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.

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. The Inclusive Center itself 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.

Background/History
Initially the Inclusive Program was located within the main building at Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center however, as part of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) master plan for the City of Oakland, the transition to build and have a fully accessible facility for programs and a play structure with comprehensible features was already underway. At the core of this Capital Improvement project was the ADA Projects Coordinator of the City Manager’s ADA Programs Division and Friends of Oakland Parks and Recreation who managed the project in collaboration with Parks and Recreation and the Public Works Agency department personnel.

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.

For additional information regarding the Inclusive Recreation Program or special accommodation requests, please contact Scott Means, Coordinator at (510) 615-5980 or email at smeans@oaklandnet.com.