Adaptive Sports and Recreation


The Houston Parks and Recreation Department's Adaptive Sports and Recreation section is headquartered at Metropolitan Multi-Service Center (MMSC) at West Gray. Adaptive Sports and Recreation offers a variety of recreational, sporting, and quality of life programming for people with differing abilities.

The recreational opportunities include a structured class, fitness rooms, full-court gym, indoor heated pool, beep baseball field, tennis court, quarter-mile outdoor trail, urban garden, and a Vale-Asche Playground Without Limits.

  • Adult Wheelchair Basketball
  • Youth Wheelchair Basketball
  • Power
    Soccer
  • Boccia
    Ball
  • Air
    Rifles
  • Table
    Tennis
  • Wheelchair
    Tennis
  • Houston Area Parkinson Society
  • Friends of
    The Park
  • Accessible
    Fitness Center
  • Tabata
    Tuesday
  • Indoor
    Pool
  • Dance
    Fit
  • Adaptive
    Pickleball

ADULT WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL

Weekly practice and play are offered throughout the year and are open for registered players ages 16 and up. Motorized chairs are not allowed in the game, but sports chairs are available for check out.
5 on 5 open play on Mondays and Wednesdays April through May 2023

Ages: 16+
Registration: Required
Program Dates: Aug. 2023 – Apr. 2024
Time: Mon., 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Wed., 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fee: FREE
Location: Metropolitan Multi-Service Center
1475 West Gray
Information: 832.395.7333
hannah.walker@houstontx.gov

YOUTH WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL

TIRR Memorial Hermann Junior Hotwheels Basketball team practices on Tuesday nights through March 2015. This youth basketball program accepts any school-aged players with physical disabilities that are interested in wheelchair basketball, either competitively or recreationally.
Ages: 10 - older
Registration: Required
Program Dates: Aug. 2023 – Apr. 2024
Time: Tue., 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fee: FREE
Location: Metropolitan Multi-Service Center
1475 West Gray
Information: 713.797.5928
ava.skrabanek@memorialhermann.org

POWER SOCCER

Power Soccer is the fastest growing sport for wheelchair users. Power Soccer is the first team sport designed specifically for power wheelchair users.  It combines the skill of the wheelchair user with the speed and power of the chair itself, to participate in an extremely challenging game similar to soccer.   All ages and abilities welcome!
Ages: All Ages
Registration: Required
Program Dates: Aug. 2023 – Apr. 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Fee: FREE
Location: Metropolitan Multi-Service Center
1475 West Gray
Information: 832.395.7325
charles.french@houstontx.gov

BOCCIA BALL

Boccia (pronounced 'Bot-cha') is a Paralympic sport introduced in 1984. Boccia is played indoors on a flat, smooth surface by either individuals or teams. The game consists of athletes throwing, kicking, or using a ramp to propel a ball onto the court to get as close as possible to a 'jack' ball. Boccia is designed specifically for athletes with a disability affecting locomotor function.
Ages: All Ages
Registration: Required; On-Site
Program Dates: Oct. – Dec. 2023
Time: Mon., 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Fee: FREE
Location: Metropolitan Multi-Service Center
1475 West Gray
Information: 832.395.7325
charles.french@houstontx.gov

AIR RIFLES

Paralympic shooting practice and competition is open to all athletes with physical disabilities. Shooting matches will consist of athletes of the same gender with similar disabilities competing against each other, either individually or as a team.
Ages: All Ages
Registration: Required; On-site
Program Dates: Oct. – Dec. 2023
Time: Wed., 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Fee: FREE
Location: Metropolitan Multi-Service Center
1475 West Gray
Information: 832.395.7325
charles.french@houstontx.gov

TABLE TENNIS

The Paralympic table tennis competition is open to all athletes with physical disabilities, including amputation/limb loss, spinal cord injury, wheelchair users, and citizens who have struggled from cerebral palsy complications, stroke, and brain injuries. The same quick technique and finesse are apparent in athletes' games from various disability categories, including men and women competitions, either individually or team style. Join us to become a table tennis Paralympian!
Ages: All Ages
Registration: Required; On-site
Program Dates: Oct. – Dec. 2023
Time: Wed., 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee: FREE
Location: Metropolitan Multi-Service Center
1475 West Gray
Information: 832.395.7325
nolan.griffin@houstontx.gov

WHEELCHAIR TENNIS

The Metropolitan Multi-Service Center includes two outdoor wheelchair-accessible lighted tennis courts. Priority use of these courts is given for adaptive and wheelchair tennis.

Programs for experienced wheelchair competitors as well as beginners are offered at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center.

Ages: All Ages
Registration: Required; On-site
Program Dates: Sep. – Dec. 2023
Time: Thu., 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Fee: FREE
Location: Metropolitan Multi-Service Center
1475 West Gray
Information: 832.395.7333
nolan.griffin@houstontx.gov

HOUSTON AREA PARKINSON SOCIETY

The Houston Area Parkinson Society's mission is to improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson's through services, education, and advocacy. This society provides numerous programs and services for the Parkinson's community. Each week, HAPS provides 34 free therapies, including physical, occupational, speech, water, Tai Chi, and more. The therapy groups provided are available for individuals and caregivers who live with Parkinson's to share their experiences in a warm, friendly environment. In addition, HAPS offers free transportation services to and from therapy sites and physician visits. Social services and educational programs are also available.
Activity: Exercise for Adults with Parkinson
Information: 713.313.1652
rodriguez@hapsonline.org
www.hapsonline.org

FRIENDS OF THE PARK

The Friends of the Park Council at MMSC serves to support the staff and programs of HPARD’s Adaptive Recreation section. They also help communicate the vision, goals and services of the program to constituent communities and  provide a forum for program ideas and services.

The Friends of the Park Council at MMSC meets the second Tuesday of every month.

Date: 3rd Tues of every month
Time: 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Metropolitan Multi-Service Center
1475 West Gray
Information: 832.395.7325
charles.french@houstontx.gov

ACCESSIBLE FITNESS CENTER

The Metropolitan Multi-Service Fitness Center is specifically designed to be used by adults with a physically disability including visually impaired and blind who are able to function independently.

The facility is equipped with wheelchair accessible upper body weight equipment along with cardio machines to get your heart pumping. Pre-registration and a safety briefing are required before using this facility.

Ages: 16 – older
Registration: Required
Time: Mon. - Fri., 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Metropolitan Multi-Service Center
1475 West Gray
Information: 832.395.7333
charles.french@houstontx.gov

TABATA TUESDAY

Tabata is a form of high intensity interval training (HIIT) that involves 20 second bursts of activity followed by 10 seconds of rest. Traditionally you repeat this 20-10 format for 8 rounds for any given activity/exercise. Tabata Tuesday at the MMSC offers a fun and accessible environment utilizing various forms of adapted exercise including rowing, ski ergs, battle ropes, sled pushes/pulls, slam balls, among others. Independent functioning skills required. Exercise modifications available as needed.
Ages: Adult 16+
Registration: Required; On-Site
Program Dates: Oct. – Dec. 2023
Time: Tue., 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Fee: FREE
Location: Metropolitan Multi-Service Center
1475 West Gray
Information: 832.395.7333
hannah.walker@houstontx.gov

INDOOR POOL

The MMSC pool provides a great environment for people with disabilities to exercise. The 5-lane, 25-yard heated pool is fully accessible and is equipped with a zero depth entry ramp, hand rails, and 3 chair lifts. Changing and shower facilities are available adjacent to the pool area.

Participants are required to have independent functioning mobility skills or bring an adult attendant to assist.

Ages: Youth and Adult
Registration: Required; On-Site
Program Dates: Year-round
Time: Mon. - Fri., 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (closed 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.)
Mon. - Fri., 3:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (closed 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.)
Fri., 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Fee: FREE
Location: Metropolitan Multi-Service Center
1475 West Gray
Information: 832.395.7333
charles.french@houstontx.gov

DANCE FIT

Dance Fit is a fitness class with a dance element using easy to follow routines to up to date chart music. Dance Fit is a fun, high intensity, all over body workout incorporating dance moves as well as traditional aerobic exercises. Moves can be adapted to fit your needs. Routines accessible for wheelchair uses as well as those standing.
Ages: All Ages
Registration: Required; On-Site
Program Dates: Oct. – Dec. 2023
Time: Thu., 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Fee: FREE
Location: Metropolitan Multi-Service Center
1475 West Gray
Information: 832.395.7333
nolan.griffin@houstontx.gov

Wheelchair Rugby

Wheelchair Rugby is a mixed team sport for male and female athletes with a physical disability. It combines elements of rugby, basketball and handball. Players compete in teams of four to carry the ball across the opposing team's goal line. Contact between wheelchairs is permitted, and is in fact an integral part of the sport as players use their chairs to crash, block and hold opponents.

Rugby wheelchairs are available for check out.

Ages: Youth & Adults
Registration: Required; On-Site
Program Dates: Aug. 2023 – Apr. 2024
Time: Thu. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Fee: FREE
Location: Metropolitan Multi-Service Center
1475 West Gray
Information: 832.395.7333
charles.french@houstontx.gov

Adaptive Pickleball

Adaptive Pickleball is FREE and welcoming to all players from beginner to advanced. Coaches are on the court to help teach people how to play and share competitive playing strategies. All equipment is provided from sport chairs to paddles to balls. Interested players just need to be ready to be active and have lots of fun. Pickleball is a mix of tennis and ping-pong. The rules are simple, and the game is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for athletic players.
Ages: All Ages
Registration: Required; On-Site
Program Dates: Oct. – Dec. 2023
Time: Tue. & Thu., 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Fee: FREE
Location: Metropolitan Multi-Service Center
1475 West Gray
Information: 832.395.7333
nolan.griffin@houstontx.gov