Explore Inclusive Recreation Opportunities This Fall

Do you have a child, family member or friend that would benefit from our adapted programs? Prince William County Parks and Recreation is proud to offer programs for individuals with disabilities, both youths and adults, and is committed to creating a community of choice for all residents with equal access to programs, classes, camps and activities.

Our adapted programs are specifically designed to meet the needs of children and adults with disabilities. These programs are run by qualified instructors to include Special Education Teachers, Behavior Therapists, and Recreation Therapists, who have experience working with people of all abilities. All programs are inclusive and open to everyone. 

Gather and Create 
Join us at Birchdale Recreation Center for a night filled with friendship and fun on November 18 (6-7 pm) as we create wreaths in celebration of the season of giving. Each participant will leave with their own unique wreath. This class is specifically designed for people with disabilities. For questions, please contact Demi Rivera, Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator, [email protected]. Learn more and register here.

Holiday Cookie Decorating 
On December 16 (6-7 pm) we have a sweet night of holiday fun planned as we decorate festive cookies at Birchdale. Kids (and adults!) can explore creativity with colorful icing, sprinkles, and decorations, turning simple cookies into edible art. Warm up with a cozy cup of hot cocoa while creating holiday cookie art. Expect to get a little messy in the name of holiday cheer! Many food allergies can be accommodated; please provide advance notice. Please contact Demi Rivera, Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator, [email protected]. Register today to join the holiday fun!

Winter Camp in Box 
Want to give your child a fun, exciting camp experience from the comfort and convenience of your home? Camp in a Box comes packed with fun activities, supplies, and instructions to keep your child entertained for a few hours each day. Boxes come with enough materials for two children ($26) or four children ($42), and the instructions include physical and cognitive modifications for each activity.
Boxes must be purchased online and will be available on December 18th.
For questions/concerns, please contact Veronica Laughman at [email protected] or 703-792-8066. Purchase a box today.

If you’re looking for other activities to do with your child, we encourage you to check out the unique and inclusive Sona Interactive dance and play arch located in the courtyard next to Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center. It is one of only 50 in the United States and the first and only Sona arch in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. 

The 13-foot-tall arch with a play area under it offers an inclusive, movement-based play experience powered by sound and motion-camera technology, featuring interactive games and data-driven insights that encourage physical activity and intergenerational play. Sona is designed with universal access in mind. Because interaction happens through movement and sound rather than screens, users with mobility devices, sensory differences, or varying cognitive abilities can play alongside friends and family. The arch emphasizes shared experiences rather than competition, making it welcoming and intuitive for first-time users. With the Sona arch, there are no barriers to entry, so even users in wheelchairs can move directly into the play space without any transition points.

Harbor Drive Wellness Park is another great option for a fun afternoon at the park. Located off Minnieville Road in Lake Ridge, Harbor Drive Wellness Park is the first dedicated wellness park in the county's Occoquan District and provides residents with universal fitness equipment accessible to people of all ages and physical abilities. Situated on 2.5 beautiful acres, the Harbor Drive Wellness Park features a playground with accessible elements, meadows, a pollinator garden and a looped walking trail. 

Last month we celebrated the completion of our newest playground located at Hellwig Memorial Park. The months-long collaboration between Prince William Parks & Recreation, Amazon, and KABOOM! brought more than 200 volunteers together to build a play space where children of all abilities can play, connect, and experience the joy of childhood. (*Please note the playground is temporarily closed for safety while the final surface is being installed.)

The kid-designed, community-built inclusive playground is conveniently located right next to the Dr. Richard Tami Miracle Field at Hellwig, complementing an existing community resource where dozens of children and young adults with disabilities participate in Miracle League baseball each year. With accessible play features, the new space will extend opportunities for recreation beyond the baseball field, welcoming children of varying abilities and their families.