It’s good to be back in Naperville! With the return of in-person programs we are thrilled to be able to once again bring participants together in and around the Naperville area. Seeing the smiles and hearing the excitement of participants being reunited with their friends in person is exhilarating.
Though we are only offering a limited number of in-person programs at this time, it is thanks to the Naperville Park District opening their facilities and parks that we are back.
We have welcomed back our community-based adult day program, Rec & Roll, meeting at the Sportsman’s Clubhouse. The first week back saw the group starting their day reviewing new protocols including handwashing, mask wearing and social distancing. Then it was back to the types of recreational activities that will help create an enhanced quality of life for everyone attending. Together they did yoga, made stress balls, went on nature walks, played games and even had a few dance parties!
Our athletes are excited to be able to keep their basketball and floor hockey skills sharp at Commissioners Park. You might have seen our basketball athletes working on dribbling, layups and jump shots. Or, maybe you noticed our football athletes running different routes in the park. There may not be scrimmages, games or competitions, but keeping skills sharp and being physically active are important.
Our teens and adults are thrilled to be able to connect with each other through our Wondrous Wednesdays social club held at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion. They are enjoying treats from Red Mango, crafts, games, and just being able to connect with each other in person. By the way, if you are on the Riverwalk trail be sure to look for some of the happy rock art that this group has placed along the path… simply to brighten your day!
There is more coming in fall. With more park districts opening their facilities, we are expanding the current in-person offerings to include: bowling, pickleball, and a few one-time special events.
For those who are not yet comfortable with in-person programs or those who have found that virtual programs are a great alternative, we are still going to be offering a full line-up of virtual programs. There is definitely something for everyone and every comfort level.
To help navigate the return to in-person programs, be sure to read the WDSRA Return to Program Family Guide. It outlines the safety measures we are taking to keep participants and staff safe, program protocols, what families can expect, and how to determine if a participant is eligible to participate. Full details can be found on our website at www.wdsra.com/wdsra-programs/guide-to-returning-to-in-person-programs.
And lastly, with the Naperville Park District opening their programs, our inclusion services are available to any family who would like inclusion support. Families should simply indicate on their Naperville Park District program registration form that they are requesting services. A WDSRA staff member will contact them to make the arrangements.
Whether through inclusion services, in-person programs or virtual programs, we are thrilled to bring connections, engagement and joy to all of our participants and to serve our families.
All-in-all it is looking like fall will be spectacular.
Stay healthy! Stay safe!
