Rep. Rita Named Illinois Park Districts Legislator of the Year (Chicago, IL) — State Rep. Bob Rita has been honored again as a top legislator in Illinois, this time for his longtime work to support the state’s park districts.
Rep. Rita, D-Blue Island, was named the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) Outstanding Legislator of the Year at the 2025 IAPD and Illinois Parks and Recreation Association (IAPR) Soaring to New Heights Conference in downtown Chicago in late January. He joined State Rep. Brad Stephens and State Sen. Julie Morrison in receiving the honor for 2024.
Rep. Rita sponsored a new law last year, in Senate Bill 2849, to give local governments such as park districts and forest preserves the power to control the flying of drones over their public spaces. The law was aimed at helping control potentially intrusive drone activity over softball and baseball games, swim meetings, trail hiking and other recreational activities.
“Since joining the General Assembly in 2003, Representative Rita has been a champion of park and recreation agencies throughout Illinois,” IAPD President and CEO Peter Murphy said in remarks at the IAPD awards luncheon. “Throughout the years, Representative Rita has consistently demonstrated strong support for his local park districts through his unwavering dedication to community parks and recreational spaces.”
Rep. Rita noted his dedication comes from seeing the importance of park districts to his family and the communities he represents, as a father, grandfather and elected official.
“Park districts, I believe, are the backbone of a community. They’re the heart of what communities are about,” Rita told the hundreds of attendees in accepting the award. “It’s truly an honor. I look forward to continuing to work with the Park Districts Association in the future to continue to make park districts strong for all communities.”
Rep. Rita also was named Legislator of the Year last fall by the Township Officials of Illinois.
Rep. Rita Named Illinois Park Districts Legislator of the Year
