Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association
(NSSRA) was formed in 1970 and is an extension of ten park
districts, two cities and one village in the northern suburbs
of Chicago. This partnership includes the Park Districts
of Deerfield, Glencoe, Glenview, Highland Park, Lake
Bluff, Kenilworth, Northbrook, Northfield, Wilmette and
Winnetka; the Cities of Highwood and Lake Forest and the
Village of Riverwoods. Funding for NSSRA comes from three
sources, including partner agency contributions, program
fees and outside support from Northern Suburban Special
Recreation Association Foundation (NSSRA Foundation).
NSSRA’s services include traditional, inclusive, cooperative
and summer camp programs. Special events, trips,
overnight camps, Gator Athletics/Special Olympics,
adaptive sports and more are also available.
More information on Inclusion opportunities can be found
on page 9 of this guide, as well as in our partner agencies’
program guides. NSSRA collaborates closely with each
partner agency to ensure consistent information and that
awareness of Inclusion opportunities is available to every
resident.
NSSRA has been creating an environment of belonging This program guide offers recreation activities for preschool,
through play for nearly 50 years, and has the distinction of youth, teen, young adult and adult participants with
being the first Special Recreation Association in the country. disabilities. Our program guide is published in fall, winter,
spring and summer. Every effort has been made to assure
NSSRA’s mission is to enrich the lives of people with the accuracy of information contained within this program
disabilities in our partner communities through quality guide. However, errors can occur and circumstances may
require adjustments to fees, schedules, locations or other
recreation services.
information. NSSRA reserves the right to make such
NSSRA’s vision is to be leaders in recreation by providing adjustments and apologizes for any inconvenience these
innovative and exceptional services for people with errors or adjustments may cause.
disabilities.
NSSRA’s core values are Compassion, Respect, Quality,
Flexible, Accountable and Ethical Practices.
Partner Agencies & Board of Directors
Deerfield Park District
Glencoe Park District
Glenview Park District
Park District of Highland Park
City of Highwood
Kenilworth Park District
Lake Bluff Park District
Jeff Nehila
Lisa Sheppard
Michael McCarty
Liza McElroy
Jim Hospodarsky
Johnathan Kiwala
Ron Salski
City of Lake Forest
Northbrook Park District
Northfield Park District
Village of Riverwoods
Wilmette Park District
Winnetka Park District
Sally Swarthout
Molly Hamer
George Alexoff
Kris Ford
Steve Wilson
John Muno
As a cooperative of 13 partner agencies, one representative from each partner community serves on our Board of
Directors, collaborating to provide leadership and governance to NSSRA.
NSSRA families and the community are invited to attend board meetings on designated Thursdays at 10:00
am at NSSRA’s office. The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 14. Call (847) 509-9400
or visit our website at www.nssra.org for details or accommodations.
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