Galesburg Reporter

The Illinois Association of Park District (IAPD) presented State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) with its Outstanding Legislator of the Year Award due to her commitment to promoting park and recreation-related causes and legislation, according to a press release published by Tracy on Feb. 1.

“During her many years of service in the General Assembly – first as a member of the House of Representatives and now in the Senate, Jil Tracy has been an advocate of local government," said IAPD President and CEO Peter Murphy. "Time and again, she has been willing to speak out to defend local control. For her remarkable dedication and support, we are pleased to honor Sen. Jil Tracy with the Illinois Association of Park Districts’ Outstanding Legislator of the Year Award."

Tracy said park districts play a big role in making Illinois communities a great place to live and work. 

“Access to recreational facilities is good for physical and mental health,” Tracy said. “These resources improve family time and make an impact on economic development in a community. It’s an honor for IAPD to recognize my support of these very important local government systems.”

According to its official website, the IAPD is a nonprofit service, research and education organization that serves park districts, forest preserves, conservation efforts, municipal park and recreation projects and special recreation agencies. The association was founded in 1928 by the then-secretary of the Illinois Municipal League A.D. McLarty.

Tracy was first elected to the Illinois Senate on Nov. 22, having previously served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 2006 to 2014. On Jan. 11, Tracy was appointed to the position of Senate Republican Whip, and she also serves as the spokesperson for the Judiciary Committee. Tracy is also a member of the Labor, Executive, Higher Education, Appropriations (Education) and Veterans Affairs committees, and she also serves on the Legislative Ethics Commission.