A Comprehensive and Strategic Master Plan Goal Highlight
At the Park District of Oak Park (PDOP), our mission is to enrich lives by providing meaningful experiences in partnership with the community, with a special emphasis on inclusivity. One of the most meaningful ways we fulfill that mission is through our long-standing partnership with the West Suburban Special Recreation Association (WSSRA).
WSSRA provides recreation opportunities for children through adults with disabilities. Their operating model is unique to Illinois, made possible by special legislation added to park district code in the late 1960s. To access the benefits laid out in this legislation, special recreation associations had to have a collaborative with at least two park districts. That’s where the Park District of Oak Park and the Village of River Forest stepped up in 1976, laying the groundwork for what has grown into a 13-member partnership across the western suburbs of Chicago.
Today, each partner district supports WSSRA through a dedicated tax levy.
PDOP and WSSRA collaborate in three primary ways:
WSSRA Programs at PDOP Facilities
WSSRA hosts dozens of adaptive programs at PDOP parks and facilities. In 2024, 46 programs were held in our parks and facilities. Programs ranged from Boxability, a confidence-building boxing class, to gymnastics, swim team, and ice skating.
Sensory-Friendly PDOP Programs with WSSRA Support
PDOP also partners with WSSRA to host in-house, sensory-friendly community events like Treats with the Bunny, Boo Bash, and Cookies with Santa. WSSRA provides support at these events, including staffing and activities.
Inclusion Training for PDOP Staff
To ensure every participant is met with support and dignity, WSSRA provides comprehensive inclusion training to all PDOP staff. This training empowers our team with the tools, strategies, and understanding needed to deliver successful, equitable, and ultimately fun experiences for everyone.
We’re proud of this decades-long partnership and what it means for residents of all abilities.
Want to learn more? Visit pdop.org/wssra or wssra.net.
