Veterans Park District is proud to be recognized for its commitment to providing exceptional parks, recreation programs, youth services, aquatic safety, and community partnerships. These honors reflect the dedication of our staff, volunteers, partner organizations, and community members who help make our parks, facilities, and programs successful.
2023 Field of Dreams Award
Presented to Bulger Park – Veterans Park District, Melrose Park, Illinois
In October 2023, Veterans Park District’s Bulger Park received the Field of Dreams Award from the Chicago 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame.
The award recognizes Bulger Park’s more than 50-year tradition of bringing players, families, and the community together through the game of 16-inch softball.
With a rich history dating back to the 1960s, Bulger Park has played an important role in preserving and promoting Chicago’s unique no-glove softball tradition. Over the decades, the park has hosted men’s leagues, one of the area’s earliest women’s leagues, co-ed mushball leagues, softball tournaments, and youth baseball programs.
Established in 1996 and located in Forest Park, Illinois, the Chicago 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history and traditions of Chicago’s distinctive 16-inch softball heritage.
Veterans Park District is proud to celebrate Bulger Park’s legacy as a gathering place where generations of players, families, and community members have created lasting memories through the sport of 16-inch softball.
2022 & 2018 Platinum International Aquatic Safety Award
Veterans Park District proudly received the Platinum International Aquatic Safety Award from Jeff Ellis & Associates, Inc., International Aquatic Safety and Risk Management Consultants, recognizing Gouin Pool for consistently exceeding industry standards in aquatic safety and risk management.
This prestigious award is presented annually to participants in the Comprehensive Aquatic Risk Management Program (CARMP) who rank among the top 10 percent of aquatic facilities evaluated through multiple unannounced operational safety audits.
Evaluations include:
- Lifeguard vigilance and Zone of Protection® surveillance
- Emergency response and rescue skills
- Basic life support proficiency
- Emergency Action Plan effectiveness
- Administrative, supervisory, and facility operations
Receiving this award demonstrates Veterans Park District’s commitment to providing the highest level of swimmer protection and aquatic safety. We are especially proud of our dedicated Gouin Pool lifeguards and aquatic staff for earning this distinguished recognition.
PowerPlay! Beyond School Grant Recipient
2022, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2016, 2012, 2010, 2005 & 2004
Veterans Park Districthas received the PowerPlay! Beyond School Grant from the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) on nine separate occasions to support its After-School Program.
The PowerPlay! Beyond School Grant Program provides funding for positive after-school programs serving youth ages 5–13. Funding and educational materials are made possible through the sale and renewalof the Illinois Park District Youth License Plate and support from Friends of Illinois Parks.
These grants help park districts provide safe, structured, and engaging after-school opportunities that encourage learning, recreation, and personal growth while supporting working families.
Veterans Park District is honored to have received thisgrant multiple times, allowing us to continue expanding opportunities for local youth through quality recreation and educational programming.
The Illinois Park District Youth License Plate directly supports this grant program, helping communities throughout Illinois provide valuable youth services and recreational opportunities.
2015 Gold International Aquatic Safety Award
Veterans Park District’s Gouin Pool lifeguards were honored with the Gold International Aquatic Safety Award from Jeff Ellis & Associates, Inc.
This award recognizes aquatic facilities that demonstrate exceptional professionalism, outstanding lifeguard performance, and a strong commitment to swimmer safety.
The recognition reflects the dedication of Veterans Park District’s aquatic staff in maintaining the highest standards of safety while providing a positive and enjoyable aquatic experience for the community.
2015 Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) Best of the Best Partnership Award
Veterans Park District & Proviso Township Mental Health Commission (PTMHC) Veterans Park District and the Proviso Township Mental Health Commission (PTMHC) received the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) Best of the Best Partnership Award in recognition of their outstanding collaboration and commitment to expanding community services.
The award was presented during the IAPD Best of the Best Awards Gala on October 2, 2015, at the Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling, Illinois.
The partnership between Veterans Park District and PTMHC formally began in 2012 with a shared goal of expanding access to recreational, educational, and community-based services for local families.
Through PTMHC funding and the collaborative efforts of both organizations, Veterans Park District expanded programs and services that positively impacted children, families, older adults, and residents throughout the community.
This award recognized the success of an innovative intergovernmental partnership built on collaboration, community investment, and a shared commitment to improving quality of life.
Veterans Park District is proud of its longstanding partnership with PTMHC and the lasting impact this collaboration continues to have on the community.
2011 Partner Agency of the Year Award
Presented by Youth Outreach Services (Y.O.S.)
Veterans Park District was honored to be named Partner Agency of the Year by Youth Outreach Services (Y.O.S.) during the organization’s 2011 Annual Meeting.
Youth Outreach Services, an agency dedicated to promoting the strengths and abilities of youth through community-based programs, recognized Veterans Park District for its outstanding partnership and shared commitment to serving young people and families.
Through collaborative programming and community initiatives, Veterans Park District and Youth Outreach Services have worked together to provide positive recreational, educational, and developmental opportunities that strengthen the community and improve the lives of local youth.
Veterans Park District is proud of its longstanding partnership with Youth Outreach Services and values the opportunity to continue making a positive impact together.
Continuing a Tradition of Excellence
For nearly a century, Veterans Park District has remained committed to enriching the quality of life for the communities it serves by providing exceptional parks, recreational opportunities, and community services. These awards reflect the District’s dedication to excellence, innovation, safety, and collaboration.
Through strong partnerships, dedicated staff, engaged volunteers, and the continued support of residents, Veterans Park District will continue creating welcoming parks, quality programs, and meaningful experiences that enhance the lives of people of all ages for generations to come.