Parents and Parks Staff Push for Adult Therapeutic Recreation in South Austin

At a meeting of the Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities on Friday, June 13, a parent and Parks and Recreation staff discussed plans and funding needs for creating an adult therapeutic recreation program in South Austin.

The proposal was presented by Yvette Gonzalez, who said the city’s current adult therapeutic recreation programs are concentrated in Central and East Austin and together serve roughly 129 individuals through programs such as Healthy Aging and The Hangout. “South Austin currently lacks a dedicated therapeutic recreation program, leaving residents without equitable access and having to travel long distance to attend these programs,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez asked the committee to request development and funding for a new adult program at existing South Austin recreation centers, naming Dittmar and Dove Springs as potential sites. She estimated that operating budgets for therapeutic recreation programs in Austin range from about $60,000 to $180,000 annually depending on scope and staffing, and said a year-round adult program would be roughly in line with the larger end of that range.

Sarah Carlson, recreation program manager for Therapeutic Recreation Services in Austin Parks and Recreation Department, and Evan Kessler, recreation programs supervisor, described current services. Carlson said the department runs year-round adult day programs at centers including a center inside Zilker Park that serves 58 unique individuals, Alamo Recreation Center near the University of Texas, Dottie Jordan Recreation Center in Northeast Austin and Parkes Zaragoza Recreation Center in Central East Austin, where enrollment varies by site. Carlson said current staffing includes certified therapeutic recreation specialists and temporary staff.

When asked whether Parks and Recreation had explored expanding services to South Austin, Carlson said department staff had explored options but would need additional funding and space to run an adult day program there. “A year-round adult program is around a $175,000 to run. It depends on how large it is and what kind of services are provided,” she told the committee.

Committee members agreed to follow up. Commissioner Kristen Visal and others expressed interest in forming a working group to better understand waiting lists, staffing and specific funding needs so the committee could make recommendations to City Council or other bodies.

The committee did not take a formal vote on funding during the meeting; Parks staff encouraged interested committee members to coordinate with the department to explore options and to request support through the council process if the proposal advances.