Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA)

Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA) Enriching the lives of people with disabilities through meaningful recreation experiences.

NISRA provides year round recreation activities for people with disabilities. Since 1976, children and adults of all ability levels have enjoyed socializing, building skills and having fun in hundreds of weekly programs, special events, camps and trips each year. NISRA serves residents with disabilities in 13 communities in northern Illinois, thanks to the partnership of the member districts. Barr

ington Park District

Cary Park District

Crystal Lake Park District

Dundee Township Park District

City of Elgin

Hampshire Township 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

NISRA's Veterans Fitness & Fellowship Program enjoyed a great outing at the Schaumburg Boomers game on Saturday, May 23!...
06/18/2026

NISRA's Veterans Fitness & Fellowship Program enjoyed a great outing at the Schaumburg Boomers game on Saturday, May 23! 🇺🇸⚾

The group spent the afternoon together in a suite, enjoying delicious brats, great conversation, and plenty of baseball action. Most importantly, it was an opportunity for veterans to connect, build friendships, and enjoy a fun day of fellowship in the community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make it a memorable experience. We look forward to many more outings together!

Rain, humidity, and a little uncertainty couldn't stop an incredible day on the course!Last Friday's NISRA Foundation Sp...
06/15/2026

Rain, humidity, and a little uncertainty couldn't stop an incredible day on the course!

Last Friday's NISRA Foundation Spring Shootout proved that when a community comes together for a great cause, not even the weather can dampen the spirit!

Despite the rainy conditions and the unpredictability that comes with any outdoor fundraiser, we experienced one of our largest turnouts and most successful golf outings to date.

To our golfers, sponsors, volunteers, staff, and supporters—thank you. Your flexibility, patience, enthusiasm, and commitment to NISRA made the day a tremendous success. Every registration, sponsorship, raffle ticket, and donation helps create meaningful recreation opportunities for people with disabilities throughout our community!

A very special thank you goes to the team at Randall Oaks Golf Club & Banquets!

From the moment the weather began creating challenges, their staff went above and beyond to accommodate our event with professionalism, courtesy, and a positive attitude. Their partnership and willingness to adapt helped make the day run as smoothly as possible despite the circumstances.

Outdoor events always come with a degree of uncertainty, but this year's Spring Shootout was a wonderful reminder that generosity, teamwork, and community support are stronger than any forecast.

Thank you for helping us turn a rainy day into an unforgettable success. We are incredibly grateful for each and every one of you! đź’š

⚠️ Weather Alert – Early Closure TodayDue to anticipated severe weather, the NISRA office will be closing at 4:00 pm tod...
06/11/2026

⚠️ Weather Alert – Early Closure Today

Due to anticipated severe weather, the NISRA office will be closing at 4:00 pm today.

This Sunday, June 14, our friends at the Top Cats Illinois are hosting the Ride for Dreams, and NISRA families are invit...
06/10/2026

This Sunday, June 14, our friends at the Top Cats Illinois are hosting the Ride for Dreams, and NISRA families are invited to join the fun!

Whether you're a motorcycle enthusiast or just looking for a great morning with friends, come out to cheer on the riders at the start, then head over to Kingston Lanes for bowling, bags, food, and plenty of opportunities to connect with the NISRA community.

🏍️ See the motorcycles up close
🎳 Enjoy affordable bowling and games ($5/1 game and shoes, $7/2 games and shoes)
📸 Snap a biker photo
đź’ś Spend time with friends old and new

We are grateful to organizations like Top Cats Illinois for supporting recreation opportunities and creating memorable experiences for individuals with disabilities and their families!

The Board and staff of Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA) are conducting a community needs assessm...
06/09/2026

The Board and staff of Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA) are conducting a community needs assessment to better understand the recreation needs, interests, barriers, and priorities of individuals with disabilities and their families throughout the NISRA service area.

This survey is intended for:
- current participants
- past participants
- family members/caregivers
- community members
- individuals who do not currently utilize NISRA services

The information collected will help guide future planning, program development, accessibility improvements, and agency goals/objectives.

To complete survey, please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JSMRYJ3 by July 10, 2026.

The survey should take approximately 10–15 minutes to complete. Thank you!

Today’s the day! The NISRA Foundation Spring Shootout is here, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the incredible spons...
06/05/2026

Today’s the day! The NISRA Foundation Spring Shootout is here, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the incredible sponsors, golfers, volunteers, and supporters who make this event possible.

Your generosity makes creating meaningful recreation opportunities, unforgettable experiences, and lasting connections for individuals with disabilities throughout our communities POSSIBLE!

As golfers hit the fairways today, we want to send a heartfelt THANK YOU to all of our sponsors for helping make this event a success. Your commitment to the NISRA Foundation is truly a hole-in-one!

Birdie Sponsor: Idealease

Par Sponsors: Audi Financial Services, ExcalTech, Lamp Incorporated

Tee Box Sponsors: Advia Credit Union, American Ad Bag, Wauconda Park District

Corporate Sponsors: BCU, Hammortree Financial Services, Kingston Lanes Bowling and Sports Lounge, Melissa Cooney, and Northwestern Medicine

Lunch Sponsor: Northwestern Medicine Huntley Health & Fitness Center

Over the past few weeks, we’ve had the privilege of celebrating an incredible career and honoring an extraordinary leade...
06/03/2026

Over the past few weeks, we’ve had the privilege of celebrating an incredible career and honoring an extraordinary leader as Executive Director Jim Wiseman begins his well-earned retirement.

Celebrations included Representative Suzanne Ness presenting Jim with a retirement resolution recognizing his 18 years of leadership at NISRA, to his final Board of Directors meeting, a heartfelt retirement celebration surrounded by community members, donors, staff, board members, and volunteers, and finally a sweet donut send-off filled with well wishes from participants and their loved ones. Each moment reflected the tremendous impact Jim has made on our organization and community.

For 42 years, Jim dedicated his career to the field of therapeutic recreation, including 18 years leading NISRA with vision, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to inclusion.

Jim, thank you for your leadership, your advocacy, and your steadfast dedication to making recreation accessible for all.

Please join us in congratulating Jim on an amazing career and wishing him all the best in retirement! đź’ś

Waiting for summer programs to begin? So are we! This is the perfect time to get creative and start working on artwork f...
05/27/2026

Waiting for summer programs to begin? So are we!

This is the perfect time to get creative and start working on artwork for the upcoming NISRA Art Exhibit at McHenry County College’s Epping Gallery!

We’re inviting participants to paint, draw, sketch, design, or create original pieces to be featured in this special community exhibit this August. Whether you love bold colors, detailed drawings, abstract art, or trying something totally new, let's see your creativity shine!

Start creating now and submit your artwork to the NISRA office by Monday, July 13!

Questions? Reach out to MacKenzie Dombrowski, Manager of Cultural Arts at [email protected] today.

Creativity was flowing at our Bubbles and Brushes Adult Social Club! 🎨🍹Participants enjoyed a relaxing evening filled wi...
05/26/2026

Creativity was flowing at our Bubbles and Brushes Adult Social Club! 🎨🍹

Participants enjoyed a relaxing evening filled with colorful canvases, tasty mocktails, laughter, and great company.

NISRA's Adult Social Clubs like these are great for everyone! Whether you are a first-time painter or experienced artists, all participants have the chance to express themselves, make new friends, and create their own masterpiece.

This social club was a perfect blend of art, fun, and social connection!

In observance of Memorial Day, the NISRA office will be closed.Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who ...
05/25/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, the NISRA office will be closed.

Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend. 🇺🇸

Address

285 Memorial Drive
Crystal Lake, IL
60014

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

(815) 459-0737

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