Former Westmont Park District Commissioner Honored with Statewide Recognition

 

Bob Main (Left) and Lori Palmer (Right)

SPRINGFIELD, IL – – The late Diane Main, former longtime commissioner of the Westmont Park District, was honored with an Illinois Association of Park Districts’ (IAPD) Chairman’s Citation by Lori Palmer, 2022 IAPD Chairman. The award was accepted by Diane’s husband, Bob Main, at the association’s annual business meeting on Saturday, January 28 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

The Chairman’s Citation honors individuals who show exemplary leadership and effective action toward advancing parks, recreation, and conservation in Illinois.

“Diane had an unmatched passion and enthusiasm for parks and recreation, and she truly loved her community and her park district,” said Palmer. “She took me under her wing and served as an amazing mentor in advocating for improved quality of life through parks, recreation, and conservation. She left a lasting impression on me, and her extraordinary influence still guides and inspires me.”

Main served nearly forty years as a Westmont Park District Commissioner. She served on the IAPD Board of Trustees from 2009 until 2017 and was Chairman of the association in 2015. She was an active member of IAPD’s Ambassadors, Board Development, Executive, Honors and Resolutions, and Nominating Committees and the Joint Coordinating Council.

“Diane epitomized the essence of community service, and she made a tremendous impact on the Illinois Association of Park Districts and the field of parks, recreation, and conservation,” said Peter Murphy, IAPD President and Chief Executive Officer. “Her positive energy lives on and inspires us to continue the work that she cared so deeply about. Illinois is a better place today because of her commitment and dedication.”

IAPD was established in 1928 and is the oldest state association for parks, recreation, and conservation in America. The association serves more than 2,100 elected park, recreation and forest preserve district board members who govern 360 agencies employing 67,000 individuals.

IAPD strives to improve Illinois’ quality of life through park districts, forest preserves, conservation, and recreation agencies by establishing grants and other new revenue streams for park land, facilities, and services; educating the public about the positive effects parks and recreation have on communities; and meeting the problem of decreasing open space in Illinois.