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NEDSRA, Oakbrook Terrace kick off summer with fishing derby
Bill McCluskey of Oakbrook Terrace gets help from park district commissioner Bill Cizek as his line got tangled up with another fisherman during the 22nd annual fishing derby and summer kickoff Sunday. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media
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Updated: August 13, 2012 1:47AM
Summer officially began at the Oakbrook Terrace Park District as the first lines were cast at the 22nd annual fishing derby and cookout held Sunday at Terrace View Park.
The event was co-sponsored with the Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association. The organization teams up with 11 area park district and village recreation departments, including a long-standing partnership with the Oakbrook Terrace Park District.
Now in its 35th year, NEDSRA serves the social and recreational needs of people with disabilities. The organization accepts members of any age and any disability and hosts several showcase events throughout the year.
“People with disabilities should have the same opportunities as everyone else,” NEDSRA Executive Director Jenna Greenwalt said. “By forming and being part of a special recreation co-op, we’re able to consolidate resources to better serve individuals in their communities.”
The partnership with the Oakbrook Terrace Park District has existed for more than 30 years. NEDSRA hosts numerous events at the park district’s facilities, including the Mario Parente Theater, Lake View Nature Center, Splash Pad and Fitness Center.
“We work well together,” Oakbrook Terrace Park District Director Laura Barron said. “They have tennis classes on our tennis courts, a family winter play day at our nature center and they do love our theater. Whenever they can dress up in costume, it’s exciting.”
Sunday provided perfect weather for the anglers and their families at the shores of Terrace View Park’s lake. After fishing, a ceremony was held to give out awards for the biggest fish caught, smallest fish caught, most fish caught, various age categories and most unique item reeled in.
“The fishing derby is one of our larger special events,” Greenwalt said. “People come from their backyards to go to this nature sanctuary tucked away from the office buildings. The Oakbrook Terrace Park District staff and the commissioners have been extremely supportive to us and we couldn’t do what we do without it. We really value the partnership we have.”
After the fish were done biting, more than 300 attendees fed their own hunger at a cookout sponsored by Anyway’s Restaurant to conclude the evening.
