Friends of Illinois Parks.

The Illinois Association of Park Directors has established a new non-profit group, Friends of Illinois Parks, to help preserve land for parks and recreational opportunities. As much of today's open space is replaced by industry, highways, and parking lots, many children no longer have safe places to play.

"Friends of Illinois Parks offers an opportunity for citizens to have a stronger voice in the future of their communities through advocacy and promotion of parks and recreation," said Dr. Ted Flickinger, IAPD executive director. "We must keep the commitment to parks, conservation, and recreation that was begun by our forefathers. The Illinois Association of Park Districts has worked toward the creation and establishment of parkland throughout the state, but more needs to be done because the demand is greater today."

Friends of Illinois Parks will provide an avenue for individuals and groups to have their voices heard regarding the preservation of our undeveloped greenways and quality of life at local and state levels. Eighty-five percent of contributions made to the group will go to a special fund to assist park districts, forest preserves, and recreation agencies in their struggle to save open spaces, preserve natural resources, and promote recreation programs.

For more information, call [phone], or visit the group's Web site at www.als.uiuc.edu/iapd