Champions for Change Award

The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District received the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) and Illinois Association of Park District’s (IAPD) Champions for Change Award at the annual IPRA/IAPD Soaring to New Heights conference awards luncheon on Friday, January 24, at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Chicago.

The IPRA/IAPD Champions for Change Award is presented to an agency that has unique and exemplary practices of increasing access and fostering diversity and inclusion within its community or organization. These measurable practices remove barriers, result in positive social change, and inspire others to follow in their path. “At HFPD, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—or DEI—are not just initiatives; they are part of who we are,” said Oralethea Davenport, Irwin Center Manager and chair of the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District DEI Committee. “By embedding DEI as a Core Value and aligning it with our mission, we’ve worked to create a legacy of equity, accessibility, and positive change within our agency and our community.”

Homewood-Flossmoor Park District’s board-approved DEI goals have led to numerous impactful actions over the past two years, including annual DEI training, program and event reviews, and the creation of the HFPD DEI logo displayed at facility entrances and staff apparel. HFPD’s scholarship fund has provided recreational opportunities to families facing financial challenges, allowing residents of all ages to participate in and benefit from HFPD’s offerings. HFPD’s collaboration with the South Suburban Special Recreation Association (SSSRA) has enhanced programming accessibility, enabling individuals with special needs to participate in activities that may not have otherwise been accessible. Programs and events like the annual PRIDE Fest in collaboration with the Villages of Homewood and Flossmoor help to promote equity and enhance community bonds.

“I am so proud to see our staff recognized for the hard work they do daily to make our park district welcoming and inclusive,” said Doug Boehm, Homewood-Flossmoor Park District Executive Director. “We strive to make everyone in our tight-knit community feel like a part of something special.”