Waukegan, Illinois (October 17, 2023) – The Waukegan Park District and Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County – Waukegan have officially opened the Adaptive Recreation Center, located at 540 S. McAlister Avenue in Roosevelt Park. The facility was formerly vacant and has been renovated into programming space designed for individuals with disabilities. The facility features unique and innovative rooms, including a sensory room, an art and music room, a media room, a demonstration kitchen, a multi-purpose room, and two activity rooms.

To assist with the renovation of the facility, Senator Adriane Johnson secured the allocation of $350,000 from the State of Illinois and the Lake County Board allocated $150,000 through funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The funds covered many of the general construction costs.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. generously donated $25,500 to the Waukegan Parks Foundation for development of the sensory room, a hands-on area where individuals can engage with their senses and immerse themselves in a personalized experience. From bubble tubes to projected images, the sensory room is intended to provide calming and active sensory experiences.

Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County (SRSNLC) is an intergovernmental cooperative entity that provides community recreation to persons with disabilities at the Waukegan Park District and the Zion Park District. The Waukegan Park District has been a member park district of SRSNLC since 2000. Their mission is to educate citizens to become responsible, productive, and contributing members of our society by preparing them through recreation in a dynamic and caring environment, promoting enthusiasm, and inviting their participation.

Jeremiah Johnson, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “The Adaptive Recreation Center will enhance the recreation and leisure opportunities designed for individuals with disabilities. The facility was designed so that the Waukegan Park District and Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County – Waukegan can better meet the needs of families in our community.”

Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “The Waukegan Park District is committed to providing special recreation services for our community. With several accessible rooms and state-of-the-art technology, the Adaptive Recreation Center was transformed from a vacant building to an innovative facility with expanded space for programs and events designed for individuals with disabilities.”