CHICAGO (May 16, 2025) — A campaign that resulted in a new community center offering a place to belong earned a prestigious 2025 Silver Anvil Award from the National Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) for Best Community Relations Campaign by a Nonprofit or Association. Silver Anvil Awards recognize the best strategic public relations campaigns of the year.
Public Communications Inc.’s work with the Park District of Oak Park and the Parks Foundation of Oak Park developed a communication campaign resulting in the Community Recreation Center (CRC), a new, $21.6-million facility built with community donations without raising taxes. PRSA announced the awards at a ceremony on Thursday in New York City.
Building the community center answered long-standing needs for indoor recreation and affordable fitness facilities, a walking track, safe after-school programs and inclusive wellness opportunities for Oak Park residents of all ages. But like many public-facing projects, this goal came with challenges.
Communications for the CRC formally launched in early 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic stopped public gatherings and fundraising efforts. PCI developed a strategic communications plan and tools to help inform the public, support a fundraising campaign for private donations, and respond to concerns from residents and advocacy groups. Despite organized opposition, including calls for a public referendum, the CRC campaign moved forward with broad support and clarity around funding.
“This campaign demonstrates how research, listening and problem-solving communications can unite people who want to make positive change in a community,” said PCI CEO Jill Allread. “The collaboration of PCI, the Park District of Oak Park, the Parks Foundation and a deeply committed team of volunteers made possible a new and welcoming place to belong for all residents. Our PCI team takes extra pride in projects that result in healthier people and communities.”
Park District of Oak Park Executive Director Jan Arnold said the Place to Belong campaign demonstrated the importance of engaging diverse audiences and listening to residents’ needs.
“This collaborative campaign helped build community using thoughtful communications with residents,” Arnold said. “While the Park District knew this facility was needed for many years, the CRC’s use since opening has exceeded our expectations. Nearly 1-in-5 Oak Park residents have joined the Center as members. We truly offer everyone a place to belong.”
Key elements of the campaign included:
- Mission-driven messages telling the story of funding need and transparency, commitment to accessibility, and long-term sustainability
- Bilingual print and digital resources, video explainers, and Q&As to increase access to accurate information
- Community outreach and listening sessions through open houses, neighborhood meetings, and local events
- Campaign materials for Park District leaders and partners to communicate consistently and directly with the public about the need for the Center
Open to residents of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, the CRC is a self-sustaining, multi-use facility funded by generous donors.
For more information on PCI visit the website at pcipr.com. Details about the CRC are on the Park District of Oak Park’s website: www.pdop.org.
About PCI
Public Communications Inc. (PCI) is an award-winning, women-owned PR and digital communication agency based in Chicago. Purpose-driven, PCI counsels mission-driven organizations and businesses to solve challenges through strategic communications. Many PCI clients are focused on positively impacting public and community health, parks and recreation, conservation and animal care, healthcare, nonprofits, and government agencies.
About the Public Relations Society of America
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the leading professional organization serving the communications community through a network of more than 400 skilled and student chapters in the U.S., Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Puerto Rico. Guided by its Code of Ethics, PRSA empowers its members to succeed at every stage of their careers through a wide breadth of premium professional development programs, exclusive networking events and leadership opportunities.