East Point expands 'Together We're Able' programming, adds Miracle League games and accessible playground installs

Director Shaloy Pickett and Parks and Recreation staff updated the East Point City Council April 7 on Together We're Able, a Parks and Recreation initiative to provide specialized services and inclusive recreation for students with disabilities and their families.

"Our mission statement with Together We're Able is to foster a sense of community, provide specialized services for students and families of students with disabilities," Pickett told the council, describing the program's focus on inclusion, support and advocacy.

The update recapped programming that has run every other Sunday and at a Miracle League tee-ball game held recently. Activities described in the presentation included yoga, art classes, a sensory toolbox workshop, soap making, gardening lessons, baking and adapted swim activities led by staff including Sharondra Gurley. Director Pickett said the department has begun installing inclusive playground equipment across the city and expects several installations to be completed in the coming weeks.

Stephanie Ivory, educational coordinator for Parks and Recreation, described upcoming offerings: "Our specialized classes will actually launch coming this fall. It's an Orton Gillingham approach, which helps families with children with dyslexia," and she noted Miracle League games scheduled for June 6 and September. Ivory said the Together We're Able community collaboration series will run in April, May and June, pause in July, resume in August and continue through December.

Pickett also highlighted community partners who have worked on the initiative, naming Erin Blake with Love to Live and Anthony Wilkes of the Logan Wilkes Foundation among volunteers and partners. He credited staff and volunteers for the program's launch and said staff will return to council with additional programming for older age groups in the next weeks.

Council members praised the program during the meeting. Councilmember Butler thanked Pickett and staff and said the recent Friday Night Lights program and the Miracle League tee-ball game created "a festive space, a safe space." Councilmember Dr. Latonya Martin Rogers and others noted personal connections to special-needs programming and encouraged continued outreach.

The Parks and Recreation office invited residents to attend future Together We're Able sessions and the June 6 Miracle League game; the department said more details and registration will be available through Parks and Recreation.