Software Symposium at the Bolingbrook Park District.
SDWS : The Bison Principle: Courage, Clarity, and Stewardship
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
When storms approach, bison don’t run away—they face the wind and move through it together. The Bison Principle applies that instinct to the challenges of modern public service.
SDWS : The Bison Principle: Courage, Clarity, and Stewardship
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
When storms approach, bison don’t run away—they face the wind and move through it together. The Bison Principle applies that instinct to the challenges of modern public service.
SDWS : Shift Happens! Building Resilient Systems for a Changing Future
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
The pace and scale of change today are unlike anything we've experienced before. Economic volatility, demographic diversification, technological acceleration, and environmental disruption are reshaping the landscape of public service.
SDWS : Shift Happens! Building Resilient Systems for a Changing Future
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The pace and scale of change today are unlike anything we've experienced before. Economic volatility, demographic diversification, technological acceleration, and environmental disruption are reshaping the landscape of public service.