(708) 343-5270 frontdesk@vpdpark.org

Awards

2022, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2016, 2012, 2010, 2005, 2004

Recipient of $1000 Grant for Veterans Park District’s After-School Program

PowerPlay! Beyond School Grant Program

The PowerPlay! Beyond School Grant is a program of the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD). Funding and materials for this program are provided through the sale and subsequent renewal of each Illinois Park District Youth License Plate and through Friends of Illinois Parks.

Park District Youth License Plate

Park districts in Illinois have been providing vital youth programs for many years. Park and recreation agencies step in to fill the gap for children and working parents during beyond school hours. The sale and subsequent renewal of each plate generates $25 specifically for the PowerPlay! Beyond School Grant Program. It is imperative that all agencies assist in the promotion of the Park District Youth License Plate. Without the continued support of this grant program from our member agencies and their patrons, it will diminish. It is crucial that we invest in the young people of Illinois by supporting the Park District Youth License Plate program.

The PowerPlay! Grant Program is designed to provide positive beyond school programs for youth ages 5-13. Beyond school programs keep youth safe and give them supervised and structured activities. Even though beyond school programs strongly benefit youth, and the nation is highly focused on children’s needs, only 30 percent of U.S. schools offer beyond school opportunities. Many community organizations, such as park districts, the YMCA and the Boy’s Club are increasing the number of opportunities through school partnerships. However, the demand still exceeds the supply.

Click the button below to download the Park District Youth License Plate form. The link will open Illinois Association of Park Districts website. For more information contact IAPD at (217) 523-4554 or email: iapd@ILparks.org.

2022, 2018 Platinum Aquatics Safety Award

Veterans Park District was recently awarded the Platinum International Aquatic Safety Award for consistently exceeding industry standards by Jeff Ellis & Associates, Inc. – International Aquatic Safety and Risk Management Consultants. Earning this award demonstrates that the aquatic facilities we operate consistently exceeded industry standards in risk management and epitomize aquatic safety excellence. This award acknowledges Veterans Park District, Gouin Pool lifeguards and staff with consistently being afforded the highest degree of swimmer protection currently available for the aquatic industry. International Aquatic Safety Awards are presented annually to participants in Jeff Ellis & Associates, Inc. Comprehensive Aquatic Risk Management Program (CARMP) and are based on the results of multiple random unannounced Aquatic Facility Operational Safety Audits throughout the year. These audits include undercover video surveillance of individual lifeguards while they guard/monitor their Zone of Protection® areas, to accurately evaluate their professional diligence. Additionally, individual and team basic life support and rescue skills are evaluated, along with simulated emergencies that measure the effectiveness of established Emergency Action Plans. The audit concludes with administrative, supervisory and facility evaluations. Only clients scoring in the top 10% of the audit criteria receive this award. We are honored to receive such a prestigious safety award and especially proud of our Gouin Pool Lifeguards and staff.

2015 Gold International Aquatic Safety Award

Veterans Park District Gouin Pool Lifeguards have been awarded the Jeff Ellis & Associates prestigious “Gold International Aquatic Safety Award”. This award recognizes the professionalism and outstanding safety standards that our lifeguard staff is committed to, while providing the highest swimmer protection at Gouin Pool.