Posted 11.24.25
WDSRA RECEIVES THE ILLINOIS DISTINGUISHED ACCREDITED AGENCY AWARD
The Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) has been recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA).
The two statewide associations administer the Illinois Distinguished Accreditation program with the goal of improving the delivery of park and recreation services to Illinois residents. “Illinois is widely regarded as home to the nation’s leading park districts, forest preserves, conservation districts, recreation, and special recreation agencies.” said Peter Murphy, IAPD President and CEO. “The Distinguished Accreditation program gives agencies the opportunity to undergo a voluntary, comprehensive evaluation to demonstrate that they meet established standards and criteria for delivering exceptional park and recreation services.”
“This program gives recognition to park and recreation agencies, and forest preserve districts that demonstrate a strong commitment to providing exceptional programs, services, and facilities that enrich the lives of their communities and residents,” said Suzi Wirtz, IPRA Executive Director. “Achieving Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation is a testament to the dedication of the agency, its staff, board, and community. This accomplishment strengthens quality of life and contributes to making Illinois one of the best places to live, work, and recreate.”
A park district or recreation agency interested in applying for Distinguished Accredited Agency recognition undergoes a detailed, lengthy process of application and evaluation. A Joint Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation Committee (JDPRAC) comprised of members from IAPD and IPRA coordinates the process. “Agencies submit a self-evaluation and a formal letter requesting admission into the process,” said Jan Arnold, IPRA Co-Chair of the JDPRAC. “If the committee determines the agency is eligible to continue the process, the agency is assigned a mentor to assist them with their preparation toward an evaluation date.”
“We’re proud to become a Distinguished Accredited agency,” said Dan Leahy, Executive Director of WDSRA. “It is further validation that our policies, practices, and people are aligned with best-in-class expectations for our industry. These practices allow our team to deliver high impact therapeutic recreation programs across our communities.” Our score of 490 out of 500 possible points was graded as Exceeds/Pass. This rating is awarded to only 10% of similar agencies across the state, and it means that we operate by best practices and standards across all disciplines – program design, staffing, safety, finance, technology, administration, and more.
It is an honor to be recognized as a leader in our field.
About the WDSRA
The Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) provides engaging, community-based recreational programs and inclusion services for children, teens, and adults with special needs. Our offerings include Special Olympics, adapted sports, dance and art programs, camps, trips, special events, and more. WDSRA’s mission is to enrich lives, connect communities, and create fun through inclusive recreation.
An award-winning organization, WDSRA is a cooperative extension of nine park districts serving Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Roselle, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, and Winfield.
About Illinois Association of Park Districts
IAPD is a non-profit service, research and education organization that serves park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies. The association advances these agencies, their citizen board members, and professional staff in their ability to provide outstanding park and recreation opportunities, preserve natural resources and improve the quality of life for all people in Illinois.
About Illinois Park and Recreation Association
Established in 1944, IPRA’s mission is to provide and promote exceptional standards of education, networking, and resources for all professionals in the Illinois park, recreation and conservation communities.
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