Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Summer 2011
Upcoming Community Events Special Olympics Summer Games In June, athletes from all over the state of Nevada will congregate in Reno for Special Olympics Nevada’s annual Summer Games. The 2011 Games will be held over the weekend of June 3 – 4 on the UNR campus. More than 400 Special Olympics athletes will compete in aquatics and track & field. An opening ceremony and Olympic-style torch lighting kicks off the weekend’s festivities at the Grand Sierra. Participation in Special Olympics is easy and free. The only requirement is the completion of an “Application for Participation in Special Olympics” form. Once this form is on file in the Special Olympics office, the athlete may participate in any sport that they choose. For more information contact Harry Mong at 877-417-2742 or harrym@sonv.org.
U.S. Handcycling Series Returns to Reno The 19th annual Tour De Nez will take place the last weekend of July in Reno. The race will feature both pro and amateur Photo courtesy of events including men’s Lifestyle Photographics and women’s races, handcyclists, messenger races, the infamous clunker classic, and even The Biggest Little Kid’s Race. For more information about the race or to learn where you can come and support your local handcycle athletes visit www.tourdenez.org.
Mark Wellman’s Adventure Day at the Sparks Marina All people with disabilities are invited to attend Mark Wellman’s Adventure Day at the Sparks Marina Park from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 12. A kayaking seminar will be featured, adaptive rock climbing, adaptive sailing, and handcycles will be available to try. Bring your bathing suit and sun block to this free event. Please call Shauna Nelson at 775-353-7815 or e-mail shnelson@cityofsparks.us
Adaptive REConnection A quarterly publication of the City of Reno Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. If you have an event or activity that you would like posted in the next publication please contact April Wolfe at: 1301 Valley Road Reno, NV 89512 Phone: 775-333-7765 Fax: 775-321-8338
wolfea@reno.gov Download a copy from our website
www.reno.gov. Next Deadline is July 15, 2011
Inclusion/Adaptive Recreation Staff Therapeutic Recreation Specialist April Wolfe 775-333-7765 Inclusion Coordinator Toni Benton 775-657-4661 Behavior Specialist Sara Stratz 775-657-4661 Inclusion Technicians Micheon Aguilar 775-334-2262
Upcoming Events Sierra Storm Quad Rugby Athlete Awarded Challenged Athlete Grant Sierra Storm Quad Rugby athlete and City of Reno employee Bridget Shanahan was one of 980 individuals with physical disabilities selected to receive a Challenged Athlete Foundation Grant. The grant will assist her when purchasing a new rugby wheelchair. The Challenged Athletes Foundation in San Diego awarded grants totaling more than $1.4 million to help individuals with physical disabilities become and stay involved in sports. It is awarded to athletes in twenty-two countries through the foundation’s Access for Athletes program, which aims to bridge the gap between physical rehabilitation and the return to an active lifestyle. The grants will help underwrite training and coaching, adaptive sports equipment, and competition-related expenses. Of the record number of grants awarded by the foundation this year, 54 percent were given to new program participants representing forty-eight different sports. Congratulations Bridget!
Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers are a vital part of the City of Reno Inclusion/Adaptive Recreation program. Volunteers will gain rewarding experience through assisting Parks and Recreation staff with a variety of programs or providing additional support for participants. We are currently seeking volunteers for our upcoming programs! For more information contact April Wolfe at 775-333-7765.
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Sports Looking to Stay Cool This Summer? City of Reno Pools
All City of Reno pools have lifts, slow lap lanes and therapeutic steps to make swimming more accessible for all users. The PAL (Portable Aquatic Lift), available at Idlewild Pool, can be set up anywhere on the pool deck so people with disabilities or those who cannot enter the pool through traditional means can be gently lowered into the water.
Truckee River Whitewater Park at Wingfield Park
Enjoy rafting, tubing, kayaking, fishing or just the sights and sounds of the river at the fully accessible Whitewater Park in downtown Reno. This one of a kind facility provides ramped access to the river at Barbara Bennett Park and from the river at the east end of Wingfield Park.
Northern California/Nevada Adaptive Cycling Series
Join us while we cycle various locations in Northern California and Nevada throughout the summer. There will be a series of organized rides in the Bay Area, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe and Reno. Each ride will offer routes of varying distances for beginner to advanced cyclists. Series Dates and Contacts: May 21 - Reno, NV April Wolfe – City of Reno Parks, Recreation & Community Services 775-333-7765 or wolfea@reno.gov June 5 – Sacramento, CA Rick Mason - City of Sacramento, Access Leisure sacycle@sbcglobal.net August 6 - Lake Tahoe, CA Michael Hunter – Disabled Sports USA Far West 530-581-4161 or michael@disabledsports.net October 22 - Berkeley, CA Greg Milano – Bay Area Outreach Program 510-849-4663 or cycling@borp.org
For more information contact April Wolfe at 775-333-7765.
Adaptive Golf Adaptive golf is here in Reno! Paralympic Sport Reno has partnered with Rosewood Lakes Golf Course this spring to offer sixweek sessions of golf instruction. Whether you are an absolute beginner or a seasoned veteran, you’ll find a place at our golf clinics taught by golf professionals.
Photo courtesy of Lifestyle Photographics
All sessions are 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Session 1: Fridays April 22 – May 27 Session 2: Sundays July 10 – August 21 Session 3: Wednesday September 14 – October 19 For more information and to register call April Wolfe at 775-333-7765.
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Sports
Access Leisure Camping Schedule Camp registration is open for Spring 2011 trips. A $50 non-refundable deposit is due upon acceptance for camp. All payments are due on the 15th of every month immediately following accepted registration. Please check out our new payment schedule and plan for camps, at www.accessleisuresac.org. Online registration is also available. Contact Jenny Yarrow at jyarrow@ cityofsacramento.org for questions.
Intermediate Backpacking Adventure Not only will you learn essential backpacking and survival skills, but you will also gain self confidence by challenging yourself and your abilities while participating in outdoor recreation. Must be in good physical condition, and some experience in hiking. Open to teens and young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. August 18-20, Cost: $ 250
WAVE CAMP – Water Adventures in Varied Environments WAVE Camp provides children and young adults with physical disabilities the adventure of participating in Water Skiing, Kayaking, Sailing, Swimming and Scuba in a residential camp environment. Goals are to help facilitate skill and attitude development toward a variety of water activities for lifetime participation. Develop independence in activities of daily living skills. Session 1: July 5– 9 (ages 10-17) Cost: 300 Session 2: July 10-14 (ages 18-25) Cost: $300.00
Access Leisure Adult Camp Lake Tahoe -A residential camp for adults with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. Campers stay in rustic cabins in the beautiful Sierra Mountains. Activities include fishing, swimming, outdoor education, campfire, arts & crafts, and hiking. A rewarding camping experience in a safe and nurturing environment. June 13-16, Cost: $425
Beginning Backpacking Adventure Point Reyes National Seashore, one of California’s finest and most well-preserved wildlife areas. You might get a magical glimpse of a fox, badger, or a rare albino deer. Must be in good physical condition, but no previous experience is necessary. Open to teens and young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities June 2-4, Cost: $250
Sierra Challenge Athletic Association
Adaptive Equipment Rental Program
The Sierra Challenge Athletic Association (SCAA) was founded in 1991 to improve recreation opportunities for people with physical disabilities in the Reno/Tahoe area. SCAA is a private not-for-profit 501(c) 3 organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals with physical disabilities by boosting self-confidence through adaptive sports and recreation activities such as wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby.
What do you do when you want to play but don’t have the toys? YOU RENT! Our adaptive recreation equipment is available to rent. Renting makes it affordable for participants to try before they buy, be a weekend warrior, gain skills, and be involved in more than one sport. For more information call April Wolfe at 775-333-7765.
For more information contact Scott Youngs (basketball) at 775-682-9056 or Todd Wolfe (rugby) at 530-386-3340.
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Teen Camp This residential camp is comprised of 40 teens, with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities ages 1322. Each teen will participate in many team building activities such as fishing, swimming, outdoor education, campfire, arts & crafts, hiking, sports, and a social dance. June 20-24, Cost $450
Sports Disabled Sports Information and Reservations Phone: 530-581-4161 Online: www.dsusafw.org Email: info@disabledsports.net
reservations@disabledsports.net
Sacramento Handcycling and Tandem Cycling Club
June 4 – Pleasanton Dash for Cash. A fun cycling event with handcycling division cycling for cash. http://ncnca.org/event/2011/06/18/month/all/all/1
June 18 – William Pond Park. 9-11 Am. This ride will follow the middle portion of the Sacramento River Parkway with distances and pace varying according to riders abilities. Contact Rick Mason: sacycle@sbcglobal.net
Edible Pedal 100 – September 18 Disabled Sports Summer Programs We offer affordable outdoor adaptive recreation opportunities to people with any disability all summer long! Reservations begin May 1, 2011 Adaptive Instruction Water Skiing Road Cycling Sierra Summer Sports
Adaptive Adventures White Water Rafting 4-WD Adventures
And more adaptive experiences in collaboration with other local agencies!
Their Spirit Inspires Wounded Warriors Sports Camp, June 7-11 Soldiers and marines disabled in Iraq and Afghanistan will spend a week in Sacramento learning sports to help them cope with their disabilities and adapt to everyday life. For the sixth year, Disabled Sports USA Far West is bringing those American heroes to Sacramento to help them begin to continue to lead active, productive lives. The week will culminate in an inspirational dinner to honor the soldiers’ sacrifices for our nation. The week starts with a Sports Rehabilitation Camp for 25 soldiers and marines. They will receive specialized instruction in waterskiing, whitewater rafting, paddle sports, adapted cycling and sled hockey. This program is designed as part of their therapy and re-integration into the community. If you are a Wounded Warrior and are interested in participating in this event, please call 530-581-4161 ext. 202 for more information.
The Edible Pedal 100™ is a recreational yet challenging charitable bike ride that showcases Nevada. The beautiful ride routes feature outstanding locally sourced food at the rest stops and post-ride barbecue. The Edible Pedal 100™ is presented by the Rotary Club of Reno Sunrise & edible RENO-TAHOE Magazine. Find out more about the ride and check out the routes by visiting www.ediblepedal100.org.
Northern California Junior Sports Camp, July 11 – 16
This annual camp for youth with physical disabilities is held each summer at San Jose State University. The camp offers introductory and intermediate instruction in both recreational and competitive wheelchair sports opportunities for individuals ages 5 to 21. Sports are taught by world-class wheelchair athletes. Sports include archery, athletics, aquatics, basketball, boccia, bowling, football, rugby, scuba, sled hockey, water skiing and more. Campers can have a residential or day camp option. Please e-mail Dominique Pacolba at dominique.pacolba@sanjoseca.gov for more information.
SAN JOSE
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Social Programs For the following programs please call Shauna at 775-3537815 or e-mail shnelon@cityofsparks.us before each event to confirm dates, times and fees.
Arts and Crafts Class
We’ve teamed up with VSA arts to provide Weekly Wonders, a craft/art workshop held on Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Larry D. Johnson Community Center, 1200 12th Street. Participants (16 yrs. or older) will develop their artistic abilities through a variety of fun projects. There is space for up to 16, first-come, firstserved. Cost: $5 per month. For details, call 775-353-7815 or e-mail recinfo@cityofsparks.us.
Bowling
Bring your friends and come out to practice your game and have a great time too - every Wednesday at 2:45 p.m. at Coconut Bowl! We keep track of scores to average for the Special Olympics tournaments. Cost: $2 per game. No pre-registration necessary.
Leisure Without Limits
People with disabilities who wish to meet new friends through recreational activities will enjoy taking part in our Leisure Without Limits Program. Those with developmental and/or physical limitations are encouraged to attend the fun social events offered year-round. Financial assistance is available.
Teen Discover Program
Designed especially for teens with disabilities, this day camp provides educational and recreational activities guaranteed to bring a smile for ages 13 to 22 years old. The program operates during the Marvin Picollo School breaks throughout the year. Space is limited. Call 775-3537815 for details or e-mail recinfo@cityofsparks.us. Date: June 21 – July 15 Time: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Location: Larry D. Johnson Community Center, 1200 12th St. Cost: $200, and pro-rated for 4-day weeks. Anyone with physical or mental disability, 7th grade - 22 years old is welcome.
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Camp Lotsafun Camp Lotsafun is spreading the news far and wide about what we do in the community. Our camp’s mission is to provide recreational, educational, and therapeutic services to individuals with disabilities. Summer is rapidly approaching and so is SUMMER CAMP! We are offering three weeks of summer camp: June 27 – July 2, 2011 Ages 18 and older July 4 – July 9, 2011 Ages 7-22 August 15 – 20, 2011 Ages 15 and older We offer scholarships for campers and families that demonstrate financial need. Our 6 days and 5 nights camp sessions provide our campers with invaluable social skills, increased self esteem, and physical health, improved fine and gross motor skills, cooperation and time to have FUN! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at jill@camplotsafun.com or 775-827-3866.
Out and About This community outing program, is geared for those who are at least 15-years-old with disabilities and their caregivers or companions. Come and join us for cooking, dancing, bingo, bowling and much more! Stay tuned for a June/July calendar by visiting www.reno.gov or contacting April Wolfe at 775-333-7765.
Resources People First of Nevada
High Fives Foundation
People First of Nevada is a Self-Advocacy Group run by people with developmental differences throughout Nevada. As citizens of Nevada, we have the right to make our own decisions and to live self-determined lives. People First of Nevada meets the second Thursday of the month from 5pm-7pm at the Kietzke Plaza- 4600 Kietzke Ln., Suite B11, Reno. For more information visit their website at www. peoplefirstofnevada.org
High Fives Foundation is a Tahoe-based non-profit organization dedicated to raising money and awareness for athletes who have suffered a life-altering injury while pursuing their dream in the winter action sports community. Formed in 2009, the organization has helped provide the means for making goals to be met, after suffering a life-altering injury. For more information visit http://www.highfivesfoundation.org.
The Note-Ables The Note-Ables is a unique non-profit organization with a primary purpose of providing music programs and music therapy services for children and adults with disabilities. Our organization affords people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to express themselves through music. For the following programs, please contact Manal Toppozada at 775-324-5521.
Upcoming Events: June 17, 2011 (6 – 9 p.m.) – Napa’s Backyard Event Please join us at Napa’s Backyard on June 17 at the Grand Sierra Resort. High Fives will have its own silent auction table to raise funds. Sip wine and taste amazing dishes prepared by the legendary chef, Charlie Palmer and other world renowned and local chefs. Please visit the following website to purchase tickets: http://www.grandsierraresort.com/entertainment/calendar/napas-backyard-charity
Summer Teen Music Camp, June 27 – July 1 and July 25 – 29 The Note-Ables are now accepting enrollment applications for “Teen Beat,” a summer music day camp for teens ages 12 to 20. Participants will play their favorite instruments, learn new music and have the opportunity to perform for family and friends. There is no fee to participate, but there is a $25 non-refundable fee due with registration. Space is very limited, so reserve your spot today! This camp is made possible by a generous grant from the Alliance with the Washoe County Medical Society. Most Motown – An Artown Event with The Note-Ables On Tuesday July 19, 2011 at 7pm, The Note-Ables are hosting Mostly Motown, a family friendly concert on the beautiful lawn of the McKinley Arts and Culture Center that brings together local musicians of all ages and abilities to celebrate the music of Motown. $5 donation suggested.
Photo courtesy of GP Martin Photography
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Resources Teglia’s Paradise Park Community Garden Grows Garden plots are available for the public to grow vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruit at Teglia’s Paradise Park Community Garden in Northeast Reno. The 44 ground plots and six raised beds are assigned on a first come, first served basis with a fee of $5 per plot. The Community Garden is available from March through October. Register now for a garden plot or orientation at one of the following locations:
• Teglia’s Paradise Park Activity Center, 2745 Elementary Drive
• Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center, 1301 Valley Road • Neil Road Recreation Center, 3925 Neil Road
The Community Garden provided by the City of Reno Parks, Recreation and Community Services department has been a successful community partner with many local groups. The garden is a multi-generational horticulture program fully accessible to persons with disabilities. For more information call 356-3176 or 334-2262.
Family Ties of Nevada Family TIES of Nevada is a statewide nonprofit organization directed by people with disabilities and their family members. Living life full with the daily challenges of disability and chronic health concerns takes courage and endurance. At Family TIES we have a very personal and clear vision for those we serve. Our staff and board members either have a disability or chronic illness themselves, or they are the parents of children who do. We provide knowledge, support, and inspiration at no cost to our clients. For more information please visit www. familytiesnv.org.
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N.E.A.T.
Nevada Equine Assisted Therapy
N.E.A.T offers social, emotional and behavioral growth and learning through work with horses. We work with children as young as 4 (when appropriate), teens, adults and seniors. Our program can be a powerful intervention for those dealing with a variety of issues including: • Anxiety • Impulsivity • anger management • Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) • Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) • Pervasive Developmental Delay (PDD) • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) • Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) Individual goals may include: • Increasing trust and confidence • Developing anger management skills • Improving Focus • Decreasing Impulsive Behaviors During this innovative program participants learn about horse/herd behavior, horse care, leading and grooming a horse, how to play “games” with horses and, once a level of skill and trust has developed, most clients ride, both in the arena and on local trails. But more than this, our clients develop a deep and meaningful bond with “their” horse. Our program is designed for those who are generally able-bodied (we do not work with horse handlers or side walkers), but this does not exclude those with minor physical or mental challenges. We are located in South Reno, easily accessible from both the highway 395 and South Virginia Street. For more information visit our website at www.NevadaEquineAssistedTherapy.com. You can contact us at NEATinfo@yahoo.com or 775-473-5548, with questions or to schedule a tour of our ranch.