The Glenview Park District earned statewide recognition for leadership, innovation and excellence at the 2026 Illinois Association of Park Districts and Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) Soaring to New Heights Conference, held January 29–31 in downtown Chicago.

Several Glenview Park District board members and staff were honored for their professional achievements and contributions to the field of parks and recreation.

Park Board Commissioner Bill Casey was named Chairman of the IPRA Board of Trustees. In this role, Casey will help guide the statewide organization that represents more than 350 park districts, forest preserves, conservation districts and special recreation agencies across Illinois.

Park Board Commissioner Dave Dillon received his Master Board Member Certification through the IPRA Board Member Development Program. The program recognizes board members who demonstrate exceptional commitment through continued education, committee involvement and leadership at the local, state and national levels.

Laila Bashia was recognized posthumously by the IPRA Administration and Finance Section with the Liz Mastoris Cox Significance of Excellence Award. This honor reflects Bashia’s lasting impact on the parks and recreation profession, particularly in administrative operations, and celebrates her dedication, leadership and service. Laila served as the Glenview District’s first Director of Human Resources from 2004 to 2016, and was the Human Resource Director for the Schaumburg Park District from 2016 to 2024. Laila returned to the Glenview Park District as the Division Director of Administrative Operations at the Glenview Park District in 2024. Laila fought a courageous battle with cancer and passed away on June 10, 2025.

Kara Moss received the IPRA Administration and Finance Section Distinguished Member Award. The award is presented to an active section member who exemplifies leadership, collaboration and advocacy within the profession. Kara Moss currently serves as the Director of Risk and Special Projects at the Glenview Park District.

Cassidy Reinhard, Marketing Specialist, received the IPRA Communications and Marketing Section Visionary Award, recognizing innovative leadership and forward-thinking contributions to the field. Reinhard was also sworn in as Section Director for the IPRA Communications and Marketing Section.

In addition to individual honors, the Glenview Park District was honored with the Exceptional Workplace Award which is awarded for a five-year term to agencies that meet or exceed 48 criteria that demonstrate the agency’s commitment to providing a well-balanced life and supportive work culture for employees.

GPD’s popular Halloween Skelebration display also earned third place in the Large-Format Marketing category of the Agency Showcase. The professionally judged competition recognizes standout marketing and communication efforts from park, recreation and conservation agencies across Illinois.

“The recognition our board members and staff received at the Soaring to New Heights Conference reflects the talent, dedication and passion they bring to serving our community every day,” said Michael McCarty, Executive Director of the Glenview Park District. “We are proud to see their work recognized at the state level.”