Glencoe Park District Staff Earn Statewide and National Recognition for Excellence

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

The Glencoe Park District is proud to announce that two of its staff members, Shannon Stevens and Bobby Collins, have been honored with prestigious awards for their outstanding contributions to the parks and recreation industry. The awards were presented at the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) Soaring to New Heights Conference on January 30, an annual event attended by over 3,000 professionals.

Facility Manager Shannon Stevens was named Young Professional of the Year, and Deputy Director Bobby Collins was honored with the Community Impact Award. These accolades celebrate their innovation, leadership, and unwavering commitment to serving the Glencoe community. The Glencoe Park District Board of Commissioners formally recognized both recipients for their achievements during their regular board meeting on February 17, 2026.

Shannon Stevens's recognition as Young Professional of the Year highlights her profound impact on safety and community engagement. One of her most notable achievements is the creation and implementation of Beach SAFE, an education program for preschool and District 35 students. Last year, the program provided water safety education to over 700 Glencoe children. Stevens also modernized lakefront safety by developing a series of boater safety videos, now required viewing for all new boaters. Beyond safety, she has been instrumental in fostering community spirit through signature events like the Summer Splash and themed Family Skates, which attract over 1,000 participants annually. Her commitment to the profession also earned her national recognition as one of the National Recreation and Park Association's (NRPA) "30 Under 30" professionals.

Bobby Collins received the Community Impact Award for his twelve years of incredible impact and leadership at the Glencoe Park District. As a leader in the industry, Collins continually seeks innovative ways to bring new programs to the district. He frequently takes the initiative to bring together area park districts to collaborate on critical topics such as safety, sustainability, and customer service. Committed to accessibility, Bobby was instrumental in forming a partnership with Explore More Illinois, providing beach passes for check out at 25 surrounding libraries and local legislators' offices, opening Glencoe Beach to thousands who might not otherwise have the opportunity to visit.

"We are incredibly proud of Shannon and Bobby," said Lisa Sheppard, Executive Director. "Their passion, innovation, and dedication are what make the Glencoe Park District a leader in the state. Shannon's work in safety and community engagement is exceptional, while Bobby's commitment to creating impactful programs has made our community stronger and safer. They truly embody the spirit of public service."