Park District commissioner elected to statewide association board

Courtesy Bobbie Jo Hill

Eric Entler, commissioner of the Park District of Forest Park, was recently elected to the Illinois Association of Park Districts' (IAPD) board of trustees.

As an IAPD trustee, Entler will assist the association with its mission of advancing Illinois park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies in their ability to preserve natural resources and improve the quality of life for all people in Illinois. Entler will work with the 19-member board to advise the association in providing service, research and educational programs to its membership.

"Eric has shown tremendous dedication in promoting parks, recreation and conservation both locally and statewide," said Peter Murphy, IAPD President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are fortunate to have the benefit of his knowledge and expertise on the IAPD board."

Entler served as the 2012 Sergeant-at-Arms on the IAPD board of trustees. He currently serves on the IAPD membership and program committees.

He was elected to the Park District of Forest Park's board in 2009.

IAPD was established in 1928 and is the oldest state association for parks, recreation and conservation in America. The association serves more than 2,100 elected park, recreation and forest preserve district board members who govern more than 390 agencies employing 40,000 individuals.

IAPD strives to improve Illinois' quality of life through park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies by establishing grants and other new revenue streams for park land, facilities and services; educating the public about the positive effects parks and recreation have on communities; and meeting the problem of decreasing open space in Illinois.