Recreation Areas for Individuals Who Are Blind
From the crashing Atlantic waves and hot sunny beaches of Ocean City
to the mountain cooled waters and rhododendrons of Deep Creek Lake,
Maryland is awash with fun things to do. This issue of Tapping
Technology, looking at recreation, begins with a whirlwind tour of the
state, stopping in each region to sample some of the adapted
recreation opportunities found there as a result of a survey by our
crack research staff.
Western Maryland
Garrett County
On the shore of Deep Creek Lake is The Lodge at Sawmill Hollow, a ten
bedroom (each room with twin beds), 7 bathroom, 3 kitchen facility on
5.5 acres of woods. This facility provides year-round recreational
opportunities for individuals with disabilities who might not have
access to a normalized vacation experience. The summer program runs
from June through August. It is accessible and offers a complete
recreational and housing environment designed to accommodate the
special needs of all individuals. The Lodge's features include: a 17'
Bayliner boat, a pontoon boat and a paddle boat available to cruise
around the 65 miles of shoreline, as well as an area for swimming,
sunning and fishing. The Lodge is a mile and one-half off the main
road. This quiet location offers opportunities to hike along beautiful
trails, or just ride the golf cart around Snaggy Mountain.
Summer Program
The Summer Program is run under the direction of Paul Webster, M.Ed.,
Recreational Director of TARGET, Inc. Additional staff is made up of
college students and teachers who are certified in First Aid, CPR,
Medication Administration and who are trained to work with individuals
with developmental disabilities.The vacationer/staff ratio is two to
one, and the typical schedule includes: Arrival Sunday Evening at 6
p.m.; Swimming; Boating; Fishing; Hiking; Hayride; Dinner Out ;
Sight-seeing; Crafts; Miniature golf; Movies; Picnic; Souvenir
Shopping; Departure 2:00 p.m. Friday The Lodge at Sawmill Hollow 400
Sawmill Hollow Road Swanton, MD 21561 (301) 387-8455
Allegany County
Rocky Gap Park has accessible trails and fishing. Green Ridge Park has
an accessible overlook. Dan's Mountain Park has accessible fishing and
an accessible swimming pool. Constitution Park, in the heart of
Cumberland has an accessible picnic area. For additional information,
call: Allegany County Visitor Center 1-800-508-4748 or 301-777-5905
Shirley Wisenburg-Director.
Washington County
All parks are accessible and include picnic tables and play
equipment. Martin L. Snook Park has an accessible swimming pool. For
additional information, call: Stacey Jenkins-Recreation Superintendent
at 301-791-3187.
Frederick County
Seasonal Brochures available by request. Call 301-696-2936. Offers a
child/adult socializing program for developmental
disabilities. Recreation Programs offered on Tuesdays and Fridays. For
additional information, call: Debra Abraham - Coordinator at
301-694-1649.
Carroll County
Piney Run Park has an accessible fishing pier. For additional
information, call: Kathy McCaffrey - Therapeutic Recreation Council
Committee Coordinator at 410-857-3541.
Central Maryland
Harford County
Grand opening of Leight Park in September of 1996. Call for
recreational activities. Therapeutic Horseback Riding program,
"MD Council for Special Equestrians." Contact Terry Fram at
410-461-5678 for information regarding the July 13, 1996 Ride-A-Thon
and Horse Fair. For additional information, call: Tina Diggs -
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist at 410-638-3572 410-638-4999 TTY
Baltimore City & Baltimore Co.
Waterskiing In cooperation with Baltimore Adapted Recreation and
Sports (BARS), holds an adapted water-ski program at Rocky Point Park
in Essex. This program provides individuals with physical
disabilities the opportunity to learn the sport of water
skiing. Adapted sit-down skis are used. Dates are Tuesdays, from 4:30
p.m.-7:30 p.m. July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and a Saturday in July (to be
announced) from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. For additional information, and
registration, call Pamela Lehnert at (410) 472-3363.
Adapted Aquatics
Adapted Aquatics will be held this summer at Cedar Lane School in
Howard County. Classes will meet for five weeks on Monday evenings,
June 24-July 22 and offer the following sessions for people with
disabilities: ; 4:15 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Recreational swim for youngsters
ages 6-11. (Siblings are welcome) ; 5:45 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Recreational
swim for infants and toddlers. ; 6:45 p.m.-7:35 p.m. Recreational swim
for adults. Class size is limited. For fee and registration
information call the TR office at 887-5370.
Horseback Riding
The Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program co-sponsored by the Maryland
Council for Special Equestrians (MCSE) is offering therapeutic
horseback riding to individuals with disabilities. The program
operates in the Catons-ville area with the following
opportunities. Summer Meet the Horse Field Trips are scheduled on an
individ-ual basis for organlzatlons with a minimum of eight
participants. Two hours of hands on activities include grooming, basic
stable man-agement, horseback riding and hayrides (weather permitting)
all in a safe and fun filled environment. Fee is $10.00 per
person. Open House. In celebration of National Therapeutic Recreation
Week on Saturday, July 13, MCSE is hosting an open house/ride-athon at
the farm. Activities include pony rides, hayrides, facility tours,
games, horse related demonstrations, food and fun for
everyone. Admission is free.
Baltimore county department of recreation and parks facilities
The Loch Raven Fishing Center 12101 Dulaney Valley Rd., provides
access to fishing and boating for individuals with mobility
impairments with an accessible pier. A boarding platform is available
and an adapted seat for rental boats. Dates of operations are April 5
- September 2, daily from 6:00 a.m.-6:OO p.m. After Labor Day through
October 27, the center is open Friday through Monday, 7:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. Call 887-7692 for more information.
Miami Beach, located in Chase, will be open from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.,
Memorial Day through Labor Day for swimming, beach activities and
picnicking. Fees: $5/adults, $2/children (2-11 years of age) under 2
years, free, and $3/senior citizens (62 years and older). An
accessible 750 foot boardwalk extends throughout the wetlands for
nature study and beach access mats are available to gain access across
the sandy beach to the water's edge. Call 887-5939 for more
information.
Oregon Ridge Park Beach, located in Cockeysville, will be open from
Memorial Day through Labor Day. Daily hours: Monday through Friday,
11:00 a.m-6:00 p.m., and Saturday/Sunday 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Fees:
$5/adults, $2/children (2-12 years of age), under 2 years, free, and
$3/senior citizens, (62 years and older). Group rates and season
passes are available. The lake is ramped for wheelchair access and all
shower and rest-room facilities are accessible. An accessible lake
front room and a pavilion are available for rental. Private parties
may also rent the facilities after normal operating hours. Call
410-887-1818 for more information.
Oregon Ridge Nature Center, located in Cockeysville, is currently open
from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Tuesdays-Sundays. Nature programs,
exhibits, and ten miles of hiking trails are available. The nature
center facility is accessible as well as a 1,000 foot accessible
nature trail through a wooded area with historical exhibits. For a
com-plete listing of programs offered at the nature center, call
410-887-1816.
Rocky Point Park Beach, located on Rocky Point Rd. in the Back River
area, will be open 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. daily, from Memorial Day
through Labor Day. Fees: $5 /adults, $2/children (ages 2-11), under 2
years free., $3/senior citi-zens (ages 62 and older). The beach is
equipped with an accessible walkway extending to the waterline and has
accessible restrooms. Beach access mats are also available to gain
access across the sandy beach to the water's edge. Call 410-887-0217
for more information.
For additional information, or to request a newsletter covering Spring
& Summer programs call: Karen Volz - Coordinator Therapeutic
Recreation Services at (410) 887-5370.
Howard County Provides programs for all ages as well as therapeutic
programs.
The Grand Opening of the Rodger Carter Neighborhood Center Pool is
slated for June, 1996. For information, call: Cathy Vigus -
Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator at 410-313-4628.
Montgomery County
Call the Montgomery County Department of Recreation, Charlie
Butler-Recreation Supervisor, at 301-217-6890.
Anne Arundel
Anne Arundel Downs Park has an excellent view of the Chesapeake
Bay. Quiet Water Park displays exceptional landscaping and
fountains. The county is currently in the process of modifying eight
parks to improve accessibility. For additional information, call:
Preston Raikes-Parks Coordinator at 410-222-7300.
Southern Maryland
Prince George's County
Prince George's County Inclusive recreation opportunities for all ages
are offered by Prince George's Department of Parks and Recreation.
For more information, call: Debbie Heller-Inclusion Coordinator at
301-445-4500.
Calvert County
All parks are accessible, and each offers a variety of summer
camps and recreational activities. Call Paul Meadows at 410-535-1600 Ext.
225 for more information.
Charles County
Friendship Landing Park has an accessible boating and fishing pier
which does not require a fishing license. Call Tom Roland- Chief of
Parks & Grounds at 301-932-3470 for more information.
Saint Mary's County
For specific information, call Arthur Shepherd-Recreation Division
Chief at 301-475-4572.
The Eastern Shore
Queen Anne's County
Currently all parks are totally accessible. Terrapin Nature Park
offers a fishing bulkhead and nature park trail. Sudlersville Park has
a wheelchair accessible trail. Tina Miles at 410-758-0835, can be
called for further information.
Caroline County
Call Cynthia Fellers-Evey, Rec-reation Supervisor, 410-479-3721.
Cecil County
For a pamphlet of summer activities call 410-658-3000 or
410-392-4537. Dorchester County
Call Kathy Hachemiester, 410-228-5575.
Kent County
Call Janice Holm-Recreation Supervisor, 410-778-1986.
Talbot County
Tilghman Park offers totally accessible playground equipment and
bathroom facilities. Call Kay Wilkins-Coordinator of Recreation,
410-822-2955.
Somerset County
Call Charles Cavanaugh, 410-651-9641.
Wicomico County
After School Programs and Summer Day Camp Programs are available. On
Saturday's a 3 hour recreational period is offered with various levels
of interaction. For more information, call Ann Marie Heiser - Program
Director, 410-548-4900.
Worchester County
All parks are accessible, call Margaret Cylc, 410-632-2144 for more
specific information. Ocean City Maryland's premier beach destination
has completely accessible exercise paths and fishing piers as well as
the famous wooden boardwalk. Beach wheelchairs are offered at 10
different locations Memorial Day through Labor Day seven days a
week. Both Assateague State and Federal Parks also have beach
wheelchairs. Bob Mason-ADA Coordinator for town of Ocean City is
available at 410-250-0125. Whether your idea of recreation is fun in
the sun, a roll through the shade, learning new skills, or practicing
old ones, Maryland has a wealth of adapted opportunities for you.
