WPD Honored with IAPD Best of the Best Award for Partnership with Go Green Wilmette

9/23/2025 

Best Friend of Illinois Parks—Small Business

Wilmette Park District is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) Best of the Best Award for Best Friend of Illinois Parks—Small Business category. This honor recognizes the Park District’s longstanding partnership with Go Green Wilmette, a community-based organization dedicated to environmental awareness and action.

A Model Partnership for Sustainability
For nearly two decades, Go Green Wilmette has been a driving force in advancing environmental stewardship and sustainability within the Wilmette community. Their work with the Park District reflects every facet of this award, from volunteerism and advocacy to education and in-kind support.

Our organizations have collaborated on projects that directly benefit the environment and strengthen the community’s connection to nature. Highlights include:

• Thirteen annual beach cleanups, ensuring a healthier, safer lakefront for residents and visitors.
• Twelve native habitat workdays each year, focused on restoration, planting, and stewardship of local parks.
• Guided bird and tree walks provide residents opportunities to engage with and appreciate Wilmette’s natural spaces.
• Community education and engagement, including Park District support for Go Green Wilmette’s Family fall festival, the community’s only native plant sale, and composting initiatives at The Wilmette Block Party.

Driving Awareness and Advocacy
Beyond on-the-ground projects, Go Green Wilmette has amplified the Park District’s sustainability efforts through communication channels, monthly community meetings, and outreach to local, state, and national organizations. Their advocacy extends beyond Wilmette, influencing broader conversations about sustainability in the parks and recreation field.

Exemplifying Industry Standards
The Best Friend of Illinois Parks Award recognizes businesses and organizations that go above and beyond in supporting public agencies. Go Green Wilmette’s dedication exemplifies this spirit, making them a true partner in promoting conservation, recreation, and quality of life.

“Our collaboration with Go Green Wilmette demonstrates how a community-driven organization and a public agency can work together to create lasting impact,” said Sustainability Coordinator Lucy Mellen. “This award is a reflection of their incredible leadership and our shared commitment to sustainability.”

Recognition at Statewide Gala
The Wilmette Park District and Go Green Wilmette will be honored at the IAPD Best of the Best Awards Gala on Friday, October 24, at Wheeling Park District’s Chevy Chase Country Club. The event celebrates exemplary contributions of agencies, professionals, volunteers, and partners across Illinois who champion parks, recreation, and conservation.