The department was nominated by Tom Harmer Athletic Equipment, Inc., in Loves Park. Class I, Gary Holler, Johnson County. Illinois Gains Market Share in NRPA Kudos Awards Illinois park districts and fores preserves earned more than half of all the 1995 NRPA Kudos Awards for excellence in communicating the benefits of parks and recreation to the public. The Decatur Park District received the National Dorothy Mullen Arts and Humanities Award for its innovative approach to arts, humanities and recreation. Decatur's Performing Arts Program encourages youth to audition and perform with choral, vocal and dance groups consisting of both amateurs and professionals.
Groups perform throughout the year at the park district and community special events.
Professional Honor Robert R Toalson, CLP, received NRPA's National Distinguished Professional Award presented annually to those in the field who through inspiration, incentive and demonstration of leadership, have made noteworthy contributions over a period of time to the recreation, parks and conservation movement. Currently the general manager of the Champaign Park District, Toalson began his career as an intern with the National Recreation Association in Philadelphia, under the mentorship of Robert Crawford and Woody Sutherland. He went on to serve the Illinois communities of Oak Park and Champaign by developing and implementing innovative programs while perpetuating the mentorship philosophy that was his beginning. In both cities, Toalson oversaw the design and construction of new recreation centers and parks and received National Gold Medals for Excellence. In Champaign, he helped establish the first full-time department for volunteers in the country.