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Berwyn Park District Commissioner Recognized With Statewide Award

SPRINGFIELD, IL - - Edward Karasek, commissioner of the Berwyn Park District, was recognized with one of the Illinois Association of Park District’s (IAPD) highest honors, the Commissioner of the Year Award, at the organization’s annual awards luncheon January 27th at the Hyatt Regency-Chicago.

IAPD presents the Commissioner of the Year Award annually to a commissioner who has served a minimum of six years on the board of his or her local park district, forest preserve district, conservation or recreation agency; who has shown outstanding leadership and service to the community; who has been an effective statewide advocate for parks, open space, and recreation through the Illinois Association of Park Districts, and who has the ability to stimulate community action while maintaining the highest ethics. 

“Ed is the consummate park district commissioner, and his love for his community and parks and recreation is worthy of emulation by all,” said Peter Murphy, President and Chief Executive Officer of the IAPD. “He clearly takes dedication to a new level with 45 years of service inspired by a lifelong passion for helping people and parks.”

Karasek was elected to the Berwyn Park District board in 1966. He has been a tremendous proponent of acquiring park space, and has watched the park district grow from one park in 1966 to ten parks today.

“When the Berwyn Park District was selected to receive a KaBOOM! grant to build a playground in a single day, Ed, who is 90 years young, worked the entire day,” said Jeff Janda, Executive Director of the Berwyn Park District. “He is extremely well respected and admired in Berwyn as a man who serves selflessly, and it has been a privilege to work with him to champion the mission of the Berwyn Park District.”

Karasek has been a member of the Berwyn PTA since 1958, and has been a member of the Kiwanis Club since 1952, with a perfect attendance record. He is also a charter member of the Berwyn Development Corporation.

IAPD was established in 1928 and is the oldest state association for parks,
recreation and conservation in America. The association serves more than 2,100 elected
park, recreation and forest preserve district board members who govern more than 390 agencies employing 40,000 individuals.

IAPD strives to improve Illinois’ quality of life through park districts, forest Preserves, conservation and recreation agencies by establishing grants and other new revenue streams for park land, facilities and services; educating the public about the positive effects parks and recreation have on communities; and meeting the problem of decreasing open space in Illinois.