Achieving Excellence for All of You
Award-Winning Parks &
Programs
The work is its own reward. We are delighted to provide an outstanding park district for over 50,000 community members across 72 parks in the district. Simply knowing that you are visiting us, spending your quality time outdoors, and reconnecting with the real moments that truly matter is what matters most.
Awards & Honors
Awards & Honors
Being recognized for that effort is extraordinary, and we are so proud to bring
these awards home to all of you.
National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park & Recreation Management
Awarded: 2009, 2023
Finalist: 1989, 1990, 1991, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2022, 2023
NPR’s Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies
Awarded: 2013-2017, 2018-2022, 2023-2027
Illinois Distinguished Park & Recreation Agency Award
Awarded: 2000-2005, 2006-2011, 2011-2016, 2017-2022, & 2022-2028
GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
Awarded: 2014-2019, 2021, 2023
Park District Risk Management Agency –
Awarded: Loss Control Program, Excellence Level A 2010-2021
IAPD Best of the Best Awards
Best of the Best Award 2023: Intergovernmental Cooperation, Best of the Best Award 2023: Outstanding Citizen Volunteer of the Year, Partnership Award 2021, Intergovernmental Cooperation Award 2020, Best Friends of Illinois Parks 2018
Illinois Sports Turf Association
Awarded: Field of the Year – Third Place 2020
Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce Public Sector of the Year
Awarded: 2013, 2015 & 2018
Starguard Aquatics Institute 4-Star Quality Award
Awarded: 202014-2019, 2021, 202213, 2015 & 2018
The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame
Awarded: 2012-2019 – Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club
WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award
Awarded: 2015, 2016, 2017 – Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club
Village of Hoffman Estates Proclamations
Awarded: July Parks & Recreation Month – 2015, 2017, 2019, National Kids to Parks Day – May 2019, 2020, 2021, Craig Talsma Day – June 28, 2022
Why It Matters
Each award is a milestone of trust, a testament
of partnership,
a promise kept.
Be a part of something bigger.
Get Involved
Some of the most meaningful moments at HEParks happen because someone like you chose to show up. When you volunteer, you’re not just helping out — you’re building memories, lifting spirits, and creating the kind of community we all want to be part of. However you give your time, know that it matters.