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. NSSRA has been
creating an environment of belonging through play for nearly 50 years, and has the distinction of being the first Special Recreation Association
in the country.
NSSRA’s mission is to enrich the lives of people with disabilities in our
partner communities through quality recreation services.
NSSRA’s vision is to be leaders in recreation by providing innovative
and exceptional services for people with disabilities.
NSSRA’s core values are Compassion, Respect, Quality, Flexible,
Accountable and Ethical Practices. 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 11
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.
This program guide offers recreation activities for preschool, youth,
teen, young adult and adult participants with disabilities. Our program
guide is published in fall, winter, spring and summer. Every effort has
been made to assure the accuracy of information contained within
this program guide. However, errors can occur and circumstances may
require adjustments to fees, schedules, locations or other information.
NSSRA reserves the right to make such adjustments and apologizes for
any inconvenience these errors or adjustments may cause.
How We're Funded
Funding for NSSRA comes from three sources:
1) Partner agency contributions
2) Program fees
3) Outside support from NSSRA Foundation
Contributions from partner agencies are made proportionately based
on community size and collected through a property tax levy issued by
each partner.
In addition, the NSSRA Foundation Board of Directors commits
significant support, both personal and from outside sources. This
support provides scholarships and transportation for participants,
sponsors several large special events allowing participants to attend
for free or at a reduced rate and grants financial assistance to meet the
growing demand for new services and programs offered by NSSRA. To
learn more about NSSRA Foundation, flip to pages 61 - 62.
NSSRA’s partner communities are integrated in our programming,
with activities happening in all partner communities, and through the
employment of nearly 500 community members who serve residents
with disabilities while growing their resume for college, career or
giving back to the community and earning a competitive wage.
Partner Agencies & Board of Directors
City of Lake Forest
Sally Swarthout
Deerfield Park District
Jeff Nehila
Northbrook Park District Molly Hamer
Glencoe Park District
Lisa Sheppard
Northfield Park District
George Alexoff
Glenview Park District
Michael McCarty
Village of Riverwoods
Kris Ford
Park District of Highland Park Brian Romes
Wilmette Park District
Steve Wilson
City of Highwood
Jim Hospodarsky
Winnetka Park District
John Muno
Kenilworth Park District
Johnathan Kiwala
Lake Bluff Park District
Ron Salski
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 12. Call (847) 509-9400 or visit our website at www.nssra.org for
details or accommodations.
NSSRA | (847) 509-9400 • [email protected] • www.nssra.org
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