Gateway Special Recreation AssociationPrint

The City of Countryside is a member of the Gateway Special Recreation Association. Current members also include the Oak Brook Park District, Pleasant Dale Park District, Burr Ridge Park District, Westchester Park District, Elmhurst Park District, York Center Park District, the Village of Willowbrook, and the Village of Hinsdale. These agencies have pooled their resources to contract with the Ray Graham Association for People With Disabilities to provide recreational services for children and adults with disabilities. The Ray Graham Association has been serving the needs of persons with disabilities for more than 40 years.

The headquarters for Gateway SRA are in the Anna Emery Hanson Center, located at 59th and Garfield Streets in Burr Ridge. The Ray Graham-owned and operated facility is a modern, fully handicapped-accessible building on a 12.5 acre site. The Hanson Center offers indoor and outdoor program space, including a barn and two riding arenas for horsemanship instruction. Other locations in the eight community areas also act as program sites. Gateway SRA offerings are suited to meet a wide range of needs and capabilities.

For families who wish to participate in more integrated programming through the City of Countryside's Parks and Recreation Department, the Ray Graham Association is available to help them choose appropriate park programs, educate the park instructor about special needs the individual may have, accompany the individual to the program until a smooth transition has been made, and act as a resource for the Parks and Recreation department. This service is offered free to residents of Gateway SRA member communities.

The City of Countryside representative on the Gateway Special Recreation Board is Sharon Peterson, Assistant City Administrator. The Board meets monthly at the Oak Brook Park District.

To register for activities or for more information, call the Hanson Center at 708.325.3857.