The Oak Brook Park District announced the start of several new inclusive programs this year, one taking place at the Tennis Center facility.
According to a news release, the Adaptive Tennis Program launched on Jan. 21 with a full class of eight players, 10 volunteer assistants, and two coaches.
“Our dedicated staff members began preparing for this program by attending an Adaptive Tennis training in September 2023,” Superintendent of Enterprise Operations, Alin Pop, said. “The Oak Brook Park District Tennis Center hosted this training and it was an excellent experience. Staff was fully prepared and understands this new approach to tennis play.”
Adaptive Tennis is open to Junior Players ages 11-17 with cognitive or developmental disabilities, the release said. Each player is assigned an assistant to help enhance the play experience in a fun and inclusive setting.
The Oak Brook Park District Tennis Center asks all parents/guardians interested in this program to send an email to programming@obparks.org if interested in participation, according to the release. A Tennis Center staff member will contact them to share information, answer any questions, and/or help with enrollment in the program.
This program will meet again from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Feb. 18, March 17, April 25, and May 19, the release said.
Additional inclusive programming can also be found at the Oak Brook Park District’s Family Aquatic Center, the release said. Opportunities include Sensory Sensitive Hours and Adaptive Swim Lessons. Sensory Sensitive Hours take place at the Family Aquatic Center, with music and water features turned off, on the first Wednesday of each month, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, contact Rob Bond at rbond@obparks.org.
Adaptive Private Swim Lessons are now offered at the Oak Brook Park District Family Aquatic Center. The District has several swim instructors certified in the Swim Whisperers Program Level 1, according to the release. Contact Caroline, aquatic programming supervisor, at swimlesson@obparks.org for more information.
