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. 

 Adaptive Summer Program Schedule At-a-Glance

See all of our Adaptive Summer 2025  programs online. Registration opens Friday, June 6 at 10 a.m.

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.

Access Pass

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:

Combination Pass

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
Access Pass - Program

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.

Access Pass - Facility

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

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.

What are adapative programs?

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.

Seasonal programs for persons with 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.

Walking Club Schedule - Summer 2025

Summer Walking Club schedule   |  July 8-Aug 26, 2025    |    Tuesdays from 9:00pm - 9:45am                                         

               Dates and Locations:

  • July 8 Parkinson recreation center -meet at front entrance
  • July 15 and July 22 Ben Lee Park -meet at parking lot by water park
  • July 29 and Aug 5 Mission Sports Field -meet at Kinsmen Field playhouse beside the playground
  • Aug 12 and Aug 19 Downtown Kelowna -meet at the Dolphin Statue
  • Aug 26 Parkinson Recreation Center -meet at front entrance

 Please ensure you arrive a few minutes early as the walk begins right on time.

Friday Night Dance schedule - Summer Season 2025

Spring Friday Night Dance schedule & themes   |   July - August 
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. 

  • July 25th 
  • August 15th                                                                                                                                   

Come dance the night away in a welcoming and adaptive environment.

                                                                                 

                              

Adaptive Children and Adult Programing at a glance - Summer 2025

Summer 2025 At-a-Glance Schedule

The above schedule is for the interactive Access Children and Adult Printable at a Glance Spring 2025 schedule. Click the program to register online!

 

Access Free Family Movie Night - July 18th, 2025

Access Family Movie Night – FREE Admission!

Date: Friday, July 18th |  Location: Parkinson Recreation Center (Indoors)  | Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Enjoy a great movie with family and friends at no cost! Plus, all concession items—including pop, juice, water, chips, and popcorn—will be just $1.00 each.

Don't miss out on this fun-filled evening!

Access Adventure Walk for Kids - Summer 2025

Access Adventure Walk for Kids schedule   |  July 5-Aug 23, 2025    |    Saturdays from 9:30pm - 10:30am                                         

Dates and Locations:

Mission Park Greenway - meet by the flush bathrooms

  • July 5
  • July 19
  • Aug 2
  • Aug 16

Scenic Canyon Regional Park -meet by the bathrooms 

  • July 12
  • July 26
  • Aug 9
  • Aug 23

 Please ensure you arrive a few minutes early as the walk begins right on time. Don't forget your water bottle! laugh 

Accessible transportation and parks options

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 ParkRowcliffe ParkRutland 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.