Therapeutic Recreation

About Us:

Therapeutic Recreation uses education and recreation services to help people with illnesses, disabilities and other conditions to develop and use their leisure in ways that will enhance their health, functional abilities, independence and quality of life. The Therapeutic Recreation Office coordinates programs at various St. Petersburg locations.

Through our programs we strive to: 
 provide education on the constructive use of leisure;
 reduce boredom
 alleviate stress and anxiety;
 introduce new recreation and cultural opportunities;
 develop self esteem through recreation participation;
 provide emotional and social support to participants;
 adapt activities, as necessary, to ensure the success of the participant.

Therapeutic Recreation Office Location:
Azalea Recreation Center 
1600 72nd Street North
St. Petersburg, FL 33713    (727) 893-7899
Contact Information:  recreationcontact@stpete.org

St. Petersburg Recreation provides accessible programming and reasonable accommodations for people of all abilities. Participation in classes at your neighborhood recreation center is encouraged. Assistance is available for individuals interested in participating in classes offered at any St. Petersburg recreation center.

ARTS & CRAFTS 
Provides the opportunity for fine motor skill development and offers the participant the opportunity for social interaction with peers.

THEATER ARTS
Offers the participant the opportunity to learn about all aspects of putting on a theatrical production: acting, singing, auditioning, rehearsals, costumes, make-up, sets, and publicity!  Class culminates in a fantastic theatrical production presented to family and friends. No experience necessary. Let the STAR in you shine!

COOKING
Focuses on the participant acquiring the basic knowledge required for the development of independent cooking skills. The class theme varies and may include the preparation of appetizers, main and side dishes, desserts, holiday treats and using the B-B-Q grill.  Discussion of nutritional information is included. Pre registration is required.

BEADWORK 
Activities vary with the interests of the group. The class focuses on fine motor skill development and socializing with peers.

KARAOKE
Provides the opportunity for self-expression and peer group interaction. Let your inner entertainer loose!

TEAM SPORTS develops gross motor skills, coordination and enhances physical fitness through participation in team sports such as basketball, kickball and floor hockey.  Social skills development is encouraged by staff through the participant's appropriate interaction with their peers.

SHUFFLEBOARD is a low impact activity that enhances large motor skills and blends in cognitive skills growth through strategy development and appropriate competition. Offered  in the fun, social setting of the St. Pete Shuffleboard Club.

BOWLING LEAGUE provides an opportunity for motor skill development and enhancement of social skills in a fun community setting. An end of the season awards party is included.

AEROBICS low impact exercise class. Enhance your coordination and with fitness and aerobics.

Social Groups and Opportunities 

Leisure trip information is announced on a postcard mailed monthly.  Call (727) 892-5196 to be placed on the mailing list.  Two groups are offered, based on the age of the participant:

TRekkers targets middle and high school aged teens.  Leisure and adventure activities encourage social and recreation skills development.

OUT ON THE TOWN is a recreational and social group for adults.   Knowledge of the community is developed and appropriate age group interaction is supported.

GLADDEN PARK DANCES
Danes provide a safe, fun and social environment for individuals with disabilities for age 13 and up. 
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. the first and 3rd Friday monthly, September through May
Cost $3
Group home staff and paid companions are required to be within eye contact of their client at all times to maintain a maximum of a 1 to 4 ratio. Recreation Center staff are not directly responsible for close supervision of participants. Adequate and appropriate supervision is a shared responsibility. 

CAMP REDBIRD REUNION AND THERAPEUTIC RECREATION FAMILY PICNIC
Saturday, May 21 - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Azalea Recreation Center, 1600 72nd Street North, St. Petersburg
Join us for a fun afternoon and fundraiser for the Tyler Schweinle Scholarship Fun for Camp Redbird. We provide grilled meat. Bring a dish to share.
 $3 or more donation per person requested to cover costs and add funding for the scholarship fund. 
R.S.V.P. 727-893-7899

Special Events

BALLOON VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE features competitive games and social opportunities for residents of nursing homes and ACLFs. Residents hone their skills in balance, range of motion, visual tracking and more!

ADAPTIVE KAYAKING CLINICS provide equipment specially designed for people with spinal cord injuries and other mobility impairments. Clinics include basic education, skill development and fun out on the water. All ages and abilities are welcome.

ADAPTIVE FITNESS EXPO is a free community event hosted in coordination with the Caring & Sharing Center for Independent Living (CASCIL). The purpose of the event is to promote health and fitness for people with physical disabilities. The Expo includes exhibits showcasing adapted sports, specialized equipment, and booths hosted by local related service providers. Additionally, the event features hands-on demonstrations, water-based recreation and much more. Open to people of all ages and abilities.

SAIL CLINIC with the St. Petersburg Sailing Center.   Join us for another great day of water-based activities at this beautiful downtown location.  From the classrooms to the docks adaptive equipment and trained instruction are provided for the person seeking recreational or competitive sailing opportunities.   Pre Registration is REQUIRED.

U CAN SKI 2: WATER SKI CLINIC FOR PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES  We are joining up with the U Can Ski 2 team to offer this unique opportunity. The U Can Ski 2 staff and volunteers will offer a day of instruction and skiing for people with mobility impairments. Whether you are a person who uses a wheelchair, has impaired vision or poor motor coordination due to CP or another disability, this group will have adaptive equipment to meet your needs and get you out on the water. There is no fee for this program. U Can Ski 2 stipulates that participants must not have a brittle bone or a seizure disorder. Participants must weigh less than 200 lbs. 
Pre Registration is required.

Camp Redbird

Therapeutic Recreation's CAMP REDBIRD summer playcamp consists of three separate programs for youth, teen and adult participants. Reasonable accommodations are assessed and made on an individual and case by case basis.

MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Ability to follow basic instructions;
Ability to function in a group structure;
Capability of participation in group activities;
Independent bathroom skills;
Assessment for camp readiness and acceptance into program by therapeutic recreation staff.

JUNIOR PROGRAM
For ages 6-12 years old, 1 staff member per 5 campers. The program provides a typical summer play camp opportunity. Therapeutic recreation and leisure activities are planned to foster each individual's motor, cognitive and social skills development. Activities include active and passive games, arts & crafts, swimming, weekly field trips and more!

TEEN CAMP AT CAMP REDBIRD
For participants ages 13-17 years old, One staff member per five campers. Programming for our teen camp includes activities with participants from other teen camps, community service and  typical summer camp ventures!

EXPERIENCED CAMPER PROGRAM (ECP)
Ages 18 and above, 1 staff member per 5 campers. For the adult who still enjoys a summer recreational program. This group focuses on peer interaction, leisure education and developing an awareness of community recreation opportunities. Participant directed activity planning is emphasized.

Rentals

HANDCRANK BIKES
Bikes that pedal by hand are available for rental use. The bikes may be checked out and kept for several days for a $1/day rental fee.

BEACH WHEELCHAIRS
Chairs are available for use at St. Petersburg's Treasure Island Municipal Beach and at North Shore Aquatic Complex. Arrange for use at other locations through the Therapeutic Recreation office.

This field placement experience is designed for the college or university student majoring in therapeutic recreation who is seeking practical experience in the development and implementation of therapeutic recreation services in a municipal, community based recreation setting.

The Therapeutic Recreation field placement experience requires a student's commitment to a minimum of a consecutive twelve week period to include at least 480 clock hours. The full time practicum will be sequenced in the student's curriculum to occur after successful completion of academic course work required by his or her college or university.

The practicum may be completed late in the junior year but it is preferred that the student be in their senior year of study. The practicum should be initiated only after the student has acquired the necessary competencies in therapeutic recreation theory, knowledge, techniques and skills that his or her college or university requires.

The full time practicum is supervised by a qualified academic field placement supervisor and a qualified site supervisor.  A qualified academic field placement supervisor is a faculty member from the student's college or university who is certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.  A qualified site supervisor is an employee of Leisure and Community Services, is certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification and has at least two years of paid experience in providing therapeutic recreation services.