Mike Reid, former president of the Skokie Park District board of commissioners, was posthumously named the 2024 Illinois Association of Park Districts’ (IAPD) Commissioner of the Year at the IAPD/IPRA Conference at Chicago’s Hyatt Regency Hotel on Friday.

“Mike Reid was the embodiment of a loyal park commissioner,” said the district’s Executive Director Michelle Tuft. “The Skokie Park District’s tremendous growth and success throughout his nearly two decades of service is a testament to his heartfelt dedication.”

According to IAPD, the recipient of their Commissioner of the Year Award must show outstanding qualities in supporting and promoting parks, recreation, and conservation in their community, as well as throughout the state. The recipient must also have helped to carry out the IAPD mission, including promoting IAPD through the legislative process, volunteering at IAPD events, serving as a lecturer or panel member at IAPD programs, or participating on an IAPD committee or its board of trustees.

Reid was an 11-time Skokie Park District board president and a two-time vice-president. He oversaw hundreds of major projects and new programs, including Skokie’s Backlot Bash and multiple renovations of The Exploritorium, Skatium Ice Arena, Park Services Center, Weber Leisure Center, and Fitness First health club.

His energetic commitment transcended local boundaries with service on the IAPD board of trustees and his active involvement on the association’s research advisory council, honors and resolutions committee, and joint legislative committee.

Reid participated in IAPD’s board member development program, reaching master board member status in 2017, and maintaining that status throughout his tenure.

“Mike was a steadfast fixture at district events, volunteering and interacting with residents,” said Tuft. “He was gifted with a talent for seeking out resident ideas and listening to their concerns with a remarkable humility, compassion, sense of humor, intellectual curiosity, and open mind.”

Reid, 72, who battled amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for more than two years, passed away on Friday afternoon, December 6. His daughter Becky, in her acceptance speech, revealed that the family was notified of Mike’s win that morning. She said that when the family told him that he had won the award, Mike gave them a big thumbs up.

In addition to the award, the district’s Mike Reid Park was dedicated in September, a ceremony that Mike was able to attend.