BYRON – The Illinois Park & Recreation Association announced that their 2018 Outstanding Facility and Park Award has been won by the Byron Forest Preserve District for their Jarrett Prairie Center Museum Renovation and New Overlook Deck.
The Outstanding Facility & Park Award recognizes public agencies for their exceptional and unique achievements in design and development. The Byron Forest Preserve District’s nomination scored the highest number of points from any other park, recreation or conservation agency in their division from across the State of Illinois.
The award will be presented to the board of commissioners of the Byron Forest Preserve District at the annual conference of the Illinois Association of Park Districts and Illinois Park & Recreation Association on Friday, Jan. 25 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
“Twenty eighteen was a banner year for the Byron Forest Preserve District with the discovery of the new Illinois Big Tree Champion at our Bald Hill Prairie Preserve and now the Illinois Park & Recreation Association Outstanding Facility Award for our Jarrett Prairie Center Museum and Overlook Deck” said Todd Tucker, Byron Forest Preserve District Executive Director.
The 4,000 square foot Jarrett Prairie Center Museum and its 2,600 square foot Overlook Deck hosted a record 146 public and private events in 2018 that served 7,800 people and brought in nearly $30,000 in revenue to the District. Events included winter lectures, education programs, mystery dinners, summer concerts on the deck, wedding receptions and parties.
The Jarrett Prairie Center Museum Renovation corporate sponsors were Byron Bank, Prairie Forge Group Architects, St. Charles and OSF Health Care St. Anthony Health Center. For more information about the Byron Forest Preserve District facilities and programs call 815 234-8535, Ext. 200 or visit their website at www.byronforestpreserve.com.
