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Park View: The Inclusive Nature of Recreation and Sports

It’s springtime, and that means baseball is starting up again. I recently watched my first ballgame of the season at Fiore Fields, a Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD) facility. But this game wasn’t like any I had ever seen before. There were wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and escorts for some of the players. No outs were recorded, no score was kept, and every batter made it to first base regardless of where, or even if, the ball was hit.

The most remarkable thing was the prevailing joy of simply being able to play the game together.

Those with disabilities are welcome to take part in all CRPD recreation opportunities.

The Little League Challenger Division is for individuals with a physical or intellectual impairment. Each week the Challengers play other teams within the Conejo Valley Little League on a rotating schedule. The coaches, families, volunteers – and sometimes even the opponents – assist and support them on and off the field. It is a great opportunity for these challenged youngsters to participate in a sport they love and for the “opposing” teams to help the Challengers feel like they are a meaningful part of the League.

While watching the ball game, I began thinking about how many diverse recreation and sports opportunities are available for challenged individuals throughout the Conejo Valley. For example, the CRPD Therapeutic Recreation Unit provides recreation, sports and leisure programs year-round for those who may have difficulty participating in other activities due to a disability. Per the CRPD Inclusion Policy, those with disabilities are welcome to take part in all CRPD recreation opportunities, both in specialized options through Therapeutic Recreation as well as inclusion alternatives.

Learning to ‘play’ cooperatively starts early in life.

Welcome for a walk: The Oak Creek Canyon whole access trail offers a relatively flat, smooth surface to accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, and those seeking a less-strenuous hiking experience.

The Conejo Theater for Everyone (CRPD teaming with the Young Artists Ensemble) has an annual production featuring both disabled and non-disabled performers in a unique presentation. Having attended this yearly event in the past, I can attest to the fact that it is a fantastic theatrical performance that both the participants and the audience thoroughly enjoy.

CRPD community partner, Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship, teaches adaptive horseback riding to those with physical and cognitive disabilities. They also provide physical, occupational, speech and language therapy, incorporating the movements of horses to improve specific conditions. Part of their mission is to provide instruction and education for all, with equestrian-related social, vocational and recreational activities. Training occurs at the Walnut Grove Equestrian Center and the Rancho Potrero Community Equestrian Center; both of these CRPD facilities are located in Newbury Park.

The Oak Creek Canyon Whole Access Trail in the Los Robles Open Space (Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency) is a relatively flat, smooth-surface trail that can accommodate wheelchairs, strollers and those seeking a less strenuous hiking experience. There is a cable handrail and braille interpretive signs to aid visually impaired trail users. The parallel trail, separated by wood rails, allows bikers, equestrians and runners to pass by without disruption to those needing more assistance.

The AYSO Region 9 EPIC (Everyone Plays In our Community) Program provides athletes with intellectual and physical disabilities the opportunity to participate in a high-quality soccer experience. The dedication of coaches and a variety of volunteers has made this an exceptional program while further promoting the goal of AYSO, that everyone can play no matter their ability.

Recently, I learned of yet another program dedicated to promoting inclusion for those with intellectual disabilities through shared sports. The Special Olympics Unified Sports program is gaining momentum on some of our local high school campuses. People with and without intellectual disabilities of similar age and ability play on the same teams.

Many organizations throughout the Conejo Valley play vital roles in their respective programs, providing diverse opportunities for challenged individuals. The Conejo Recreation and Park District, too, is a proven leader when it comes to ensuring that all are included in recreational, theatrical, instructional and sports opportunities. Learning to “play” cooperatively starts early in life. Finding meaningful ways to include those with physical and intellectual challenges to be active community participants should be a lifelong endeavor.

Doug Nickles is a director/board member for the Conejo Recreation and Park District, the Conejo OpenSpace Conservation Agency and the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts. The views expressed are his and do not necessarily reflect those of the district, agency or the respective boards.

1 COMMENT

  1. My son participates through Therpeutic Rec activities. They do an amazing job and we are so grateful for the inclusion in the CRPD!

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