HR0715 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0715 LRB100 15689 ALS 30932 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Ginny Bateman on the occasion of her retirement as the Director of Recreation and Marketing for the Oswegoland Park District; and

WHEREAS, Ginny Bateman earned a Bachelor's Degree in Recreation Administration from California State University Chico and began her career in Oswego in 1979 when the Park District was a small rural agency with three full-time staff, 184 acres of parkland, and seven parks; and

WHEREAS, Ginny Bateman has been committed to her community; under her guidance, the District began several flagship programs, including As We Grow Preschool, Team Oswego Gymnastics, and Kid's Connection; she envisioned and developed the Limelight Theatre Company, which produced over 16 shows in 2017, involved over 400 actors, and an audience of 4,000; with her innovation, Oswegoland Park District introduced successful community events like PrairieFest, Gobbler Hobbler 10K, I Tried a Triathlon, and Monster Mash Bash; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her time at the Oswegoland Park District, Ginny Bateman asked the important questions; she made decisions based on the needs of the growing community; her attention to the residents reflects her unwavering focus on the District's vision of "Creating Opportunities for a Healthy Community"; and

WHEREAS, During her career, Ginny Bateman earned a Master's in Business Administration from Keller Graduate School, her Certified Park and Recreation Professional Certification, and her Certified Park and Recreation Executive Certification; she also contributed to two campaigns certifying the Distinguished Accreditation status of the Oswegoland Park District, including the successful effort in 2017; and

WHEREAS, For 38 years, Ginny Bateman demonstrated exemplary public service to the many people who worked under her tutelage; she leaves an agency with 52 full-time staff, 995 acres of parkland, 60 parks, and an immeasurable effect on staff and residents alike; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Ginny Bateman on her retirement as the Director of Recreation and Marketing for the Oswegoland Park District and we recognize her dedicated and heartfelt service; we wish her the best in all of her future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Ginny Bateman as an expression of our esteem and respect.