Inclusive/Adaptive Recreation Programs

Inclusive/Adaptive Recreation Programs include Swim Buddies, Youth Triathlon, Unified Triathlon, Sensory Open Gym, Gym Buddies, Sled Hockey, Adaptive Instruction for Group Lessons, Individualized Adaptive Instruction, Soccer Buddies, Basketball Buddies, and Buddy Baseball. Swim Buddies pairs swimmers with Parks staff for monitored time in the pool, and Youth Triathlon and Unified Triathlon are single-day events that combine swimming, biking, and running, with the Unified Triathlon allowing athletes with special needs to participate assisted or unassisted. Sensory Open Gym uses the full gymnastics facility, Gym Buddies uses obstacle courses and stations with a required parent or co-adult for 1:1 participation, and ice programs include adaptive and individualized instruction as well as sled hockey with all equipment provided. Soccer Buddies, Basketball Buddies, and Buddy Baseball pair participants with buddies to work on sport-specific skills such as dribbling, shooting, passing, hitting, fielding, and running bases, with equipment available if needed.

• Ages: 2–18 years old
• Schedule: Seasonal offerings that include multi-week clinics and programs such as Swim Buddies from June 9–July 23, four-week Soccer Buddies, four-week Basketball Buddies, four-week Buddy Baseball, a 30-minute Gym Buddies class, and single-day Youth and Unified Triathlon events on June 27
• Price: Swim Buddies $40; Youth & Unified Triathlons $35; Soccer Buddies $20; Basketball Buddies $20; Buddy Baseball $20

The department states that all recreational activities in these programs are designed to be inclusive, and that Columbus Parks and Recreation strives to provide welcoming and enriching recreational opportunities for all individuals in the community, including those with disabilities. The mission of the Board is “To enrich lives” within the department’s planning area. Gym Buddies instructors are trained to help athletes develop strength, coordination, body awareness, flexibility, balance, and social skills. Sensory Open Gym is made possible by Inclusive Options, LLC.

The City of Columbus states that it is an Equal Opportunity Employer and that discrimination in employment because of race, religion, creed, color, natural origin, ancestry, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States is prohibited by City policy. The Chuck Wilt Youth Scholarship Program can approve $200.00 per child per calendar year for eligible Parks and Recreation programs, subject to listed eligibility requirements. The leadership team connected to these programs includes Mayor Mary K. Ferdon and Columbus Parks and Recreation Board members Dave Bush (President), Brian Wilson (Vice President), Miriam Portaluppi (Secretary), and Chaz Smith (Member).

Last updated May 14, 2026.