Adaptive and Sensory Swimming Comes to Russell Sims
Bowling Green, Ky.
— This summer, a new program will kick-off offering adaptive and sensory swim time. Bowling Green Parks & Recreation has taken a noble initiative of providing a less stimulating environment at the pool, especially for those with disabilities. The Russell Sims Aquatic Center will open early, from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., on select Tuesdays to facilitate this exclusive program.
By allowing for a smaller population and less noise, the Aquatic Center aims to make swimming a more accessible and enjoyable experience for all members of the community. In essence, it is a new program, but not a new mission for the department. Over the years, the department has been committed to ensuring, ‘No Barriers to Fun in the Community.’
The commencement of the new program will occur on May 25. The dates set for Adaptive and Sensory swim are June 11, June 25, July 9, and July 23. For updates or more information on the program, you can visit Bowling Green’s official website or its Facebook page.
Making a Splash with Inclusion
The adaptive and sensory swimming program is a unique initiative that seeks to ensure that people of all abilities can enjoy the aquatic activities. By providing sensory-friendly swim time, the program aims to create a more inclusive, accessible, safe, and enjoyable environment for individuals who may have specific sensory needs, including people living with autism, ADHD, or other sensory processing disorders.
Adaptive swimming, on the other hand, focuses on making swimming accessible for those with physical or cognitive disabilities. By reducing the population at the pool during these specific times, there is more space and less noise to make swimming a comfortable activity for all individuals.
Investing in Communities
Bowling Green Parks & Recreation (BGPR) has shown tremendous commitment towards making the community a more inclusive and accessible space for all. This initiative is a huge step forward, showing that the BGPR is investing in, not only the health and well-being of citizens, but also in fostering an environment that uplifts and empowers all community members.
