Illinoisans looking for a way to recreate, get in shape, become more social and simply have fun now have a place to go online for help. LocateAPark.com is a resource of the Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA) to assist people from all over the state in finding quality recreational opportunities.

The online mapping tool, powered by Google Maps, allows for users to search by map or by the name of the agency for nearby park district and forest preserve districts. Upon viewing an area of interest, users will be able to see IPRA member agencies designated with a pin-point image. Clicking on the pin-point activates a pop-up description including name of the agency, address and web address for additional information. Users can also get driving directions to and from the location helping them find their way.

The LocateAPark.com site was developed to increase awareness of the many recreational opportunities the state of Illinois has to offer and assist people in finding nearby places to play.

Bill Wald, chief executive officer of the IPRA said, “Childhood obesity is a major concern in Illinois and across the country and online tools like this aim to educate citizens of opportunities available to them. Sometimes people just don’t know where to look to find places to recreate, this answers the call.”

Locations available on the LocateAPark.com site are directly tied to the membership records of its over 350 member agencies and 2,700 professional members. The main location of each agency is listed on the map, along with their web address and a link to the IPRA Facility Finder page, to allow people to further investigate the area’s offerings. Future enhancements to the LocateAPark.com site include an area for individual park district and forest preserve districts to promote upcoming events and programs. This phase 2 enhancement will further the ability of people to find fun things to do locally.

Please note, there may be slow downloads due to initial high traffic of the site. IPRA does not guarantee the accuracy of the Facility Finder information for each agency as it is the responsibility of the agencies themselves to keep accurate facility records with IPRA. If your Facility Finder information is not correct or your agency is not listed on the LocateAPark.com site please contact Dean Comber at (630) 376-1911 x205.