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Partnerships are key
The Waukegan Park District would like to express its gratitude to the Lake County News-Sun for highlighting the awards received from the National Recreation and Park Association: the Innovation in Health Award recognizing the SwimSmart Initiative, and the Robert W. Crawford Young Professional of the Year Award recognizing Javier Martinez, manager of fitness & aquatics. These honors emphasize how important partnerships with corporations, non-profit organizations and other government entities are in making an impact in the community.
The Waukegan Park District’s strategic partnerships with North Shore Gas, the Waukegan Parks Foundation and Waukegan Public Schools have been instrumental in ensuring the sustainability and success of the award-winning SwimSmart Initiative.
*North Shore Gas provided financial support for the swim lessons for first graders. By contributing funding, North Shore Gas enabled us to expand the reach of swim lessons, regardless of socioeconomic status.
*The Waukegan Parks Foundation played a pivotal role in mobilizing community support and advocacy for free second grade field trips. As an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing park and recreation opportunities in Waukegan, they leveraged their networks and resources to raise awareness about the importance of water safety education, thereby gaining additional financial support for the initiative.
*Waukegan Public Schools is a partner in the second-grade swim lessons. Transportation to and from the field trips is arranged and lunches are provided, so a healthy lunch is part of each field trip. Their participation and support for the field trip is evident and has contributed to the success of the program. This partnership between two government entities is a testament to the use of positive relationships in meeting common needs.
The collaboration between the Waukegan Park District, North Shore Gas, the Waukegan Parks Foundation and Waukegan Public Schools to provide free swim lessons for first and second graders exemplifies the power of collective action in addressing community needs. This approach was essential in ensuring the success and sustainability of the program.
Waukegan Park District