ROCKFORD, IL – State Representative Maurice West was presented with the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) Outstanding Legislative Leadership Award.

West accepted this award at the Illinois Association of Park Districts and Illinois Park and Recreation annual conference on January 27, 2023. The award recognizes Representative West for his outstanding support of legislation promoting park districts, forest preserves, and the quality of life that recreation and parks provide to citizens of the State of Illinois.

“I am honored to receive the Legislator of the Year award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts. When I thought about what this award means, a lot of memories came to mind of times that I spent at various Rockford parks. I found clarity and vision during pivotal moments of my life at the parks. Park districts change lives and park districts save lives,” stated State Representative Maurice West (67th District).

The Rockford Park District has been able to invest in the next generation thanks to funding secured by State Representative Maurice West. Grants from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) for Violence Prevention Programming, and from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) for Youth Investment Programming have helped to keep youth and teens active and engaged in recreation-based intervention programming along with recreation-based leadership development, training, and employment programs. These grants not only allow the Park District to provide valuable life skills and job training to area youth and teens, but they also provide budget relief. Thanks to the funding received, the Park District has serviced over 25,000 youth/teens, ages of 5-18, through a variety of community-based recreational programs. These programs engage youth during high-risk hours, filling up their otherwise idle times with great programs and caring staff or mentors. Future improvements being made at Harmon Park and erosion control work being done throughout Sinnissippi Park and the Sinnissippi Riverfront this year are also thanks to capital support secured by Representative West.

About Illinois Association of Park Districts

IAPD was established in 1928, and is the oldest state association for parks, recreation, and conservation in America. The association serves more than 2,100 elected park, recreation, and forest preserve district board members who govern more than 390 agencies employing 40,000 individuals.