Southland Special Rec Association To Celebrate 50 Years With Picnic

OLYMPIA FIELDS, IL — A vital south suburban agency will mark 50 years of providing the special needs community with essential support and recreational opportunities.

South Suburban Special Recreation Association (SSSRA) is a therapeutic recreation program that is an extension of seven park districts and three recreation and parks departments. It is organized to provide individuals with disabilities or special needs, the opportunity to be involved in year-round recreation.

Its reach includes the communities of Country Club Hills, Hazel Crest, Homewood-Flossmoor, Lansing, Matteson, Oak Forest, Olympia Fields, Park Forest, Richton Park , and Tinley Park.

Participants and their families are invited to join the association in celebration of its anniversary, with a picnic to be held Saturday, August 19 at Bicentennial Park, 3401 203rd St. in Olympia Field. The event will last from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Participants are invited to play games and enjoy lunch catered by Wiley’s Grill. Painted Smiles by Karen will also be offering creative face painting. The winning ticket for the association's Dog Days of Summer Cash Raffle will be drawn at noon. Tickets may still be purchased online.

Due to the generosity of Ecolab, Inc., this event is offered free of charge for SSSRA residents.

Participants must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or group home staff. This is not a staffed event.

Each person attending must register and sign a participation waiver. Please visit www.sssra.org or call (815)806-0384 for more information.

Registration deadline is Sunday, July 30.