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AccessABLE Recreation

AccessABLE Recreation offers meaningful experiences for children and adults with diverse cognitive abilities to participate in their community.

The AccessABLE Recreation program began in 1975 with support from the ARC of South Eastern Minnesota and parents of children and adult children who had special needs who were living in the Rochester Community. The Parks & Recreation Department hired the first Director of Handicap Services, who organized activities for youth and adults, which included arts and crafts, summer day camps and swimming. 

Over the past 46 years, with enthusiasm from our participants, their families and community partners, AccessABLE Rec. has offered exciting and enriching activities to more than 1700 people annually.

If you would like to learn more about AccessABLE Rec and what we offer, please contact Sue Miller.

Sign up for e-notifications to receive program news and registration details through email or SMS/Text messages from the Parks & Recreation Department. Go to Classes & Activities, and select Adaptive Recreation to receive notifications.

Cancellations

Stay Up to Date on Any Cancellations. We will update the "Rainout Line" app with any last-minute cancellations. You can subscribe to receive updates or check the status of programs.

  • 507-226-9406

Registration is held during specific date ranges, which are posted online and for which you will be notified if you are signed up for e-notifications. Classes have size limits, and once the limit is reached, you will be added to a waiting list. Registration will close automatically once the registration period has ended. If you missed registration, please call (507) 328-2539 to check availability for activities. 

  1. View current activities.
  2. Log in to your existing account, or create a new one.
  3. Select items to put in your shopping cart.
  4. Check Out / Make Payment.

Recreation activities include bowling, dances, holiday events/celebrations, game & craft nights, gym/health/fitness programs, music classes, Miracle League (softball/t-ball), swim lessons (and other aquatic activities), plus more. Programs are offered for ages 4 and up!

Adaptive Equipment Lending Program

View Offerings and Reserve Online

Foster Arends Beach offers an accessible path from the bathhouse to the water and a Water Buggy for individuals with mobility challenges. The Water Buggy is available for use beginning the first weekend of June through Labor Day weekend on a first-come, first-served basis.

WaterWheels® is a three-wheeled floating beach buggy with armrests and three large wheels that easily transports from the beach into the water. It is perfect for individuals using wheelchairs or with mobility impairments and provides a barrier-free water experience! With floatable armrests and tires, WaterWheels® easily transports you from the beach to the water!

Best Practices:

  • WaterWheels® is designed for and available to individuals with mobility impairments
  • Safety first! When using the WaterWheels® chair, always have a responsible, able-bodied person close by for assistance and supervision. NOTE: THERE ARE NO LIFEGUARDS AT FOSTER AREND BEACH.
  • A waiver must be signed by a responsible person at least 18 years of age.
  • WaterWheels® is for use at Foster Arend Beach only.

An adult-sized Action Trackchair is available to individuals with mobility impairments who would like to access the trails at Quarry Hill Park.  The Trackchair is available on a First Come-First Served basis on Monday-Friday during the times of 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM (June - August).  The Trackchair is also available to reserve for use on weekends beginning the first full weekend of June 2025. Online advanced reservations are required and are currently being taken.

The Action Trackchair allows for 'barrier-free' outdoor fun on most types of terrain with a rider weight limit of 300 lbs.

At checkout, a waiver must be signed by a responsible person aged 18 or older.  

The Adaptive Bike Lending program provides free use of specialized bikes for individuals with mobility and/or cognitive impairments. A responsible person must accompany to assist.

What is available?

  • Adult Tricycle (one in stock) provides easy transfer to and from the bike. Weight Limit of 264 lbs. and height of at least 4 ft. 
  • Adult Tandem (two in stock) is ideal for individuals who require assistance while cycling due to cognitive, physical or age-related reasons. Seating is side by side rather than front-to-back. Riders should be at least 4 ft. tall to ride. Weight limit of 200 lbs. per person. 
    •  The Fun-to-Go Train attachment is also available, allowing four people to ride together.

When are bikes available? 

Times vary. Bikes are located at Silver Lake Park (702 W. Silver Lake Dr. NE, Rochester, MN 55906)

How long can I use a bike?

Typically, up to 1.5 hours per session.

Call: (507) 328-2539 for more information. 

Best Practices:

  • Bikes are for individuals with a cognitive, physical or age-related disability and their party.
  • Helmets are available on-site and sanitized between uses. You are welcome to bring your own. We strongly recommend wearing a helmet.
  • A waiver must be signed by a responsible person aged 18 or older at checkout.
  • There should ALWAYS be responsible use and/or supervision when using bikes.
  • Bikes are for riding on smooth and level surfaces such as trails, sidewalks or designated bike lanes. No off-road biking allowed. All rules of the road must be adhered to. 
  • These specialized bikes can slide and tip at high speeds; you must maintain control at all times and avoid dangerous behaviors or speeds.
  • On the day of use, a Photo ID will be required. No ID, no bike.
  • Bikes must remain under your supervision and care at all times.
  • Bikes must be returned at the designated time for the next user.

Bike Damage Policy

Before going out and upon returning, bikes will be evaluated for damage or mechanical issues. Damage or mechanical issues (outside normal wear and tear) resulting from reckless or wanton use while in the renter's possession will be the renter's responsibility for the cost of parts and/or repairs.

Contact Us

City of Rochester

201 4th Street SE
Rochester, MN 55904

PHONE: 507-328-2311
FAX: 507-328-2901

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