Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association

What Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association does

Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association (KSRA) is a non-profit Special Recreation Association (SRA) founded in 1977 and headquartered in DeKalb, Illinois. It operates as a cooperative of five member park districts in DeKalb County, delivering therapeutic recreation programs and inclusion services to individuals with disabilities across the region. Core programming includes Camp Maple Leaf (an overnight summer camp experience), the A.R.I.S.E. adult program, Special Olympics training and competition, a Veterans recreation program, and inclusion support that enables participation alongside the general member-district populations.

The organization's core service is human-delivered adaptive recreation: staff with NCTRC-certified therapeutic recreation credentials design and run programs, partner with school districts and community organizations, and work through the member park districts' facilities. KSRA does not run a software platform or technology product; its "delivery infrastructure" is its roster of certified recreation therapists, its relationships with the five member park districts (which provide facilities, member referrals, and partial funding), and its 48-year operating history in the county.

The revenue model is a hybrid of (i) per-resident assessments or contributions from each of the five member park districts, (ii) program fees paid by participants' families, and (iii) donations and fundraising events such as the annual KSRF Golf Outing. Governance is non-profit; the organization is led by an Executive Director and supported by a small staff of approximately nine people, reflecting the labor-intensive, locally-embedded nature of therapeutic recreation delivery.

Name

Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association

Legal name

Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association

Website

https://kishsra.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1977

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association is a non-profit cooperative of five park districts in DeKalb County, Illinois, founded in 1977 to deliver therapeutic recreation programs and inclusion services for individuals with disabilities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Therapeutic Recreation Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Special Needs Adult Day Programs (Developmental/Physical Disabilities, Seniors) (HLADAIAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Multi-Activity Enrichment Camps (Academic + Arts + Sports) (EDAMALAA)

Keywords

• Therapeutic recreation services
• Inclusive disability programs
• Special recreation association
• Adaptive recreation services
• Community disability services

Headquarters

HQ city

DeKalb

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Member District Contributions: Funding from the five member park districts (DeKalb, Flagg-Rochelle, Genoa Township, Sandwich, and Sycamore) that form the KSRA association. Districts pay into the association to provide inclusive recreation services to their constituents with disabilities.
2. Program Fees: Fees charged for specific programs and services including transportation ($10 door-to-door, $6 pick-up point), camp registration, and other recreational programs. Revenue supports operational costs of running therapeutic recreation programs.
3. Donations and Fundraising: Donations from individuals, corporate sponsors, and community partners. Annual fundraising includes a golf outing, Dine and Donate events, and direct contributions to the Kishwaukee Special Recreation Foundation (KSRF).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

KSRA provides inclusive therapeutic recreation programs and support services for individuals with disabilities throughout DeKalb County and surrounding northern Illinois communities. Its core offering is a portfolio of structured recreational programs—including summer day camps (Camp Maple Leaf, Camp Adventure, Winter Break Camp), an adult program (A.R.I.S.E.), Special Olympics sports (swimming, bocce, bowling), and a wide range of activity-based programs (bowling, bocce, cooking, dances, game nights)—supplemented by Inclusion Services (adaptive equipment, companions, interpreters, program modifications), Transportation, Parent's Night Out respite, One to One, and Schools' Day Out programs, all delivered under Recreation Therapy principles.

Product overview

Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association (KSRA) provides inclusive recreation programs and services for individuals with disabilities throughout DeKalb County and surrounding communities. The organization's offerings consist of multiple recreational programs including Camp Maple Leaf (summer camp for ages 5-18 since 1977), Camp Adventure, Winter Break Camp, and A.R.I.S.E. (adult program). KSRA offers diverse activity programs including bowling, bocce, walking, cooking classes, dances, and game nights, along with Special Olympics sports programs (swimming, bocce, bowling). Support services include inclusion services (providing companions, interpreters, adaptive equipment), transportation, and parent respite programs. The organization operates in collaboration with five member park districts (DeKalb, Flagg-Rochelle, Genoa, Sandwich, Sycamore) and the Kishwaukee Special Recreation Foundation. Programs are planned according to Recreational Therapy principles to address social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and leisure needs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Camp Maple Leaf Summer day camp for children ages 5-18 with all abilities, running since 1977. Provides a 7-week full-day or half-day program with activities including swimming, nature activities, sports, arts and crafts, field trips, and a talent show. Designed to assist with social skills, motor skills, physical fitness, and leisure education.
• Camp Adventure Seasonal day camp exploring the Sycamore area, with staff-led activities focused on recreation, social skills, and daily living skills development. Activities include swimming, nature activities, sports, sensory activities, and arts and crafts.
• Winter Break Camp Day camp during winter school break featuring sports, games, crafts, and other activities for children.
• A.R.I.S.E. (Adults Recreating Inclusively for Self Enrichment) Community-based program serving individuals with disabilities 21 years or older, focused on enriching lives through inclusive recreational and life skill enhancement opportunities throughout DeKalb County.
• Special Olympics Sports Programs Sports programs through Special Olympics of Illinois including swimming (winter/spring), bocce (winter/spring), and bowling.
• Bowling Bowling program with bowlers grouped by age and ability. Bumpers and ramps available. Designed to assist with gross motor skills, physical fitness, use of community resources, and social interactions.
• Bocce Bocce ball program teaching rules and strategies for beginners and competitors, with weekly practice and an in-house tournament at season end. Designed to encourage physical fitness and strategic thinking.
• Walk and Roll Walking program at Sycamore Community Center track, with outdoor walks when weather permits. Designed to encourage physical fitness and build social skills.
• Cooking Class Cooking program teaching meal preparation, cooking safety, and skills. Participants enjoy their creations and take home recipes.
• Dances Social dance events with music and light snacks, designed to assist with social skill enhancement and leisure enjoyment.
• Game Nights Evening gaming programs featuring board games like Uno, Headbandz, Sorry, Garbage, Clue, and Bingo. Designed to encourage social interaction, sportsmanship, and peer cooperation.
• Inclusion Services Services enabling individuals of all abilities to participate in park district programs, including adaptive equipment, Inclusion companions, interpreters, and program modifications.
• Transportation Door-to-door or pick-up point transportation services for members within district boundaries. Fees are $10 door-to-door or $6 pick-up point. Residents only.
• Parent's Night Out Respite program providing fun, safe environment for children while parents have time away. Siblings welcome. Designed to assist with social skills and leisure education.
• One to One Individualized recreational program where participants choose recreational opportunities and staff creates personalized programming. One-on-one format for skill development.
• Schools' Day Out Day program for children when school is not in session, featuring sports, games, crafts, and more.

Quantifiable outcome

• Successful summer camp programming since 1977 for children ages 5-18 of all abilities
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and moderate.

• Kishwaukee Special Recreation Foundation (KSRF)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 May 2025The Foundation arm of KSRA that conducts fundraising including annual golf outings and Dine and Donate events. Foundation Board includes representatives from member park districts. Hosts KSRF Annual Golf Outing 2025 on May 9, 2025.
• DeKalb Park DistrictcoreOthersMember park district that is part of the KSRA association. Provides office space (lease agreement at $3,000/month), meeting facilities, and collaborates on programs including hosting Camp Maple Leaf at Hopkins Park. Executive Director John Shea serves on KSRA Board.
• Flagg-Rochelle Community Park DistrictcoreOthersMember park district of the KSRA association. Provides recreational facilities and collaborates on inclusive programming for residents in the Rochelle area. Executive Director Jackee Ohlinger serves on KSRA Board.
• Genoa Township Park DistrictcoreOthersMember park district of the KSRA association serving Genoa, IL. Collaborates on providing inclusive recreation services. Executive Director Paul Bafia serves on both KSRA Board and Foundation Board.
• Sandwich Park DistrictcoreOthersMember park district of the KSRA association serving Sandwich, IL. Provides facilities and collaborates on inclusive programming. Executive Director William Novicki serves on KSRA Foundation Board as Treasurer.
• Sycamore Park DistrictcoreOthersMember park district of the KSRA association. Hosts programs at Sycamore Community Center. Superintendent Lisa Metcalf serves as President of KSRA Foundation Board. Executive Director Jonelle Bailey serves on KSRA Board.
• Iddy Biddy Pool SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLearn-to-swim school that teaches swim techniques and water safety to infants through adults. Offers programs specifically designed for individuals with disabilities and runs a Special Olympics swim team. Contact: (815) 991-9162.
• Adventure WorksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdventure-based counseling organization serving youth and families through individual, family, and group counseling, as well as educational services. Provides alternative to traditional counseling through outdoor adventure activities. Contact: (815) 517-0825.
• Penguin ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChildren's Community Theatre program that provides children and young adults (ages 10-22) with physical and intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in musical theatre. Artists are paired with Mentors (peers without disabilities). Contact: (815) 893-9447.
• Northern Illinois University (NIU)moderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic research university in DeKalb, IL with a student body of 25,000. KSRA works with NIU for Therapeutic Recreation internship placements and has engaged NIU for strategic planning consultation. Also serves as community resource.
• DeKalb Community FoundationmoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity foundation enhancing quality of life in DeKalb County through proactive community needs addressing and philanthropic resource management. Provides grant support and community leadership. Contact: (815) 748-5383.
• Rochelle Parent GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFree support group for parents of children with any type of disability. Meets second Monday of the month during school year. Offers support, encouragement, education, and childcare. Contact: (815) 501-2088.
• Camelot Education (NWCA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides academic and therapeutic services for children, adolescents, and young adults ages 3-21 with extraordinary needs including Autism, Multiple Disabilities, Emotional Disabilities, and Other Health Impairments. Contact: (815) 787-4144.
• Weaver Construction IncminorOthersCorporate sponsor of KSRA Foundation golf outing and fundraising events.
• Ancel Glick P.C.minorOthersDinner sponsor for KSRA Foundation golf outing.
• The Suter CompanyminorOthersGolf cart sponsor for KSRA Foundation golf outing.
• Wehrli Custom FabricationminorOthersBeverage sponsor for KSRA Foundation golf outing.
• Rose LawminorOthersBeverage sponsor for KSRA Foundation golf outing.
• Special Olympics of IllinoiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState-level organization under which KSRA offers Special Olympics sports including Swimming (Winter/Spring), Bocce (Winter/Spring), and Bowling. Contact for swimming: Jeremy Stine at (815) 991-9162.
• 211 (United Way)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFree, confidential resource hotline (dial 211) providing streamlined access to health and human services. Available 24/7 for community resource referral. Website: findhelp211.org.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA): Illinois SRA providing year-round recreation programs, camps, and inclusion services for individuals with disabilities through member park districts; structurally and operationally analogous to KSRA.
• Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (FVSRA): Illinois SRA providing inclusive recreation, camps, and adult programs through member park districts in the Fox Valley region; comparable multi-district nonprofit structure and disability-focused programming.
• Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA): Illinois SRA delivering therapeutic recreation, summer camps, Special Olympics, and inclusion support to member park districts in DuPage County; matches KSRA's service breadth and member-district funding model.
• Lincolnway Special Recreation Association: Illinois SRA providing inclusive recreation programs, summer camps, and Special Olympics for individuals with disabilities across member park districts; comparable scale and programming to KSRA.
• Special Recreation of Central Lake County (SRCLC): Illinois SRA delivering therapeutic recreation, camps, and inclusion services through member park districts in Lake County; near-identical governance and service model to KSRA.
• Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA): Illinois-based Special Recreation Association serving multiple member park districts with therapeutic recreation, camps, Special Olympics, and inclusion services — the most direct operational peer to KSRA in structure and service mix.
• South East Association for Special Parks And Recreation (SEASPAR): Illinois SRA offering therapeutic recreation, day camps, and inclusion support via member park districts in the western suburbs of Chicago; the closest comparator in service catalogue and member-funded model.

Broad incumbents

• The Arc of Illinois: Statewide advocacy and service organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; overlaps with KSRA's inclusion and adult-program mission at a broader policy and family-support level.
• Special Olympics Illinois: Statewide organization coordinating Special Olympics sports training and competition; KSRA partners with SOIL to deliver swimming, bocce, and bowling, making it both a partner and the broader umbrella for that service line.
• Easterseals: National nonprofit providing disability services including recreation, therapy, and inclusion programs at scale; competes in the broader disability-services space with overlapping therapeutic recreation offerings.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Kish_spec_rec
• Facebookfacebook.com/kishsra
• Instagraminstagram.com/ksra_fun
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ksra

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association