Seth Lewis receives legislator award from Illinois Association of Park Districts

State Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) has been named the 2026 Outstanding Legislator of the Year by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD). The award was presented during IAPD’s annual conference in Chicago on January 30.

Lewis expressed appreciation for the recognition and highlighted his ongoing collaboration with local park district leaders. “I recognize how vital our park systems are for our communities, and it has been a privilege to work collaboratively with local park district leaders and other officials on the protection of natural resources and active and passive recreational opportunities,” said Lewis. “I look forward to continuing our work to advance our shared mission for park districts, forest preserves, conservation, and special recreation agencies.”

Senator Lewis represents Illinois’ 24th Senate District, which includes 18 park districts, two forest preserve districts, and two special recreation agencies in DuPage and Suburban Cook Counties. He has consistently supported these organizations and worked to secure state resources for them. Lewis was elected to the Illinois State Senate in 2023 as a Republican, succeeding Suzy Glowiak as senator for the district.

Peter Murphy, President and CEO of IAPD, praised Lewis’s involvement with the association. “Senator Lewis is a familiar and welcome presence at IAPD events,” said Murphy. “His door is always open to IAPD, and his willingness to work across the aisle on behalf of park and recreation agencies sets a strong example of effective bipartisanship. For his unwavering support and partnership, we are proud to recognize Senator Lewis as IAPD’s Outstanding Legislator of the Year.”

The Illinois Association of Park Districts has served park districts, forest preserves, conservation, and recreation agencies since 1928. It is recognized as the oldest statewide association of its kind in the United States.