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NEW! Participant Directed Advocates of Georgia annual conference. Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Virtual attendance is also allowed. Register here!
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Updates from Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation
Shining Abilities Spirit Squad- New! Adaptive Cheer for all ability types, ages elementary through high school. It will be on Tuesday evenings beginning in the fall 5:30pm-6:30pm at Bogan Park.
Sep 1- Oct 6 (6 weeks)- registration opens 7/11
Oct 20-Nov 17 (5 weeks)- registration opens 7/11
Special Hearts Teen Art- Monthly art program at Pinckneyville Community Recreation Center. Participants create a new masterpiece with each class.
Aug 22- registration is open
Sep 26- registration opens 7/11
Oct 17- registration opens 7/11
Teen Connect- Enjoy a fun, laid-back space where teens can meet new people, strengthen social skills, and build confidence. This program is for individuals with disabilities, as well as their caregivers and families. Refreshments provided.
Aug 8- registration is open
TR- Total Rec Experience- high-energy recreation program for active adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities who enjoy movement, sports, games, and social connection. Designed for individuals who can participate safely within a 1:10 staff-to-participant ratio, TR Total Rec Experience promotes physical wellness, confidence, friendship, and fun in a supportive and inclusive environment. Participants who require additional assistance are welcome to attend with an attendant or caregiver.
Wednesday, July 22
Wednesday, Aug 26
Just for preschoolers…
TR- Little Ones Music Therapy- An inclusive music group for infants and toddlers ages 0–3 of all abilities. Led by board-certified neurologic music therapist Carly King, this engaging program supports overall development through music, social interaction, interactive play, movement, and activities that foster receptive and expressive communication skills.
Tuesdays, 7/28-8/25- registration opens 7/11
Tuesday, 9/1-9/29 - registration opens 7/11
Tuesdays, 10/6-11/3 registration opens 7/11
Family Sensory Swim Nights- Enjoy a relaxing evening at the pool during Sensory Swim Night, this private event is designed specifically for individuals with sensory sensitivities and their families. During this event, water features will be turned off to create a calm and soothing environment. The lights will be dimmed, and the pool will be illuminated with gentle underwater lights to provide a fun yet peaceful atmosphere. Monthly. Fridays 6:30pm-8:30pm.
July 17
Aug. 21
Sep 11
Oct 16
Nov 13
Adaptive Swim Lessons
Gain essential water safety skills while building confidence in a supportive environment. The County offers group and private lessons with instructors trained in the Swim Angelfish® method at three convenient pool locations. Contact your nearest pool for information.
Bethesda Park Aquatic Center 678.277.0880
Bogan Park Aquatic Center 678.277.0853
Mountain Park Aquatic Center 678.277.0870
Special Events
Be sure to join us for these fun community events.
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Event
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Ages
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Date
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Time
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Location
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More info
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Adaptive Silent Disco
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All
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Sat, 7/11
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Noon-3pm
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Shorty Howell Activity Building
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click
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Adaptive Family Swim Party
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All
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Sat, 7/18
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6:30pm-8:30pm
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Collins Hill Park Aquatic Center
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click
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Adaptive Fishing Day
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All
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Sat, 8/1
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10am- noon
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Club Drive Park
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click
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Ice Cream and Bingo
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10 & up
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Fri, 8/14
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6:30pm-9pm
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Rhodes Jordan Park
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click
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No Limits Tryathlon
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4-21
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Sat, 9/26
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8am-noon
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Bogan park Aquatic Center
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click
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Creative Studio Night
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16 & up
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Sat, 9/26
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Noon-2pm
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Community Resource Center at Bethany Church Rd
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click
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TR Fast Friends Social
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18 & up
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Sat, 10/3
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11am-1pm
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Gwinnett Historic Courthouse
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click
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The Great Halloween Social
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18 & up
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Sat, 10/17
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11am-1pm
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Community resource Center at Georgia Belle Ct.
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click
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Friendship Bingo
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10 & up
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Fri, 11/20
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6:30pm-9pm
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Rhodes Jordan Park
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click
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DBHDD Participant Direction News and Updates for June 2026.
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A free upcoming webinar hosted by Adult Disability Medical Healthcare on Zoom this Tuesday evening. A flyer is attached with more information.
– HEALTHY & CONFIDENT: SELF-CARE for WOMEN
- Date: Tuesday, June 23
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Location: Zoom Webinar
- The organization Adult Disability Medical Healthcare (web address - https://www.theadmh.org/ ) located in Marietta, provides healthcare and social services for teens and adults with developmental disabilities. They also hold informational webinars on a variety of topics for families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities regarding information about health, safety, services, funding, and legal issues. All webinars are free and recorded. A Medicaid Waiver Application Workshop is held every other month via Zoom at no cost to families. Participants must register to attend webinars and workshops.
Past ADMH webinar recordings can be found on their website at the link here Recorded Webinars | admh-website or copy and paste the following in your web browser - https://www.theadmh.org/recordedwebinar
Gwinnett Parks & Recreation Therapeutic Recreation Programs:
- Aquatic & Swim Programs
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Family Sensory Swim Night – Bogan Aquatic Center
Dates: April 24; May 29; June 12; July 17; August 21, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Ages: All
A relaxing evening swim with dimmed lighting and gentle underwater illumination. Water features are turned off to ensure a calm and enjoyable experience.
Admission: $3.25 per participant; supervising caregivers are free
Sign-up:
Here-7/17
Here- 8/21
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Adaptive Family Swim Party
Collins Hill Park Aquatic Center
Date: July 18, 2026 | Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Sign up: Here
Ages: All
Join us for our Annual Adaptive Family Summer Swim Party! This inclusive event is designed for individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. Light refreshments will be served.
Admission: Free (you must sign up)
Note: Early registration is available through Spectrum Autism Support, with public registration opening in June.Ar
Arts & Creative Programs
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Special Hearts Teen Art – Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center
Dates: May 23; August 22, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Ages: 12–18
A fun and engaging art class where participants can explore painting while building confidence and social connections. No experience needed.
Fee: $3 supply fee (paid to instructor per class)
Sign-up:
Here-8/22
Social & Recreation Programs (Teens & Adults)
- TR Adventures – Lilburn Activity Building- Drop-ins welcome
Sessions:
- August 4 – August 25 register Here-
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Ages: 18+
Weekly sessions featuring games, crafts, karaoke, music, and more. A great opportunity to socialize, try new activities, and have fun in a supportive environment. Light refreshments provided.
- TR Total Rec Experience – Rhodes Jordan Park Community Recreation Center
Dates: June 24; July 22; August 26, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Ages: 18+
A high-energy program offering sports, games, fitness activities, and social interaction. Designed for active adults who enjoy movement and group recreation.
Sign-up:
Here- 7/22
Here-8/26
- Teen Connect – Lilburn Activity Building
Dates: June 13; July 11; August 8, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Ages: 12–17
A welcoming space for teens to build social skills, confidence, and friendships through games and guided conversations. Refreshments provided.
Sign-up:
Here- 8/8
Specialty & Community Events
- Adaptive Fishing Day – Club Drive Park
Date: August 1, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Ages: All
An accessible fishing experience in partnership with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Equipment, bait, and assistive resources provided. No fishing license required.
Sign-up: Here
- Ice Cream and Bingo – Rhodes Jordan Park
Date: August 14, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Ages: 10+
Enjoy a fun evening of bingo, prizes, and an ice cream bar! Open to individuals with disabilities, along with their families and caregivers.
Sign-up: Here
For any questions about the programs above, please contact Maureen Meador, Coordinator, Gwinnett Parks & Recreation, 678-277-0886 or Maureen.Meador@gwinnettcounty.com
