Waukegan, Illinois (January 29, 2024) – Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, and Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, were recognized with statewide awards at the 2024 IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference, the annual Illinois state conference for parks and recreation, forest preserves, and conservation agencies.

Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson was recognized with the Rising Star Award by the Illinois Association of Park Districts. The award recognizes up-and-coming board members in their first six years of service who have demonstrated exemplary performance in their duties and responsibilities as a board member. Commissioner Johnson is committed to ensuring that the youth of Waukegan have access to recreation opportunities, especially baseball and golf. As a local business owner, Commissioner Johnson actively supports programs and events and volunteers his time to make an impact.

Executive Director Jay Lerner was recognized with the Professional of the Year Award by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. The award is presented to a current park and recreation professional in Illinois who has made a significant impact or achievement in the field of parks and recreation and/or the community in which they serve. Since joining the Waukegan Park District in 1998, Jay has led several major capital projects, including the Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center, Waukegan’s Greg Petry SportsPark, and the Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie, opening later this year. Jay’s vision is the catalyst for creation of innovative programs and events at the Waukegan Park District.

Board President Jeremiah Johnson stated, “I am proud to receive the Rising Star Award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts. The award is not solely a personal achievement, but a reflection of the dedicated staff at the Waukegan Park District who make the dreams of the Board of Commissioners a reality for the community through state-of-the-art parks and facilities and innovative programs and events. Serving as a commissioner is a labor of love for me. I never expected to receive an award for my efforts.  I take great pride in being able to provide a positive impact in Waukegan.”

Executive Director Jay Lerner stated, “I am truly humbled and honored to receive the Professional of the Year Award from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. It is a privilege to lead our passionate and committed staff who strive every day to make the community a better place through parks and recreation. I express my deepest gratitude to the Board of Commissioners, whose unwavering support and leadership has put the Waukegan Park District on a path to serve the community. I would also like to thank the Waukegan community for the support they give the Waukegan Park District. It takes an entire team to be successful and we have that here in Waukegan.”