Adaptive programming and inclusion services

Bloomington Parks and Recreation Inclusion Services are provided to program participants with disabilities who request some kind of support that will allow them to fully participate the programs offered by the Parks and Recreation Division.

1. When registering for a program, check the box on the registration form that indicates you or your child may need support while participating in the program. These registrations will be passed along to the Youth and Family Recreation Supervisor and someone from our division will contact you for more information.
2. The benefits to this process become much more efficient as we get to know you or your child.

You may need to complete certain medical forms before your child is able to participate within our Parks and Recreation programs, regardless if they need inclusion support or not.

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

Forms may be needed if any of the following are true:

• Your child may need to be administered any medication during programming (including overnight programming with Camp Kota). Examples: inhaler, medication, insulin, antibiotics, EpiPen®.
• Your child has a severe allergy, food or non-food, and could encounter a reaction. Example: nut allergies. (No form is required for seasonal allergies.)
• Your child might need a medicine to combat an allergic reaction. Examples: Benedryl, EpiPen®.
• Your child has asthma and will be carrying an inhaler.
• Your child is diabetic.

Forms that were completed for your child’s current school year may also be submitted in place of the above medical forms.

Any prescription medication will require a physician's signature. If you child will be taking any prescription medication during the program (including inhalers), you will need a physician's signature on the medication form before your child can participate within the program.

1. Review the current program offerings from Bloomington Parks and Recreation.
2. Pick out some programs that look like fun and are appropriate for your child.
3. If you'd like to receive personal recommendations, you can set up a meeting with us (in person or telephone) by calling 952-563-8877 or email jmsmith@bloomingtonmn.gov
4. During that meeting, tell us your goals for participation or those of your child (for example: fun, socialization, physical fitness, learning new skills, meeting a friend)
5. Together we will determine if the goals match with the programs offered.
6. Get the program details from us
7. • When do the programs meet?
   • What will they do in the program?
   • What is the staffing level?
8. Present your needs or those of your child.
   Suggestion: Prepare a personal description before coming to meet with us. State your strengths, interests, areas where you may need support, medical concerns and other important information. Then make a list of people who know your child and their contact information (teachers, case managers, therapists, other recreation professionals, etc.). Keep a copy of this for yourself so the next time you want to register for a program, just update the details.
9. Ask how your concerns will be addressed and how your child will be supported in the program.
10. Register your child for the programs. On the registration form, check the box that indicates your child may need some support while participating in the program.
11. From here we will continue to gather information about your child and develop an inclusion plan that meets his or her needs and sets up everyone for success!

To fulfill the needs of the participant and create a successful environment, we are asking for the following participant profile to be completed (see link below). The more information you share with us, the better we will be able to support the participant. 

• Participant Profile

Please return the participant profile to:
City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation
Attention: Inclusion Services
1800 W. Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, MN 55431-3027

• Support staff, parents, and guardians wishing to receive updates on AR&LE programming are encouraged request to be added to the AR&LE database for email communications.  To do so, email your first and last name and phone number to parksrec@BloomingtonMN.gov requesting to receive AR&LE email communications.  If requesting to receive emails please adjust your spam settings to ensure you receive emails from parksrec@bloomingtonMN.gov.

AR&LE adaptive recreation programs

The cities of Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina and Richfield offer specialized recreation programs and services specifically designed for people with disabilities. Adaptive Recreation works cooperatively with the Learning Exchange and the Community Education Adults with Disabilities programs in the school districts of the four cities.

• Participant Profile

Please return the participant profile to:
City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation
Attention: AR&LE
1800 W. Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, MN 55431-3027

• Support staff, parents, and guardians wishing to receive updates on AR&LE programming are encouraged request to be added to the AR&LE database for email communications.  To do so, email your first and last name and phone number to parksrec@BloomingtonMN.gov requesting to receive AR&LE email communications.  If requesting to receive emails please adjust your spam settings to ensure you receive emails from parksrec@bloomingtonMN.gov.

Want to play some softball? Do you have experience playing on a team? Then this program is for you. This program is designed for men and women who want to play competitively. Teams will be developed after the player skill evaluations are completed the first night.

Season highlights may include special events such as playing under the lights (program times may vary for this event), end of the season picnic, team pictures and more!

Staff to participant ratio is 1:20.

• Who: Ages 19+
• When: Tuesdays, June 13 - August 8, 2023, 6:30 to 8:15 p.m.
• Where: Tarnhill Park, 9650 Little Road, Bloomington
• Cost: $70. Includes team shirt. Please indicate shirt size on registration form.
• "Under the Lights" Game:  At the conclusion of the season, there is a special game scheduled at Red Haddox Field on August 8, 7:30 - 9 p.m. 
• Register by: May 31, 2023 or until filled
• TRAIL is available. TRAIL riders must request TRAIL on the registration form!
• To Register ONLINE, click here! Online registration is available 24 hours a day! Click on the link for more information.

Weather/Cancellations

In the event of inclement weather, the following procedures will take place:

• The Adaptive Softball Coordinator will determine if the games are to be played on that evening and update the weather line by 4 p.m.
• The decision will be recorded on the weather line at 952-563-8878 option 5.
• If inclement weather occurs after 4 p.m. staff will update the weather line as timely as possible but games could also be called at the fields.

Join us for a fun summer of softball with your friends from AR&LE. This program is designed for men and women who want to play for fun - no experience is necessary. Teams will be developed after the player skill evaluations are completed the first night.

Season highlights may include special events such as playing under the lights (program times may vary for this event), end of the season picnic, team pictures, and more!

Staff to participant ratio is 1:20.

• Who: Ages 19+
• When: Tuesdays, June 13 - August 1, 2023, 6:30 to 8:15 p.m.
• Where: Tarnhill Park, 9650 Little Road, Bloomington
• Cost: $70. Includes team shirt. Please indicate shirt size on registration form.
• "Under the Lights" Game:  At the conclusion of the season, there is a special game scheduled at Red Haddox Field on August1, 7:30 - 9 p.m.
• Register by: May 31, 2023 or until filled
• To Register ONLINE, click here! Online registration is available 24 hours a day! Click on the link for more information.

Weather/Cancellations

In the event of inclement weather, the following procedures will take place:

• The Adaptive Softball Coordinator will determine if the games are to be played on that evening and update the weather line by 4 p.m.
• The decision will be recorded on the weather line at 952-563-8878 option 5.
• If inclement weather occurs after 4 p.m. staff will update the weather line as timely as possible but games could also be called at the fields.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Halloween Dance

• Date: Friday, October 20, 2023
• Time: 7 - 9 p.m. 
• Location: Creekside Community Center, 9801 Penn Avenue South
• Cost: $6 at the door. Includes one complimentary drink ticket.
• For more details, view the Halloween Dance event page.

Fall Harvest Dance

• Date: Friday, November 17, 2023
• Time: 7 - 9 p.m. 
• Location: Creekside Community Center, 9801 Penn Avenue South
• Cost: $6 at the door. Includes one complimentary drink ticket.  
• For more details, view the Fall Harvest Dance event page.

Flannel Ball

• Date: Friday, December 8, 2023
• Time: 7 - 9 p.m. 
• Location: Creekside Community Center, 9801 Penn Avenue South
• Cost: $6 at the door. Includes one complimentary drink ticket.
• ​For more details, view the Flannel Ball event page.

Want to pre-register for dances and TRAIL? Now you can!

• To Register ONLINE, click here! Online registration is available 24 hours a day until one day prior to the dance date. Click on the link for more information.

Other Important Information

1. Doors open at 6:50 p.m. Anyone arriving prior to this time will not be permitted to enter the dance location.
2. Dances end at 9:00 p.m. Dance staff cannot be responsible for participants waiting for transportation.
3. Participants must arrange for their own transportation.
4. Individuals requiring support during the dances (for personal care needs, assistance dancing or any other needs) must bring their own support person who will actively provide the needed supports. Support people will be admitted to the dances free of charge.
5. Beverages will be served to participants during the dance. Dance staff are not responsible for diet restrictions or food allergies for participants. Dance staff are not responsible for monitoring the amount or type of refreshments consumed by participants. If an individual needs assistance to monitor this, a support person is required to attend.
6. Individuals participating in the dance must remain in the designated area.
7. All locations are smoke free during the "Dance Your Socks Off" dances.
8. Individuals are encouraged not to consume alcoholic beverages before the dances. No alcohol will be served or allowed at the "Dance Your Socks Off" dances.
9. Participants may dress up to match the particular theme for the dance. Anyone wearing an outfit that is questionable or offensive (at the discretion of the dance staff) may be asked to leave.
10. Door prizes will be handed out toward the end of the dance. Participants MUST be present to win! No exceptions.