NRPA Pillar of Social Equity

Social Equity Pillar – Ensuring all people have access to the benefits of local parks and recreation. 

Public parks and recreation ensure that all people – regardless of race, age, income level or ability – have access to programs, facilities, places and spaces that make their lives and communities great. Parks and recreation truly build communities for all.

National Recreation and Parks Association’s (NRPA) areas of focus include ensuring all people have safe access to quality park and recreation facilities and programming, investing in park improvement projects for communities that need it most, and supporting programs and policies that protect our most vulnerable communities from environmental and health hazards.

Vernon Hills Park District (VHPD) initiatives include:

  • Accessible Skate Park
  • Accessible Playgrounds
  • The Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County’s participants benefit from approximately 700 VHPD annual programs with inclusion services.
  • The District’s ADA Transition Plan outlines equal access to all of our parks for all people.
  • VHPD’s Family Scholarship Program, supported by event registrations and financial rebates, ensures all children have opportunities to engage in programs.
  • A staff driven food drive impacts local families directly through a relationship with the Hawthorn School District 73.
  • Senior fitness and senior aquatic programs are offered at a reduced rate increasing participation in wellness and socialization.
  • Culturally inspired activities including cricket, table tennis, rhythmic gymnastics and Bollywood dance were developed to meet the needs of our diverse population.