How to Create Inclusive Programs for Parks and Rec

The evolving landscape of Parks and Recreation is requiring professionals to adapt in all levels in sports and activities they offer. In the recent years, P&R have had to juggle more people to serve, more disparities, more expenditures, more differences... Now more than ever, it's time to put inclusivity at the heart of your programs!

To highlight this special Parks and Recreation Month, around the theme “Where You Belong”, let's show how P&R agencies can work toward the goal of creating inclusive programs - so that every resident can be healthy, happy, and well-connected in their community!

How Can Parks and Rec Create Inclusive Programs in 2024?

Creating inclusive sports and recreation programs means designing activities that are accessible to diverse participants, regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, or circumstances. Here are key steps and considerations to help you develop inclusive programs:

Considering Key Accessibility Factors

• Physical accessibility: Ensure that facilities, equipment, and venues are accessible to people with disabilities. This includes ramps, wide doorways, accessible restrooms, and appropriate signage.
• Adaptive Equipment: Provide adaptive sports equipment to accommodate a range of physical abilities.

Designing Programs for Communities and Target Audiences

• Inclusive activities: Design activities that can be adapted to different skill levels and abilities. Use universal design principles to create programs that everyone can participate in.
• Variety of options: Offer a variety of activities to accommodate different interests and abilities, such as team sports, individual sports, fitness classes and recreational activities. Remember that your facilities should be versatile: the more sports and activities you can offer in the same space, the more sustainable your program and environment will be.

Ensuring Inclusive Communication with CRM software tools like Amilia SmartRec

• Clear Information: Provide clear and accessible information about your programs, including details on accessibility and accommodation
• Multiple Formats: Use various formats for communication, such as print, digital, and audio, to reach a wider audience.

Offering support in your parks & rec organization

• Flexible Policies: Implement flexible registration, scheduling, and participation policies to accommodate different needs.

Creating a Welcoming Sports and activities Environment

• Inclusive Culture: Foster an inclusive and respectful environment where all participants feel valued and included.
• Role Models: Highlight diverse role models and success stories within your programs to inspire and encourage participation.

How To Make Sustainable Parks & Rec Decisions

Today's economic challenges and changing societal trends require innovative approaches to ensure that the recreational activities facilities offered by facilities are relevant and accessible. On the “Peace through Programming ☮️: Lessons from Pickleball and Tennis” webinar hosted by Amilia, speakers highlighted the passive recreation model as a solution to improving offerings without overspending.

In other words, speakers went over today’s challenging economic climate, while leading the conversation on finding ways to cut costs without compromising service quality.

To get inspiration on how other neighborhood found a solution to the question, join experts Farrell Buller and Sam Hitman as they discuss the Tennis vs. Pickleball debate, offering insights into effective and inclusive programming strategies.

Strategies On How To be Inclusive In Your Programs

Solving programming problems in parks and recreation involves creating more inclusive offerings that cater to a diverse range of residents: from their social, physical, philosophical and economic unique landscapes.

One effective strategy is to enhance the social aspect of programming by organizing community events and activities that encourage interaction and participation from all age groups and backgrounds.

For example, offering pickleball facilities has proven to be highly popular and inclusive, attracting participants of all ages and skill levels. However, it's crucial to ensure that the introduction of new programs like pickleball does not cannibalize your P&R existing offerings. This can be achieved by:

• conducting thorough community needs assessments
• balancing the schedule to accommodate various interests
• Ensuring clear and consistent communication with residents

Successful & inclusive programming initiatives, such as multi-generational sports leagues and adaptive fitness classes, have demonstrated the importance of addressing diverse needs and promoting active engagement. By prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility, you can be sure your parks and rec facilities are offering a vibrant and welcoming environment for everyone in the community.

We'd like to leave you on this list of though-leading bullet-point questions so you can share the discussion with fellow Parks & Rec leaders. Happy programming!