Northwest Special Recreation Association
Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) is a nonprofit cooperative partnership of 17 park districts in Chicago's northwest suburbs, providing adaptive recreation, inclusion services, and Special Olympics for children and adults with disabilities.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1980
- HeadquartersRolling Meadows, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Northwest Special Recreation Association does
Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) is a nonprofit special recreation association operating as a cooperative partnership of 17 park districts in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Founded in 1973, NWSRA delivers adaptive recreational programs, inclusion services, and Special Olympics participation for children and adults with disabilities. Programming is led by Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) and Certified Park and Recreation Professionals (CPRP), and spans athletics, day camps, social clubs, the PURSUIT adult day program, inclusion support, leisure education, and specialized offerings such as a Snoezelen Sensory Room, Community Sensory Garden, Dream Lab, NWSRA Village, and Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies. The organization also operates the NWSRA Activity Center, an online platform offering virtual content across categories including cooking, crafts, fitness, nature, reading, sensory, and general activities, extending reach beyond physical park-district sites.
NWSRA's technology stack is service-delivery oriented rather than platform-oriented: it consists of a brochure-based registration system, the Activity Center content portal, and standard web/social properties. The organization holds IPRA Distinguished Accredited Agency status and the NRPA Excellence in Inclusion Award, positioning it as a nationally recognized provider of inclusive recreation.
The revenue model combines participant program fees, member park-district contributions, and donations channeled through its affiliated nonprofit, the Special Leisure Services Foundation (SLSF). Pricing is not publicly disclosed; programs are accessed through member park-district registration and direct office contact. NWSRA's 17-district cooperative structure, multi-decade operating history, and certified-staff base constitute its core operational and reputational assets.
Northwest Special Recreation Association firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Northwest Special Recreation Association
- Legal name
- Northwest Special Recreation Association
- Website
- https://nwsra.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1980
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) is a nonprofit cooperative partnership of 17 park districts in Chicago's northwest suburbs, providing adaptive recreation, inclusion services, and Special Olympics for children and adults with disabilities.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Northwest Special Recreation Association industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Adaptive and Therapeutic Recreation Services
- NAICS
- Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394), Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds) (721214)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Adaptive & Para-Sport Training Programs (MPAKAJAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Special Needs Adult Day Programs (Developmental/Physical Disabilities, Seniors) (HLADAIAI), Life Skills & SEL Camps (Confidence, Executive Function, Social Skills) (EDAMALAO), Down Syndrome & Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Childcare (HSAAAIAC)
Keywords
Where Northwest Special Recreation Association is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Rolling Meadows
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Northwest Special Recreation Association business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Program Fees: NWSRA generates revenue through participant program fees for recreational activities, day camps, athletics, and community programs. The organization also receives support from member park districts as part of the cooperative partnership structure.
- Donations to SLSF: The Special Leisure Services Foundation (SLSF), NWSRA's affiliated nonprofit, accepts donations to support NWSRA programs and participants.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels7 records
Northwest Special Recreation Association product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) delivers adaptive and therapeutic recreation programs, inclusion services, and Special Olympics opportunities for children and adults with disabilities in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Operating as a cooperative partnership of 17 member park districts, NWSRA offers in-person programs such as athletics, day camps, social clubs, the PURSUIT adult day program, leisure education, and specialized facilities including Snoezelen Sensory Rooms and a Community Sensory Garden, complemented by an online Activity Center with virtual activities and resources.
Product overview
NWSRA provides outstanding recreational opportunities for children and adults with disabilities as a partnership of 17 park districts in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. The organization operates a multi-faceted portfolio of in-person recreational programs including Athletics, Day Camps, Social Clubs, PURSUIT Community Day Program, Inclusion Services, and specialized offerings such as the Snoezelen Sensory Room, Community Sensory Garden, Dream Lab, NWSRA Village, Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies, and Leisure Education. Complementing these in-person services is the Activity Center, an online platform offering virtual activities, videos, and resources across categories including Cooking-Nutrition, Crafts, Fitness, Nature-Animals, Reading, Sensory, and General Activities. The organization also provides Volunteer Program opportunities for individuals 14+ and Employment Services including positions for recreation assistants, inclusion aides, drivers, and direct support professionals.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Recreational Programs Innovative recreational programs for children and adults with disabilities including athletics, day camps, social clubs, and leisure education activities delivered through 17 partner park districts.
- Inclusion Services Support services to include individuals with disabilities in community recreational programs with necessary accommodations and assistance.
- PURSUIT Community Day Program Adult day program providing daily activities, community engagement, and support services for adults with disabilities.
- Snoezelen Sensory Room Multi-sensory environment designed for individuals with disabilities to provide relaxation and therapeutic stimulation through controlled sensory experiences.
- NWSRA Village Community program designed to foster connection and support for individuals with disabilities within their local community.
- Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies Health and wellness-focused programming combining physical activity with mental health support for participants.
- Dream Lab Innovative program providing creative and experiential opportunities for individuals with disabilities to explore interests and skills.
- Community Sensory Garden Outdoor sensory garden providing therapeutic horticultural experiences for individuals with disabilities.
- Heart of the Community Program focused on community involvement and social connection for individuals with disabilities.
- Leisure Education Educational programming teaching leisure skills and activities to help individuals with disabilities develop lifelong recreational interests.
- Activity Center Online platform providing virtual activities, videos, and resources including cooking, crafts, fitness, nature, reading, sensory activities, and general recreation content for participants and families.
- Volunteer Program Volunteer opportunities for individuals 14 years and older to support recreational programs for people with disabilities.
- Employment Services Job placement and employment opportunities including positions for General Recreation Program Assistant, Inclusion Aide, Driver, and Direct Support Professional.
Companies that use Northwest Special Recreation Association
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Northwest Special Recreation Association technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Northwest Special Recreation Association partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA)coreProfessional association membership providing accreditation, resources, and professional development for therapeutic recreation professionals. NWSRA holds Distinguished Accredited Agency status from IPRA.
- National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)coreNational professional association membership. NWSRA received the NRPA Excellence in Inclusion Award for national leadership in diversity and inclusion.
- Illinois Association of Park DistrictscoreState association supporting park districts and recreation services across Illinois.
- Park Districts Risk Management Agency (PDRMA)minorRisk management organization serving park districts with insurance and safety resources.
- Special Leisure Services Foundation (SLSF)coreNWSRA's affiliated nonprofit foundation that accepts donations, organizes fundraising events, and supports SLSF programs and participants. Operates as the fundraising arm of NWSRA.
- 17 Northwest Suburban Park DistrictscoreMember park districts: Arlington Heights, Bartlett, Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Inverness, Mt. Prospect, Palatine, Prospect Heights, River Trails, Rolling Meadows, Salt Creek, Schaumburg, South Barrington, Streamwood, and Wheeling. These districts partner with NWSRA to provide recreation services for residents with disabilities.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves1 record
Expansion highlights5 records
Northwest Special Recreation Association competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Northwest Special Recreation Association social profiles
Digital presenceNorthwest Special Recreation Association compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Northwest Special Recreation Association financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Northwest Special Recreation Association leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Northwest Special Recreation Association subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Northwest Special Recreation Association funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Northwest Special Recreation Association M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Northwest Special Recreation Association
What does Northwest Special Recreation Association do?
Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) delivers adaptive and therapeutic recreation programs, inclusion services, and Special Olympics opportunities for children and adults with disabilities in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Operating as a cooperative partnership of 17 member park districts, NWSRA offers in-person programs such as athletics, day camps, social clubs, the PURSUIT adult day program, leisure education, and specialized facilities including Snoezelen Sensory Rooms and a Community Sensory Garden, complemented by an online Activity Center with virtual activities and resources.
Is Northwest Special Recreation Association a public or private company?
Northwest Special Recreation Association is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Northwest Special Recreation Association founded?
Northwest Special Recreation Association was founded in 1980. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Northwest Special Recreation Association based?
Northwest Special Recreation Association is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, United States, in the North America region.
How does Northwest Special Recreation Association make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Program Fees are the primary driver. The others are donations to SLSF.
Does Northwest Special Recreation Association have an API?
No public API is recorded for Northwest Special Recreation Association.
What industry is Northwest Special Recreation Association in?
Northwest Special Recreation Association's product category is Adaptive and Therapeutic Recreation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAKAJAK, Adaptive & Para-Sport Training Programs, with a secondary code of HLADAIAI, Special Needs Adult Day Programs (Developmental/Physical Disabilities, Seniors). Its NAICS code is 71394 and its SIC code is 7997.