Elmhurst Park District has winning weekend at state conference

  • Jim Rogers, Executive Director of the Elmhurst Park District, was presented with the IPRA Professional of the Year Award.
  • Julie Bruns as presented with the inaugural Liz Cox SIGnificance of Excellence Award

Elmhurst Park District and its staff were pleased to receive multiple awards at the Soaring to New Heights Conference, a joint effort of the Illinois Association of Park Districts and Illinois Park & Recreation Association. The conference took place January 23-25 and brought more than 4,000 parks and recreational professionals from across Illinois together for educational and professional opportunities.

Jim Rogers, Executive Director of the Elmhurst Park District, was presented with the IPRA Professional of the Year Award. The award is presented annually to a current Illinois park and recreational professional who has made a significant impact or achievement in the field of parks and recreation and / or the community in which they serve.

Since joining Elmhurst Park District in 1994, Rogers has held various positions, including Director of Recreation and later Director of Parks and Recreation Services. In 2006, he was appointed Deputy Director of Parks & Recreation. Jim assumed the role of Executive Director in 2012.

Across his 30 years of service, Rogers has expanded recreational opportunities, improved accessibility and elevated residents' quality of life. Highlights of his tenure include securing $1.8 million in 2012 for the historic Wilder Park Conservatory's renovation, completing the Salt Creek Greenway Trail connection in 2018 and expanding parks and facilities. These expansions most recently included the additions of Centennial Park, Mary E. Kies Recreation Center, Pick Park and Canine Corner dog park, the first dog park in Elmhurst, which is currently under construction and slated to open this year.

"His legacy of innovation and dedication continues to shape a vibrant, accessible, and inclusive future for Elmhurst," said Park District Commissioner, Meghan Scarsella.

With the passing of the Park District's referendum in November 2024, Rogers will continue to make an enduring impact on Elmhurst. Identified as priorities in the Elevate Elmhurst Parks plan, these upcoming referendum projects include a new community center, a community band shell in Wilder Park, permanent heated restrooms in four locations and the conversion of a grass field at Berens Park to artificial turf.

Also receiving an award was Director of Human Resources & Risk, Julie Bruns. She was presented with the inaugural Liz Cox SIGnificance of Excellence Award, which was created to recognize individuals in the Administrative & Finance Section of IPRA who have exhibited excellence in collaborative leadership and/or mentoring within the organization.

Bruns has 26 years of service as a full-time HR professional in parks and recreation. Throughout her career, she has been committed to enhancing the professional development of those in her field, whether through organizing collaborative meetings, volunteering at educational symposiums or acting as a mentor.

“Julie Bruns is a compassionate leader who listens, empathizes, and communicates effectively," said Catalina Galvan, Human Resources & Risk Supervisor at Elmhurst Park District, “Her outstanding contributions not only advance the HR profession but also enrich the experiences of all IPRA members involved in HR and Risk Management.”

Three Park Board commissioners were acknowledged by the Illinois Association of Park Districts as well for their participation in the Board Member Development Program. This program recognizes board members who go the extra mile in their commitment to achievements, committee involvement and attendance at continuing educational opportunities. The program has three levels of achievement. Commissioner Carolyn Ubriaco obtained the third and highest level of Master Board Member, and Commissioners Meghan Scarsella and Susan Smentek obtained the second level of Distinctive Board Member.

The Park District also took home first place in the Agency Showcase - Marketing Campaign category for their submission of referendum materials. The showcase spotlights bright ideas from across the fields of parks, recreation and conservation. The professionally judged competition recognizes Illinois agencies for their marketing and communication efforts ranging from print to multimedia.