THE PARKS FOUNDATION OF HIGHLAND PARK
The Parks Foundation of Highland Park is dedicated to the belief that every resident of our community deserves the opportunity for an enriched , healthy lifestyle . The Foundation raises funds to support and enhance exceptional Park District projects and provide scholarship funding to ensure that all community members are able to participate in Park District programs .
Parks Foundation scholarship programs are designed to provide everyone in our community access to a wide variety of Park District offerings . We target the needs of our residents to bring the community together and ensure that no one is left behind . For more information or to donate to the Parks Foundation ,
click here . To learn more about applying for scholarships click here .
SCHOLARSHIP OPTIONS
For all to play
SMILE
The SMILE ( Scholarships Mean Involvement in Leisure for Everyone ) Grant-in-Aid Program gives families in need of financial assistance the opportunity to participate in Park District programs . Founded in 1992 , SMILE has provided thousands of Highland Park residents facing economic difficulty with access to classes , camps , sports leagues , fitness activities , lessons , and events that promote healthy lifestyles . The Parks Foundation raises SMILE funds that allow our Park District to extend benefits to all residents in need . We “ Give a SMILE ” for all to play !
To learn how to apply for a SMILE grant , click here
FYI
Foundation Youth Initiative ( FYI ) was established in 2019 to expand our reach to Highwood children who rely on the Park District of Highland Park for enrichment activities . Learn to Swim , our inaugural FYI program , was launched to fund free introductory swim lessons for low-income families and now serves dozens of kids annually . Additional offerings will include a variety of athletic , developmental , and skill-based classes for local youngsters in need . The Foundation partners with the Nuestro Center and the Highland Park Community Foundation in funding and administering FYI .
To donate to FYI , click here
YOUTH GOLF
Strong character , strategic thinking , friendship , and a passion for the outdoors are some of the traits attributed to the game of golf . We proudly support youth golf for residents of all economic means . The Foundation is the primary force behind Sunset Valley Golf Course ’ s new Youth Golf Development and Short Game Center where young golfers will be able to learn putting and chipping . Through the Michael Goldman Memorial Scholarship Fund , we offer golf lesson scholarships for youth facing social , emotional , or economic challenges . We welcome the community to join us in Playing it Forward for Youth Golf . To apply for or learn more about Youth Golf Scholarships , click here
Services to Residents with Disabilities
Park District of Highland Park is a partner with Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association ( NSSRA ). Formed in 1970 , NSSRA is an extension of ten park districts , two cities and one village in the northern suburbs of Chicago and provides and facilitates year-round recreation programs and services for children , teens and adults with disabilities . NSSRA offers recreation , sport , cultural , social programs and events available throughout the year , creating new experiences , opportunities for skill development , leisure time , and perhaps most importantly , friendship . NSSRA has been creating an environment of belonging through play since 1970 , and has the distinction of being the first Special Recreation Association in the country . We believe that everyone should have the chance to try something new . This means you have the opportunity to participate in any one of NSSRA ’ s over 500 annual programs , or that you have the opportunity to participate in one of Park District of Highland Park ’ s programs with the assistance of an NSSRA Inclusion companion .
Inclusion Services Park District program Inclusion Services are available to residents with special needs at no additional cost to the family . Inclusion services may include , when necessary , staff training , program modifications / adaptations , modified equipment and program observations .
Reasons to Request Inclusion Services
• A parent or family member recognizes that a participant would benefit from additional support in a Park District program
• Park District staff identifies a need for additional support , for safety and programmatic reasons , and communicates this need to the family
Requesting Inclusion Services When registering for a Park District of Highland Park program for the first time :
• Mark the accommodation section of the registration form to indicate that the participant will require assistance from NSSRA
• Once your registration form is submitted , the Park District will contact you to discuss the type of Inclusion support needed for the participant
• The Park District will provide NSSRA with an Inclusion request that contains both program and participant information
• You will be contacted by NSSRA to discuss the needs of the participant and get input on the type of support required
• NSSRA will work with the park district to put the necessary Inclusion accommodations in place for participation in the desired program ( s )
• Communication between you , NSSRA , Park District staff continues throughout the Inclusion process
For more information , regarding Park District Inclusion Services contact : Cathy Fiori , 847.579,3121 , or cfiori @ pdhp . org .
Meggan Davies , Recreation Manager for Inclusion , NSSRA 847.509.9400 x6828 • mdavies @ nssra . org
For more information about Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association ( NSSRA ) go to nssra . org 3105 MacArthur Blvd . • Northbrook , IL 60062 • 847.509.9400
Spring 2021 • Park District of Highland Park 9
SPECIAL COMMUNITY SERVICES