SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Camille Y. Lilly, D-Chicago, recently met with advocates for park districts to discuss the important recreational and environmental benefits parks and natural spaces provide to local communities.

“Park districts play a significant role in beautifying our communities as well as offering numerous recreational activities for families to participate in,” Lilly said. “The spaces offered by park districts, ranging from neighborhood parks to nature preserves, promote healthy lifestyles as well as a conservation ethic that teaches us to sustainably interact with our environment.”

Lilly met with parks and recreation advocates at the Illinois Association of Park Districts annual Parks Day in Springfield. Lilly and advocates discussed the benefits of public parks including providing Illinoisans with the opportunity and space to be physically active, their provision of green space, and their preservation of natural areas including wetlands and wildlife habitats. Additionally, Lilly discussed the benefits of recreational programs provided by park districts that help bring together neighbors and build communities.

“I could not be prouder of the integral work park districts perform every day to help strengthen our communities through recreational programs and the maintenance and provision of green public spaces,” Lilly said. “From developing teamwork skills on sports fields to seeing animals, insects, and wildlife at nature preserves to simply having fun on swing sets, Illinoisans can have fun, learn, and make lasting memories thanks to park districts.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Kathleen Willis, D-Addison, is backing legislation that would provide greater protections to local park districts from dangerous child predators by prohibiting districts from knowingly using volunteers with a history of committing sexual abuse against children.

“This measure is a common sense step in making sure that our children are protected,” said Willis.  “When children visit the park, we need to make sure they are in a safe place where they can have fun with their friends.”

House Bill 786 is a measure that would forbid local park districts from utilizing the services of volunteers when the district knows the person is a child sex offender.  Currently, the law requires the same action for people employed with a park district.  The new law would extend the same rules to volunteers.  Volunteers at a park district would be required to fill out an application and disclose if they are a child sex offender.  Failure to disclose this information would be considered a Class A misdemeanor, and a Class 4 felony for a second or subsequent violation.  If a person lies about their status, they could face up to a week in jail.

“Our children deserve a safe place to have fun,” said Willis.  “This bill will help to give children a place to play and peace of mind to parents.”

Willis is serving her third term in the Illinois General Assembly as State Representative of the 77th District, which includes O’Hare Airport and portions of Addison, Bellwood, Bensenville, Franklin Park, Maywood, Melrose Park, Northlake, Stone Park, and Wood Dale.