[CHARLESTON, SC] – In an effort to provide ongoing recreation opportunities for community members with disabilities, the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC), along with Adaptive Expeditions, launched the Adaptive Outdoor Recreation Club in March. The first season of events includes surfing, climbing, paddling, archery and fishing.
The goal of the club is to provide people with disabilities the opportunity to try various outdoor activities in a relaxed setting among their peers. CCPRC joins forces with Adaptive Expeditions to offer fun and informative activities specifically to serve these community members. Knowledgeable staff are on hand to make adaptations to allow each person to participate successfully so that they may enjoy activities they once thought were not accessible to them, while developing skills and honing specific interests. CCPRC has equipment and trained staff to allow for these adaptations in surfing, climbing, paddling, archery and fishing.
Local blogger Alex Jackson of “Tuesday Talk with Alex” is a faithful patron and supporter of adaptive programming at CCPRC. “The adaptive recreation activities provide new opportunities for people with disabilities,” said Jackson. “They include sports that I may not have thought about like archery and surfing.”
Activities will be offered at various CCPRC sites including James Island County Park, the Mount Pleasant Pier and Folly Beach County Park. The first venture in the Adaptive Outdoor Recreation Club was a very successful archery program held in March. Next will be a surfing program offered on May 1 at Folly Beach County Park. This is the second time CCPRC has offered an adaptive surfing program. Surfing pros and volunteers from Ocean Cure, Wheel to Surf, and the Adaptive Surfing Project will help participants into the water and onto the waves using adaptive techniques. The adaptive surfing program will be offered from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, and while no fee is required to participate, advance registration is required to ensure availability of equipment.
Other upcoming programs in the Adaptive Recreation Club will vary in price, with most offered at a price of $10-$12. Registration and details are available at the link below, or by calling 843-795-4386.
The Adaptive Outdoor Recreation Club comes after CCPRC hosted successful Adaptive Recreation Expo events in 2014 and 2015. Through the expo, CCPRC developed partnerships with organizations that provide support for people with disabilities throughout the community, helping expand the agency’s AccessABILITY offerings. Launched in 2012, CCPRC’s AccessABILITY program strives to meet the growing needs of community members with limitations. The program provides therapeutically based recreation offerings for people with cognitive and physical disabilities to promote physical fitness, health, wellness, increased self-esteem and greater independence.
Other upcoming programs as part of the AccessABILITY program will include the Special Needs Superhero Dance Party on May 11, and three Special Needs Swim Nights at Charleston County waterparks this summer. For more information on the Adaptive Outdoor Recreation Club or any CCPRC program, or for about volunteer opportunities with the program, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com or call 843-795-4386.
