Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board announces lineup of adaptive programs for people with disabilities

Photo of youth participating in the adaptive obstacle course program at Matthews Park.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board offers a wide variety of programs and events for people with disabilities

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is excited to announce upcoming opportunities for kids and adults with disabilities to participate in sports, activities and events across the Minneapolis park system. Check out the list of upcoming programs below and register today!

Register online by clicking the “REGISTER” link at the bottom of each program description or visit minneapolisparks.org/register and enter the registration number in parentheses next to the activity title.

Questions? Call 612-230-6478 or email sthorsen@minneapolisparks.org.


Adaptive Swim Lessons 

Register now for MPRB’s NEW and FREE Adaptive Swim Lessons! Gain comfort and confidence in and around water as our trained instructors facilitate games, skill building and water safety in a safe environment with peers.

Maximum of four participants per class, with at least two instructors and a lifeguard. Lessons are 40 minutes long, with 10 minutes of unstructured free swim time built in. Lessons are held once a week, with four lessons each session.

Youth Lessons
Wednesdays, November 13-December 11 (no class November 27)
Two classes: 4:00-4:40 pm and 4:50-5:30 pm
FREE, but pre-registration is required
Phillips Aquatics Center, 2323 11th Ave. S

Adult Lessons
Session 1: Saturdays, October 12-November 9 (no class October 19)
Session 2: Saturdays, November 16-December 14 (no class November 30)
Noon-12:40 pm
FREE, but pre-registration is required
Phillips Aquatics Center, 2323 11th Ave. S

TO REGISTER: Call 612-370-4859, email aquatics@minneapolisparks.org or visit the Phillips Aquatics Center in person.


Photo of youth participating in the adaptive obstacle course program at Matthews Park.

Adaptive gymnastics will work on basic skills like forward and backwards rolls, cartwheels, handstands and more!

Adaptive Gymnastics 

Go Gymnastics Adaptive program is a fun introduction class to gymnastics for girls and boys with disabilities. It features a station-based gymnastics course set in a smaller environment with a smaller class size and coach-to-student ratio.

We will introduce basic gymnastics skills like forward and backward rolls, cartwheels, handstands, walking on beams and hanging from bars.The 45-minute class includes warm up, flexibility, balance and conditioning. Progression in class is based on the individuals abilities.

All sessions on Wednesdays
Ages 3-5: 3:00-3:45 pm; Ages 5-12: 4:00-4:45 pm
$65 Minneapolis residents, $98 non-residents
Painter Recreation Center, 620 34th St. W

Session 1: October 16-November 13, 2019
Call Painter Recreation Center at 612-370-4911 to register for Session 1
Session 2: November 20-December 18, 2019 (Ages 3-5: #100145; Ages 5-12: #100148)
Session 3: January 8-February 5, 2020 (3-5: #103671; 5-12: #103681)
Session 4: February 19-March 18, 2020 (3-5: #103672; 5-12: #103682)
Session 5: April 15-May 10, 2020 (3-5: #103673; 5-12: #103683)

REGISTER


Youth Adaptive Sports Sampler

Interactive fun for people of all ability levels. Learn a variety of sports through games, drills and activities!

Winter Sports Sampler (#10634)
Tuesdays 4:00-4:45 pm, January 14-February 11, 2020
Ages 5-12; $40 Minneapolis residents, $60 non-residents
Northeast Recreation Center, 1530 Johnson St. NE

Spring Sports Sampler (#10633)
Thursdays 4:00-4:45 pm, March 19-April 23, 2020
Ages 5-12; $40 Minneapolis residents, $60 non-residents
Matthews Recreation Center, 2318 29th Ave. S

REGISTER


Special Olympics basketball team at Harrison Recreation Center

Special Olympics basketball team poses for a photo at Harrison Recreation Center

Special Olympics Basketball (#104309)

Special Olympics and MPRB have teamed up to bring you a great winter sport — basketball! Sign up today to join MPRB’s NEW Special Olympics Basketball Team. Compete at the Area Competition in April and possibly make it to the Summer Games June 19-21, 2020. Additional medical paperwork required for Special Olympics MN. Equipment and uniforms are provided.

Tuesdays, 6-7 pm, Feb. 25-April 21, 2020
Ages 8+; $40 Minneapolis residents, $60 non-residents
Northeast Recreation Center, 1530 Johnson St. NE

REGISTER


Adaptive Open Gym

Shooting hoops and other gym activities with your friends are good ways to get into shape and have fun! This is an ActivePass Program for drop-in play. Get an ActivePass from staff at the desk. Youth under the age of 18 need a guardian’s signature to receive a pass. Proper gym attire must be worn to participate.

Second Saturday of the month, 2:00-3:30 pm, year-round

Ages 13+; FREE, no registration required, just drop in
Northeast Recreation Center, 1530 Johnson St. NE


North Mississippi Regional Park in early fall

North Mississippi Regional Park in early fall

Bonfire Bunch (#100234)

Enjoy a bonfire, nature-inspired arts and crafts, guided nature walks, snacks and visiting with friends. It will be “bunches” of fun! This program takes place outside so please dress for the weather.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019, 6:00-7:30 pm
Ages 18+; $5, pre-registration encouraged, but not required
Kroening Interpretive Center, 4900 North Mississippi Drive

REGISTER


Trail Trekkers (#100218)

Spend the morning walkin’ or a rollin’ on park paths with a naturalist guide in search of nature’s treasures during this program for adults with developmental disabilities or families that have children with disabilities. Use different tools like binoculars and magnifying glasses to examine high up in the trees or down low under logs. Come enjoy the exploration – who knows what we may find?

Saturday, November 2, 2019
Ages 18+: 10-11 am; Families (All Ages): 11:15 am-12:15 pm
FREE, but please pre-register
Kroening Interpretive Center, 4900 North Mississippi Drive

REGISTER


Brunch and Bingo

What is better than bingo and brunch? Enjoy a delicious brunch followed by bingo. Follow the Register button below to register online or call 612-668-2478.

Saturdays, 10 am-Noon
Ages 18+; $5; pre-registration required
Next one is October 26 at North Commons Recreation Center, 1801 James Ave. Dates/Locations vary through the year

REGISTER


Two pairs of feet at a dance class

Get your groove on at Jammin’ at Northeast every third Saturday of the month

Jammin’ at Northeast

Get your groove on at our social program for adults with developmental disabilities. Once a month, join your friends for a night of dancing and socializing to the best classic and new dance jams. A light snack and beverage will be provided.

Third Saturday of the month, 6-8 pm, year-round
Ages 18+, $5, no registration required
Northeast Recreation Center, 1530 Johnson St. NE


Family Fun at Coyle

Parents and children meet weekly on Sundays to chat and engage in various recreation activities geared toward Somali families of children with autism. A portion of the program will be dedicated to programming specifically for children and the other portion will engage families together in activities.

Sundays, Noon-2 pm, year-round
Youth ages 11 and under and their families; FREE, no registration required
Coyle Community Center, 420 15th Ave. S