ADAPTIVE RECREATION CENTER

Houston Parks and Recreation Department provides access to year round activities for children and adults with disabilities through the Adaptive Recreation Division.   The Adaptive Recreation Division is housed at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, 1475 West Gray.

In addition to providing activities, the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center also partners with organizations that serve children and adults with disabilities. The Adaptive Recreation staff knows that, after learning new skills and redefining their abilities, participants are able to feel the freedom of recreating. These experiences often result in increased self-confidence and self esteem, greater success in academic, professional and personal life challenges and overall improved health.

Quick Links:
Adult Fitness Room • Adaptive Aquatics • Adult Wheelchair Football and Basketball •
Adult Beep Baseball • Adolescent Bariatric Surgery Program Support Group

Partnerships
The Houston Parks and Recreation Department partners with several organizations that provide services for people with disabilities including:

Houston Commission on Disabilities
The Houston Commission on Disabilities holds monthly meeting held at Metropolitan Multi-Service Center and is typically the second Thursday of each month form 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.  For information call (713) 284-1973.

Houston Area Parkinson Society (HAPS)
HAPS provides structured water exercise for persons with Parkinson's disease. This program is designed to assist participants maintain full range of motion and slow loss of ability to function caused by the progression of the disease. HAPS exercise program provides participants with physical, occupational, speech and water exercise as well as Tai Chi. The programs held at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center includes individual and group water exercise, Tai Chi and exercise designed to slow the progression of the disease.  All groups are conducted by qualified staff and also serve as a forum for discussion and peer support for patients and caregivers.  For schedule and other information call (713) 313-1652.

Houston Council of the Blind (HCB)
The Houston Council of the Blind office is located at 1475 West Gray. Meetings are held the first Sunday of each month from 2-4p.m. at the Houston Lighthouse for the Blind, 3602 West Dallas Entrance 2.  For schedule and other information contact (713) 520-9237. 

Texas Special Olympics
Volunteer coach training and other events are held seasonally by the Texas Special Olympics at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center.  For schedule and other information call (713) 290-0049.

Greater Houston Athletic Association for Physically Disabled
Wheelchair Soccer and Bocce are offered by the Greater Houston Athletic Association for Physically Disabled.  For more information call (713) 521-3737.

The Arc of Greater Houston
A Dance/Social for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is held by The Arc of Greater Houston on a monthly basis.  For more information call (713) 957-1600.

The River Performing and Visual Arts
Fine Arts Education for Special Children and Siblings with disabilities, chronic illnesses or are economically disadvantaged is offered by The River Performing and Visual Arts.  This program is open to ages 2-19.  For more information call (713) 520-1220.

Fitness and Recreation
Adaptive Recreation programming is offered for youth and adults throughout the year.  Summer programming includes:

Adult Fitness Room
The wheelchair accessible fitness room is designed for use by adults age 18 and older that have a physical disability including visual impairment and blindness.  Participants must complete registration to use the fitness room and each registered user is encouraged to bring a family member of friend to work out with.

Adaptive Aquatics
The Metropolitan Multi-Service Center’s heated, indoor natatorium provides a great environment for people with disabilities to exercise. Programs include water exercise, open swim, water walking lap swimming and more. Participants are required to have independent functioning mobility skills or bring an adult attendant to assist. 

Adult Wheelchair Football and Basketball
Come shoot some hoops on a regular basis by signing up for the Wheelchair Basketball Program.  Weekly practice and play throughout the summer is scheduled for adults age 16 and up. Participants must have independent functioning skills to participate in the program. This is a recreational wheelchair activity for adults, with independent functioning skills. Rules are adapted so individuals who normally use a motorized chair can participate. Practices will be held as well as games with community groups. Registration is required.

Adult Beep Baseball
Desire, determination, teamwork and skill make Adult Beep Baseball a fun activity for the blind and visually impaired adults. You can be a part of the excitement by registering for HPARD’S Beep Baseball program. Team practice will be held during the summer.  Program day and time will be determined based on registration.  Registration is required.

Youth Adaptive Recreation Programs
Super Sports Saturday for youth age 6 to 18 who have a physical disability is held monthly at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center. Introduction to wheelchair sports, recreation and wellness activities will be held once a month on Saturday’s at various times and locations.  Sessions will last one to two hours and may include bowling, basketball, tennis, indoor wheelchair soccer, wheelchair football and other adapted activities.

Adolescent Bariatric Surgery Program Support Group
The support group is hosted monthly for adolescence and family by Texas Children’s Hospital staff and is held at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center. In partnership, the adaptive recreation staff plans and conducts physical activities for the participants each month.