3 Glenview Residents Honored For Commitment To Parks, Recreation

GLENVIEW, IL — Three Glenview residents have been recognized by the Illinois Association of Park Districts and Illinois Parks and Recreation Association for their contributions to the advancement of parks and recreation facilities in the area.

The recipients include Illinois State Sen. Laura Fine, who received the award for supporting environmental justice legislation while also advocating for the expansion of park district funding, according to a news release issued Monday by the Glenview Park District. Fine also was honored for helping expand access to coronavirus testing among Glenview residents.

Glenview resident Jesse Hall is being honored for his work in improving access to the Glenview Community Ice Center as well as his contributions while serving on the Glenview-Northbrook Coronavirus Task Force.

Glenview’s Kay Laurie is also receiving an award from the groups for her long-standing service to the Park District’s Fourth of July Committee, the park district announced.

“We are immensely grateful to State Senator Fine, Jesse and Kay for their support, partnership and volunteer work,” Glenview Park District Executive Director Michael McCarty said in a news release. “It really takes a village – our village – and each of their contributions has helped us in making the Glenview community a healthier, safer place.”

Fine has supported efforts to expand parks and recreation funding, as well as sponsored environmental justice measures such as the Offshore Wind Energy Economic Development Policy Task Force and declaring September 7, 2019, as Great Lakes Appreciation Day. In 2020, the Illinois Association of Park Districts named her its Legislator of the Year, park district officials announced.

Hall is being recognized for his service educating agencies and community members on how to stay safe during the pandemic. The Coronavirus Task Force he serves on also provides free COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics. Hall has also helped create access to the Glenview Community Ice Center via Hospital Drive, ensuring safer traffic

Laurie has worked with the Fourth of July Committee for more than 20 years and has organized and fundraised thousands of dollars to support annual Independence Day celebrations. Her enthusiasm, creativity and dedication have been vital in strengthening the Park District’s community relations, park district officials said.