To preserve, protect, maintain and enhance the city's parklands and recreational facilities and engage people in leisure activities that contribute to their quality of life.
Azalea Recreation Center
1600 72nd Street North
• St. Petersburg, FL
727-893-7899
• recreationcontact@stpete.org
Education and recreation services help people with illnesses, disabilities and other conditions to develop and use their leisure in ways that will enhance their health, functional abilities, independence and quality of life. The Therapeutic Recreation Office coordinates programs at various St. Petersburg locations and are supervised by Nationally Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS).
Adapted Sailing and Kayaking Clinic
Beach Wheelchair Rental
St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation provides accessible programming and reasonable accommodations for people of all abilities. Participation in classes at your neighborhood recreation center is encouraged. Assistance is available for individuals interested in participating in classes offered at any St. Petersburg recreation center.
Provides the opportunity for fine motor skill development and offers the participant the opportunity for social interaction with peers while working on a simple, weekly craft project.
Offers the participant the opportunity to learn about all aspects of putting on a theatrical production: acting, singing, auditioning, rehearsals, costumes, make-up, sets, and publicity! Class culminates in a fantastic theatrical production presented to family and friends. No experience necessary. Let the STAR in you shine!
Focuses on the participant acquiring the basic knowledge required for the development of independent cooking skills. The class theme varies and may include the preparation of appetizers, main and side dishes, desserts, holiday treats and using the B-B-Q grill. Discussion of nutritional information is included.
Activities vary with the interests of the group. The class focuses on fine motor skill development and socializing with peers while working toward completion of a simple beading project.
Provides the opportunity for self-expression and peer group interaction. Let your inner entertainer loose.
Team sports develop gross motor skills, coordination and enhances physical fitness through participation in team sports such as basketball, kickball and floor hockey. Social skills development is encouraged by staff through the participant's appropriate interaction with their peers.
Shuffleboard is a low impact activity that enhances large motor skills and blends in cognitive skills growth through strategy development and appropriate competition. Offered in the fun, social setting of the St. Pete Shuffleboard Club.
Bowling League provides an opportunity for motor skill development and enhancement of social skills in a fun community setting. An end of the season awards party is included.
Provides an opportunity for participants to learn the rules and social interaction involved in playing games. Board and Wii games will be featured. Leisure trip information is announced on a postcard mailed monthly. Call 727-892-5196 to be placed on the mailing list. Two groups are offered, based on the age of the participant:
Dances provide a safe, fun and social environment for individuals with disabilities for age 13 and up. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. the 1st and 3rd Fridays monthly, September through May. Group home staff and paid companions are required to be within eye contact of their client at all times and to maintain a maximum of a 1 to 4 ratio. Recreation Center staff are not directly responsible for close supervision of participants. Adequate and appropriate supervision is a shared responsibility.
Family Picnic Saturday, May 19, 2012 - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join us for a fun afternoon and fundraiser for the Tyler Schweinle Scholarship Fund for Camp Redbird. We provide grilled meat. Bring a sidedish to share. $3 per person to cover costs. Additional donations fund the scholarship fund. R.S.V.P. 727-893-7899.

Therapeutic Recreation's Camp Redbird summer playcamp consists of three separate programs for youth, teen and adult participants. Reasonable accommodations are assessed and made on an individual and case by case basis.
For ages 6-12 years old, 1 staff member per 5 campers. The program provides a typical summer play camp opportunity. Therapeutic recreation and leisure activities are planned to foster each individual's motor, cognitive and social skills development. Activities include active and passive games, arts & crafts, swimming, weekly field trips and more!
For participants ages 13-17 years old, one staff member per five campers. Programming for our teen camp includes activities with participants from other teen camps, community service and typical summer camp ventures!
Ages 18 and above, 1 staff member per 5 campers. For the adult who still enjoys a summer recreational program. This group focuses on peer interaction, leisure education and developing an awareness of community recreation opportunities. Participant directed activity planning is emphasized.
Balloon Volleyball League features competitive games and social opportunities for residents of nursing homes and ACLFs. Residents hone their skills in balance, range of motion, visual tracking and more!
Adaptive Kayaking Clinics provide equipment specially designed for people with spinal cord injuries and other mobility impairments. Clinics include basic education, skill development and fun out on the water. All ages and abilities are welcome. Family and friends are welcome to join in the fun!
Adapted Sailing and Kayaking Clinic
Adaptive Fitness Expo is a free community event hosted in coordination with the Disability Awareness Center. The purpose of the event is to promote health and fitness for people with physical disabilities. The Expo includes exhibits showcasing adapted sports, specialized equipment, and booths hosted by local related service providers. Additionally, the event features hands-on demonstrations, water-based recreation and much more. Open to people of all ages and abilities.
Sail Clinic with the St. Petersburg Sailing Center. Join us for another great day of water-based activities at this beautiful downtown location. From the classrooms to the docks adaptive equipment and trained instruction are provided for the person seeking recreational or competitive sailing opportunities. Family and friends are welcome to join in the fun!

U CAN SKI 2: Water Ski Clinic for People with Physical Disabilities We are joining up with the U Can Ski 2 team to offer this unique opportunity. The U Can Ski 2 staff and volunteers will offer a day of instruction and skiing for people with mobility impairments. Whether you are a person who uses a wheelchair, has impaired vision or poor motor coordination due to CP or another disability, this group will have adaptive equipment to meet your needs and get you out on the water.
Hand Crank Bikes
Bikes that pedal by hand are available for rental use. The bikes may be checked out and kept for several days for a $1/day rental fee. Call 727-893-7899
Beach Wheelchairs
Chairs are available for use at St. Petersburg's Treasure Island Municipal Beach and at North Shore Aquatic Complex. Arrange for use at other locations through the Therapeutic Recreation office.
This field placement experience is designed for the college or university student majoring in therapeutic recreation who is seeking practical experience in the development and implementation of therapeutic recreation services in a municipal, community based recreation setting. Internships are supervised by Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists and may qualify for certification eligibility through the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification.
