In order to acknowledge such outstanding performance, the Office of Parks and Recreation (OPR) features a spotlight on our services, programs, facilities, parks and recreation centers, which may be in conjunction or collaboration with a sponsor or partner.

Inclusive Recreation Program
The City of Oakland’s Inclusive Recreation Program has been providing quality year-round services, serving as an inclusive programming resource center creating invaluable opportunities. The inclusive recreation program recently opened a Magnet Inclusion Annex at Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center in 2003. The City of Oakland Office of Parks and Recreation (OPR) provides tiny tots, youths, adults and seniors with quality programs, classes and activities.

The Inclusive Recreation Program is committed to serving the Oakland community by providing a wide variety of beneficial programming for individuals and groups, strengthening the community image, promoting health and wellness, fostering human development, providing recreational experiences and furthering the parks, recreation and human services movement.

Celebrating Diversity & Promoting Accessibility
OPR is working with new and pre-existing programs, classes and activities to provide accommodations for all individuals and groups that would like to participate in any of our city-wide programs. Inclusive programs and initiatives help to enhance the quality of life for Oakland’s diverse population, by providing opportunities for activities that are often taken for granted by those who do not have special needs or physical and/or mental limitations. The City of Oakland would like to celebrate and honor such programs as the Inclusive Recreation Program that is sponsored and made available by the Special Olympics, Friends of Oakland Parks and Recreation, Oakland Fund for Children and Youth, Office of the City Manager, Americans with Disabilities Act, Community Options, and the Center for Independent Living.

The Magnet Center Model
In order to better serve the recreational needs of the community and individuals with disabilities, OPR developed an instrumental Magnet Inclusion Annex at the Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center located in East Oakland. The Magnet Center serves as a centralized location where people with disabilities can make accommodation requests, receive assistance in identifying accessible facilities, and participate in specialized and inclusive programs.

In the fall of 2002 the project finally broke ground with significant progress and by March of 2003 the construction and project plans for the Inclusive Recreation Annex at the Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center was complete.

The 1000 square foot building includes a large program area with a moveable partition to facilitate two smaller ‘classroom’ areas, an accessible restroom, office space, and a large storage area. Every aspect of the building is fully accessible for participants and includes some high-tech features such as automatic doors and a ‘no-touch’ faucet that operates with optics. The play structure, which is nestled close by the main building, offers a variety of accessible features at ground level and also includes an assortment of activities that are stimulating for kids regardless of their abilities or disabilities.

The Magnet Inclusion Center concept as conceived by Dr. Harry Edwards, the Director of Oakland Parks and Recreation, is set up to provide comprehensive programming and opportunities for anyone with a disability residing in Oakland. With this program in place, all programs are and/or can be accessible, through a special accommodation request, at the Inclusive Center and throughout the Oakland Parks and Recreation’s centers and facilities. Rather, it is a place where someone may find specialized and integrated programs that are set up to include people of diverse abilities. In addition, the office of the Inclusive Recreation Coordinator is a valuable community resource for technical assistance on how to access other programs provided by OPR, as well as making connections with other public and private organizations throughout Alameda County.

It is with great pride and honor that we show our appreciation and acknowledgement to such dedicated individuals, agencies, organizations and groups who have donated their time, effort, and thoughtfulness that directly benefits programs. Together we will make a difference, through committed service, community outreach, strengthening the community image and sense of place, encouraging recreational activities, and selfless dedication that are beneficial and necessary for the development and growth of the youth and community.

July 2003

Inclusive Recreation Program Office of Parks and Recreation Life Enrichment Agency