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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF COOK COUNTY FOR RECEIVING FIVE AWARDS, ONE FROM THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES, ONE FROM THE SOCIETY FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION PROFESSIONALS, AND THREE FROM THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY PARK AND RECREATION OFFICALS
WHEREAS, on April 28, 2017, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County was honored with a 2017 Achievement Award by the National Association of Counties for its Emmy award winning documentary titled Chicago's True Nature: The Forest Preserves of Cook County. The Achievement Awards Program is a non-competitive awards program which seeks to recognize innovative county government programs; and
WHEREAS, Chicago’s True Nature received this award for raising the level of citizen understanding of the forest preserves. The documentary explores the Preserves’ 70,000 acres teeming with plants and animals and offering recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities as told by staff, partners, volunteers and visitors. The National Association of Counties will recognize award-winning counties at its 2017 Annual Conference and Exposition July 21-24 in Franklin County, Ohio; and
WHEREAS, on May 4, 2017, Arnold Randall, General Superintendent of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County was honored with the Individual Service Award from the Society for Outdoor Recreation Professionals at the annual National Outdoor Recreation Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona which recognizes individuals and groups for their outstanding accomplishments in the field of outdoor recreation planning, management, research, and policy; and
WHEREAS, the Individual Service Award is presented to individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the outdoor recreation profession. As the General Superintendent of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Arnold Randall was recognized for his remarkable sense of integrity, openness, leadership and enthusiasm for collaboration and for empowering staff, partners, and volunteers to work together to protect nature and improve outdoor recreation; and
WHEREAS, on June 8, 2017 the Forest Preserve District of Cook County was honored with three (3) awards from the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials at their annual, national awards event in Canton, Ohio. NACPRO recognizes and honors excellence in county, regional and special district level parks and recreation throughout the nation; and
WHEREAS, the Camping Leadership Immersion Course (CLIC), created and managed by the Conservation and Experiential Programming Department, received the Park and Recreation Program - Class II Award for its innovative approach to connecting people to nature. CLIC is a weekend-long course for community group leaders to familiarize them with camping equipment, nature-based education and recreation activities, so that they have the knowledge and confidence to bring large groups camping in the preserves. Since launching in 2015, CLIC has trained more than 70 group workers and teachers, who in turn have brought out more than 500 participants; and
WHEREAS, the Bird the Preserves marketing campaign, developed and implemented by the communications division of the Office of the General Superintendent, received the Marketing Award for its unique approach and exceptional outcomes. Bird the Preserves is an initiative that connects diverse communities to nature through expanded birding programs and events. Bird watching is one of the most popular outdoor recreation activities and through this popular marketing campaign, the Forest Preserves gained a new audience and grew its reputation as a premier, regional birding destination; and
WHEREAS, Arnold Randall, General Superintendent of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, received the Outstanding Public Official Award for significantly contributing to recreation, leisure and open space programs in one of the largest urban conservation districts in the nation. Arnold Randall is committed to ensuring that people from all backgrounds and walks of life have the opportunity to participate in healthy outdoor recreation and enjoy nature; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Toni Preckwinkle, President; and the Board of Commissioners of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County thank and congratulate the Preserves’ leadership, staff and program partners for their commitment to advance the mission of the 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 Preserves’ awardees as a token of appreciation for their service to the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and the residents of Cook County.
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