About Us
In 1979, a special division was created within the Parks and Recreation Department to insure the availability of recreation/leisure programs for individuals with disabilities. Disabilities may include, but are not limited to:
- Blind/visually-impaired
- Developmental/intellectual
- Hearing-impaired
- Mental health
- Physical
Ongoing Programs
The programs offered have an emphasis on participation, socialization, community awareness, inclusion and development of recreation/leisure skills that carry over to the home and community. Our current programs are listed below:
Ramblers
- Individuals 18 plus who are blind or visually impaired
- Weekly community-based program that utilizes recreation/leisure activities to promote social connection, leisure skill development, and awareness of community resources and facilities.
Club Rec
- Individuals 18 plus who have disabilities
- Weekly recreation program that is designed to increase leisure independence, community involvement and social skills through recreation/leisure activities within the community and local recreation centers.
Therapeutic Recreation for Independent Participation & Socialization (TRips)
- Individuals 18 plus who have disabilities
- Monthly program that focuses decision-making, money management, social interaction, and community participation
- Make friends while enjoying a variety of recreation/leisure activities in and around Salisbury
Monthly Activities
Monthly activities are provided for:
- RHA Carter House
- Rufty-Holmes Lunch Clubs
- Trinity Living Center
- S.O.A.R. at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Seasonal Programs
Golf Ability Clinic (Spring)
- For individuals ages 16 and up with disabilities
- Participants get hands on experience learning the game of golf. The basics of golf will be covered including proper etiquette, grip, swing, stance, short game, and driving.
Let's Play Ball (Fall)
- For adults ages 18 and up with disabilities.
- Participants will have fun learning the fundamentals of softball, sportsmanship, and playing on a team.
aLL 4 aRTs (Fall/Winter)
- For individuals ages 16 and up with disabilities
10-week program developed to introduce individuals to the theatre arts. Participants will be exposed to the “nuts & bolts” of theatre and what it takes to perform. An end-of-program performance will be scheduled for families/friends, and the community!
Activities
- Arts/crafts
- Bocce
- Bowling
- Community outings
- Creative arts
- Cultural
- Dances
- Fishing
- Health/wellness
- Leisure awareness presentations
- Putt-putt golf
- Swimming
Very often these activities 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/leisure skills, can and do contribute to the participant’s feelings of self esteem and independence. Many times these added skills eventually allow the individual with a disability to move into less specialized recreational programs.
Community Partners
We partner with several community agencies such as:
- Special Olympics Rowan County
- The Arc of North Carolina
- Hurley YMCA
- Waterworks Visual Arts Gallery
- Rowan Vocational Opportunities
- Salisbury Parks and Recreation
- Mount Hope Church
Special Olympics
The Therapeutic Recreation Division staff act as Special Olympics coaches for Bocce and Bowling as well as assist with other Special Olympic events. Facilities for Bocce have been built at Ellis Park and is used by both Special Olympics and Salisbury/Rowan Senior Games program. Check out the Special Olympics website for more information.
Additional Information
For additional information or to register for programs, please contact the Therapeutic Recreation Division at 704-216-7780. To volunteer, please complete the Volunteer Form (PDF).