HLA Strengthens Parks and Recreation Planning Sector

Houseal Lavigne Associates continues to strengthen its Parks and Recreation Planning services by partnering with Dr. Dennis Ulrey. Dr. Ulrey brings more than 30 years of experience in park and recreation planning and design, administration, and management for public, private, and not-for-profit organizations. He has served as an examiner for the Lincoln Foundation for Business Excellence evaluating organizations against Malcolm Baldridge quality improvement criteria. Dr. Ulrey possesses a bachelor degree in landscape architecture from the University of Illinois, a masters degree in management and organizational behavior from Illinois Benedictine University, and a Ph.D. in business administration from Northcentral University with an emphasis in financial management.

Dr. Ulrey’s professional experience in parks and recreation include Superintendent of Parks for the Oakbrook Terrace Park District, Parks & Planning Manager for the Elk Grove Park District, Superintendent of Capital Projects for the Carol Stream Park District, and a variety of progressive positions with the Naperville Park District including, landscape architect, Director of Planning, and Deputy Director. Prior to his association with Houseal Lavigne Associates, Dr.Ulrey was affliated with the Brusseau Design Group as Principal for Comprehensive Planning. He also served as Chief Landscape Architect with the firm of Leisure Concepts & Design.

Dennis has conducted presentations at state and national park & recreation conferences pertaining to organizational excellence in New England, Indiana, Illinois, Virginia and Wisconsin. As an educator, Dr. Ulrey served as an adjunct faculty member with Keller Graduate School of Management, and as a full time assistant professor with Aurora University teaching recreation administration and MBA courses to both graduate and undergraduate students.