Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Adaptive Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parks and recreation reports expanded adaptive programming, pool parties and camps amid funding freeze
Summary
Parks and Recreation staff told the Community for Global Disabilities that adaptive camps, inclusive swim times and an 18+ pool party have been added this summer; staff said a city spending freeze may limit future sessions and asked partners for ideas and volunteer support.
Parks and Recreation staff reported July 16 that the city’s adaptive recreation offerings expanded this summer with four adaptive camps, weekly adaptive swim times and a new 18‑and‑over inclusive pool party for adults with disabilities. Staff said the programs drew participants including stroke survivors and people with Down syndrome, and that events were free to participants.
“It was so much fun,” said Parks and Recreation staff describing the first 18‑plus pool event at the LC pool. The department described the LC pool as having a long ramp and shallow entry that made it suitable for adaptive swim activities and said it plans additional nights in August if funding allows.
Why it matters: Committee members praised the programs for building community and giving adults and families accessible recreational options. Staff said adaptive sports and wellness activities encourage participation from people who may otherwise be isolated after medical events such as stroke.
Program details: The department said it ran four adaptive camp weeks focused on different themes, hosted a one‑day respite camp for families, organized a 5K and 1‑mile walk that added an athletes‑with‑disabilities division, and piloted water aerobics and sensory classes. Staff said partners such as Ricky Cowell’s group and local nonprofits helped run events, and that program guides assisted athletes where needed.
Funding and next steps: Parks and Recreation staff said there is a city spending freeze that may limit programming after October and that they are seeking alternative funding to sustain the expanded schedule. Staff asked committee members to submit ideas and volunteers and to help publicize upcoming classes and adaptive offerings.
Ending: Department staff said they will attempt to schedule additional nights for the 18+ pool parties and to continue coordinating adaptive programming with partner groups, reporting progress to the committee at future meetings.
