HR0712 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0712 LRB104 21002 LAW 34885 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Jason Herbster on the occasion of his retirement as executive director of the Crystal Lake Park District after more than 15 years of service; and

WHEREAS, The Crystal Lake Park District is a separate unit of local government charged with providing park and recreation services for approximately 50,700 residents; the district includes 42 parks spanning more than 1,400 acres and provides over 1,000 annual program offerings; its facilities include the Nature Center, Main and West Beaches, Colonel Palmer House, Lippold Family Golf Center, Boncosky Softball Complex at Lippold Park, Grand Oaks Recreation/Active Adult Center, the Racket Club, Barlina House Preschool, and numerous picnic shelters, and the district also maintains miles of bike and hiking trails; and

WHEREAS, Jason Herbster is a seasoned expert in the field of parks and recreation, possessing more than three decades of experience; prior to joining the Crystal Lake Park District in May 2010, he served the Glenview Park District from June 2001 to May 2010, the Schaumburg Park District from June 1998 to June 2001, the Palatine Park District from November 1990 to June 1998, and the Alsip Park District from December 1989 to November 1990; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure, Jason Herbster successfully reestablished the Parks Initiative Foundation, revitalizing its mission, visibility, and fundraising efforts to strengthen parks and recreation initiatives; a collaborative and trusted relationship-builder, he has also forged and maintained strong intergovernmental partnerships with the City of Crystal Lake, the Village of Lakewood, local school districts, and the public library, enhancing community connections and shared resources; and

WHEREAS, Demonstrating environmental leadership, Jason Herbster secured the Environmental Monarch Pledge and obtained key grant funding, including the grant to update and preserve Main Beach, the Lakewood Meadows Grant, and the Nature Center Grant, advancing sustainability and environmental education; his commitment to organizational excellence was further evidenced by earning an award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for outstanding financial reporting, transparency, and accountability; and

WHEREAS, Jason Herbster is a highly respected and influential leader known for fostering a positive, engaging, and inclusive workplace culture; recognized as a Distinguished Agency Mentor, he is celebrated for his guidance, mentorship, and ability to inspire professional growth in others; his commitment to relationship-building and community partnership is further demonstrated through his role as an ambassador for the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce and as a board member for the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA), where he contributes to meaningful community impact; and

WHEREAS, Jason Herbster is considered a strong listener, a talented motivator, and an influential leader throughout the community, consistently promoting staff morale, teamwork, and a fun, supportive workplace culture; his skills in developing employee engagement and organizational culture contributed to the Crystal Lake Park District receiving the McHenry County Top Workplaces 2024 Reader's Choice Award - Workplaces for Teens; and

WHEREAS, Jason Herbster has expressed his intention to retire in April 2026; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Jason Herbster on his retirement as executive director of the Crystal Lake Park District after more than 15 years of service, and we thank him for his dedication and commitment to the Crystal Lake community and the State of Illinois; and be it further

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