Therapeutic Recreation

Values

Therapeutic recreation includes:

  1. Functional Intervention - Improve functional abilities, enhance well-being, and increase independence
  2. Leisure Education - Learn recreation skills and attitudes that can be used throughout life
  3. Recreation Participation - Experience health and growth through rewarding leisure and recreation experiences

We help those with special needs improve the following aspects through purposeful use of Recreation and intervention techniques:

  • Cognitive
  • Emotional
  • Leisure
  • Physical
  • Social
  • Spiritual

Equal Opportunity

All of the programs, special events and services offered through Douglas County Parks and Recreation are available to all eligible persons regardless of race, gender, age, disability or religion.

Volunteers

Douglas County Parks and Recreation’s Therapeutic Recreation Section strives to deliver the best programs, goods and services to its consumers. We are constantly seeking ways to enhance and add programs, events, classes and more!

The Therapeutic Recreation Section relies on competent volunteers, proactive coaches, donations of gently used sports equipment, and community support and involvement on a variety of levels. If you would like more information on how you can help, please contact the Therapeutic Coordinator at 770-920-7129.

Seasonal Calendar of Programs, Classes, & Events

A $25 fee that covers costs of supplies and facilities and allows you priority sign ups for classes and programs! Special Olympics Practices are also on this calendar for your convince and is generally a free service to athletes with intellectual disabilities ages 8 and up with the exception of equestrian and bowling.

Special OlympicsSpecial Olympics

Special Olympics Georgia, in collaboration with and facilitated through Douglas County Parks and Recreation’s Therapeutic Recreation Section, provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Our goal is to help bring persons with intellectual disabilities into the larger society under conditions whereby they are accepted, respected, and given the chance to become useful and productive citizens. When we achieve this goal through our sports programs, we demonstrate that Special Olympics has an unique value: to show the world that every person counts and that every person can be something good when we work together.

Douglas County Parks and Recreation’s Therapeutic Recreation Section consistently offers opportunities for those persons who are interested in volunteering by supporting our local athletes. By becoming a volunteer, you may be eligible to receive free training by Special Olympics Certified Coaches, lodging during State competitions, as well as transportation.

Unified Sports

We additionally offer Unified Sports in:

  • Basketball
  • Bocce
  • Bowling
  • Equestrian
  • Power-Lifting
  • Softball
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field

Special Olympics Unified Sports is an initiative that combines approximately equal numbers of Special Olympics athletes and athletes without intellectual disabilities (called Partners) on sports teams for training and competition. Age and ability matching of athletes and Partners is defined on a sport-by-sport basis. Please contact the Therapeutic Coordinator at 770-920-7129 for more information.

Resources

VSA Arts of Georgia

VSA Arts of Georgia provides access to the arts for people with disabilities and those with low income. VSA Arts of Georgia is a State-wide resource working with artists and organizations to fulfill our vision of an inclusive community that encourages everyone to enjoy and participate in the arts. These resources include, but are not limited to, Zoo Atlanta, the High Museum of Art, and Fox Theatre. Contact the Therapeutic Coordinator at 770.920.7129 for more information.

Camp & Special Events

Douglas County Parks and Recreation offers a Summer Camp during four weeks of the summer months, for ages 13 and older. Camps include a T-Shirt and loads of inclusive travel opportunities to special locations, theme parks, historical sites, and other parks for days packed with fun.

Email Jessica Morgan or call 770-920-7129 for more info, registration dates, or to sign up. New campers will be required to go through an interview and assessment process for approval. Please check the website often as other special events will be added and updated accordingly.