Johnson City Parks and Recreation Special points of interest: ~ MPCC Ramps Up Therapeutic Recreation ~ Administration Highlights ~ Athletic Division Highlights
~ Park Services Division Highlights ~ Golf Division Highlights ~ Recreation Services Division
A Walk in the Park Your Parks and Recreation Connection I s s u e : 9
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MPCC Ramps Up Therapeutic Recreation This summer Parks and Recreation began a concerted effort to ramp up the number and quality of opportunities for those with special needs with guidance by certified therapeutic recreation specialist, Rachel Malone. The UT Knoxville graduate received a degree in recreation and sports management with a concentration in therapeutic recreation. “That’s what launched me into all the things that go with it,” she said. “I was involved with the Koinonia Foundation, which partners with UT to help people with disabilities. I also volunteered for similar activities outside the foundation. At first I didn’t understand what therapeutic recreation was, but after doing some hands-on work I fell in love with it.” Since August, Malone has headed a number of new programs at Memorial Park Community Center that run at least through the end of 2021, including a therapeutic recreation program offering “Life Skills,” “Game Nights,” “Fitness Fun,” “Youth Sports and Games” and “Crafty Creations.” Topics range from money management, board and card games, low-impact exercise, basic sports skills and drawing and painting. These are complemented by “Adaptive PE,” a weekly program designed to teach the basics in a number of sports, specifically for individuals 18 and older with special needs. Malone also organized “Tennessee Tailgate Party” in September at which individuals and caregivers came to MPCC to cheer on the Tennessee Volunteers when they took on the Pittsburgh Panthers. The “Therapeutic Fall Festival” was held Oct. 8 and featured games, pumpkin decorating and more, and “Parent’s Night Out’ will be held Nov. 5, offering parents of special needs children an opportunity to bring their children and enjoy an evening of crafts, games and pizza. The year will wrap up on Dec. 16 with a holiday party at which participants will get into the holiday spirit by decorating Christmas cookies, making holiday crafts and watching a movie. Please wish Rachel and the MPCC staff success as this needed programming continues to become an anchor and needed service in the community.