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Laredo Parks and Recreation launches "Laredo All In" special-needs initiative
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Summary
City Parks staff introduced a new special‑needs inclusion program and the department's newly hired special‑needs manager, outlining adaptive classes, an adaptive gym completion, a needs assessment and plans for low-cost access.
Jenny Sanchez, the city’s newly hired special needs manager, outlined a program she called “Laredo All In” aimed at expanding adaptive and inclusive recreation across Laredo’s parks and recreation centers.
Sanchez said the program will provide a range of adaptive activities and services and stressed low-cost or no-cost access for participants. “We’re committed to providing diverse recreation programs and activities that enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities,” Sanchez said.
The presentation described existing offerings—an adaptive swim class, ramped pool entries and an adaptive gym at the Haines Center—and plans to expand services to include adaptive sports (wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball), adaptive bikes for trails, monthly adaptive classes, sensory spaces and outreach to school districts. Sanchez said the Haines Center adaptive gym is nearing completion and the department intends to avoid charging extra fees for participants when possible, using scholarships and other funding to reduce cost barriers.
Sanchez gave several concrete items under consideration: an inclusion section on the Parks website, a member needs assessment form distributed to school districts and rec centers, sensitivity training for staff, and procurement of specialized equipment. She said the department’s needs-assessment survey asks whether residents have had negative experiences at rec centers, what barriers prevent participation (transportation, cost, social barriers) and which activities residents want.
The presentation included a cost example Sanchez raised for adaptive bikes—she referenced a figure of about $12,000 for a small set of adaptive cycles to support family outings on local trails. She also said community volunteer interest is strong and that retired educators have offered to help run programs.
Committee members who spoke thanked Sanchez and said they will take the program needs back to their council appointees when funding or implementation items require support. Parks staff clarified the program is in an early implementation phase: a coordinator position was budgeted and filled, and additional staff would be sought in a future budget cycle.
Because the advisory committee lacked a quorum at the start of the meeting, members heard the presentation only; no formal actions or approvals were taken.
The department asked committee members to refer community members to the needs-assessment QR code and to help identify prospective volunteers and funding partners as the program moves toward hiring support staff and rolling out pilot classes.
