Adaptive Recreation

Adaptive Recreation Events

The Metroparks are committed to removing barriers, creating access, improving access and increasing recreation opportunities for all.  As we look to the future, we will develop, update and improve facilities to meet or exceed ADA requirements. And we’ll look for ways to remove barriers to access so that individuals of all abilities have equitable access to Metroparks facilities, programs, services and activities.

This summer we are also working with partners to bring adaptive recreation programs to the Metroparks.

Adaptive Sports Clinic: Beach Wheelchair Demo Day - June 25

The Metroparks are excited to announce its arrival of beach and floating wheelchairs! Thanks to grant funding by NEEF, each Metropark’s beach location now has two types of beach wheelchairs available: a fixed frame (sand only) and a floating wheelchair, so everyone can enjoy the beach this summer. In partnership with RIM Foundation-SportsAbility, we invite you to join us to come out to Lake St. Clair Metropark to try out the new beach wheelchairs. Participants will have the opportunity to try our equipment and learn basic skills in a supportive and safe environment – drop in style.

Pre-registration is not required. For questions, please email Katie at katie.kowalski@metroparks.com.

Ages: 6 and up.
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Cost: Free! A Metroparks daily or annual vehicle pass is required to enter any Metropark.
Location: Lake St. Clair Metropark, Concession

DiversAbility Day: Lake St. Clair - August 1

In collaboration with Disability Network of Eastern Michigan and the Michigan Adaptive Recreation Coalition, join us for DiversAbility Day, an outdoor adaptive recreation event! EVERYONE can play outdoors, regardless of their physical abilities. This event is designed for individuals with disabilities to enjoy a variety of adaptive recreational activities including track chairs, archery, yard games, fishing, and more! Join us anytime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to participate in the games and enjoy some food.

There will be sports wheelchairs available for use if the participant does not have their own. Adult and adolescent sizes of chairs available (limited quantity).

Lunch will be provided to registered participants (hot dog, chips, cookie, water).

To register and learn more, please visit: https://forms.gle/uAKi98SwK5GyiyKe8

Ages: 6 and up.
Time: 11 a.m. – 2p.m.
Cost: Free! A daily or annual Metroparks vehicle pass is required to enter any Metropark.
Location: Lake St. Clair Metropark, Par 3 Shelter

Adaptive Kayak Clinic: Stony Creek - August 7

Join us for an adaptive paddle clinic! Held in collaboration with Disability Network of Eastern Michigan, Oakland County Parks, and the Michigan Adaptive Recreation Coalition adaptive kayak sessions are available for adults, children, and families, with disabilities. During each two-hour clinic, participants will learn skills like how to enter and exit a kayak, paddling strokes, paddling safety and what to do in case of an overturned kayak in a supportive and safe environment based on their skill level and ability.

Adaptive kayaking equipment will be provided. Participants must be able to breathe independently and hold head upright.

Choose your preferred timeslot during registration (9 a.m., 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m.). Click here to register through the Disability Network website. You will need to complete the 2024 DNEM Adaptive Kayak Registration form. Please complete the form in its entirety and submit. You will receive a confirmation email from Disability Network with your event details.

Ages: 8 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Time: Multiple Timeslots Between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: Free! A Metroparks daily or annual vehicle pass is required to enter any Metropark.
Location: Stony Creek Metropark, Boat launch

Adaptive Sports Clinic: Lower Huron - August 15

Join us for an adaptive softball and handcycle clinic! In partnership with RIM Foundation-SportsAbility, adults, children, and families with disabilities are invited to come out to Lower Huron Metropark to learn the basics of adaptive softball and handcycling. Participants will have the opportunity to try our equipment and learn basic skills in a supportive and safe environment.

Adaptive handcycles and softball equipment will be provided. Clinics will be held at three times 11 a.m., noon, and 1 p.m. Each clinic will last about an hour.

To register, please contact Myreo Dixon at myreo@rimfoundation.org.

Ages: 6 and up.
Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cost: Free! A Metroparks daily or annual vehicle pass is required to enter any Metropark.
Location: Lower Huron Metropark, Woods Creek

Adaptive Kayak Clinic: Kensington - August 17

Join us for an adaptive paddle clinic! In partnership with University of Michigan Adaptive & Inclusive Sports Experience (UMAISE), adaptive kayak sessions are available for adults, children, and families with disabilities. Participants will learn skills like how to enter and exit a kayak, paddling strokes, paddling safety and what to do in case of an overturned kayak in a supportive and safe environment based on their skill level and ability.

Adaptive kayaking equipment will be provided. Participants must be able to breathe independently and hold head upright.

Participants will choose their preferred time slot during registration (9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m.).

Click here to register through UMAISE website. Registration will open in May. Under Adaptative Kayaking you will see a list of available programs. The one for Kensington Metropark is listed as, Still Water in Milford: Saturday August 17 (Kensington Metropark). Click on the blue and gold “Registration” button on the page. As you complete the form, additional questions will populate to gain all needed information. After you complete and submit the UMAISE Event Registration form, you will be added to the event list. You will be contacted by a UMAISE representative to review the registration and confirm your spot for the event.

For questions, please email PMR-UMAISETR@UMICH.EDU.

Ages: 6 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Time: Multiple timeslots between 9:30 a.m– 12:30 p.m.
Cost: Free! A Metroparks daily or annual vehicle pass is required to enter any Metropark.
Location: Kensington Metropark, West Boat Launch

Adaptive Sports Clinic: Hudson Mills - September 9

Join us for an adaptive handcycle clinic! In partnership with University of Michigan Adaptive & Inclusive Sports Experience (UMAISE), adults, children, and families with disabilities are invited to come out to Hudson Mills Metropark to learn the basics of adaptive handcycling and go for a bike ride on the hike/bike path. Participants will have the opportunity to try our equipment and learn basic skills in a supportive and safe environment.

Adaptive handcycles equipment will be provided for use.

Participants will choose their preferred time slot during registration (4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m.). Click here to register through the UMAISE website. Registration will open in May. Click on the blue and gold “Registration” button on the page. As you complete the form, additional questions will populate to gain all needed information. After you complete and submit the UMAISE Event Registration form, you will be added to the event list. You will be contacted by a UMAISE representative to review the registration and confirm your spot for the event.

For questions, please email PMR-UMAISETR@UMICH.EDU.

Ages: 6 and up.
Time: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Cost: Free! A Metroparks daily or annual vehicle pass is required to enter any Metropark.
Location: Hudson Mills Metropark, Rapids View

Adaptive Sports Clinic: Lower Huron - September 19

Adaptive handcycles and softball equipment will be provided. Clinics will be held at three times 11 a.m., noon, and 1 p.m. Each clinic will last about an hour.

To register, please contact Myreo Dixon at myreo@rimfoundation.org.

Ages: 6 and up.
Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cost: Free! A Metroparks daily or annual vehicle pass is required to enter any Metropark.
Location: Lower Huron Metropark, Woods Creek

Adaptive Recreation Presenting Sponsor

MiABLE is a savings program that helps people with disabilities save without the risk of losing government benefits. With a tax-advantaged MiABLE account, you can choose to invest for the future or pay for daily expenses that support your health, independence and quality of life. Visit MiABLE.org to learn more.

Find Other Accessible Amenities & Equipment Across the Parks

Many facilities within the Metroparks are already accessible and can provide an enjoyable experience for visitors of varying abilities. As you plan your visit, please explore the accessibility section of each Metropark park page and each Interpretive Center page to learn more about accessibility, feature and amenities, including accessible golf carts, handcycle, canoe/kayak launches and adaptive paddling equipment.

On the website, you can click on the accessibility icon to open a plug-in that provides accessibility adjustments for your screen. The icon can be found in the lower left of each page of the website.

Explore Accessible Amenities & Equipment

How to Request an Accommodation

There may be times when our facilities or programs might not meet your needs and you would like to request an accommodation. If you need a specific accommodation, we ask for a two-week lead time before your visit so we can best address your needs. If your request is received less than two weeks ahead, all efforts will be made to fulfill the request, but it is not guaranteed. Barriers will be addressed on a case-by-case basis for solutions offered to individuals with cognitive disabilities.

Make An Accommodation Request