Waukegan, Illinois (November 4, 2024) – Nominated by the Waukegan Park District, Grand Appliance was honored by the Illinois Association of Park Districts with the Best Friend of Illinois Parks Award. The award recognizes a business or corporation that has demonstrated outstanding support of a local park district, forest preserve, conservation, recreation, or special recreation agency.
Established in Waukegan in 1930, Grand Appliance, a family-owned appliance, mattress, and electronics retailer, has been a supporter of the Waukegan Park District as a sponsor of the 2024 Halloween Trick or Treat Trail and youth and adult sports. The business supports the Waukegan Parks Foundation with funds to enhance park and recreation opportunities in Waukegan.
Grand Appliance and the Reckling Family, the founders of the business, contributed $25,000 to improve the baseball fields at Victory Park. As they have supported the Waukegan Park District for many years, especially the baseball and softball programs, one of the fields is named after Fred Reckling, the late owner of Grand Appliance.
The partnership between the Waukegan Park District and Grand Appliance goes beyond financial support. In the past few years, employees from Grand Appliance have volunteered to enhance local parks with various projects. From mulching the playground to improving tree rings, the volunteers immersed themselves in a day of service to benefit the community.
Anton L. Mathews, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “Grand Appliance is the prime example of a business being a good neighbor and investing in their community. Through the years, Grand Appliance has remained dedicated to supporting the Waukegan Park District.”
Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “From its first location across the street from the Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center, Grand Appliance has been committed to supporting parks and recreation in Waukegan for many years. The Waukegan Park District is grateful for this partnership that has greatly benefitted individuals and families in 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