Waukegan, Illinois (May 22, 2024) – The National Recreation and Park Association recognized the Waukegan Park District’s SwimSmart Initiative with the Innovation in Health Award and Javier Martinez, Manager of Fitness & Aquatics, with the Robert W. Crawford Young Professional of the Year Award. The national awards highlight the efforts of those who go above and beyond to make a difference in the community.

The Innovation in Health Award recognizes a park and recreation agency leading an innovative project that fosters a culture of health in their community. The Waukegan Park District partnered with North Shore Gas and the Waukegan Parks Foundation and launched the SwimSmart Initiative to offer free swim lessons to first and second graders in Waukegan. The partnerships have resulted in comprehensive swim instruction and water safety awareness among children at an early age. The initiative is a transformative approach to promoting health and wellness through aquatics, emphasizing swimming as a life-saving skill and form of exercise. Anthony Strack, Recreation Supervisor of Aquatics, provides leadership that supports the initiative and ensures that children have a positive experience with swimming at the indoor aquatics center.

The Robert W. Crawford Young Professional Award is presented to an individual who has shown qualities and skills needed to attain positions of leadership through their contributions to advancing the field, their creativity in creating or managing programs, and their participation in professional organizations, such as the National Recreation and Park Association. Since joining the Waukegan Park District in 2018, Javier Martinez has overseen innovative recreation programs related to nature, culture, fitness, and aquatics and has been instrumental in the success of the SwimSmart Initiative. Javier was also selected as one of the 2024 30 Under 30 honorees by the National Recreation and Park Association’s Young Professional Network and Parks & Recreation magazine. The recognition program honors thirty top young professionals in the field of parks and recreation.

Anton L. Mathews, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “I am incredibly proud of the Waukegan Park District’s SwimSmart Initiative and Javier Martinez. The awards are well-deserved honors for an innovative initiative, and an exceptional leader making a difference at his employer and in his community.”

Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “The national awards for the SwimSmart Initiative and Javier Martinez are a testament to the Waukegan Park District’s commitment to excellence. The Innovation in Health Award exemplifies the power of partnerships with corporate and community organizations to make a lasting impact in the community and the Robert W. Crawford Young Professional of the Year Award recognizes Javier’s outstanding contributions to the park and recreation industry.”