Therapeutic Recreation

The City of Suffolk Parks & Recreation Department is proud to serve the citizens of Suffolk with disabilities. Our certified staff are dedicated to maintaining an atmosphere that empowers participants to enjoy life and reach their goals every day. Recreational therapists work with participants with disabilities to restore physical, cognitive, social, and emotional functioning, build confidence, develop coping skills, and integrate skills learned in treatment settings into everyday life. Intervention areas vary widely and are based upon client interests, such as aquatics, arts & crafts, animal therapy, camps, outdoor adventure, adapted sports, music therapy, special events, and so much more!

What is Therapeutic Recreation?

Therapeutic Recreation, also known as Recreational Therapy, uses recreation and leisure activities to help people with disabilities improve their skills, abilities, overall health, and well-being.

Recreational Therapy provides inclusive recreational opportunities and goal oriented treatment for individuals with disabilities to improve their health and overall quality of life through the process of thoughtful and careful intervention so they may overcome barriers, learn, adapt and grow.

What do Recreational Therapists do?

Recreation Therapy services are provided by Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS), also referred to as Recreation Therapists. The CTRS is the qualified provider whom works with the participant and their family to incorporate specific interests and needs into therapy based interventions to achieve optimal outcomes that transfer to their real life situation. The Recreation Therapist has a unique perspective regarding the social, cognitive, physical, and leisure needs of the participant. The therapy process provided by the Recreational Therapist incorporating the individuals interests, family and community makes the practice meaningful and relevant.