Trey Arline honored as one of Illinois Parks' Top Journalists
Published 10/6/2021
The Bloomingdale Park District announced today that Daily Herald journalist Trey Arline was honored as one of Illinois Parks' Top Journalists by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD). Arline was nominated by the Bloomingdale Park District and will receive his award at the IAPD Best of the Best Awards Gala October 15 at Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling.
Arline's arrival at the Daily Herald has been a tremendous boost to the communities of DuPage County, with special emphasis on the villages of Bloomingdale, Roselle, Itasca and Wood Dale. His coverage of community news, with extra attention paid to park district activities, events, programs, etc., has been especially beneficial.
Arline joined the Daily Herald just as the world was shutting down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the first stories he published about park districts involved a vaccine clinic held at Itasca Park District March 8, 2021 titled, “Pair of Centenarians among 800 seniors vaccinated in Itasca.” The story highlighted the 800 senior citizens who received their first shot of the Moderna vaccine, as well as the collaborative efforts of the Itasca Park District, Itasca Community Library and the Roselle, Bloomingdale, Medinah, and Wood Dale park districts. The government agencies worked together to reach out to seniors as well as help staff the event.
Another COVID-19 vaccination event followed April 16-17 at the Bloomingdale Park District’s Johnston Recreation Center. This time, as opposed to covering the event, Arline’s article, titled, “Bloomingdale Park District to host COVID-19 vaccination event,” helped publicize the clinic and its availability for residents to sign up. The story detailed the specifics of the event and included a link to the registration site.
“Trey has proactively sought information to better inform our community,” said Bloomingdale Park District Executive Director Joe Potts. “Although Trey is not from this area, he genuinely cares about the people here and uses his position and his talents to help people where he can.”
Arline, who came to Chicago from Las Vegas, writes for the Daily Herald through an agreement with the nonprofit Report for America, which aims to revitalize local news journalism with coverage of underreported areas. His efforts are concentrated on issues in Roselle, Bloomingdale, Itasca and Wood Dale in DuPage County, and he covers matters related to the Round Lake area in Lake County, as well.
In addition to publicizing the vaccine efforts of the local park districts, Arline has also written stories about various Park District pools and facilities opening for the season, summer concerts, garden walks and art shows.
A May 25 article titled “Wood Dale Park District putting 390 Golf Experience at former Topgolf site,” detailed how the renovated facility would operate as an extension of the Wood Dale Park District’s Salt Creek Golf Club. It detailed the facility’s opening for later in the summer as well as improvements such as a mini golf course and driving ranges.
“It has been rewarding to work with Trey on the development and publication of timely and valuable articles about the park district,” said Wood Dale Park District Executive Director Matthew Ellmann.
This summer, Trey penned an article July 8 titled, “Residents to show off lovely gardens during Roselle walk.” The story drew attention to the Roselle Park District Garden Club and its third annual self-guided tour of the Roselle History Museum, six residential gardens, area water features and more.
“Trey has been a true advocate for the Roselle Park District’s mission with the stories he has written about the events at the District,” said Roselle Park District Executive Director Lynn McAteer.
One of Arline’s most recent articles, published August 4, “New exhibit to showcase Bloomingdale parks, artists,” detailed the Bloomingdale Park District’s Paint the Parks event to be held August 29 at the BPD’s Johnston Recreation Center. The article highlighted the works of local artists and their upcoming exhibition.
From COVID clinics to art shows, Trey Arline has covered it all while increasing the visibility of the services offered by the local park districts.
For all of the reasons stated above, the Bloomingdale Park District proudly nominated Trey Arline for IL Parks’ Top Journalist Award and is excited for his appropriate recognition.