Houston Parks and Recreation Department provides adaptive recreation services

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department provides children and adults with disabilities with year-round access to adaptive recreation services through the Adaptive Recreation Division.

The Adaptive Recreation Division is located at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, 1475 W. Gray in. Montrose. The Metropolitan Multi-Service Center not only organizes adaptive recreational services but also partners with organizations that serve children and adults with disabilities. The center aims to provide access, experiences and opportunities to children and adults with disabilities to learn new skills and redefine abilities while participating in recreational activities.

The MMSC Fitness Center is specifically designed for adults with physical disabilities, including those who are visually impaired and blind and are able to function independently. The facility boasts wheelchair-accessible upper-body weight equipment as well as cardio machines. Although it is free, preregistration and a safety briefing are required before using the facility, and those who use the facility must be no younger than 16 years old. The Metropolitan Multi-Service Center is located at 1475 W. Gray in Montrose and is open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays. It can be reached at 713-284-1973.

The Adaptive Aquatics Program is available free to youth and adults. It provides them with initial in-water orientation followed by exercise, lap swims or water walks in the heated, indoor natatorium. Participants are required to have independent functioning mobility skills or to bring with them an adult attendant. Preregistration is required and must be completed before participants can get in the pool. HPARD staff will conduct initial safety screening in the water. Schedules vary. Contact the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center at 713-284-1973 for more information.