Monmouth County Park System Recreation Programs

Monmouth County Park System Recreation Programs includes Therapeutic Recreation - Special Needs Programs, Summer Camps, Adult Day Services, Respite, Community Inclusion, Night Out, Special Trips, Now We84re Cooking, Drama Troupe, and an Annual Semi Formal Dinner and Dance. Program options include social programs, day trips or outings, cooking, drama, and day programs for adults with I/DD.

Programs

• Therapeutic Recreation - Special Needs Programs — Individuals with special needs; age requirements vary by program · Year-round · Provides specialized year-round recreation programs for individuals with special needs and recommends other appropriate Park System programs, community links and support.
• Summer Camps — Therapeutic Recreation Division offers several summer camp day program options.
• Adult Day Services — Adults · Day programs for adults designed to provide comprehensive individual services for adults with I/DD in the community.
• Respite — Programs designed to help participants learn and enhance skills through socialization, the arts, and integration into the community.
• Community Inclusion — Programs designed to help participants learn and enhance skills through socialization, the arts, and integration into the community; includes day trips or outings.
• Night Out — 16 and up · Evening · Social program for teens and adults. Drop-offs and pick-ups at the Dorbrook Recreation Area unless otherwise noted.
• Special Trips — 16 and up · Trips to events and destinations in and out of Monmouth County throughout the year. Drop-offs and pick-ups at the Dorbrook Recreation Area.
• Now We’re Cooking — 16 and up · Cooking program held either at the Dorbrook Recreation Area Visitor Center or the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center.
• Drama Troupe — 13 and up · Fall and Winter · Program takes place at the Tatum Park Holland Activity Center.
• Annual Semi Formal Dinner and Dance — 18 and up · Early November each year

At a glance

• Ages: 2–18 years old
• General schedule: Special needs programs are provided year-round.
• Facility hours: Office is located at the Dorbrook Recreation Area Activity Center, Colts Neck.

About the provider

The mission of the Therapeutic Recreation Division is to provide access to recreational opportunities for Monmouth County residents with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) in order to enhance physical, cognitive, emotional and social functioning, as well as a sense of belonging to the community. The division has also been honored with the NJRPA Excellence in Health & Wellness Programming Award for its Senior Hikers Program.

The Park System provides modifications for individuals with disabilities who meet minimum eligibility requirements to participate in regular Park System programs. Through the Inclusion Process, staff will assist and advise prospective participants and families interested in general recreation programs. Participants in Night Out and Special Trips must be able to function in at least a 1:3 staff to participant ratio. Participants in Now We’re Cooking must be able to function in at least a 1:2 staff to participant ratio.

Last updated October 21, 2026.