SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — On Tuesday, the Springfield Park District announced that the president of the district, Leslie Sgro, was the recipient of the Mike Cassidy Commissioner Community Service Award.
The award was named after the late Mike Cassidy, a Freeport Park District commissioner who was known for his commitment to community betterment and public service.
Sgro is the first female president of the Springfield Park District, and is the longest-serving with a 33-year tenure. During her time in the role, she has expanded the district by 1,000 acres, preserving more than 450 acres of natural habitats and implementing environmentally sustainable practices.
In addition to her work with the district, Sgro is active in the community having co-founded the Springfield Micro-Pantry Helpers, and chairingthe Interfaith Thanksgiving Basket Program.
“On behalf of the City of Springfield, I want to congratulate Park Board President Leslie Sgro on receiving the prestigious Mike Cassidy Commissioner Community Service Award," said Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher in a statement. "This statewide recognition speaks volumes about her exceptional leadership at the Springfield Park District. While our governmental bodies are separate, we share a commitment to serving our residents, and President Sgro’s dedication to creating outstanding recreational opportunities has made our entire community a better place to live. This well-deserved honor reflects the positive impact her work has had on residents throughout our community. Springfield Park District is an integral part of our community, I cannot thank the district and President Sgro enough for their commitment and dedication to our community. Congratulations, President Sgro, on a well-deserved award.”
The Mike Cassidy Commissioner Community Service Award was presented to Leslie Sgro during the All-Conference Luncheon at the annual Illinois Association of Park Districts/ Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IAPD/IPRA) Soaring to New Heights Conference on Friday, Jan. 30, 2025.
“Springfield Park District plays an important role in our community, giving people places to enjoy the outdoors,” said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) in a statement. “Leslie has done a tremendous job making our parks more accessible and inviting in innovative ways for the entire Springfield community.”
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