CONGRATS-WORTH PARK DIST BOARD

104th Regular Session Introduced by Rick Ryan

The bill formally recognizes that the Worth Park District Board of Commissioners all earned Master Board Member status, highlighting their governance excellence.

Resolution Adopted

Summary of HR0858 (104th General Assembly, Illinois)

Purpose and intent

The bill is a House Resolution (HR0858) congratulating the Worth Park District Board of Commissioners for achieving Master Board Member status in the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) Board Member Development Program.

It recognizes the Worth Park District Board as having completed extensive governance-focused activities over the past two to three years, culminating in all sitting board members attaining Master Board Member designation in 2026.

The resolution highlights the significance of this milestone as the first time in the district’s 60-year history that all current board members have simultaneously earned the designation, and positions the Worth Park District as one of a limited number of boards statewide with this distinction.

Key provisions and changes

Formal recognition by the Illinois House of Representatives of the Worth Park District Board of Commissioners achieving Master Board Member status.

Acknowledgement of the board’s efforts in:

Committee involvement
Continuing education
Local, state, and national governance achievements

Specifically notes the named officers and commissioners who earned the designation: President Donald Dambek, Vice President Rebecca Roberts, Treasurer Kari Lynn Fickes, Alternate Treasurer Melissa Nagel, and Commissioner Mike McElroy.

Directs that a suitable copy of the resolution be presented to the Worth Park District Board of Commissioners as a symbol of esteem and respect.

Who/what is affected

Primary beneficiaries: Worth Park District Board of Commissioners (and, by extension, the residents they serve) who receive formal recognition for their governance efforts.

The recognition is symbolic and ceremonial, with no changes to statutory powers, funding, or governance structure.

The bill references the IAPD program and its standards for Master Board Members but does not impose new requirements on other boards or districts.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The resolution reflects appreciation for achievements completed over the prior two to three years, with final designation occurring in 2026.

The bill is a ceremonial acknowledgment issued by the Illinois House of Representatives; no enactment or appropriation is involved.

Sponsor: Co-sponsor Rick Ryan.

Impact and significance

Public recognition may enhance transparency and community pride in local governance.

It underscores a commitment to governance excellence and ongoing professional development among park district board members.

The resolution signals to residents and peers that the Worth Park District prioritizes governance best practices and continuous learning.

Note: This bill functions as a formal commendation rather than substantive legislation affecting policy, funding, or operations beyond ceremonial recognition.