The Worth Park District is a member district of the South West Special Recreation Association (SWSRA), also comprised of the Alsip Park District, Blue Island Park District, Hickory Hills Park District, Village of Merrionette Park, Midlothian Park District, Palos Heights Recreation Department, and Posen Park District. SWSRA was formed in 1981 to provide year-round quality recreation programs and services for individuals with disabilities or special needs. SWSRA programs are designed to increase independence and enhance the quality of life for each individual.
A wide variety of programs are available for individuals from early childhood through adulthood. The programs are designed to meet the individual recreation needs of any person who is in special education classes, participates in a sheltered workshop, is referred to SWSRA from a local hospital or rehabilitation center, or whose special needs restrict or prohibit their participation in traditional park district setting. This would include individuals who have varying degrees of physical or mental disabilities, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, attention deficit disorders, hearing or visual impairments.
We Offer…
SWSRA offers a wide variety of programs, sports (including participation in Special Olympics Illinois), special events, trips and summer camps. Participants of SWSRA not only have fun, but also make friends, increase physical activity, enjoy new experiences and refine their social and life skills.
Programs, Special Events & Inclusion…
The programs offered are diverse, with the intention of making activities available for all ability levels. SWSRA offers social clubs, aerobics, bowling, aquacize, drama, dance and much more!
Special Events/Trips: include major sporting events, plays, musicals, dances, restaurants, vacation trips, and many more exciting outings! We're always changing!
Special Olympic Programs: year round Special Olympic training programs are offered at SWSRA. Programs vary per season: softball, bowling, basketball, track and field, volleyball and more!
Inclusion: some people with disabilities prefer to have recreation opportunities in traditional recreation programs with people who do not have disabilities. To meet this need, SWSRA provides training, support staff and assistance to partner park districts and local recreation departments so inclusive recreation can be enjoyed by all!
Jeanette Huber, Alsip Park District
Thomas Wogan, Blue Island Park District
Jennifer Fullerton, Hickory Hills Park District
Brenda Dziallo, Village of Merrionette Park
Dominic Egizio, Midlothian Park District
Mike Leonard, Palos Heights Parks & Recreation
TJ Whitcomb, Posen Park District
Bob O'Shaughnessy, Worth Park District
SWSRA Board of Directors
SWSRA Administrative Staff
Lori Chesna, CPRP Executive Director
Dawn Kehoe, Business Manager
Susan Vinyard, CTRS Superintendent
Paula Marr, PR/Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator
Rae Woodard, Office Clerk
Madeline Hazelip, Office Assistant
John Bedore, Vehicle & Facilities Coordinator