Programs for diverse abilities
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 diverse abilities, as well as discount recreation passes (the Access Pass) for people with cognitive and/or physical disabilities.
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: $154.59 for one year (January to December) or $77.30 for six months
- Registered programs for Persons with DiverseAbilities
- 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: $117.12 for one year (January to December) or $58.56 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: $117.12 for one year from the date of purchase or $58.56 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
Letter from pension provider stating name, phone number, mailing address, date of birth and disability status. Pension providers include the Federal or Provincial government, WCB, ICBC, or a private insurance company. Partial disability pensions and pension applications in process won’t be considered.
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 state the person’s name, phone number, mailing address, date of birth and disability status. Referral letters from physicians and other medical professionals won’t be accepted.
AND
The approval of the Community Recreation Coordinator.
To determine if you may qualify or to obtain an Access Pass, please call 250-469-8759.
The bulk of our adaptive programs offered each season are designed specifically for people with permanent disabilities, but are not exclusive. We use the term "diverse abilities" to be more inclusive to those seeking program adaptations to suit their personal ability and lifestyle. Anyone can participate in our adaptive programs for people with diverse abilities, even though they don’t have a permanent disability.
There are many seasonal adaptive programs to explore in Kelowna's Activity & Program Guide designed for people with diverse abilities including adaptive biking, wheelchair basketball and sledge hockey. Look for the latest guide online on the recreation programs & registration page.
The Access Pass offered at Parkinson Recreation Centre is a discount pass limited ONLY for people 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 DiverseAbilities.
Thank you to Canadian Tire Jumpstart for sponsoring summer Access programs through their Sport Relief Fund.
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.
