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Adaptive Recreation briefs commission on inclusive programming and veteran grants
Summary
Adaptive Recreation staff described year-round youth and adult programs, a longstanding out-of-state camp, veteran programming and two grant awards (a $100,000 grant two years prior and a $30,000 award this year) that sustain wheelchair football and related activities.
At the March 4 Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting, Deputy Director Pat O'Mara introduced staff from the Adaptive Recreation section, who outlined youth, adult and veterans programming and funding sources that support participation and equipment.
Andrea Anzalone, coordinator for Adaptive Recreation, Jennifer Winder, senior inclusion recreation leader, and Savonte Manor, supervisor for the unit, described after-school activities, a monthly community-integration "Stepping Stone" program, an inclusive drama club and seasonal camps. Anzalone said the department's youth and adult offerings include mindfulness, arts, fitness and community trips.
Staff detailed longer-standing adult opportunities, including an annual five-day Camp Cal in Calabasas that runs with 44 participants and 11 staff. "We travel with 44 participants as well as 11 staff," Anzalone said, noting Camp Cal's role in building independent living and social skills and that the adult version has run for about 25–30 years.
Adaptive staff highlighted veterans programming and external funding: the wheelchair football league received a national grant of $100,000 two years ago for equipment and wheelchairs, and this year received an additional $30,000 to sustain the season and attend tournaments. Staff said a separate federal veterans grant covers participant fees and equipment for several veteran activities including bowling, golf, pickleball and cycling. "It was $30,000 to sustain the league for the season," one staff member said of the recent award.
Programs operate primarily out of the Dula Community Center, which staff said houses adaptive equipment, a renovated gym used for tournaments, a gaming room, meeting space and computer labs. Staff described partnerships (for example, BFit702 for fitness programming), internships with college therapeutic-recreation programs and outreach to other municipalities and nonprofits.
Commissioners asked about volunteering and donations. Staff explained volunteer applicants must follow city policy, including an application routed to Human Resources and standard background checks; donations above a council-specified threshold are routed to city management and may require City Council approval.
Deputy Director Pat O'Mara said the department will continue to expand adaptive programming as staff and facility assignments change later this year when administrative staff move to the new City Hall building. Commissioners praised the breadth of services and recommended additional outreach to veterans to boost participation.
