Commission prioritizes therapeutic recreation, liaisons and accessible hours at city facilities

Commissioners said therapeutic recreation is an urgent local need and identified multiple practical steps the commission can take to improve access to recreational and therapeutic opportunities across Flagstaff.

Members recommended inviting Truman Shoaf, a student reportedly completing a therapeutic recreation degree, to serve as a liaison to the commission so he can advise on priorities and program design. Commissioners discussed grant opportunities for accessible outdoor fitness stations and trail improvements and suggested tying trail accessibility work to therapeutic recreation grants.

Commissioners highlighted recent operating changes at city facilities: they reported the AquaPlex now offers Sunday hours and has a pool lift that increases accessibility, and that the AquaPlex accepts Renew Active membership benefits. Members also discussed Hal Jensen Recreation Center operating hours and the center’s role for youth and county educational partners; commissioners agreed weekend and evening hours should be considered in light of budget and staffing constraints.

The commission connected several items — therapeutic recreation, city facility operating hours, accessible trails ("foots"/trails) and FT S grant opportunities — as a combined work topic. Commissioners proposed creating a working group that would invite recreation staff and potential liaisons (including Truman and Martin from parks/trails) and pursue grant funding for accessible outdoor equipment and trail signage (including QR codes and detailed trail descriptions on the city website).

No formal motions were adopted; commissioners agreed to add a liaison invitation to a future agenda, discuss grant options and fold therapeutic recreation into a work plan for multiple meetings.