Item #2 Proposal to Establish a Therapeutic Recreation Program in South Austin — original pdf

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Proposal to Establish a Therapeutic Recreation Program in South Austin by: Ivette Gonzalez, BA; MPA- mother/advocate of Antonio Hueyopa and residents in District 2 Purpose: This request proposes the development and funding of a new Adult Therapeutic Recreation Program in South Austin, aimed at addressing a regional service gap and expanding equitable access to therapeutic recreation services across the city. Background: According to data from COA Parks and Recreation Department, current Adult Therapeutic Recreation Programs in the North Austin areas are housed at the McBeth, Alamo, Dottie Jordan, and Parque Zaragoza Recreation Centers. These centers collectively serve 129 individuals through programs such as: - Good Neighbor Adventure Club ($176,108 budget) - Healthy Aging ($122,764) - The Hangout ($57,800) - Capital City Explorers ($120,987) - Social Club ($59,102) Staffing across these programs includes Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS), supported by 2–5 full-time equivalents (FTEs) and 2–4 temporary staff per site. While these programs offer quality services in Central and East Austin, South Austin currently lacks a dedicated therapeutic recreation program, leaving residents without equitable access. Proposal To be Considered and Recommendations: In order to rectify this deficit, I propose the creation of a Therapeutic Recreation Program in South Austin that models successful elements of existing sites. The proposed program would: - Offer structured programming at either of the two existing recreation centers in South Austin- Ditmar and Dove Springs. In the future and as enrollment increases, programs should be implemented at both sites and the COA would potentially explore building a new facility in South Austin to meet the needs of the fast-growing development and population  - The new program would potentially be staffed with existing CTRS professionals that become regionalized across COA therapeutic recreation programs (salary range: $47,465–$60,694) and supported by trained temporary staff. This means that current staff would be offered the opportunity to work at sites that are closest to their homes, which would minimize their daily commute and encourage community investment. - The new program would provide social, emotional, and physical wellness activities similar to “The Hangout,” “Healthy Aging,” and “Good Neighbor Adventure Club.” Estimated budget allocation would fall in line with existing therapeutic recreation programs, ranging from $60,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on program scope and staffing levels. Justification: - South Austin has no current therapeutic recreation programming, representing an unmet need. Based on the most recent US Census Bureau data for Austin, Texas and your committee’s report dated September 13, 2024 the following estimates apply: In 2022, Austin’s population with disabilities was estimated at 102,219 or 10.5% of the total Austin population. And has grown by 23,888 at a rate of 30% since 2012 Estimated Beneficiaries in South Austin Assuming South Austin mirrors Travis County’s averages: Estimated total with a disability: **~9.4% of the population **Based on the census data, this suggests that approximately 9–10% of the South Austin population may benefit from a Therapeutic Recreation program. So, establishing a program would improve geographic equity and access and minimize participant travel to sites that are outside of their residential neighborhood. A new program builds on the City of Austin’s existing investments in therapeutic recreation by extending its benefits to a new and growing population base.