In 1979, a special division was created within the Parks and Recreation department to insure the availability of recreation programs for individuals with disabilities. The programs offered through the division have an emphasis on socialization, inclusion and development of recreation skills that carry over to the home and community. Very often these programs provide the only opportunity for an individual to recreate and interact with others. The joy of participation and "doing," together with the development of recreational skills, can and do contribute to the participant's feelings of self esteem. Many times these added skills eventually allow the disabled individual to move into less specialized recreational programs. Individuals served include those with mental retardation, mental illness, hearing impairment, visual impairment and any combination of multiple disability.
Over the years, the program has expanded to cover both frail and well Senior Citizens. Programs are provided to both Abundant Living Adult Day Care Centers and the Nutrition Sites provided by the rowan County Senior Services Dept. The most recent addition was the Senior Games Programs which was added in 1995. Senior Games encourages year-round health and wellness programs for all Seniors of Rowan County.
The Special Populations Program is very involved with the Special Olympics/Rowan County programs. Coaches are provided for a variety of Special Olympic s Sports. Facilities for Bocce have been built at Ellis Park and will be used by both Special Olympics and Senior Games.
The Special Populations Program is located at Ellis Park. We offer a variety of programs for the clients such as: bowling, swimming, bocce, movie/popcorn, art classes at Waterworks, ceramics, field trips to Charlotte Hornets and Sting basketball games, dances, Putt-Putt, and many more exciting activities. The Special Populations Program has 2 full time and 1 part time staff members and depends heavily on volunteers, many of who come from Catawba and Livingstone Colleges. Approximately 700 individuals participate in programs each month.