Naperville Park District: Best Green

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Naperville Park District received the Best Green Practices Award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) as part of the 2021 “Best of the Best” statewide awards competition. Winners of the various categories were announced at the IAPD’s awards event October 15.

Naperville Park District was one of three park districts receiving the Best Green Practices Award. The others were Northbrook Park District and the Park District of Oak Park.

“One of our core values is Environmental Stewardship,” said executive director Ray McGury. “This award speaks well of our community and the progress we have made as a District and in partnership with others to preserve a healthy environment for everyone.”

The Best Green Practices Award recognizes Naperville Park District for a number of green initiatives. Over the past few years, the District added 20+ acres of natural areas, restoring shorelines, converting turf to meadow and increasing native vegetation where possible. Many individuals in the community joined the District in its green initiatives by recycling holiday lights, composting Halloween pumpkins, volunteering for park maintenance projects, and attending the annual Earth Day Fair. The District’s annual Sustainability Report tracks the progress made each year in energy efficiency, green purchasing practices, recycling, water quality and stormwater management—all of which help protect the environment for future generations.

—Naperville Park District

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