PARK NEWS
Special Recreation Programs
Chicago Park District Special Recreation activities have been added at Ridge Park
9625 S. Longwood Dr, and Kennedy Park, 11320 S. Western. The program offers
recreation opportunities for people with disabilities.
Ridge Park first began offering special recreation programs in the winter class session, and the popular program has continued. This summer, participants come to the park with their parents one day a week for one hour of park activities and one hour of swimming. Park Supervisor Dan Ryan is hoping that the program can add woodshop in the fall.
The summer program at Kennedy Park also features one hour of recreation and one hour in the pool one day a week for children and their parents.
A pioneer in offering special recreation programs, the Chicago Park District began training park employees on ways to better serve people with disabilities in 1965. In 1968, the Chicago Park District became the birth place of the Special Olympics, an organization that now serves athletes with intellectual disabilities in over 170 countries worldwide.
Currently, more than 25 park locations serve individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. For more information, contact Special Recreation staff , 312-742-5798 or special.recreation@chicagoparkdistrict.com.
Volkman Days at Munroe Park
Volkman Days features DJ, kids activities, food and raffles, Sat., Aug. 3, 1 to 6 p.m., Munroe Park, 2617 W. 105th St. Admission is $40 per family or $20 per person supporting the Volkman Foundation. The foundation was establishes in honor of the late Brian J. Volkman to assist families subjected to financial hardship caused by health or life changing events. Purchase advance tickets at volkmanfoundation.com.
