Fox Valley Special Recreation Association

What Fox Valley Special Recreation Association does

Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (FVSRA) is an Illinois special recreation association — a unique state-specific governmental taxing body formed in 1976 through an intergovernmental agreement among seven member park districts: Batavia, Fox Valley, Geneva, Oswegoland, St. Charles, Sugar Grove Park Districts, and South Elgin Parks & Recreation Department. Headquartered at 2121 West Indian Trail in Aurora, Illinois, FVSRA delivers therapeutic recreation, adult day services, inclusive recreation, athletics and Special Olympics, transportation, and adaptive resource lending to individuals with disabilities of all ages across the Fox Valley region of Kane County. The organization operates as a public-sector service provider rather than a venture-backed enterprise, governed by a Board of Directors with one representative from each member agency and led by an Executive Director holding MBA, CTRS, and CPRE credentials. FVSRA's 93-medal performance at the 2026 Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games and a documented 50-year operating history mark it as a mature, regionally anchored institution.

FVSRA operates a platform-plus-modules service architecture. The core product is a catalog of 600+ annual therapeutic recreation programs spanning fitness, aquatics, sports, crafting, and performing arts. Modular product lines include: the Day Break adult day program (four locations, Monday-Thursday operations) and the STARS Structured Therapeutic Adult Recreation Services program (three locations in partnership with the Association for Individual Development, serving approximately 75 participants daily); Summer Day Camp split by age cohort (Camp Rising Stars ages 5-10, Camp All Stars ages 11-16, Camp Rock Stars ages 17-22) across six locations; Athletics and Special Olympics (softball and swim team); Inclusion Services that place FVSRA-trained staff into mainstream member-agency programs; Virtual Programming delivered over Zoom; an accessible Transportation Service using a named fleet (NEMO, DORY, CHUCK, RC CRUISER, POP buses, MOM/SootheSpace bus, MICKEY and MINNIE mini-vans); and the Dr. William Bill Kelly Resource Library, a free adaptive-equipment lending program. SootheSpace, a proprietary portable sensory room that received the 2023 NRPA Innovation in Equity Award, is a separately marketed innovation. The technology stack is third-party rather than proprietary: Rec1 powers program registration and participant management, Zoom delivers virtual programming, and Network for Good processes donations. Programs are run by staff with CTRS and CPRP credentials.

Revenue is structurally diversified across four streams, with no public dollar disclosure. The primary funding source is the Special Recreation Tax levied by the seven member park districts, followed by nominal program registration fees differentiated between resident and non-resident rates (for example, $244/week resident versus $305/week non-resident for Summer Day Camp), donations and fundraising routed through the Fox Valley Special Recreation Foundation (FVSRF, established 2010), and a scholarship/hardship grant layer that subsidizes participation. Customer segmentation is hybrid: individuals with disabilities across age cohorts, plus caregivers and families, plus member-agency residents who pay lower fees. The go-to-market motion is community-led, anchored in partnerships with the seven park districts, with physical access enabled by transportation pick-up points within 20 minutes of residents and a multi-channel marketing presence (website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, email newsletter, seasonal program guides, community events). Pricing is modest per-unit with tiered resident/non-resident differentiation and a meaningful scholarship subsidy floor ensuring "no one is denied participation due to financial need."

Name

Fox Valley Special Recreation Association

Legal name

Fox Valley Special Recreation Association

Website

https://fvsra.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1976

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

FVSRA is an Illinois special recreation association formed in 1976 by seven member park districts that delivers over 600 therapeutic recreation, adult day, inclusion, and Special Olympics programs annually to individuals with disabilities across the Fox Valley region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Therapeutic Recreation Services

NAICS

Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability & Adaptive Sports Organizations (Paralympic, Special Olympics) (MPAKACAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Family Entertainment Centers (Indoor развлечения: Arcade, Soft Play, Party Centers) (THAJAEAC)

Keywords

• Therapeutic recreation services
• Adaptive sports programs
• Inclusive community recreation
• Disability support services
• Special needs programming

Headquarters

HQ city

Aurora

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Special Recreation Tax: Financial resources are made available through the Special Recreation Tax levied by seven Member Agencies. This is the primary funding source for operations.
2. Program Registration Fees: Nominal program registration fees charged to participants. Residents pay resident fees while non-residents pay higher non-resident fees.
3. Donations and Fundraising: Additional funding comes from fundraising efforts and donations through the Fox Valley Special Recreation Foundation (FVSRF).
4. Dr. Kelly Resource Library: Adaptive equipment, technology, and recreational items available for checkout at no cost to participants.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (FVSRA) is a nonprofit governmental taxing body that delivers therapeutic recreation and leisure programs for individuals with disabilities across the Fox Valley region of Illinois. Operating through a partnership of seven member park districts, FVSRA offers 600+ programs and special events annually, including summer day camps, adult day programs, athletics/Special Olympics, inclusion services, transportation, virtual programming, and adaptive equipment lending through the Dr. Kelly Resource Library.

Product overview

Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (FVSRA) is a therapeutic recreation organization offering over 600 programs and special events through a platform-plus-modules architecture. The core offering consists of therapeutic recreation programs, with specialized modules including Adult Day Programs (Day Break, STARS), Summer Day Camp (Rising Stars, All Stars, Rock Stars), Athletics and Special Olympics, Inclusion Services, Virtual Programming, and Transportation. Supporting services include SootheSpace (portable sensory rooms), the Dr. Kelly Resource Library (adaptive equipment lending), and scholarship/financial assistance programs. The organization partners with seven member park districts and uses Rec1 for registration management.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SootheSpace: A portable sensory space offering calming environments at community events for individuals with sensory sensitivities. SootheSpace received the 2023 NRPA Innovation in Equity Award.
• STARS (Structured Therapeutic Adult Recreation Services)
• Day Break

Products and services

• Therapeutic Recreation Programs Over 600 therapeutic recreation and leisure programs designed to empower people with disabilities to participate in activities essential to a rich life. Programs include fitness, crafting, aquatics, sports, performing arts, and social activities. For individuals with disabilities of all ages in the Fox Valley region.
• Day Break Adult Day Program Adult day program with four locations offering community integration activities and volunteer outings. Operates Monday–Thursday 9am–3pm, designed to maximize independence and develop new abilities for adults with disabilities.
• STARS (Structured Therapeutic Adult Recreation Services) Community Day Services program in collaboration with Association for Individual Development (AID). Focuses on active community integration, volunteer work, and fitness activities at three locations serving approximately 75 people daily.
• Summer Day Camp Summer day camp for individuals with disabilities ages 5–22, offering safe and engaging summer experiences. Includes Camp Rising Stars (ages 5–10), Camp All Stars (ages 11–16), and Camp Rock Stars (ages 17–22) at six locations.
• Athletics and Special Olympics Programs Year-round sports, fitness, leagues, and Special Olympics opportunities for all ages and abilities. Includes softball and swim team programs with competitive and recreational options.
• Inclusion Services Services allowing individuals to experience recreational programming within community settings. Includes activity modifications, adaptive equipment, additional staff support, sign language interpreters, and staff training for individuals with disabilities.
• SootheSpace Portable Sensory Room Portable sensory room providing a safe space where light, texture, and sound create an ideal environment for recentering. Designed to be available at community events to help individuals with sensory sensitivities.
• Dr. William Bill Kelly Resource Library Collection of adaptive equipment, technology, and recreational items available for checkout at no cost. Includes tablets, adaptive bikes, sensory equipment, sporting equipment, and fitness tools for home use.
• Virtual Programming Virtual therapeutic recreation programs using Zoom video conferencing, enabling participants to stay connected or be active from any location. Includes social, cultural, and fitness programs led by staff.
• Transportation Services Transportation services providing access to and from programs throughout the Fox Valley region. Includes accessible buses and mini vans with door-to-door and pick-up point options at strategic locations within 15–20 minutes of residents.

Quantifiable outcome

• 93 medals (50 Gold, 26 Silver, 17 Bronze) at 2026 Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Aurora UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025FVSRA and Aurora University were honored with a Partnership Award at the Illinois Association of Park Districts' Best of the Best Awards Gala for exceptional collaboration between park agencies and community partners.
• Association for Individual Development (AID)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTARS (Structured Therapeutic Adult Recreation Services) is a Community Day Services program collaboration with AID. FVSRA Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists curate a curriculum under AID staff execution to meet individual goals. Located in southern Kane county with three locations.
• Batavia Park DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of seven member agencies that combine resources and collaborate to offer therapeutic recreation programs. Residents pay resident fees.
• Fox Valley Park DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of seven member agencies that combine resources and collaborate to offer therapeutic recreation programs. Residents pay resident fees.
• Geneva Park DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of seven member agencies that combine resources and collaborate to offer therapeutic recreation programs. Residents pay resident fees.
• Oswegoland Park DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of seven member agencies that combine resources and collaborate to offer therapeutic recreation programs. Residents pay resident fees.
• St. Charles Park DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of seven member agencies that combine resources and collaborate to offer therapeutic recreation programs. Residents pay resident fees.
• Sugar Grove Park DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of seven member agencies that combine resources and collaborate to offer therapeutic recreation programs. Residents pay resident fees.
• South Elgin Parks & Recreation DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of seven member agencies that combine resources and collaborate to offer therapeutic recreation programs. Residents pay resident fees.
• Rotary Club of Aurora UnitedminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGenerous contributor to Caregiver Network events, providing support for caregivers through education, connection, and resource sharing opportunities.
• Batavia Illinois Rotary ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGenerous contributor to Caregiver Network events, providing support for caregivers through education, connection, and resource sharing opportunities.
• Batavia Mothers' Club FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGenerous contributor to Caregiver Network events, providing support for caregivers through education, connection, and resource sharing opportunities.
• Northwestern MedicineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity supporter for SootheSpace project helping expand safe sensory spaces.
• National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternship program designed specifically for students fulfilling NCTRC requirements. The internship includes exposure to NCTRC Job Analysis Task Domains.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Easterseals: National nonprofit providing disability services including adult day programs, recreation, and community integration. Broader scope (employment, medical rehabilitation, advocacy) than FVSRA, but overlapping on adult day services and inclusive recreation — a broader incumbent competitor in the disability services space.

Others

• National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA): National industry association that granted FVSRA the 2023 Innovation in Equity Award for SootheSpace. Not a competitor but the sector's governing body providing accreditation frameworks, professional credentials (CPRP), and best-practice standards that FVSRA operates within.

Direct peers

• Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA): Another Illinois Special Recreation Association providing therapeutic recreation programs for individuals with disabilities. NWSRA serves member park districts in the northwest suburbs and operates under the same Illinois SRA governance model as FVSRA, including a similar Special Recreation Tax funding structure, inclusion services, and Special Olympics programming.
• Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA): Illinois SRA providing therapeutic recreation and inclusion services to north suburban park districts. Directly comparable in funding model (Special Recreation Tax), service portfolio (day camps, adult programs, inclusion, Special Olympics), and credentialed CTRS staffing approach.
• Association for Individual Development (AID): Existing FVSRA partner on the STARS program, AID is a nonprofit providing services for individuals with disabilities in the Fox Valley region. Directly overlaps on adult day services and community-based disability programming, making it both a partner and the most direct adjacent service provider.
• Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA): Illinois SRA serving western DuPage County member agencies. WDSRA offers a comparable mix of therapeutic recreation, inclusion services, summer day camps, adult day programming, and Special Olympics participation under the same intergovernmental SRA structure as FVSRA.
• SEASPAR (Southeast Association for Special Parks And Recreation): Illinois SRA serving the southeast suburban park districts with therapeutic recreation and inclusion services. Operates on the same tax-funded Illinois SRA model, providing direct comparable programming in fitness, aquatics, day camps, and adult day services for individuals with disabilities.

Emerging players

• Special Olympics Illinois: State-level organization that hosts the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games where FVSRA's 93-medal delegation competed in 2026. While not an SRA itself, SO Illinois provides the competitive athletics framework and training pipeline that FVSRA's athletes participate in; comparable in mission alignment with disability sports.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCSO4c_uFsZXAYTR0a-kX7qw/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/FVSRA
• Instagraminstagram.com/fvsra
• Xx.com/fvsra

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles20 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Fox Valley Special Recreation Association