Waukegan, Illinois (November 4, 2024) – Nominated by the Waukegan Park District, Coach Kenny Jones, or Coach Kenny as he is known to his players, was honored with the Good Sportsmanship Award by the Illinois Association of Park Districts. The award recognizes the efforts of citizen volunteers who are coaches for park district, recreation, or special recreation agency youth athletics including, but not limited to, basketball, baseball, indoor and outdoor soccer, softball, hockey, and volleyball.
Coach Kenny has been a role model for good sportsmanship and a leader in the Waukegan Park District’s Junior Bulldogs Basketball League. His approach to coaching is rooted in respect, positivity, and a deep commitment to the development of his players, both on and off the court. Not a game goes by that Coach Kenny does not congratulate players on both sides, demonstrating the best of good sportsmanship by example and modeling ideal behavior for all teams on the court.
In team practices, Coach Kenny dedicates a significant amount of time to less skilled players, building their confidence to help them improve. He has a strong understanding of each player’s strengths and weaknesses, allowing him to effectively guide their development. His enthusiasm is infectious, creating a positive atmosphere that extends beyond the team to include parents and spectators.
Anton L. Mathews, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “Coach Kenny treats players, parents, officials with unwavering respect, setting a powerful example for his team. Respect is the foundation of Coach Kenny’s interaction with youth players. His ability to remain composed under pressure further exemplifies his commitment to showcasing good sportsmanship.”
Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “Since 1998, Coach Kenny has a created a positive atmosphere on and off the court. As someone who formerly oversaw the Junior Bulldogs Basketball League, I have personally witnessed the impact he has had on the youth basketball program. The Waukegan Park District is grateful for Coach Kenny’s years of service as a volunteer coach.”
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