Adaptive Programs
We work to ensure all our residents have the ability to be active within our community. Through our Access Office, we provide adaptive recreation programs and events, for people with disabilities, as well as discount recreation passes (the Access Pass) for people with cognitive and/or physical disabilities.
Explore and Register Online - WINTER 2025 Adaptive Programs
See all winter 2025 Adaptive Programs at-a-glance. Click the program to register online.
More than 35 programs are provided each season for adults and children including assisted, adapted and wheelchair options. We also work with parents, caregivers, agencies and support workers to ensure special needs are considered in finding the right fit for each individual.
For more information on various City initiatives and policies to respond to the evolving needs of our community, see the Community for All Action Plan.
The Access Pass is a discount recreation pass for persons with a permanent cognitive or physical disability. To be eligible for an Access Pass, the individual must meet the eligibility requirements. There are three types of access passes available:
Cost: $160.84 for one year (January to December) or $80.42 for six months
- Registered programs for Persons with Disabilities
- Admission to all swim times open to the public at the Parkinson Recreation Aquatics Centre
- Access to the Parkinson Recreation Centre Fitness Centre
- 50 per cent fee discount when registering for an aquatic fitness and some land fitness programs
Cost: $121.85 for one year (January to December) or $60.92 for six months
- Access to seasonal registered adaptive programs
- 50 per cent fee discount when registering for an aquatic fitness and some land fitness programs
The Access Pass is available for people with physical or cognitive permanent disabilities.
Cost: $121.85 for one year from the date of purchase or $60.92 for six months from date of purchase.
- Admission to all swim times open to the public at the Parkinson Recreation Aquatics Centre
- Access to the Parkinson Recreation Centre and Fitness Centre
Access Pass Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an Access Pass, individuals must provide documentation confirming a permanent disability. The following types of documentation are accepted:
Proof of eligibility for the Federal Disability Tax Credit.
-OR-
A referral letter from an established agency, association, or group home whose mandate is to support persons with a permanent disability. The referral letter must include the following details:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Mailing address
- Date of birth
- Disability status
Additionally, the approval of the Community Recreation Coordinator is required prior to purchasing an access pass.
Please ensure that the appropriate documentation is sent to [email protected] or brought in person to the Parkinson Recreation Center.
To determine if you may qualify or need assistance from the Access To Recreation Department, please call 250-862-0430.
Our adaptive programs, offered each season, are designed primarily for individuals with permanent disabilities but are not exclusive. We use the term "disabilities" to be more inclusive of those seeking program adaptations that suit their personal abilities and lifestyles. Anyone can participate in our adaptive programs, regardless of whether they have a permanent disability.
Kelowna's Activity & Program Guide offers a wide range of seasonal adaptive programs for people with disabilities, including adaptive biking, wheelchair rugby, and para hockey. Be sure to check out the latest offerings on our recreation programs & registration page.
The Access Pass at Parkinson Recreation Centre provides a discount pass exclusively for individuals with physical or cognitive permanent disabilities.
We’re proud to offer a variety of adaptive programs each season including swimming, bowling, art, fitness, music and sports, plus a popular walking club, Friday night dance and holiday dinner. Check out the Activity & Program Guide for the latest programs for persons with Disabilities.
Thank you to Canadian Tire Jumpstart for sponsoring summer Access programs through their Sport Relief Fund.
See you in the Spring!
Fall Walking Club schedule | September 12 - October 10, 2024 | Thursdays from 11 - 11:45 a.m. Meeting spots for Fall Walking Club are below. Please ensure you arrive a few minutes early as the walk begins right on time.
- Sept 12th: Rail Trail - meet at Parkinson Recreation Centre, front entrance
- Sept 19: Ben Lee Park - meet at the parking lot by waterpark
- Sept 26: Downtown - meet at the Dolphins Statue
- Oct 3: Mission Greenway - meet at the washroom beside the playground
- Oct 10: Downtown - Meet at the Dolphins Statue
Winter Friday Night Dance schedule & themes | January 17- March 7, 2025
Dances run from 7:00pm - 9:00pm. Entry is $5 and includes chips and a drink - Drop In (no registration required). For ages 16 and up.
- January 17 - GLOW Dance
- January 24
- January 31 - Snowball Dance - wear white
- February 14 - Valentines Dance - wear red or pink
- February 21
- February 28
- March 7 - Spring Fling - Wear Neon
Come dance the night away in a welcoming and adaptive environment.
Winter 2025 Adaptive Programs at-a-glance
The above schedule is for the interactive Access Children and Adult Printable at a Glance Fall 2024 schedule. Click the program to register online!
No need to miss out on the fun due to a lack of wheels! HandyDart offers door-to-door pickup and drop-off for people in wheelchairs.
Kelowna also has a number of accessible and inclusive playgrounds for children and youth with disabilities including Ben Lee Park, Rowcliffe Park, Rutland Centennial Park and the playground at Parkinson Recreation Centre.
We also have a great network of walking, hiking and cycling trails in Kelowna. Check out Active by Nature for various levels of accessible pathways.
