DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy received a 2025 Outstanding Legislator of the Year Award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts in recognition of her leadership on legislation that supports park districts across Illinois.

“I am honored to receive this award and am proud to have supported legislation that equips our park districts with essential funding and land development grants,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “I always appreciate the time and effort that park districts put in to educating, providing after school programs for students, creating employment options for their communities among other things.”

Murphy has a strong history of supporting park districts across Illinois. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Murphy passed House Bill 1760, which provided stronger flexibility for the park districts to meet their grant project deadlines. In 2023, she supported House Bill 2192, which allowed districts to enter into contract agreements to acquire solar energy, helping park districts align with Illinois’ goal for a greener future.

“A dedicated park district can do more than improve a park; it can revitalize an entire community,” said Murphy. “I will continue to support policies that empower park districts to provide spaces of recreation, nature and fun for our communities.”

For more information about the Illinois Association of Park Districts, visit their website.