The Park System's Therapeutic Recreation division was recently honored with the NJRPA Excellence in Health & Wellness Programming Award for its Senior Hikers Program.
Our Mission
The mission of the Therapeutic Recreation Division is to provide access to recreational opportunities for Monmouth County residents with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) in order to enhance physical, cognitive, emotional and social functioning, as well as a sense of belonging to the community.
About Therapeutic Recreation
We provide specialized year-round recreation programs for individuals with special needs and are also available to recommend other appropriate Park System programs, community links and support. Our office is located at the Dorbrook Recreation Area Activity Center, Colts Neck. Dorbrook is also home to the Park System’s Challenger Place Playground and Sprayground.
Phone: 732-460-1167, ext. 22 & 24
Fax: 732-460-1168
Email: Therapeutic.Recreation@monmouthcountyparks.com
Inclusion Services and Supports
It is the philosophy of the Monmouth County Park System to provide modifications for individuals with disabilities (who meet minimum eligibility requirements - with or without a modification - documented for the specific program) to participate in regular Park System programs. It is our intent to provide a safe, successful and enjoyable experience for all.
We understand that not every person with a special need desires specialized programming. Therefore, through our Inclusion Process we will assist and advise prospective participants and families who are interested in general recreation programs offered through the Park System.
Learn more about available services, supports and accommodations.
Summer Camps
The Therapeutic Recreation Division offers several exciting options for individuals looking to partake in summer camp day programs.
Learn all about our camp offerings here!
Adult Day Services
Our day programs for adults are designed to provide comprehensive individual services for adults with I/DD in our community. We are an approved DDD/Medicaid Provider in the Supports and Community Care (CCP) Programs.
Learn more about our adult day service offerings.
Respite and Community Inclusion
Our programs are designed to help our participants learn and enhance skills through socialization, the arts, and integration into the community. Many of our program offerings fall under the following categories: Community Inclusion and Respite.
Community Inclusion is comprised of enrichment and recreation activities that develop or enhance an individual’s involvement in the community; programs that feature day trips or outings fall under this category.
Respite programs offer skill enrichment while also giving families or caregivers a short-term break.
For individuals enrolled in DDD/Medicaid waivers, Community Inclusion and Respite services are available through their Supports and CCP budgets. Please contact us for information about utilizing your budget to register for programs.
Program availability and age requirements are listed below; if no programming season is listed, it runs all year.
Night Out
(ages 16 and up)
Night Out is an evening social program for teens and adults. Drop-offs and pick-ups will be at the Dorbrook Recreation Area, unless otherwise noted. Participants must be able to function in at least a 1:3 staff to participant ratio. Programs include dinner and movie nights in the community, trips to iPlay America, mini golf, sporting events and more!
Special Trips
(ages 16 and up)
Travel to exciting events and destinations in and out of Monmouth County throughout the year. Drop-offs and pick-ups will be at the Dorbrook Recreation Area. Participants must be able to function in at least a 1:3 staff to participant ratio. Trips include museums, the zoo, festivals, shows, amusement parks and other places of interest.
Now We’re Cooking
(ages 16 and up)
Bring your appetite and your culinary skills! During each program we will be preparing, cooking and enjoying a salad/appetizer, an entree and a dessert. These programs are held either at the Dorbrook Recreation Area Visitor Center or the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center. Participants must be able to function in at least a 1:2 staff to participant ratio.
Drama Troupe
(ages 13 and up - Fall and Winter)
Are you a budding actor or actress? Expand your horizons, share your talents and join us! We will be singing, acting out skits and putting on our own performance for family and friends to see. Performance takes place during the final session. Program takes place at the Tatum Park Holland Activity Center.
Annual Semi Formal Dinner and Dance
(ages 18 and up – early November each year)
Dance and sing the night away at our annual fall Semi Formal! A delicious catered meal and professional DJ service are provided. A blend of traditional favorites and modern hits will be played to keep you on the dance floor all night long. The dance, funded by the Monmouth County Friends of the Parks, is held each year at the Tatum Park Red Hill Activity Center.
Adventure Quest
(ages 16 and up – periodically offered)
Looking to challenge yourself physically and mentally? Our Adventure Quest program is for you! Experience exciting activities geared towards individuals looking to connect with their peers in a stimulating environment that promotes social, emotional and physical growth. Participants must be able to adhere to a 1:3 staff to participant ratio. Examples of past programs include canoeing, archery, ropes courses and hiking.
Art Club
(ages 18 and up - Fall, Winter, and Spring)
Participants can express themselves through art. This club offers time for socialization, creative stimulation and self-confidence building through the use of color and form with support and positive feedback. Explore the opportunity to utilize skills and techniques introduced in previous sessions. From printmaking to sculpture, mixed media and found art, the club members will explore many avenues of creative expression.
Our Staff
Anne Simon, Recreation Supervisor
732-460-1167, ext. 24
Anne.Simon@monmouthcountyparks.com
Please contact Anne about:
- General Program Information
- Summer Camps
- Senior Programming
- Programs for Memory Loss
- MCRAC – Adult Day Program
- Art Club
Justin Dunn, CPRP, Recreation Program Coordinator
732-460-1167, ext. 22
Justin.Dunn@monmouthcountyparks.com
Please contact Justin about:
- General Program Information
- DDD Supports/CCP Budgets
- Summer Camps
- Spray and Play
- Night Out
- Now We’re Cooking
- Special Trips
- Drama Troupe
Certifications/Credentials
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) and Certified Park and Recreation Professionals (CPRP) are designations granted to professionals who can demonstrate through education and work experience that they meet the criteria set by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Certification Board and the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). These professionals have a Bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited program, have passed a certification exam, and earn and maintain sanctioned Continuing Educational Units (CEU).
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Learn about the Park System's ADA Compliance & Inclusion Services.
Monmouth County Special Needs Registry
The Monmouth County Special Needs Registry is a voluntary service open to all citizens with disabilities who reside, attend school or are employed in Monmouth County. The registry was created to help police officers and other emergency service personnel to better assist residents with special needs in the event of an emergency by providing those first responders with vital information regarding a registrant’s disability, emergency contact information, a physical description and current photograph of the registrant.
Go to the Monmouth County Special Needs Registry homepage.