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Itasca Recreation & Fitness Center

Honors & Awards

National Gold Medal Award – NRPA

  • 2017 – Gold Medal Winner, Class V (population 30,000 and under)
  • 2016 & 2015 – Gold Medal Finalist
  • 2009 – Gold Medal Winner, Class V
  • 2003 – Gold Medal Winner, Class V

Awarded by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) for excellence in long-range planning, resource management, and innovative recreation services. This prestigious award may only be won once every 5 years.

Aquatics & Facility Excellence

  • 2008 – NRPA National Award for Excellence in Aquatics (Itasca Waterpark)
  • 2008 – IPRA Facility Awards
    • Itasca Waterpark Renovation – Aquatics
    • Franzen Park Renovation – Parks
  • 2001 – NRPA National Award for Excellence in Aquatics (Itasca Waterpark)

IPRA Communications & Marketing Awards

  • 2026 – 1st Place Marketing Campaign 
  • 2026 – 1st Place Table Top Display
  • 2026 – 3rd Place Overall Agency Showcase
  • 2004–2008 – IPRA Agency Showcase Awards for brochure design and marketing excellence

Grants & Funding Support

OSLAD (Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development) Grants

  • 2024 – $600,000 for Ray Franzen Bird Sanctuary & Softball Complex
  • 2024 – $600,000 for Usher Park Redevelopment
  • 2024 – $600,000 for Springbrook Nature Center
  • 2023 – $400,000 for Benson Park Renovation
  • 2016 – $363,500 for Ray Franzen Bird Sanctuary Renovation
  • 2014 – $396,200 for Peacock Park Renovation
  • 2006 – $329,700 for Franzen “Play for All” Community Park Renovation

Museum & Cultural Grants

  • 2024 – $575,000 Museum Grant – Springbrook Nature Center Phase Two
  • 2019 – $600,000 Museum Grant – Springbrook Nature Center Phase One
  • 2014 – $335,000 Museum Grant – Springbrook Nature Center Renovation
  • 2012 – $110,000 IDNR Museum Capital Grant – Depot Museum & Caboose Exhibit

Land & Development Grants

  • 2019 – $600,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) – Benson Park Land Acquisition

Other Funding & Support

  • 2009 & 2019 – $225,000 DECO Grants – Infrastructure and facility support
  • 2007 –$500 Heartsaver AED Grant – Illinois Dept. of Public Health
  • 2007 – $1,830 Dance Program Grant – Illinois Arts Council
  • 2006 – $3.65 Million Successful Referendum – Facility improvements and Waterpark redevelopment
  • 2006 – $3,700 Power Play Program Grant – Illinois Association of Park Districts (Youth Wellness)