4/28/2021

Dear T.R. Family & Friends,     

            I wanted to send an update to all of our Therapeutic Recreation family and friends on the current situation of our programs. As of right now, some programs for Therapeutic Recreation will begin to open in mid-May. We are excited to finally begin welcoming back our participants.   

Our plan is to be outside as much as possible at Ellis Park during our activities. If the weather does not permit this, we will be in the park building in the dining room that has a current capacity of 50. At full capacity that space will hold roughly 100 people. However, I will be limiting participant numbers to 20 each day to allow for social distancing. Mask wearing is recommended for all participants during programs. We are not able to require masks per the county administration. 

We are working to provide transportation again, however due to restrictions on bus capacities it may be on a limited basis. Anyone who is willing to provide their own transportation to and from programs would be a tremendous help. As capacities increase on the buses I will adjust things to provide for more transportation. Masks are mandated by the federal government while riding on the transit van. This is not something we are in control of at the county level.   

            To get things going again, I need you to call and let me know that you are wanting to return to programs. I will also need to know if you will need a ride to and from programs so I can plan out the amount of buses I will need. If you can please let me know your intent by Thursday, May 6^th that would be great. I am looking to put everyone back on the same days that they previously attended unless you specify you need to change. Program times are listed below.

Club Rec (Tuesday)- 4-5:15pm

Ramblers (Wednesday)- 2-4pm

Club Rec (Friday) 10-11:30am

            A new addition has been made to our programs since you have last been with us. Rowan County Parks and Recreation is now the home of Special Olympics Rowan County. You will now need to contact us at 704-216-7780 with any Special Olympics questions. If you received a new physical in the mail it was because your physical will expire before Spring Games 2022. There is no rush in getting it completed until closer to time for the fall. We are currently not doing any in person activities with Special Olympics. Those activities will most likely start back late summer. 

County management and our department is following the situation closely and will make further adjustments as restrictions continue to ease. Please remember to follow us on our websites and Facebook pages. We will post new information there as it comes along. If you need assistance, please contact our department at 704-216-7780.

Rowan County Park Hours:

Dan Nicholas Park: 8am-9pm

Ellis Park: 8am-9pm

Sloan Park: 8am-9pm

Dunn’s Mountain Park: Thurs-Sat 11am- 7pm; Sun 12:30pm-7pm

Eagle Point Nature Preserve: Fri-Sun 8am-7pm

Edward Hailey                      Rachel Strom

Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor                                           Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Rowan County Parks and Recreation                                        Rowan County Parks and Recreation

Therapeutic Recreation Division                                                 Therapeutic Recreation Division

 [Office] 704-216-7780 [Fax] 704-216-7973                            [Office] 704-216-7780 [Fax] 704-216-7973