District News

Mt. Prospect Park District Wins Exceptional Workplace Award

The Mt. Prospect Park District received the 2026 Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) Exceptional Workplace Award at the January 30 IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference. The Exceptional Workplace Award recognizes agencies for their efforts and excellence in creating a positive work environment for their employees.

The award is granted for a five-year term to agencies that meet and or exceed 48 criteria demonstrating excellence in workplace culture. Areas of criteria include employee physical and mental wellness, continuing education, communication, team building, diversity, inclusion initiatives and community engagement. 

While many factors played a role in receiving this award, an area to highlight is the work done by the District’s Employee Committee, composed of 11 staff members and chaired by Maddy Moon, Community Relations and Marketing Coordinator, and Toria Smith, Lions Recreation Center & Cultural Arts Manager. Goals of the committee include providing engaging experiences that promote team building and continuing education, showing employee appreciation through events and fostering wellness through monthly activities. 

In 2025, the Committee launched MPPD U (staff continuing education program), planned activities in honor of Global Employee Health & Fitness month in May, offered interactive wellness activities such as Staff Pickleball and Walking Wednesdays, coordinated a Thanksgiving Food Drive to give back to the community and hosted a variety of employee appreciation events throughout the year.

Jim Jarog, Executive Director of the Mt. Prospect Park District, is proud of the agency’s efforts to create and maintain a positive work environment that provides many benefits to support employees in their personal and professional growth.

“The Mt. Prospect Park District values the hard work and dedication of all employees. We are committed to maintaining a positive work environment where every employee is respected and appreciated. Their contributions are essential to the Park District’s success, enabling us to provide the community with exceptional parks, recreation experiences and quality programming,” said Jarog.