Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association
The commissioners of the Cary Park District were instrumental in the formation of NISRA (Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association). Through planning meetings with parents and elected officials from three other local communities, a partnership was formed to extend recreation services to residents with disabilities. Officially founded in March of 1976, NISRA began providing programs to residents in Cary, Crystal Lake, Harvard and Huntley.

Today the park district staff and commissioners remain proud and committed to providing life-enriching recreation experiences to residents with special needs. The Park District’s membership in NISRA contributes to the strength of the Association which now serves 13 park districts and municipalities with year round activities promoting friendship, skill development, and fun. The Park District and NISRA staff also partner to include residents with disabilities in park district programs.