Great lakes region. (Regional Reports).

Patriot's Park, in the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District (Ill.), was dedicated this summer in the memory of those who died in the Sept. 11 attacks. The dedication plaque in the park reads: "Patriot's Park is named in honor of the men and women who brought new meaning to the word `patriot' on September 11, 2001. Patriot's Park also honors those who have unselfishly answered the call to serve our country as members of the United States Armed Forces. We honor their dedication and commitment to liberty as they fought in our war on terrorism and all previous wars that threatened the freedoms that we enjoy as American citizens. Dedicated by Homewood-Flossmoor Park District's Board of Commissioners, 2002." With the help of Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-Ill.), the 11-acre park was purchased from the federal government for $1. It was the site of an abandoned U.S. Army Reserve Nike Missile Base.

The Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department launched its Hearts N' Parks program with the help of the mayor, city officials, the state Department of Health and a few hundred kids in summer camp programs. The event was cosponsored by a local TV station and a popular radio station, and featured fun activities for the kids. The Hearts N' Parks program and the obesity epidemic continue to receive great exposure through regularly aired public service announcements. Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department is being recognized and honored for taking a proactive approach to dealing with these important issues in the community.

The Armed Forces Recreation Society Board of Directors held its summer meeting in Chesterfield, Mo., a suburb of St Louis on July 20 and 21. The two-day meeting included reports from most of its 34-member board of directors, and culminated with a tour of the 2003 NRPA Congress facilities in downtown St. Louis.

Former National Society for Park Resources Board member Steve Plumb is retiring from the Elmhurst (Ill.) Park District after 23, years of service. Plumb, who is a recipient of the NSPR Meritorious Service Award, was one of the original NSPR members who got the National Playground Safety Institute rolling. He was active with the Illinois Park and Recreation Association through the Parks and Natural Resource Management Section and served as section chair. Plumb was named Park Professional of the Year in 1984. He plans to move to Colorado this fall.

Wisconsin Governor Scott McCallum announced approval of 51 State Transportation Enhancement awards totaling $21.4 million that will fund a variety of improvements, such as bicycle and pedestrian facilities and decorative streetscaping and landscaping efforts in conjunction with state highway improvement projects. "This federal, state and local initiative serves to broaden Wisconsin's transportation system and makes our local communities even better places to live, work and visit," McCallum said. "An efficient and attractive infrastructure is an essential element of a strong community and a strong economy." The State Transportation Enhancements Program was created in 1999 to better use federal transportation funds on state projects. A separate program, the Local Transportation Enhancement Program, funds similar improvements along local roads and streets. Federal dollars cover 80 percent of the project costs, and most awards require a 20 percent local share. For more information, contact Debbie Monterrey-Millett, of the governor's office at 608-266-9806, or John Duffe, of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, at 608-264-8723.

Great Lakes Service Center
Walter Johnson, CPRP
Regional Director
650 W. Higgins
Hoffman Estates, IL 60195
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Northeast Service Center
Shawn DeRosa, Esq.
Regional Director
590 Washington Street, 3d Flr.
Lynn, MA 01901
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Toll Free: 600-293-5365

Pacific Service Center
Pamela Earle, CPRP
Regional Director
350 S. 333rd Street, #103
Federal Way, WA 98003
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Southeast Service Center
Larry Zehnder, CPRP
Regional Director
25 Cherokee Blvd.
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Western Service Center
Maria Stamats, CPRP
Regional Director
619 Prospect Lake Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]