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Health & Fitness

Executive Director of Mokena Park District receives award

Mokena Community Park District is proud to announce that Executive Director, Jim Romanek, has been awarded the SSPRPA's Professional of the Year Award.

Mokena Community Park District is proud to announce that Executive Director, Jim Romanek, has been awarded the SSPRPA’s (South Suburban Park & Recreation Professional Association) Professional of the Year Award. The SSPRPA Award recognizes an individual who has created awareness of the importance of park and recreation among their communities and must have made a significant impact within a SSPRPA agency from the previous year. The candidate must have demonstrated their dedication and experience in their field, professional certification(s), and community involvement.

Jim has served full-time in the field of parks and recreation for almost 20 years—14 years as a Park Superintendent in Indian River County, Florida, 4 years as Executive Director of the Kankakee Valley Park District, and nearly 2 years in his current position as Executive Director of the Mokena Community Park District.

Jim’s current certifications include CPRP (Certified Parks & RecreationProfessional), CPSI (Certified Playground Safety Inspector), and CPO (CertifiedPool Operator), as well as being CPR/AED/First Aid certified. He is currently a professional member of NRPA, IPRA, IAPD, and SSPRPA. Jim serves on the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau Sports Commission, as well as Commissioner on the Lincoln-Way Special Recreation Association Board,Legislative Chair for the SSPRPA Legislative Committee, and member of the Mokena Chamber of Commerce, Mokena Lions Club, and the IAPD/IPRA State Conference Exhibit Hall Committee.  Jim is also a registered coach of youth sports and a karate instructor, and is very active in coaching girls’ softball and youth football.

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As Executive Director of the Mokena Community Park District, Jim has always kept in mind that he is a steward of the taxpayers’ monies. He is extremely careful with the budgeting of Park District funds and continues to look for grants and sponsorships to help offset costs. One of Jim’s most recent accomplishments is the development of Fox Ridge Park in Mokena made possible with the assistance of a $400,000 matching grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Jim is currently in the process of overseeing the building of a new Program Center for preschool and other Park District classes, scheduled for completion in 2013.

Jim takes a team approach to managing his staff, involving them in decision-making, encouraging their suggestions, and valuing their opinions on Park District issues. By continually stressing professional customer service, he has taken the staff “to the next level” in communicating with the public. In the short time he has been at Mokena, Jim has earned the respect of all the employees.

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Jim Romanek is a person of great integrity, honesty, and outstanding leadership skills. The Board of Commissioners and staff of Mokena Community Park District congratulate Jim on this distinguished award.

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