The park districts and cities that form the NISRA cooperative and support the activities of the Association are:

• Barrington Park District
• Cary Park District
• Crystal Lake Park District
• Dundee Township Park District
• City of Elgin
• Hampshire Park District
• Huntley Park District
• City of Harvard
• Village of Lake in the Hills
• Marengo Park District
• City of McHenry
• Wauconda Park District
• City of Woodstock

Programs
NISRA participants enjoy over 500 programs, special events, camps, trips and Special Olympics competition throughout the year.

Types of programs offered include:

• Sports: skill development, competition and Special Olympics
• Arts: music, dance, cooking, arts and crafts
• Social: social clubs, dances
• Outdoor: skill development, overnight camping, trips, high adventure recreation
• Preschool: gross motor skill development through movement, music and games
• Day Camps: summer day programs packed with a variety of activities
• Special Events: one day outings to local and regional recreation attractions
• Trips: travel opportunities throughout the United States ranging from "roughing it" by camping to hotel stays in cities
• Leisure Education: community awareness and skill building with special education students

In NISRA's Summer Day Camp program, nearly 85% of the children improved either socially/behaviorally, cognitively, physically, or in developing independence skills. Of the 85%, 25% improved in all four of the areas measured.
PARKS AND RECREATION. The Benefits Are Endless...

NISRA staff also assist member district staff with including residents with disabilities in their park district or city recreation department programs. Types of support may include staff training, adapted equipment, sign language assistance or a program aide.

Participants
NISRA welcomes participants of all ages and ability levels in programs. Preschoolers, children, teens, adults and senior adults can realize the benefits of involvement in recreation activities. Programs are designed with a close staff-to-participant ratio to assist people with disabilities in achieving their greatest success. Program adaptations to accommodate a physical limitation are common in our adapted sports and fitness programs. Many programs for people with mental disabilities enhance socialization and foster independence. Activities for youth-at-risk promote cooperation and social skills in a therapeutic and challenging setting. In keeping with the goals of each program, our #1 objective is to offer fun!

An Award-Winning Agency
In 1987 and 1993 NISRA earned the prestigious national Gold Medal Award for excellence in park and recreation management, presented by the National Recreation and Park Association and the Sports Foundation, Inc. In addition, NISRA programs and staff have attracted local and state recognition with other awards.

NISRA's Staff & Volunteers
NISRA's dedicated staff help participants realize the benefits of recreation and a healthy lifestyle. The full-time staff hold undergraduate and graduate degrees in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Administration, and Physical Education. They maintain professional parks and recreation credentials as well as a variety of skill certifications. Staff serve on various professional committees, state and local boards, and community service clubs. A large complement of part-time staff and volunteers support NISRA programs with their diverse talents and creativity.

NISRA's Governing Board
NISRA's Board of Directors is comprised of one representative from each of the member districts. The Board of Directors meets on the third Wednesday of each month, at the Association's administrative office in Crystal Lake. All Board meetings are open to the public.