2021: Inspiring memorable experiences

For the last 75 years, the Downers Grove Park District has enriched our community through natural area preservation and exceptional recreation, parks, and facilities that inspire memorable experiences. With almost 600 acres of parks and facilities, there are thousands of opportunities for individuals of all ages and interests to grow, play, imagine and explore. In 2021, Downers Grove Park District kicked off a year-long celebration of our history with a look ahead to the future through a plethora of events and activities.

2021 was filled with notable accomplishments:

VIEW THE 2020 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

VIEW THE 2019 ACCOMPLISHMENts

view the 2018 Accomplishments

view the 2017 Accomplishments

Awards

  • Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency
    • 2021 by Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA)
  • Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
    • 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 For its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
  • Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA) Accreditation Award
    • 2011 to 2013; 2014 to 2017 In Recognition of its Loss Control Program Review - Excellence Level A
  • Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA)
    • 2021: Professional of the Year awarded to Bill McAdam
    • 2020: Exceptional Workplace Award
  • Illinois Association of Park Districts
    • 2020 PowerPlay! Grant: $1,000
  • ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum
    • 2019: Awarded a Level I Accreditation
  • Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) Best of the Best
    • 2019 Outstanding Citizen Volunteer of the Year: Dr. Gordon Goodman
  • Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) Agency Showcase Awards for Marketing, Design & Public Relations
    • 2021 Social Media Campaign (1st Place)
    • 2019 Logo (1st Place)
    • 2019 People's Choice Award
    • 2019 Brochure Series (3rd Place)
    • 2014 Electronic Communication
    • 2014 Website (1st Place)
    • 2011 Outstanding Submission - Print Communication
  • Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) Agency Outstanding Program or Special Event Award - Division II
    • 2014 Ongoing Program for the Movie Magic: Celebrating 86 Years of the Tivoli Theatre Exhibition
  • Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) Agency Outstanding Sustainability and Conservation Program Award
    • 2015 Division I Environmental Education - Lyman Woods Apiary Program
  • Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) Agency Outstanding Facility and Parks Award
    • 2011 Fishel Park - Veterans Memorial Pavilion
  • American Public Works Association (APWA) Project of the Year Award
    • 2012 Environment Less Than $5 Million - Barth Pond Shoreline Improvements
  • Illinois Association of Museums (IAM) Award of Excellence
    • 2012 Making Girl Scout History Exhibition
    • 2016 Virtual Tour Digital Project
  • Award of Merit
    • 2011 History Camp on the Road Program
    • 2014 Catalog Homes of Downers Grove Exhibition
    • 2015 Movie Magic: Celebrating 86 Years of the Tivoli Theatre Exhibition
    • 2015 Photographic Re-Housing and Digitalization Project
  • The 100 Best Fleets in the Americas
    • 2018 Best Green Fleet - #43