Park districts and lawmakers gathered in the Capitol Rotunda on May 2 to celebrate Illinois Parks Day. During that week, representatives from park districts all across the state have the opportunity to talk to their local legislators about their communities and priorities.

As part of Parks Day, State Sen. Jil Tracy was invited to sit on a legislative panel of five lawmakers at the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) Annual Legislative Conference. As a public official and previous member of the Mt. Sterling Park Board for 13 years, she was asked to share her perspective on Illinois’ fiscal future, and its potential impact on the funding for parks, recreation and open space.

Tracy also met with Macomb Park District’s Executive Director Rachel Lenz and President John Hemingway for on update on their latest work and programs in Macomb, as well as issues impacting their park district.