Gurnee Park District issued the following announcement on Nov. 30.
On November 17, 2020 Gurnee Park District's GO GURNEE Walking Club volunteer, Quin O'Brien received the 2019 IAPD/IPRA Community Service Award for his volunteerism and dedication to the Park District.
Each year the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) allow member agencies like Gurnee Park District (GPD) to submit the names of employees, volunteers, elected officials and civic leaders who go above and beyond assisting park districts. For 2019 contributions, Recreation Manager, Beckie Korzyniewski CPRP and Gurnee Park District Board of Commissioners nominated Quin O'Brien for this outstanding efforts and dedication to the GO GURNEE movement.
O'Brien joined the walking club in 2018, he took on a new role soon after, volunteering to lead walks on Saturday mornings, researching destinations and effectively communicating with Park District staff.
With that said, walking was not always a part of O'Brien's routine. Making his story an inspiration for others to get started and join the GO movement.
"Six years ago, I was roughly 235 pounds. I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes," O'Brien shared in his 2018 blog post.
In an effort to get off medication, O'Brien began walking 10,000 steps a day. He also changed his diet, resulting in weight loss and putting his cholesterol and blood pressure back on track. GO GURNEE kept O'Brien active and inspiring others to stay dedicated to their individual health and wellness goals.
On behalf of Gurnee Park District, it is a honor to congratulate O'Brien on this achievement and his 2019 contributions to the GO GURNEE movement.
Original source can be found here.
Source: Gurnee Park District
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