Elmhurst Park District was formally recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) during the Soaring to New Heights Conference, a joint effort of the IAPD and IPRA which took place January 29-31, 2026.
The two statewide associations administer the Illinois Distinguished Accreditation program with the goal of improving the delivery of park and recreation services to Illinois residents. Elmhurst Park District was evaluated for accreditation on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
“This program gives recognition to park and recreation agencies, and forest preserve districts that demonstrate a strong commitment to providing exceptional programs, services, and facilities that enrich the lives of their communities and residents,” said Suzi Wirtz, IPRA Executive Director.
Park and recreation agencies undergo a detailed, lengthy process of application and evaluation to receive accreditation. A Joint Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation Committee (JDPRAC) comprised of members from IAPD and IPRA coordinates the process.
During the evaluation, Elmhurst Park District not only met but significantly surpassed the accreditation standards. The evaluation committee particularly noted the excellence of the Park District's staff, operations, and its diverse range of high-quality services as standout features.
