Wilmette Park District Celebrates National Recognition for Excellence, Leadership and Innovation

Wilmette Park District has received a series of national recognitions that underscore the organization’s ongoing commitment to excellence, innovation and leadership in Parks and Recreation.

These honors, spanning financial stewardship, sustainability leadership and national professional development, reflect the dedication of staff and the District’s mission to serve the Wilmette community effectively.

18 Years of Financial Reporting Excellence

For the 18th consecutive year, Wilmette Park District has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (COA) by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada.

The award recognizes the District’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, signifying a notable accomplishment for a public agency and its management.

Reports are evaluated through a rigorous review process to ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and GFOA program standards. Only submissions that demonstrate a “spirit of full disclosure” and exceed minimum reporting requirements receive this distinction.

“We are honored to once again be recognized by the GFOA,” stated Sheila Foy, Superintendent of Finance. “Receiving this award for the 18th consecutive year demonstrates our team’s commitment to transparency and responsible financial management for the Wilmette community.”

Sustainability Leadership Recognized Nationally

Adding to the District’s national recognition, Sustainability Coordinator Lucy Mellen was named among this year’s National Recreation and Park Association 30 Under 30 honorees by Parks & Recreation magazine and the NRPA Young Professional Network.

The 30 Under 30 program recognizes young professionals nationwide who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their communities, colleagues, organizations and the broader parks and recreation field. This year, honorees were selected from over 100 nominations representing 29 states and the District of Columbia.

Since joining the Wilmette Park District in February 2023, Lucy Mellen has played a pivotal role in advancing the District’s environmental initiatives. She contributed to the development and implementation of the District’s inaugural Sustainability Plan, Guide to Green, a five-year plan adopted by the Park Board in April 2024 that outlines 72 objectives to enhance sustainable practices and guide future environmental progress.

Through her leadership and cross-departmental collaboration, the District has:

• Updated procurement policies to prioritize low-emission purchases
• Banned extruded polystyrene foam (Styrofoam©) products
• Integrated sustainability goals into job descriptions and performance evaluations
• Implemented sustainability training opportunities for staff

This recognition highlights the District’s commitment to innovative leadership and environmental stewardship.

Contributing to National Professional Development

Wilmette Park District’s leadership also contributes to shaping the future of the parks and recreation profession at the national level.

Executive Director Chris Lindgren recently participated in the Park and Recreation Maintenance Management School (MMS), a comprehensive two-year professional development program offered by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) in partnership with NC State University.

MMS is the longest-running national program dedicated to parks and recreation maintenance and operations and remains in high demand among professionals nationwide.

Chris Lindgren serves on the MMS Board of Regents, collaborating with NRPA and NC State University to develop curriculum standards and ensure the program reflects best practices in maintenance and operational management. Board members also instruct and guide professionals through the program’s rigorous coursework.

“Professional development and leadership in our field are essential to ensuring high-quality parks and services for our communities,” said Lindgren. “It is an honor to help shape and teach a program that supports park and recreation professionals nationwide.”

A Culture of Progress

Collectively, these recognitions represent more than individual achievements; they highlight a culture of excellence that Wilmette Park District strives for.

Through responsible financial management, innovative sustainability initiatives and leadership within the broader profession, the Wilmette Park District remains committed to serving the community with integrity, transparency and a vision of progress.