Waukegan, Illinois (September 18, 2023) – The Waukegan Park District has been recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association with the prestigious Triple Crown. The Triple Crown recognizes governments who have received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. The Waukegan Park District was also awarded the Triple Crown in 2019 and is one of only three park districts in the United States and Canada to receive the latest award.
The Waukegan Park District published three in-depth financial reports outlining how taxpayer dollars are managed, invested, and spent: the annual budget, popular annual financial report, and annual comprehensive financial report. All three financial reports are available at waukeganparks.org/financialreports.
Founded in 1906, the Government Finance Officers Association represents public finance officials throughout the United States and Canada with a mission to advance excellence in public finance. The association’s more than 20,000 members are federal, state/provincial, and local finance officials deeply involved in planning, financing, and implementing thousands of governmental operations in each of their jurisdictions.
Jeremiah Johnson, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “Receiving the Government Finance Officers Association’s Triple Crown reflects the Waukegan Park District’s commitment to meeting the highest principles of financial reporting and transparency. Responsible and transparent fiscal practices are part of the daily operations across all departments.”
Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “It is an honor for the Waukegan Park District to earn the Government Finance Officers Association’s Triple Crown once again. Through strategic planning, the Waukegan Park District prioritizes the exceptional stewardship of financial resources as we meet the needs of the community.”
About the Waukegan Park District
Established on December 26, 1916, the Waukegan Park District (WPD) has 53 properties and more than 742 acres of land, including the 18-hole Bonnie Brook and 9-hole Greenshire Golf Courses. Properties are managed to the highest environmental and conservation standards. Facilities operated by the WPD include the Field House Sports, Fitness and Aquatics Center, Waukegan’s Greg Petry SportsPark, Waukegan Skate Park, BMX Track, SplashZone, Percussion Playground, recreational centers, disc golf course, dog exercise area and agility course, outdoor sports fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, splash pads, and sports courts including basketball, tennis and pickleball. A full range of programs and services are offered year-round for all ages, from infants to seniors, as well as special need populations. Healthy lifestyles, wellness initiatives, and a connection with the outdoors and nature are integrated throughout programs, services, and special events. Arts and cultural activities are provided by the Jack Benny Center for the Arts, Waukegan Symphony Orchestra and Concert Chorus, and the Waukegan History Museum. We offer something for everyone!
A member of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD), Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA), and the Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA), the WPD employs 73 full-time and 219 part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees and is recognized by the IPRA as an Exceptional Workplace.
Nationally accredited by the NRPA Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and State accredited through the IAPD Distinguished Agency Accreditation, the WPD has received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Triple Crown Award for receiving the GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. The WPD was awarded the NRPA National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management in 2013, and was named a Gold Medal Finalist in 2012, 2013, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Media Contact
Josue Pasillas, MPA
Communications Supervisor
Waukegan Park District
(847) 360-4789
jpasillas@waukeganparks.org
waukeganparks.org