The Streamwood Park District proudly announces Commissioner William “Bill” Wright has received the Mike Cassidy Commissioner Community Service Award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA). The award was presented to Wright during the All-Conference Awards Luncheon at the annual IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Chicago on Friday, January 27.
This annual award is presented to an elected official who has demonstrated the highest example of community service, personal integrity and ingenuity, and whose volunteer service to his or her community emulates the vision and voluntary efforts demonstrated by former IAPD Board President and longtime Commissioner with the Freeport Park District, Mike Cassidy, to improve the quality of life for those in his or her community.
Nominated for the award by Streamwood Park District Executive Director Jeffrey Janda, Wright has served as Park Board Commissioner for 15 years serving in a variety of capacities, including President, Vice President, Ethics Officer, and Committee Chairman.
Wright’s long list of accomplishments include the establishment of a Summer Reading in the Park program, which provides free lunches and early childhood learning activities for area youth, supporting area students through his leadership with Alignment Collaborative for Education, and leveraging needed funding for facilities, parks, playgrounds and educational opportunities through his relationships with local businesses, state legislators and other local officials. He even assists Santa Claus by filling in for him at local events in Streamwood during the holiday season.
Janda said Wright is the type of individual that not only gets involved but when he puts his mind to something, things get done.
“Bill is a man of many talents and abilities and is very passionate about finding the right solution that can bring significant cultural change and make an impact for years to come,” said Janda.
Wright also annually assists the Park District in coordinating and promoting its Hoosier Grove Barn and Brew event, which benefits the organization’s scholarship fund. The 2023 edition of Hoosier Grove Barn and Brew returns this May to the grounds of the award-winning Hoosier Grove Barn, 700 W. Irving Park Road. As usual, Wright is right in the middle of soliciting beer vendors and breweries to participate.
The Streamwood Park District congratulates Commissioner Wright on this honor and for his continued service to the residents of Streamwood.
UPDATE 3/23: Watch this interview with IAPD and Commissioner Wright.