Suburb receives distinction for preservation

PARK RIDGE, Ill. (AP) — A Chicago suburb has received federal recognition for its efforts toward historic preservation.

Park Ridge has been accepted to the Certified Local Government program. It's administered by both the National Park Service and the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. To become certified, municipalities or counties must have a historic preservation ordinance and come up with a preservation review commission, among other things.

Officials say there are 77 such communities in Illinois, including Aurora, Moline and Peoria.

Judy Barclay is the head of the Historic Preservation Commission in Park Ridge. She says the status has brought new opportunities to the community.

The commission was established over two years ago and recognized local landmarks, including the Pickwick Theater Building and several residential homes.

Park Ridge is northwest of Chicago.