As a department, we believe in the value and importance of ensuring that individuals of all abilities have the opportunity to participate in the programs that we provide! We are always looking for new and exciting ways of providing specialized programming for individuals with disabilities, so check back as programs continue to be added. We are also always available to speak to you about how we can potentially modify our existing programs so that they meet the specific needs of your child or family member and their disability. Please contact us for more information about any of these programs or for information about out other parks department programs!
Inclusive/Adaptive Aquatics
Swim Buddies
Ages 5–25 June 10–July 24* | Donner Aquatic Center | $40
We offer adapted aquatic time for children, teens and young adults with disabilities. Swimmers are paired with Parks staff that will spend monitored time in the pool. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited.
Classes Available:
- Tuesdays & Thursdays | 9:15–10:15am
- Tuesdays & Thursdays | 10:30–11:30am
Registration: April 7–May 30, 5pm
*No programs June 19, July 1, and July 3
Youth & Unified Triathlons
Ages 6–14 | June 28 | 7pm | $35 | Donner Aquatic Center
Youth Triathlon consists of a swim, bike, and run.
Ages 6-10: 100 yard swim | 2 mile bike | .5 mile run
Ages 11-14: 200 yard swim | 4 mile bike | 1 mile run
Unified Triathlon* consists of a swim bike, and run.
Ages 6-18: 50 yard swim | 1 mile bike | .5 mile run
*Athletes with special needs can participate assisted or unassisted.
Registration: April 7–June 21, 5pm
Inclusive/Adaptive Gymnastics
Sensory Open Gym (7-8pm)
Sensory Open Gym is a parent participation open gym experience. During this time, our gym is specifically dedicated to providing a fun and safe space for children ages 2 to 14 who experience Autistic Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, or who have special sensory needs. Our entire facility is set aside so that attendees can run, jump, swing, and climb on our equipment in a calm and comfortable setting. Typically developing siblings are more than welcome to also attend Sensory Open Gym. Come Join us! Made possible by Inclusive Options, LLC.
March 14, April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12, October 10
Gym Buddies
5-12 Years | 30 min.
This recreational class is designed for individuals with sensory and/or special needs. Through the use of obstacle courses and stations, our instructors are trained to help athletes develop strength, coordination, body awareness, flexibility, balance, and social skills. Parent/co-adult required for 1:1 participation.
View sessions
Inclusive/Adaptive Ice
Ice Skating Therapy
We offer one-on-one dedicated skating lessons for individuals with disabilities. For more information about this opportunity contact Hamilton Community Center & Ice Arena at 812-376-2686.
Sled Hockey
Call-In Registration | $5
Sled hockey is an adaptation of ice hockey which uses an open frame “sled” for players to sit on and move around the ice. Players use two smaller sticks instead of one long stick. One end of the stick is used as a pusher and the other end has a more traditional blade which is used to control, pass, and shoot the puck. Join us for this weekly drop-in, learning the basics of sled hockey. No experience is necessary and all equipment, including helmets and gloves will be provided. Call ahead to set up a session.
We strive to design our programs with inclusivity in mind. Please call 812-376-2680 to see what options are available for your family.
Inclusive/Adaptive Sports
Kickball Buddies
Ages 5+ | Sundays | July 13 & July 20 | 1-2pm | $20
Kickball Buddies is a 2 week program for kids/young adults with special needs who would like to learn how to play kickball and want to make new friends! Participants are paired with buddies that will assist with skills such as kicking, running the bases, and fielding. Players are encouraged to bring their own equipment (especially if modified), but we will provide for those that need it! Want to volunteer? Reach out to Seth Rice at srice@columbus.in.gov!
Registration: June 9 – July 11
Soccer Buddies
Ages 5+ | Sundays | September 7-28 | 1-2pm | $20
Please download the Remind code TBD for updates on Soccer Buddies.
This four-week clinic is for children and adults with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities. Players will be paired with non-disabled buddies that will assist the players with taking the field to work on skills such as dribbling, shooting, and passing. Players are encouraged to bring their own equipment (especially if modified) but we will provide for those that need it!
Registration: August 4-29
Basketball Buddies
Ages 5+ | Sundays | Dates TBD | 1–2 pm | St. Peter’s | $20
Please download the Remind code TBD for updates on Basketball Buddies.
Basketball Buddies is a 4 week program for kids/young adults with special needs who would like to learn fundamental basketball skills and make new friends! Participants are paired with buddies that will assist with skills such as dribbling, shooting, and passing.
Players are encourage to bring their own equipment (especially if modified) but we will provide for those that need it!
Registration: TBD
Chuck Wilt Youth Scholarship Program
Recipients of the Chuck Wilt Youth Scholarship Program can be approved for $200.00 per child per calendar year. If you do not use the full $200.00 by December 31, the balance will go back into the scholarship program. Families can apply each calendar year.
Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible for the Chuck Wilt Youth Scholarship Program, all families must show proof of residency in Bartholomew County and proof that the child is under their care (School document, Medical or Insurance document, Birth Certificate, Social Security card, Hoosier Healthwise card, most recent 1040 with dependents).
Families will also need to show proof of receiving at least one of the following:
- Social Security Supplemental or Disability Income
- Public assistance through the Division of Family Resources, i.e., Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Food Stamps
- Free lunch assistance through the local schools
- Public assistance through the City of Columbus Housing Authority
- Hoosier Healthwise Card
OR - If a family has foster children in their household, we will need to see foster paperwork.
Guidelines:
- Scholarship Amount – Individuals are eligible for a maximum of $200.00 per child for the calendar year.
- Scholarships will be awarded only as funds are available.
- Children under the age of 18 are eligible for a scholarship.
- Eligible programs – All Parks and Recreation programs. Scholarship does not cover season passes, private instruction, daily admission, equipment rentals and tickets to local events.
- Families residing in Bartholomew County are eligible.
- Scholarships are available for immediate members of a family or foster children who live with the family throughout the year. Scholarships are not available for friends or relatives visiting or staying for a period of time. Scholarships for such individuals should be submitted by the parent/guardian for that family, if applicable.
- Approval of the scholarship is subject to verification of the information provided with the application.
- Applicants will receive notification or approval or denial via phone within 7 business days from the date of the application.
- The Columbus Parks and Recreation Department reserves the right to revoke admission to a facility, program, or activity for misuse or cause.
If you would like to apply, you will need to fill out our scholarship application and email it to parks@columbus.in.gov or return it to NexusPark (2252 25th St – Entrance 2, Columbus, IN 47201) with the eligibility required paperwork above. Call NexusPark (812-376-2680) if you have questions.
Chuck Wilt Youth Scholarship Application (PDF)
