Who We Are

For more than 45 years, we have ensured equitable access to leisure and recreation activities for people of all ages and abilities.

Formed in 1976, the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (FVSRA) partners with and is an extension of the Batavia, Fox Valley, Geneva, Oswegoland, St. Charles, Sugar Grove Park Districts, and South Elgin Parks & Recreation Department and provides diverse recreational activities to enable residents with disabilities to experience active, healthy and playful lifestyles, all year-round.

We are uniquely qualified to best support people of all ages and abilities.

Our programs are intentionally designed by full-time staff with professional credentials such as CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) and/ or CPRP (Certified Park and Recreation Professional) and designate our commitment to you and their expertise and mastery in the parks and recreation field.

We provide hundreds of jobs annually to seasonal and year-round staff. Our programs offer valuable internship opportunities to develop the next generation of leaders in parks and recreation.

We believe everyone belongs, and all have the right to choose which setting to participate in recreational activities.

When a resident with a disability enrolls in a program at one of our seven Member Agency programs, we meet their needs and ensure an inclusive experience – at no additional cost.

In all our programming, we offer an individualized approach to complement Individual Education Plan and Behavior Support Plan directives from other healthcare providers. Any individual with a disability may register for FVSRA programs. Inclusion services may come in the form of instructor training, program modifications, adaptive equipment or additional staff support. By driving the movement for social inclusion within our communities, we ensure that those with and without disabilities have the same opportunities.

We reach residents throughout the Fox Valley region.

Residents of our seven Member Agencies are eligible to register for programs at the resident fee. Non-residents may also register but pay a higher non-resident registration fee. Certain programs also accept registration of siblings within the same program. Programs are offered for all age groups and ability levels.

With our NEW SootheSpace, for example, Autistic and other Neurodivergent people can relax their mind through a multi-sensory experience, or an adult with Down’s Syndrome can feel in control and make choices independently. SootheSpace is a portable safe space where light, texture and sound create an ideal environment for recentering. Learn more about SootheSpace by clicking here.

We offer transportation services for easier access to and from programs.

FVSRA’s excellent working relationships with our seven Member Agencies, enables us to offer programs at a variety of convenient locations. Transportation pick-up points are strategically placed throughout our service region with the goal of a pick up point location within 20 minutes of each resident to provide our participants with easy access to and from our programs.

We are governed by a Board of Directors.

FVSRA is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of representatives from each of the seven Member Agencies.

Financial resources are made available to us through the Special Recreation Tax levied by our seven Member Agencies. Additional funding comes from fundraising efforts, donations and nominal program registration fees. Residents will not be denied the opportunity to participate because of financial need.  Scholarship applications are available upon request and financial assistance is available to those who qualify.

We are an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency.

Special Recreation Associations are unique to Illinois – and FVSRA is recognized with the highest designation of excellence. We are honored to receive the Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency, the highest designation in parks and recreation.