Happy month of love! We love and appreciate all of you and can't wait to see you in the community centers, parks, gyms, and around town. Check out our programs below!
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.
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!
Bingo & Games!
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!
WHAT: Camp ZooAbility is a week-long Day Camp based out of the Chattanooga Zoo in June and July for individuals ages 6 and older who have intellectual and/or physical disabilities, and siblings. Weeks are age specific. Daily activities include, but are not limited to: arts & crafts, Zoo exploration, animal enrichments, group activities, swimming, a grand finale talent show, and much more! WHO: Individuals ages 6 and older who have intellectual and/or physical disabilities and their siblings. *Please note: The Chattanooga Therapeutic Recreation Services Division is not staffed to support campers who are unable to control violent behavior, or who need significant help with toileting or dressing. Camp ZooAbility strives to have low camper/counselor ratios in order for all campers to be successful. However, we are currently not equipped with the staffing to provide 1:1 for all campers. WHEN: Camp is Monday - Friday, 9am-2pm and each week is divided up by age group:
Week 1: (6 -12 yrs) June 15-19th Week 2: (13-21 yrs) June 22nd-26th Week 3: (22 yrs and up) July 6-10th
How to Apply:
A lottery system of random selection will be utilized in order to ensure fair and equal opportunity to participate in camp each year. To add your camper's name to the list for randomized selection, you must contact Ella with this info:
-Camper's Name and Age -Contact Phone Number -Subject line of "Camp ZooAbility".
We will be collecting names from 2/1 - 3/1. All names will then be submitted into the lottery system and all interested parties will be notified by 3/8 of lottery results.
CONTACT: Please direct any questions to Ella at eboeke@chattanooga.gov or (828) 808-1395
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 (2/17, 3/17, 4/21, 5/19, 6/16)
TIME: 6-8pm
WHERE: High Point Climbing Gym (219 Broad Street)
COST: Give what you can! Donations go to Catalyst Sports.
WHAT: A 6 week indoor adaptive climbing program to improve strength and try something new. We have volunteer belayers to ensure safety, help teach techniques, and show you the ropes! WHO: Individuals with a variety of intellectual and/or physical disabilities, ages 6 and up WHEN: Mondays; 2/23 - 4/6 (no climbing 3/16) TIME: 5:30-7:30pm (first hour for younger participants, second hour for older participants) WHERE: High Point - Downtown Location (219 Broad Street) COST: Free CONTACT: Spots are limited! Ella at eboeke@chattanooga.gov or 828-808-1395 *This program consistently has a waitlist, so please only sign up if you can commit to all 6 dates or can let me know beforehand which dates you will miss!
Challenge Air FlyDay-SAVE THE DATE!
WHAT: The mission of Challenge Air for Kids & Friends, Inc. is to build confidence and self-esteem in children and youth with disabilities through the gift of flight. Chattanooga Therapeutic Recreation Services is once again partnering to bring the gift of flight to children with disabilities, ages 7-21, in our community! See more about Challenge Air on their website: https://www.challengeair.com/ What Happens During The Event? Highlights of the day for participants include: an educational ground school, a 30-minute flight, face painting, activities and entertainment, cool static aircraft, lunch, emotional support dogs, and much more! WHEN: May 2, 2026 TIME: 8am-4pm WHERE: Wilson Air Center (932 Jubilee Drive) COST: Free CONTACT: Click the following link to register as a participant or volunteer: https://challengeair.com/chattanooga-2026
Chillin' Like Villains
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.
WHAT: Chillin’s annual Sweetheart Dance will be held at the Chattanooga Zoo! Join us for dancing, game, and desserts. Attire is encouraged to be festive - whether that looks like Valentines theme, dressy, or silly! WHEN: Thursday, 2/5 from 6-8pm
RSVP by Monday, 2/2 WHERE: Education Building at the Chattanooga Zoo (301 N Holtzclaw Ave, 37404)
MARCH: East Ridge Movie Night!
WHAT: The East Ridge Library is offering a special Movie Night for our Chillin' crew! They are providing popcorn and drinks for the movie, free of charge! The movie is TBD. WHEN: Tuesday, 3/24, starts at 6pm WHERE: East Ridge Library (1517 Tombras Ave)
APRIL: BINGO/Game Night
WHAT: Come play some games and BINGO with us! We will have pizza and loads of fun for all!
WHEN: Thursday, April 23rd from 6:00-8:00pm
RSVP by Monday, 4/20 WHERE: Walker Pavilion at Coolidge Park (120 River St)
MAY: 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’ 2026 Talent Show! When you register, please let Ella 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: Thursday, 5/7 from 6-8pm
RSVP by Monday, 5/4 WHERE: Education Building at the Chattanooga Zoo (301 N Holtzclaw Ave, 37404)
C.H.I.P.S. Golf
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, 4/28-5/26 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 423-643-6058
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!
MARCH
WHERE: White Oak Connector Trail to Stringer’s Ridge
WHEN: Tuesday, 3/10 at 5:30pm
*Not accessible
WHERE: Upper Guild Trail at Lookout Mountain
WHEN: Wednesday, 3/25 at 10:30am
*Accessible with GRIT chair
APRIL
WHERE: Wilder Brigade Tower Loop at Chickamauga Military Park
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, 1/14-3/11
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 15 and up; all skill levels welcome!
WHEN:Thursdays, 3/26-4/30
TIME: 10:30am-12pm
WHERE: East Lake Community Center (3601 Dodds Ave)
WHAT: Ever want to learn more about horticulture? Try out TR's nature nook program where we will explore different aspects of nature each week through crafts and games!
WHO: Individuals of all abilities, ages 13 and up
WHEN: Wednesdays, 4/1-4/29
TIME: 10:30am-12pm
WHERE: South Chattanooga Community Center (Pavilion & Garden)
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,
2/19, 3/26, 4/16, 5/21, 6/11, 7/16, 8/20, 9/17, 10/15, 11/19 and 12/17 (3/26 & 5/21 at Walker Pavilion)
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: A music and motion program for children with disabilities and their siblings, ages 2 to 8 years old. We will use games, music, and activity to practice running, balance, coordination, jumping, etc.!
WHEN: Saturdays, 1/31-2/21
TIME: 10 - 11am
WHERE: Shepherd Community Center (2124 Shepherd Rd, 37421)
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 13th, 27th
May 11th, 18th
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
WHERE: Locations Vary! COST: FREE! CONTACT: Elaine to sign up and receive information about dates and times- eadams@chattanooga.gov or 423-643-6058
Wheelchair Basketball
This program is Co-Sponsored by SPARC (Sports, Arts and Recreation of Chattanooga - a local chapter of Move United)
WHAT: Monthly "pick-up games" with SPARC , which are designed to encourage skill development, recreational wheelchair basketball play opportunities and community awareness.
WHO: The program is designed for individuals with physical disabilities/mobility impairments along with individuals without disabilities that want to encourage inclusive opportunities.
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