January 26, 2015 – The Illinois Parks and Recreation Association (IPRA) awarded the Woodridge Park District with the “Exceptional Workplace” award at the IPRA Annual Conference held in Chicago on Friday, January 23. The honor was given to recognize the park district’s efforts to support employee health and wellness.
“Not only does the District provide its residents with a variety of recreational activities that promote overall health and fitness, but they also prioritize the health and wellness of their employees,” said Mike Adams, Executive Director of the Woodridge Park District.
Efforts to support and encourage a healthy lifestyle include participation in seminars and webinars on safety, health, and work-life balance; an annual wellness program led by the risk management agency; supporting professional development; recognizing certifications, awards and achievements; and providing staff with comfortable work environments.
The premise behind the IPRA “Exceptional Workplace” award goes beyond encouraging employees to count calories and add physical activity to their day. It encompasses implementing multiple dimensions of wellness to develop a balanced life including physical activity, social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual and environmental/safety.
Each IPRA member agency completed an online self-assessment of their efforts to improve and support overall employee health. These assessments, along with relevant documentation were reviewed by an IPRA selection committee made up of leading Illinois health and wellness professionals.
