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Hinsdale member assumes Gateway Special Recreation chair as participation edges up
Summary
At the May 20 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, staff reported that the Village of Hinsdale will chair the Gateway Special Recreation Association and that Hinsdale participant counts rose slightly from 2024 to 2025; staff described program capacity and funding arrangements.
The Parks and Recreation Commission heard on May 20 that the Village of Hinsdale will assume the chairmanship of the Gateway Special Recreation Association and that local participation in Special Rec programs rose in spring 2025.
The update matters because Gateway SRA coordinates special recreation services across eight member municipalities and oversees programs for residents with disabilities; changes in leadership and participation affect how those services are planned and funded.
Mike, a Parks and Recreation staff member, told commissioners that as of May 15 the Village of Hinsdale "is assuming the role of the chair position for Gateway Special Recreation Board," and he said he expects to attend monthly meetings, which usually run 1.5 to 2 hours. He added that the Ray Graham Association administers most program operations for Gateway Special Rec and handles staffing and program delivery.
The report included participation counts and program capacity details. Staff said Hinsdale had 23 participants in spring 2025, up from 21 in spring 2024. The Elevate adult day program currently includes two Hinsdale residents; staff said program sites in other member communities ranged from one to three participants. Mike said the Elevate program has a capacity of 12 participants per day and that Ray Graham will reassess staffing if enrollment approaches that level.
On funding, staff said each member municipality contributes an allocated, tax‑levied amount to Gateway's budget and that participant fees do not fund the association. Commissioners asked about the risk of member communities leaving; staff replied that they had no current concern and that member communities have expressed satisfaction with the association.
Commissioners did not take a formal vote on the chairmanship; staff described it as an operational update and said they will continue to report attendance and program data to the commission.
