Adaptive programming and inclusion services

Join Bloomington Parks and Recreation for an exciting summer of adaptive softball. Adaptive softball is open to adults ages 18+ with disabilities who want to play for fun. 

No experience is necessary. Play, learn, improve your skills, meet new friends, and most importantly, have fun all summer long! 

Siblings and parents are invited to volunteer. 

• Who: Ages 18+
• When: Tuesdays, June 18 - August 6, 2024, 6:30 to 8:15 p.m.
• Where: Tarnhill Park, 9650 Little Road, Bloomington
• Cost: $70 (includes team shirt and photo)

Under the Lights Game

Celebrate the end of the season with a special “Under the Lights Game” at Red Haddox Field at Valley View Playfield. Spectators will view the game from the grandstand as the game is announced. The night will end with a dance party on the field!

• When: Tuesday, August 6, 7:30 - 9 p.m. 
• Where: Red Haddox Field, 360 East 90th Street, Bloomington

Registration

• Deadline: May 31, 2024 or until full
• Online: blm.mn/webtrac
• Phone: 952-563-8877, MN Relay 711

Weather/Cancellations

If there is bad weather, we will follow this procedure:

• The program coordinator will decide if the program will be canceled.
• By 4 p.m., we'll update the weather line at 952-563-8878, option 5.
• If there is bad weather after 4 p.m., we'll update the weather line and participants as soon as possible.

Adult Adaptive Crafts

Each month we will feature a unique craft, delivered to participants with step-by-step instructions. 

We provide all supplies. 

• Begins November 15, 2023
• Every third Wednesday
• 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. 
• Creekside Community Center, 9801 Penn Avenue South

Download, print and share the Adult Adaptive Crafts flyer. 

Adult Adaptive Board Games

Join friends, new and old, for games, friendly competition, and fun!

We will provide a variety of games each week, selected based on the interest of participants.

• When: First Wednesday of each month
• Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. 
• Where: Creekside Community Center, 9801 Penn Avenue South

Download, print and share the Adult Adaptive Board Game flyer. 

Come join your friends or meet new people at "Dance Your Socks Off." These dances are for adults ages 18 and above with disabilities. Download the 2024 Dance Your Socks Off flyer. 

You don't need to register. Just download and complete a Participant Profile or fill one out at the dances. If you prefer to register online, go to blm.mn/webtrac. Don't miss out on the fun!

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Winter Dance

Warm up this winter by dancing the night away at our Winter Dance!

• When: Friday, January 19, 2024
• Time: 7 - 9 p.m. 
• Where: Creekside Community Center, 9801 Penn Avenue South
• Cost: $6 (includes drink ticket)
• Register: At the door or online at blm.mn/webtrac
• For more details, view the Winter Dance event page.

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Valentines Dance

Grab your sweetie and your friends to celebrate love and friendship!

• When: Friday, February 16, 2024
• Time: 7 - 9 p.m. 
• Where: Creekside Community Center, 9801 Penn Avenue South
• Cost: $6 (includes drink ticket)
• Register: At the door or online at blm.mn/webtrac
• For more details, view the Valentines Dance event page.

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St. Patrick's Dance

Find your inner Irish and come dressed in your best green and festive apparel.

• When: Friday, March 22, 2024
• Time: 7 - 9 p.m. 
• Where: Creekside Community Center, 9801 Penn Avenue South
• Cost: $6 (includes drink ticket)
• Register: At the door or online at blm.mn/webtrac
• ​For more details, view the St. Patrick's Dance event page.

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Spring Fling

Shake, shake, shake away those winter blues because spring has sprung!

• When: Friday, April 19, 2024
• Time: 7 - 9 p.m. 
• Where: Creekside Community Center, 9801 Penn Avenue South
• Cost: $6 (includes drink ticket)
• Register: At the door or online at blm.mn/webtrac
• ​For more details, view the Spring Fling event page.

TRAIL Rides

• To request a ride to the dance with TRAIL, contact Matt at 952-563-4872 or mdcolwell@bloomingtonmn.gov.

Other Important Information

1. Doors open at 6:50 p.m. You aren't allowed to enter early.
2. Dances end at 9:00 p.m. We aren't responsible for people waiting for transportation.
3. You must arrange your own transportation.
4. You must bring your own support person if needed. You don't pay admission for a support person.
5. We'll serve drinks during the dance. We're not responsible for diet restrictions or food allergies. You must bring a support person if you need help monitoring or consuming refreshments.
6. You must stay in the designated area for the activity.
7. You can't smoke anywhere on the property during the dance.
8. We don't recommend consuming alcohol before the dance. We won't allow or serve alcohol.
9. You can dress up to go with the dance theme. We may ask you to leave if your outfit is offensive or questionable.
10. We give out door prizes at the end of the dance. You MUST be present to win! No exceptions.

Bloomington Parks and Recreation provides Inclusion Services to program participants with disabilities. These services are available by request. We will provide support to help you fully participate in our programs.

1. When you register, check the box that says you need support to participate.
2. We will contact you with more information.
3. We will continue to adapt our services as we get to know you.

You may need to complete medical forms before you register your child for programs.

• Asthma Form
• Diabetes Form
• Medications Form
• Severe Allergy Non-Food Form
• Food Allergy Dietary Restrictions Form
• Seizure Action Plan
• Sunscreen Form

You must submit forms if:

• Your child may need medication during the program (including overnight at Camp Kota). Examples: inhaler, medication, insulin, antibiotics, EpiPen®
• Your child has a severe allergy (not including seasonal allergies). Examples: nut allergies, latex allergies
• Your child has asthma.
• Your child has diabetes.

You can submit forms completed for the current school year in place of the medical forms above.

You must have a doctor's signature for any prescription medication. This rule applies if your child will take any prescription medication during the program (including inhalers). You will need a doctor's signature on the Medications Form before your child can participate in the program.

1. Look through the current programs offered by Bloomington Parks and Recreation.
2. Pick out some programs that look fun and developmentally appropriate.
3. Contact the staff below to set up a meeting for personal recommendations.
   • Youth Inclusion Services: Jenna Smith, 952-563-8891, jmsmith@bloomingtonmn.gov
   • Adult Adaptive Programs: Matt Colwell, 952-563-4872, mdcolwell@bloomingtonmn.gov 
4. Tell us about your goals for programs. (Examples: fun, socializing, fitness, etc.)
5. Get program details. (Examples: location, activities, staffing, etc.)
6. Decide which programs meet your goals.
7. Tell us about your support needs. 
   Suggestion: Prepare a personal description before we meet. Share your strengths, interests, support needs, medical concerns, and other important information. Make a list with names and contact information of people who know your child well (teachers, case managers, therapists, etc.) Keep copies of this information to help register again in the future.
8. Tell us your questions and concerns about receiving support during the program.
9. Register for the program. Check the box that says you may need support.
10. We'll develop an inclusion plan that meets your needs and sets you up for success!

About AR&LE

AR&LE stands for Adaptive Recreation & Learning Exchange. The cities of Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina, and Richfield offer adaptive recreation options designed for people with disabilities. Adaptive recreation staff collaborate with the Learning Exchange and the Community Education Adults with Disabilities programs provided through the school districts.

AR&LE Participant Profile

Please complete the participant profile in the link below. This form helps us meet your support needs and create a successful environment. The more information you share, the better we can support you.

• AR&LE Participant Profile

Please return the form to:
City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation
Attn: AR&LE
1800 West Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, MN 55431-3027