Columbus Parks & Recreation Department Inclusive Programming
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!
Adaptive Sports
Soccer Buddies
Ages 5+ | Sundays | $20 per player | 1:00-2:00 p.m. | Dates: September 8-September 29, 2024
Registration: August 5 – August 30, 5 pm
This four week session clinic is for children and adults with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities. Players will be paired with 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! Recommended for ages 5+.
Basketball Buddies
Ages 5+ | Sundays | $20 per player | 1:00-2:00 p.m. (Ages 5-9), 2:00-3:00 p.m. (Ages 10+) | Dates: January 26th, February 2nd, February 16th & February 23, 2025
Registration: December 16 – January 17, 2025 @ 5 pm
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 encouraged to bring their own equipment
(especially if modified) but we will provide for those that need it! Recommended for ages 5+.
Buddy Baseball
Ages 5+ | Sundays | April 27 – May 18, 2025 | 1-2:30 pm | $20 per player
Registration: March 24 – April 18, 2025 @ 5 pm
This four session clinic is for players with special needs. Players will be paired with able-bodied buddies that will assist the players with taking the field to work on skills such as throwing, batting, and running bases. 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!
Columbus Gymnastics Center Inclusive Activities
Sensory Open Gym
Ages 2-14 | Fridays | 6:00-7:00 p.m.
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!
| 2024 |
|---|
| August 16 |
| September 13 |
| October 11 |
| November 8 |
| December 13 |
| Age/ Visits | Fee |
|---|---|
| Single Visit | $4 |
| 5 Visit Pass | $17 |
| 10 Visit Pass | $32 |
| 15 Visit Pass | $45 |
Gym Buddies*
Ages 3-7 | Fridays | 5:00-5:30 p.m.
Special needs gymnastics class. These classes are designed to allow our athletes that have sensory and special needs time in the gym. Our instructors are trained to help athletes develop in many areas including muscle development, creative moments and social development. Parent/co-adult required. This class is 1:1 ratio.
| Session Name | Dates | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 1 | 5/11-6/26 | $63 |
| Summer 2 | 6/29-8/14 | $63 |
| Fall | 8/17-10/3 | $63 |
| Winter 1 | 10/12-12/19 | $81 |
| Winter 2 | 1/4-2/27/21 | $72 |
| Spring | 3/1-4/29/21 | $63 |
Hamilton Community Center & Ice Arena Inclusive Activities
Skate 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, (812) 376-2686.
Sled Hockey Drop In
Mondays starting June 5 | 5-6pm | $10
What Is Sled Hockey?
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.
Sled hockey is a sport for youth and adults with physical disabilities. 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.
Recreation Inclusive Activities
All recreational activities are designed to be inclusive. Please call with any questions on accommodations.
Donner Aquatic Center Inclusive Activities
Special Swim
Ages 5-18 | June 9 -July 17 | Donner Aquatic Center | $40
We offer adapted aquatic instruction for children and teens, ages 5-18 with special needs. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. In case of inclement weather lessons will be cancelled and re-scheduled at a later date.
Tuesday & Thursdays
9:15-10:15 a.m. or 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Registration: April 6 – May 29, 5:00 p.m.
Columbus Youth Triathlon & Unified Triathlon
Ages 6-18 | July 15 | 7:00 p.m. | Donner Aquatic Center | $35
Ages 6-10: 100 Meter Swim, 2 Mile Bike & 1/2 Mile Run.
Ages 11-14: 200 Meter Swim, 4 Mile Bike & 1 Mile Run.
Ages 6-18 (unified triathlon): 50 Meter Swim, 2 Mike Bike & 1/2 Mile Run
