As the mayor of Alpharetta, I am incredibly proud of the collaborative environment emerging between the north Fulton cities, as well as the strong partnerships that are developing and growing with local organizations.One year ago, leaders from the north Fulton cities of Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell, and local organizations including the Ed Isakson YMCA and Fulton County School District came together to discuss the growing recreational needs of families and individuals with special needs.
This meeting evolved into the creation of a task force, which was established to find solutions for special needs populations and provide an enriched quality of life for all residents. It is important for us, as a community, to offer children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities places and programs where they can have fun and feel safe and comfortable participating in adaptive recreation.
What is adaptive recreation?
Adaptive recreation, also known as inclusive or accessible recreation, is a concept whereby people with disabilities are given the opportunity to participate in recreational activities that provide social engagement, physical and mental stimulation, and pure fun.
Following their initial meeting, the task force worked diligently to coordinate an expo, dedicated to special needs families and individuals. More than 40 vendors and 200 people attended this expo, demonstrating the interest and need in our communities for adaptive programming, equipment, and experiences. At the expo, vendors formed symbiotic relationships, which will enable them to provide a more all-encompassing experience for special needs populations.
In addition to the expo, the City of Johns Creek developed a 20-page guidebook that includes all adaptive recreational and social programming from the four cities and the YMCA.
The Special Needs Task Force plans to continue the momentum by evaluating this year’s expo and guidebook, so that these can become annual offerings in the north Fulton area. Their mission is to evaluate the needs in our communities, listen to the voices of all stakeholders, and provide innovative, adaptive recreational experiences for those living with physical and developmental disabilities. If you are interested in joining these efforts, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
I invite you to support this effort in a way that is right for you. That may mean joining the task force, taking a moment to say thank you to community leaders who work hard daily to support and care for individuals with special needs, or committing to making sure people of all abilities feel welcome, safe, and secure in our community.
to your business!