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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE FOREST PRESERVES FOR RECEIVING TWO AWARDS FROM THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY PARK AND RECREATION OFFICALS
WHEREAS, on July 12, 2015, the Forest Preserves received two awards from the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials at their annual national awards event in Charlotte, North Carolina, which recognizes and honors excellence in county, regional and special district level parks and recreation throughout the nation; and
WHEREAS, the “It’s Cooler in the Forest” program, created and managed by the Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming, received the Park and Recreation Program - Class II award for its innovative approach to introducing nature and outdoor recreation to new audiences. “It’s Cooler in the Forest” is designed to be a “gateway to the preserves”; to bring young people out to the Forest Preserves to experience both the educational and recreational opportunities available to them in the natural settings of Cook County. The program is designed in the hopes that participants will leave with the tools and knowledge to feel not only comfortable returning on their own but to gain ideas about the ways in which they may use and benefit from the Preserves.
“It’s Cooler in the Forest” is a day camp program that helps children feel comfortable and have fun in nature, while learning about the natural world. The program provides children with nature-based recreation and allows day campers to hike through the forest preserves, learn about local critters at live animal exhibits, and participate in outdoor adventure and team building activities. This program serves as a gateway to the Forest Preserves and has introduced more than 3,500 children to nature in the forest preserves;
WHEREAS, Joe Neumann received the Outstanding Volunteer award for his exceptional support of the Forest Preserves’ mission and for sharing his skills and love of nature to build the next generation of conservation leaders. This award is limited to one per year. Joe Neumann, a longtime member of the Palos Restoration Project, spends countless hours every week monitoring and leading workdays at his eight stewardship sites in the Palos area. He is one of the Forest Preserves’ hardest working volunteers organizing nearly 80 workdays and volunteering over 2,000 hours each year at forest preserve sites; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Toni Preckwinkle, President; and the Board of Commissioners of the Preserves and Arnold L. Randall, General Superintendent; thank and congratulate the Forest Preserves’ staff and program partners who manage the “It’s Cooler in the Forest” program and Joe Neumann for their commitment to advance the mission of the Forest Preserves and the goals of the Next Century Conservation Plan.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented to the Forest Preserves’ awardees as a token of appreciation for their service to the Forest Preserves of Cook County and the residents of Cook County.
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