The Skokie Park District has been certified five times as an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency by the Illinois Park & Recreation Association and by the Illinois Association of Park Districts. The goal of the program is to improve the delivery of recreation services to the residents of Skokie through a voluntary comprehensive evaluation process and to improve the quality of life for Skokie residents. The process takes one to two years and includes a site visit by an experienced statewide evaluation team. State accreditations are good for five years.
The Skokie Park District has applied for the the National Gold Medal award for excellence in Park and Recreation Management from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) five times since 1979 and has been a (top four) finalist four times. The application process is long and rigorous, and involves significant staff time and financial resources. The award is the highest honor given out by NRPA and recognizes agencies that demonstrate excellence in long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, and professional development. The district no longer applies for this award, but continues to participate in an exacting evaluation process through the Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency program (above).
Recognized for unique and exemplary practices of increasing access, and fostering diversity and inclusion within the community and organization. Story here.
State Gold Circle of Quality to TLC –– 2023
North American Financial Reporting Award –– 2002-2023
National Aquatic Pro of the Month –– 2023
State Website Award: Second Place –– 2023
Weissburg Park achieves global arboretum status –– 2022
State Short Form Video Award –– 2021
Skokie Sports Park a Top 50 Golf Range in America –– 1998-2022
District awarded for Covid-19 response –– 2021
State Photo Award –– 2021
State Website Award: First Place / State Sports Photo Award –– 2020
State Program Guide Award: First Place and 'Best in Show' –– 2014
National 5-Star Aquatics Safety Award –– 2014
State 'Exceptional Workplace' Award –– 2013
State Renovated Facility Award: First Place –– 2012
State Leadership Award to Nature Center manager –– 2012