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Parks and Recreation

City of San Diego’s Therapeutic Recreation Services Program Celebrates 50 Years of Community Service

Basketball in wheelchairs

The City of San Diego’s Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS) program is celebrating 50 years of inclusive recreational programming in the community! On Saturday, Mayor Todd Gloria and City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera joined former and current program participants and TRS staff to acknowledge the impact of the life-changing activities offered to residents with physical, mental and emotional challenges.  

TRS provides therapeutic recreation programs, leisure education, sports opportunities and outreach services to people with disabilities ages three and older. The programs are modified to address the special needs of people with disabilities. Under the direction of Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists, activities and services are designed to maintain or improve the physical, cognitive and social functioning of those who have limitations. The program started in 1972 and has served about 25,000 San Diegans each year since then.

“I’m proud to celebrate and recognize the Therapeutic Recreation Services program for 50 years of ensuring all San Diegans have recreational opportunities to enjoy, regardless of their ability level,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “Their commitment and dedication to helping our residents who need creative and specialized programming are an inspiration to us all and typify what it means to be an inclusive city. I look forward to many more years of this important program making a difference in our communities.”

For more information on the program and its services, visit https://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/activities/trs.