[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 6301-6302]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  STATEMENT RECONGIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE JOLIET PARK DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. DEBORAH L. HALVORSON

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 3, 2009

  Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Joliet 
Park District. The park district is the 2009 recipient of the ``Salute 
to Accomplishment'' Award from the Joliet

[[Page 6302]]

Region Chamber of Commerce. I join the Chamber of Commerce in saluting 
the Joliet Park District for its long record of service to the 
residents of Joliet, Illinois.
  For 85 years, the Joliet Park District has played an integral role in 
the lives of its residents. The park district has enriched the lives of 
residents in a variety of areas providing opportunities for fitness, 
entertainment, and recreation as well as serving as an example for 
environmental stewardship.
  Partnering with Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center, the park 
district runs the Saint Joseph Inwood Athletic Club. The center was 
recognized with the Community Partnership Award for Youth Fitness from 
the Illinois Department of Human Services. It is also known as a state-
of-the art work of architecture.
  The Joliet Park District provides fun for all ages. Nearly 1,500 
children participated in the district's youth soccer program. Residents 
may also participate in basketball, baseball, volleyball, softball, 
hockey, and golf. Splash Station Water Park is a place where over 
300,000 persons choose to escape the heat and 2,000 persons received 
swimming lessons. World-class musicians have entertained young and old 
at the annual Taste of Joliet.
  Due to its commitment to a better environment, Joliet Park District 
has received grants from the State of Illinois. The district received 
an Illinois Clean Energy Grant for an upgrade to its multi-purpose 
building that included energy efficient lighting. The Illinois 
Department of Natural Resources contributed to the completion of its 
Bird Haven Greenhouse.
  Once again, congratulations to the Joliet Park District. I know this 
treasured institution will continue to prosper.

                          ____________________