Quincy's Planning and Development Department was given the "Community Partner Award" Monday from the Illinois Association of Community Development Extension Professionals.

The award -- presented during Monday's City Council meeting -- recognizes the contributions of a community partner "in the creation and furtherance of community development programming," said Carrie Edgar, county director of the University of Illinois Extension's Adams/Brown Unit.

For the past five years, she said, the department has worked with Extension to further develop the city's comprehensive plan and work with local nonprofit organizations in the development of bike trails, green space and community recreation areas.

The department also helped with Extension's horticulture program, which provides educational opportunities for residents, oversees a community garden and strives to help beautify the downtown area, the Amtrak station and other public areas.

"The partnership between the city and Extension has allowed both entities to expand services to local residents and further the development of several community projects", Edgar said.

"These projects include building safe areas for families to bike and walk, providing public space for residents to raise food in the community garden, coordinating the Adams County Green Coalition's efforts to encourage recycling and much more."

This marks the second straight year that a Quincy-based entity has received the association's Partner Award. In 2008 the Great River Economic Development Foundation received the award for its cooperative efforts with Extension.

"We are proud that this award was presented to an Adams County entity two consecutive years," Edgar said. "The Adams/Brown Extension Unit is extremely fortunate to have partners who are committed to working together for our community."