After 50 years of service, a local special recreation association remains an invaluable asset to the community

By Valerie Hardy

The South East Association for Special Parks And Recreation (SEASPAR) is a special recreation association (SRA) committed to helping its participants discover abilities, achieve potential, realize dreams, and – perhaps most importantly – have fun!

In fact, SEASPAR’s first core value is fun, followed by friendships, caring, trust, and accountability. These core values primarily grew out of the results of a 2022 survey that was part of the organization’s strategic planning efforts. Hundreds of SEASPAR participants filled out the survey, which asked them to select, from a list of approximately 40 words, what was most important to them from their involvement in SEASPAR programs.

WHO SEASPAR SERVES

Providing inclusive experiences and programming is central to SEASPAR’s mission.

SEASPAR serves both children and adults, but because, in Illinois, schools provide services to individuals with disabilities through age 22, SEASPAR’s programs are mostly for adults.

Illinois is the only state with legislation enabling multiple park districts or municipalities to form SRAs, and SEASPAR is one of over 25 SRAs in the state. While SEASPAR’s administrative office is based in Downers Grove, the association is comprised of 13 member entities across a 70-square-mile area, including the park districts of Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, La Grange, La Grange Park, Lemont, Lisle, Westmont, and Woodridge, and the villages of Brookfield, Indian Head Park, Western Springs, and Willowbrook.

Any resident with a disability from these entities is eligible to participate in SEASPAR programs. Individuals from unincorporated areas may also participate for a non-resident fee. Registration fees for SEASPAR programs are typically similar to fees for general park district activities.

“Remarkably, a few individuals who joined us in our earliest years are still active in SEASPAR programs today.”

– Matt Corso

PROGRAMMING

Since its inception in 1976, SEASPAR has provided cooperative programs with local schools and special events like an annual holiday party.

Other hallmark SEASPAR offerings are day camps and Special Olympic and adaptive sports programs. “Many longtime favorites, such as bowling, swimming, dances, music lessons and social clubs have stayed popular throughout every era,” SEASPAR’s Executive Director, Matt Corso, said.

SEASPAR grows and adapts its programming to meet communities’ changing needs. “Inclusion services began in the 1990s following the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act and have become an essential part of how we help participants be successful in their home park district programs,” Corso added.

In 2008, SEASPAR launched its EAGLES Adult Day Program, which has grown into its largest program in terms of service hours. Additionally, in response to the increasing prevalence of autism, SEASPAR opened two sensory rooms in 2014 and 2020, respectively.

SEASPAR’s collaborative model enables programming across member communities and in a variety of settings, including gyms, fitness centers, ice rinks, pools, parks, kitchens, and more. Programs also take place beyond member entities’ facilities in settings like schools, YMCAs, bowling alleys, martial arts studios, restaurants, and movie theaters. “The list is long,” Corso said, “and it reflects the spirit of cooperation, communication, and shared commitment that makes SEASPAR’s programs possible.”

IMPACT & BENEFITS

It is difficult to pinpoint SEASPAR’s total historical impact, but Corso estimates it has offered around 25,000 programs and served tens of thousands of participants over the years. “Remarkably, a few individuals who joined us in our earliest years are still active in SEASPAR programs today,” he said, “a testament to the sense of belonging, growth, and joy that keeps people connected to our community for decades.”

The same may hold true for staff; Corso has worked for SEASPAR for over 20 years. Besides Corso, “a dedicated team of over 200 staff and volunteers bring [SEASPAR’s] mission to life every day,” he said.

Thanks to SEASPAR, participants experience improved physical and emotional health, increased independence and self-esteem, and opportunities for self-expression, social skill and relationship development, cognitive and motor skill development, and integration into the community.

50 YEARS OF SERVICE

SEASPAR receives Distinguished Accreditation in 2024.

This year marks a half-century of operation for SEASPAR. “Our official anniversary date is March 9 – the day in 1976 when the final signature was added to the Joint Agreement that created SEASPAR,” Corso said. “Our very first programs began that fall, and we’ve been growing, evolving, and celebrating our communities ever since.”

SEASPAR will celebrate its golden anniversary throughout the year, starting with the Believe & Achieve Banquet on Jan. 14. A special presentation during the banquet will highlight memorable moments from SEASPAR’s past five decades.

SEASPAR will feature a commemorative 50th anniversary logo on all its printed materials in 2026, and each seasonal brochure will showcase a different decade. Additionally, a yearlong series of social media posts will feature SEASPAR’s history, program highlights, and stories of impact within its member communities.

“And to top it all off, our signature family events – like our Summer Kick Off – will include special touches to honor this milestone year,” Corso said.

To learn more about or donate to SEASPAR, visit seaspar.org.