Recreation for People with Disabilities

One of the best-kept secrets in Colorado Springs is a remarkable set of programs for citizens who have disabilities—in the City of Colorado Springs’ Therapeutic Recreational Program (TRP). Its mission is “to provide opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities to acquire skills that enable them to participate in leisure experiences of their choice and enhance their abilities to function within a community setting.” Since the 1960s, Colorado Springs has been meeting the recreational and leisure needs of people of all ages with different types of disabilities.

TRP offers specialized therapeutic activities focused on five core program areas: Arts and Culture; Sports, Fitness and Aquatics; Social Enrichment; Community Integration/Leisure Education; and Outdoor Adventures. Quarterly, TRP publishes a program guide, available at its office or online, listing programs currently available by core type. Also, if a person with a disability would like to participate in a general recreation program, inclusion services are available. This fall, the lineup will include kayaking, dancing, golfing, archery, theater and more. TRP envisions that people who use its programs will see an increase in their self-esteem, independence, physical development, and quality of life.

Why the program is important

Exercise is important to us all, but even more important for a person with a disability. Studies show that people with disabilities are less likely to engage in regular exercise then other populations. Exercise can help reduce depression and anxiety, due to chemicals released while exercising. Exercise does not have to be strenuous, and as with other exercise programs, consulting your physician first is a good idea.

Additionally, recreational programs help people build healthy relationships. People with disabilities may have a difficult time navigating community settings that other people view as normal day-to-day life. TRP is strongly committed to helping each individual reach his or her full potential, which includes access to a healthy social life. Many people who begin as participants in recreational programs later become volunteers and stay closely connected to this unique community.

Programs for Kids

During the summer all children are out of school and need structure. This is especially true for children who have disabilities. Not all children with disabilities qualify for extended school services. TRP has a special needs summer day camp that will not only bring routine to the long summer months, but also foster life-time friendships and memories. The camps are provided at local community centers. This program is timed so the child has a couple of weeks off school and then transitions into camp four days a week for six hours a day. They have many fun activities; for instance, every Tuesday is field trip day, and Thursdays the kids go swimming.

Partner with the U.S. Paralympics

The city of Colorado Springs is home to the U.S. Olympic Committee. Out of this relationship came the U.S. Paralympics Sport Club in the Pikes Peak Region. No specified skill level is required to compete in a sport. TRP organizes the events for U.S. Paralympics, and competitions include sports such as adaptive cycling, Paralympic swimming, wheelchair basketball, softball, tennis and more. More information can be found in the TRP seasonal or yearly brochure.

Colorado Springs tries to be a quality city for persons with special needs, and to support its most vulnerable citizens. Colorado Springs Therapeutic Recreational Program is a good way to enrich the life of a child or adult who has special needs.

Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Headquarters
(In Memorial Park) Mail Code 1200
1401 Recreation Way
Colorado Springs, CO 80905-1975
Phone: (719) 385-5940
Fax: (719) 385-6599
Hours: 8 am - 2 pm, Monday through Friday