A Winnetka Park District commissioner was recently elected to a state park board position.

Ian Larkin, who was elected to the Winnetka Park District Board of Commissioners in 2011, was elected to the Illinois Association of Park Districts Board of Trustees by members at the organization’s recent annual business meeting.

In his new position, Larking will be one of a 19-member board charged with advising the statewide association in providing service, research and educational endeavors to its membership. The Illinois Association of Park Districts’ mission is “advancing Illinois park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies,” according to a statement from the organization.

“Ian is a dedicated park board member and a true asset to the park and recreation field,” said Peter Murphy, Illinois Association of Park Districts president and chief executive officer, in a statement. “His commitment and enthusiasm to Illinois’ park districts, forest preserves, conservation, and recreation agencies are unparalleled. We are fortunate to have him on the IAPD board.”

In Winnetka, Larking is chair of the Park District’s audit committee, and also sits on the recreation and finance committees. It is also a member of the Redmoon Theater advisory board.

According to its release, the Illinois Association of Park Districts was established in 1928 and is the oldest state association for parks, recreation and conservation in the country. It serves more than 2,100 elected park, recreation and forest preserve district board members who govern more than 390 agencies employing 40,000 individuals.