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. 

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: $154.59 for one year (January to December) or $77.30 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: $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.

Access Pass - Facility

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
Access Pass - eligibility requirements

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.

What are adapative programs?

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 "disabilities" 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 disabilities, 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 disabilities 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.  

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 - Winter 2024

Winter Walking Club schedule | January 11 - March 14, 2024
Meeting spots for winter Walking Club are below. Please ensure you arrive a few minutes early as the walk begins right on time.

  • January 11: Meet at Parkinson Recreation Centre, front entrance.
  • January 18: Meet at Parkinson Recreation Centre, front entrance.
  • January 25: Ben Lee Park, parking lot by the waterpark.
  • February 1: Ben Lee Park, parking lot by the waterpark.
  • February 8: Ben Lee Park, parking lot by the waterpark.
  • February 15: Dolphins public fountain, north end of Water Street, near Waterfront Park.
  • February 22: Dolphins public fountain, north end of Water Street, near Waterfront Park.
  • February 29: Dolphins public fountain, north end of Water Street, near Waterfront Park.
  • March 7: Mission Creek, ECCO Centre.
  • March 14: Mission Creek, ECCO Centre.
Friday Night Dance schedule - Winter and Spring Season

Winter Friday Night Dance schedule & themes | January 12 - March 15, 2024
Dances run from 7:00pm-9:00pm. Entry is $5 and includes chips and a drink. For ages 16 and up.

  • March 1: Spring Fling - Hawaiian style
  • March 8: No theme
  • March 15: Super Hero Dance - wear your favourite logo, cape or be yourself

Spring Friday Night Dance schedule & themes/ April 12 - June 7, 2024                                                                                                                              Dances run from 7:00pm-9:00pm. Entry is $5 and includes chips and a drink.  For ages 16 and up.

  • April 12: Yard Games Inside                                                                                                                                                                                                           ALL AGES 5:00pm - 7:00pm register (30152)
  • April 19: Dance
  • April 26: Dance
  • May 3: Glow dance
  • May 31: Dance
  • June 7: Hello Summer wear sandals and shorts
Adventure Walks schedule

No Adventure Walks this season. Check back for updates.

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.