The 2008 Soaring to New Heights Conference awards luncheon was a top-notch ceremony recognizing agencies and individuals who have truly advanced the field of parks and recreation this past year.

Watch the complete video of the luncheon below.

Don’t forget to nominate deserving individuals and agencies for next year’s Conference. Most nominations are free! Visit the awards page of the Conference site to view available awards (new awards may be added for 2009 Conference). Online nomination forms will become available later this year so keep posted to this site for more information.

On behalf of the IAPD and IPRA we would like to thank the following sponsors of the 2008 IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference:

• IPDLAF+/PFM Groupfor sponsoring the Name Badge Holders
• Volleyball Professionals for sponsoring the Thursday Night Social
• W-T Engineering, Inc. for sponsoring the Saturday Breakfast in the Exhibit Hall
• Sikich ICS Technology Division for sponsoring the Cyber Café
• Recreation Concepts for sponsoring the Portfolios

A very special thanks goes out to the Hoffman Estates Park District and the Schaumburg Park District, the host agencies for the 2008 IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference, who provided all of the volunteers for registration and the closing event at The Field Museum!

Acclaimed author of “Last Child in the Woods” and seven other books, Richard Louv, honored park and recreation professionals in IL as the keynote speaker at this year’s 2008 IAPD/IPRA Soaring To New Heights Conference. Louv has some amazing ideas - and fears - about our generation and generations to come.

The work being done by Louv has gained national attention and has raised some eyebrows regarding our children and their lack of outdoor play. As park, recreation and conservation professionals and advocates, listening and learning from an expert like Louv was an amazing experience.

What are you doing to get your family and community out into nature? Share your stories with us!

Friday of Conference, leaders in the field of parks and recreation were recognized at the annual All-Conference Awards Luncheon. It is important to remember and give thanks to those who dedicate so much of their professional and personal lives to enriching the lives of others through parks and recreation.

The winners of the main individual awards were:

• Outstanding Legislator of the Year - Rep. Sidney Mathias
• Outstanding Legislator of the Year - Rep. Harry Osterman
• Citizen Volunteer of the Year Award - Frank and Consuelo Navarro, Fox Valley Park District
• Rising Star Award - Mark Gartland, Park District of Oak Park
• Young Professional of the Year Award - Jeannette Huber, Alsip Park District
• Honored Professional Award - Jan Buchs, Wheeling Park District
• Professional Recognition Award - Ed Clift, Byron Forest Preserve District
• Mike Cassidy Commissioner Community Service Award - Steve Pennock, Oregon Park District
• Robert Artz Distinguished Service Award - Richard Grodsky, Elmhurst Park District
• Commissioner of the Year Award - David Mason, DeKalb Park District
• Distinguished Service to Leisure Award - Ronald Lehman, Channahon Park District

Do you know someone deserving of an award at next year’s Conference? Nominate them! Online forms will be made available this spring for next year’s awards program.

In the meantime, you can view other agency winners from the Agency Showcase Competition and other award programs on the Conference awards page.

Nancy Niebur of the Illinois State University talks about how important it is for students to network and realize the value of the professional of parks and recreation.

LeeAnn Franklin of the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District and co-author of the IPRA Guide To Internships Manual talks about the importance of arming our interns with the tools to develop and grow into the future professionals we want working for us.

Jodi Rudick of ADvisors Marketing and speaker at the Conference sat down for an impromptu discussion with a few young professionals before her session to talk about networking.

Kirk Conville of BAGGO, Inc. shows his appreciation to Conference attendees and explains how important his exhibition experience and partnership with park district has been for his company.

Amy Charlesworth of the Rolling Meadows Park District gives thanks to the 2008 Conference Committee and talks about the importance of the Conference to both professionals and commissioners at park and recreation agencies.