Summer time is officially here! Happy June everybody! Reminder to drink lots of water and reapply your sunscreen as we move into our summer sports and activities. Can't wait to see you all!
The Therapeutic Recreation Division of the Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors Department seeks to provide leisure and recreation opportunities for citizens of all abilities. We serve both youth and adults with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. Through our programs, education and advocacy, individuals can build confidence, improve physical and cognitive abilities, expand support and social networks; and enhance the overall quality of life.
Due to the size of this newsletter, the bottom may be clipped. Please make sure to 'extend' so that you can view all of our programs!
Welcome Jack!
We are so excited to have a new intern joining us for the summer. Jack is a SORT major at UTC, and has already jumped right in with a few of our programs. He enjoys playing music and outdoor recreation! If you see him at programs, make sure to say hi!
Therapeutic Recreation Registration Form 2026
In order to participate in TR programs, you must fill out a registration form for EACH participant!
If you already have an account from last year, click HERE to make sure you can sign in. Then, update any information on your household and registration form by clicking HERE.
If you do not have an account, click HERE for instructions on how to create an account and fill out the form.
This form is to be completed annually, so please save your login information for next time! Please reach out to Ella at eboeke@chattanooga.gov with any questions. Thank you!
Couch to 5k
WHAT: A walking group for those who want to socialize, enjoy the warmth & views of the TN Riverwalk, and get their steps in! Come join us at different locations on the riverwalk for a 1.5-2.5 mile walk. We will walk as a group and welcome any speed!
WHO: Individuals with disabilities, ages 12+
WHEN: Tuesdays, 5/12-6/30
TIME: 10-11:30am
WHERE: Different locations on the TN Riverwalk. We will send the starting locations each week!
Catalyst Climbing Clinics - for individuals with physical disabilities
WHAT: Catalyst Sports is a non-profit organization based out of Atlanta whose mission is as follows: to empower people by providing the highest quality of adaptive sports to the disabled community.
WHO: Individuals with physical disabilities, ages 5 and up.
WHEN: The 3rd Tuesday of each month (6/16, 7/21, 8/18, 9/15, 10/20, 11/17, 12/15)
TIME: 6-8pm
WHERE: High Point Climbing Gym (219 Broad Street)
COST: Give what you can! Donations go to Catalyst Sports.
Chillin' Like Villains is an adult social group for individuals who have various disabilities, ages 18 and up. We meet once a month at different locations around town and do a variety of activities such as attend sporting events, potluck dinners, themed evenings, and much more.
*We will be taking a break in June, but will pick back up in July!
JULY: Bowling WHAT: Come hang out at the bowling alley with your friends, while aiming for strikes and spares! The concessions will be open for food purchases if you would like. Can't wait! WHEN: Tuesday, July 14th from 6-8pm
RSVP by 6/10
WHERE: Spare Time Hixson (5530 Hixson Pike, 37343)
COST: The bowling alley is giving us a 50% off rate with a $7.99+tax price, which covers the allotted time and shoes and a ball (this is the rate even if you bring your own ball/shoes).
AUGUST: Pool Party!
WHAT: Enjoy the cool waters of Warner Park pool while relaxing, swimming, or socializing with the Chillin Crew! We will serve pizza and fun!
WHEN: Tuesday, 8/4 from 6-8pm
RSVP by 7/31
WHERE: Warner Park Pool
Hiking
WHAT/WHO: A group of individuals with disabilities, their family members, and friends who want to explore the beautiful trails in Chattanooga together! All trails are easy to moderate, and the group naturally splits up (with a trail leader) based on desired hiking speed. We try to offer accessible trails as often as possible and will be sure to specify!
IMPORTANT: Interested in being a part of the hiking group? Be sure to sign up with Nate (info below) so you can be in the loop regarding location changes, weather alerts, exact meeting locations, etc!
JUNE:
WHERE: Enterprise South Nature Park- All Terrain Loop
WHAT: A weekly bowling group for individuals to come out and bowl together on a consistent basis with the TR staff! Have fun with old friends and meet some new ones!
WHO: Individuals of all abilities, ages 15 and up; all skill levels welcome!
WHEN:Wednesdays, 5/6-6/3
TIME: 12 - 1:30pm
WHERE: Spare Time in Hixson (5530 Hixson Pike, 37343)
COST: The bowling alley is giving us a 50% off rate with a $7.99+tax price, which covers the allotted time and shoes and a ball (this is the rate even if you bring your own ball/shoes).
WHAT:A monthly social and recreation group that meets in a variety of settings such as the bowling alley, viewing a sporting event, dining together, playing games in the park and more!
WHO: Young adults with disabilities ages 18 - 25 years old. Participants need to exhibit adequate emotional regulation to be redirected. Must not cause harm to self or others.
WHEN/WHERE: Meetings take place monthly - get on the list to receive more information!
WHAT: T-Recs is our teen social and recreation group that meets monthly to play games, socialize, explore the outdoors, go on outings into the community and more! The goal of this program is to increase social skills while participating in leisure and recreation opportunities with peers.
WHO: Individuals with disabilities, ages 13-17 years old. Participants need to exhibit adequate emotional regulation to be redirected verbally or with visual supports and are not a harm to self or others.
WHEN: Third Thursday of each month,
6/11, 7/16, 8/20, 9/17, 10/15, 11/19 and 12/17
TIME: 4-6pm
WHERE: Greenway Farms Conference Center (4960 Gann Store Rd)
COST: FREE with the exception of certain outings that may have a cost.
This program is Co-Sponsored by SPARC (Sports, Arts and Recreation of Chattanooga - a local chapter of Move United) and Outdoor Chattanooga. For more info on SPARC, check out their website: http://www.sparctn.org/
WHAT/WHO: An adaptive cycling program on the TN Riverwalk for individuals with disabilities! Contact Elaine or Debbie to be matched up with a bike (equipment is limited), then you and a volunteer can enjoy the sights of the TN river, while improving fitness and balance!
WHEN: Mondays, 6pm - dusk
June 8th, 22nd
July 13th, 27th
WHERE: The TN Riverpark at the Hubert Fry Center (4301 Amnicola Hwy, 37402)
WHAT/WHO: An adaptive kayaking program for individuals with intellectual and/or physical disabilities, ages 10+. Different adaptive equipment available such as outriggers, back and side support, hand adaptations, transfer benches, etc. Please contact with questions!
WHEN: Biweekly for the warmer months of March-October. Email Elaine to get exact dates.
WHERE: Locations Vary! COST: FREE! CONTACT: Elaine to sign up and receive information about dates and times- eadams@chattanooga.gov or 423-643-6058
City of Chattanooga, 200 River Street, Chattanooga, TN 37404
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