Spring has sprung and we are so excited for what we have in store this season! Check out our Spring programs and we will have some new activities to come in the summer! The City of Chattanooga is creating a Recreation Program Plan, so please take our Recreation Survey below to have a say in the recreation activities, classes, and improvements you wish to see in Chattanooga!
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.
WHAT: Morning bingo and other fun games to get you up and socializing. Come drink some coffee, eat some donuts, hang out with friends, and maybe even win a prize!
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 (4/15, 5/20, 6/17, 7/15, 8/19, 9/16, 10/21, 11/18, 12/16)
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.
APRIL: Talent Show WHAT: Want to show off some of your amazing talent and experience the talent of your Chillin’ friends?! Sign up for the Chillin’ 2025 Talent Show! When you register, please let Jessie know what your talent will be (some examples: John will be singing “Hound Dog” by Elvis. Or Rachel will be playing “Amazing Grace” on the keyboard and will be bringing her own keyboard.) Participants are welcome to attend without participating in the show. Pizza will be provided! WHEN: Wednesday, 4/23 from 6-8pm
RSVP by Monday, 4/21 WHERE: Education Building at the Chattanooga Zoo (301 N Holtzclaw Ave, 37404) COST: FREE
MAY: Spring Fling
WHAT: Come kick off the start of Spring with us by playing some super fun group and yard games together! And what else says Spring than pizza for dinner, so sign up to enjoy an evening of socializing, playing games, and eating pizza with your Chillin' community!
WHEN: Tuesday, May 27th from 6:00-8:00pm
RSVP by Thursday, 5/22 WHERE: Hixson Community Center (5401 School Dr, 37343) COST: FREE
WHAT: A weekly round and instruction of golf for individuals with cognitive/intellectual disabilities.
WHO: Participants must be able to play nine holes independently with previous golf experience and able to play with minimal assistance.
WHEN: Tuesdays; 4/22 - 5/20 TIME: 5:30-7:30pm WHERE: Brown Acres Golf Course (406 Brown Road, 37421) COST: $5 per game paid directly to Brown Acres CONTACT: Elaine at eadams@chattanooga.gov or 423-643-6607
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!
APRIL
WHERE: Lower Guild Trail
WHEN: Tuesday, 4/15 from 1 -2:30pm
MAY:
WHERE: Hawks Ridge Loop, Enterprise South Nature Park
WHAT: A monthly introduction to sports program to learn the rules of 1-2 new sports, practice, and play! This program will introduce new recreation activities, build foundational sports skills, and increase physical fitness. Come ready to learn, play, and have fun!
WHO: Teens and adults with disabilities and their siblings, Ages 13+
*We will split into groups based on age
WHEN/WHERE: May - October, First Friday of each month (except July), Different locations each month, depending on the sport!
5/2: Basketball and Hockey @ South Chattanooga Community Center *Hockey Star and Coach Nic Nguyen as Special Guest! *Super Hoops and Special Olympics Basketball Coach- Jacob Jarvis as Special Guest!
6/6: Soccer @ TBD *CFC Players as Special Guests!
7/18: Archery and Flag Football @ Greenway Farms
8/1: Volleyball and Badminton @ TBD *UTC Volleyball team as Special Guests!
9/5: Disc Golf and Boccia @ Shepherd Park *Pro-am tournament Disc Golfer Ben Salser as Special Guest!
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 16 and up; all skill levels welcome!
WHEN: Wednesdays, 4/2 - 5/21
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 weekly pickleball and cornhole group to learn how to play, master skills, and improve your physical fitness! Did you know- Cornhole is now a sport in Special Olympics?? We want to get a team going, so come practice with us!
WHO: Individuals with disabilities, ages 16 and up; all skill levels welcome!
WHEN:Thursdays, 5/1-5/29
TIME: 10:30am-12pm
WHERE: East Lake Community Center (3601 Dodds Ave)
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 and getting ice cream, 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 verbally or with visual supports and are not a harm to self or others.
WHEN/WHERE: Meetings take place monthly - get on the list to receive more information!
CONTACT: Sign up with Jessie to get on the list and learn more: jmock@chattanooga.gov or 423-643-6606
T-Recs- Come Join Us!
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,
4/17, 5/15, 6/12, 7/17, 8/21, 9/18, 10/16, 11/20 and 12/18
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.
WHAT: Have you ever wanted to learn how to brave the wilderness? Or, maybe you would like the opportunity to discover native plant and animal species? Whatever draws your interest to the outdoors, we will go there! We are the Chattanooga Therapeutic Rec Wilderness Explorers, and we cannot wait to discover what the Chattanooga back country has to offer with you!
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
April 14th, 28th
May 12th, 19th
June 9th, 23rd
July 14th, 21st
WHERE: The TN Riverpark at the Hubert Fry Center (4301 Amnicola Hwy, 37402)
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