Parks and Recreation Adaptive Recreation Program Update

This report provides an overview of the Parks and Recreation Department’s efforts
to provide adaptive recreation programs, services, and amenities that meet the
needs of the community.

THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.

Summary
The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department operates one of the largest
and most diverse park systems in the country. The system includes 188 flatland
parks, more than 40,000 acres of desert parks and mountain preserve land, 33
recreation centers, and 29 aquatic facilities. Additionally, the Department oversees
8 municipal golf courses and numerous specialty areas, such as historic facilities
and sports complexes.

Adaptive Recreation Programs and Partnerships
Through a combination of department-led programs and partnerships with
organizations such as Ability360, Arizona Recreation Center for the Handicap
(ARCH), Diamond Dogz of Arizona, Special Olympics, Harden Education and
Recreation Therapy Foundation and the Arizona Department of Developmental
Disabilities, the Department offers a wide range of recreational opportunities that
promote accessibility, engagement, and personal growth for individuals of all ages
and abilities.

One long standing example of this commitment is the Partners Program,
established in 1988 through an agreement with the Arizona Department of
Developmental Disabilities. This specialized program serves adults ages 18 and
older. Activities foster life skills development, social and emotional learning, physical
fitness, and cultural enrichment. Participants enjoy a variety of activities including
participation in regional and state Special Olympics tournaments in basketball, golf,
cheerleading, and bocce ball. Participants also enjoy off-site excursions, multi-
generational programming, and special events throughout the city. These
experiences promote individual growth and independence while fostering lasting


friendships and meaningful community connections.

A diverse offering of adaptive services is offered at Telephone Pioneer Park and
Activity Center, thanks to a partnership with Ability360. Ability360 has a 40-year
history of offering and promoting programs to empower people with all disabilities to
take personal responsibility so that they may achieve or continue independent
lifestyles within the community. The facility hosts approximately 200 classes
annually, including art, personal training, recreation therapy, sports clinics,
pickleball, track and field, archery, and inclusive special events that engage the
broader community. New in 2025, this partnership will expand to provide inclusive
aquatics programming at Telephone Pioneer Park Pool. The Department also
partnered with Ability360 to offer inclusive indoor pickleball at the Sunnyslope
Community Center.

In partnership with the Harden Education and Recreation Therapy Foundation (The
H.E.A.R.T. Center), inclusive camping experiences at Camp Colley, a 30-acre
outdoor adventure camp owned by the Department, and located in Happy Jack,
Arizona, offers youth and families a unique outdoor recreation experience. The
camp provides structured nature-based programming for both neurodiverse and
neurotypical participants.

The Department also partners with the Arizona Recreation Center for the Handicap
(ARCH) to offer an after-school program for Paradise Valley High School students
at the Mountain View Community Center.

Additionally, the Department offers a wide range of department-led inclusive
recreation opportunities that serve individuals across all age groups and ability
levels. These include after-school enrichment for students, open gym time, and
accessible sports. Unique offerings also feature training personal hearing service
dogs and hosting adaptive holiday events like beeping egg hunts, designed for
participants with mobility or visual challenges. Throughout the year, classes are
held citywide and cover areas such as art, personal training, recreation therapy,
sports clinics, and inclusive community events.

To support and expand these offerings, the Department employs two Adaptive
Recreation Coordinators who are instrumental in planning and managing programs.
Their responsibilities include program and event coordination, participant
transportation, community engagement and outreach, organizing Special Olympics
teams and overseeing documentation and compliance related to state-supported



services such as the Department of Developmental Disabilities. These roles ensure
the consistency and quality of adaptive services and help foster inclusive,
meaningful experiences.

Design and Facility Enhancements
The Department is committed to creating accessible and inclusive spaces for all
Phoenix residents. Many of the City's parks were originally constructed between
1960 and 1980, prior to the implementation of modern ADA accessibility standards
in 1990. To address these legacy challenges, each year the Department identifies
and implements capital improvement projects to enhance accessibility and meet
today's standards. When designing new parks or upgrading existing facilities, the
Department works closely with professional design teams to meet or exceed
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

A recent example of the Department’s inclusive approach is the new ADA
accessible playground at Encanto Park, which opened on May 31, 2024. Located in
the heart of the park at 2605 N. 15th Avenue, the playground features a variety of
play experiences, swinging, sliding, spinning, sensory play, and social spaces
designed for children of all abilities. It also includes a communication board to assist
non-verbal and speech-challenged individuals in engaging with peers and
caregivers. This project was made possible thanks to a collaborative partnership
with the Kiwanis Club of Phoenix and its community partners, highlighting the
impact of collaboration in creating inclusive public spaces.

These partnerships and initiatives reflect the Department’s dedication to creating
safe, supportive, and welcoming spaces where everyone can participate fully, build
confidence, and thrive.

Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager John Chan and the Parks and
Recreation Department.