The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a state statute that provides the public the right to access government documents and records. The law provides that a person can ask a public body for a copy of its records on a specific subject and the public body must provide those records, unless there is an exemption in the statute that protects those records from disclosure (for example: records containing personal private information).

The FOIA provides access to all “agency records”, except those which are specifically exempted within the Act. Exemptions are listed in Section 7 of the FOIA.

Immediately available records

Section 3.5(a) of the act requires the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association to make available a list of documents or categories of records that can be disclosed immediately upon request. The items listed below constitute many but not all of the records that are immediately available.

Board Meeting Minutes (online)
Annual Financial Report/Audit (online)

How do I submit a FOIA request?

FOIA requires that requests for inspection or copies be made in writing and directed to LWSRA. Written requests may be submitted in a variety of forms including personal delivery, regular mail, fax or “other means available to the public body.” Any request must be immediately forwarded to the FOIA officer or designee. When making a written request, be as specific as you can regarding the information you are requesting and be sure to include a phone number and return address. All requests should be directed to the LWSRA FOIA Officer.

LWSRA has designated the below Freedom of Information Officers. They may be reached by telephone at (815) 320-3500, via email at foia@lwsra.org and/or in writing at 1900 Heather Glen Dr, New Lenox, IL 60451.

Primary Officer:
Tom Krauss, Support Services Supervisor

Secondary Officers by Department:
Executive Services: Keith Wallace, Executive Director
Recreation Department: Melissa Jensen, Superintendent of Recreation

How do I appeal a denial?

In the event of a denial, you may either file a Request for Review with the Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor (PAC), or file a lawsuit in court.

For complete information, contact PAC at:

Leah Bartelt, Public Access Counselor
Office of the Illinois Attorney General
500 S. 2nd Street
Springfield, IL 62701
publicaccess@atg.state.il.us
877-299-3642