City of Laredo Parks and Recreation staff and community partners told the Blue Ribbon Committee on People with Disabilities on Sept. 17 that two new sensory rooms will open this fall and that several adaptive recreation initiatives are expanding.

Kathleen Chavez, speaking for Carmen (program lead), said the first sensory room will open next week at the Carlton Library, second floor, with a second room set to open Oct. 16 at the South Library by the Silver Center. "We're opening our 2 new sensory rooms this next week... and then on October 16, we're opening the second one," Chavez said.

Parks and Recreation staff described trial adaptive fitness classes beginning in October and running monthly through January, scheduled for the first Saturday of the month. John Ruiz, a part-time adaptive-sports staffer, will lead trial sessions planned as roughly 45 minutes and intended for all ages and abilities.

The department also previewed an adaptive pool event in partnership with LC (a local partner identified in the meeting) that uses a ramped pool area 3 to 4 feet deep and is open to people with disabilities plus one guest. Parks staff said LC has allowed use of its pool for a public adaptive event and will provide lifeguards.

Committee members described an upcoming White Cane awareness event set for Oct. 17, featuring a morning nature walk, adaptive activities in a gym, and a mayoral proclamation. "It's gonna be a great morning," a parks organizer said, urging committee members to attend.

Staff raised equipment and facility needs: large communication boards for parks, requested by parents, cost roughly $3,000 for a full-size 4-by-8 board and about $1,000 for smaller panels, and the committee discussed seeking grant funds to purchase multiple boards for several park sites.

Parks staff also described progress on a sensory-friendly adaptive park in the La Ladrera area (behind LC). The project’s second phase is under way; staff said both new play areas are wheelchair accessible and that shading and fencing are future needs to address safety and elopement concerns.

Staff and partners are seeking volunteers, vendors and outreach to ensure events succeed and requested email contacts for follow-up. No votes or budget approvals were taken at the meeting; staff said many initiatives are in trial or planning phases and will return for updates when funding and scheduling are finalized.