SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - For individuals living with disabilities, recreation opportunities and a sense of community might not be easy to come by. That's where the Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS) Division of the Department of Regional Parks comes in. 

One way to provide these individuals with recreational opportunities is through recreation therapy, which utilizes activities such as art, community outings, exercise and more to improve and maintain cognitive, physical and emotional functioning in order to facilitate full participation in life.

The Therapeutic Recreation Services Division is in the business of delivering recreation therapy since 1975. 

“Recreation therapy offers individuals a chance to explore new experiences within a nurturing and secure setting, surrounded by people who accept and embrace them unconditionally, and empower them to strive for autonomy and self-reliance,” said Jenn Wilson-Marchino, a Therapeutic Recreation Services specialist. “It is a privilege to be a part of something that has such a transformational impact on our participants.” 

February is recognized as Recreational Therapy Month, and TRS is celebrating the role that recreation therapy has played in the lives of its participants by reflecting on what they enjoy most about TRS.

Therapeutic Recreation Services programs focus on abilities while encouraging individuals to attain their highest level of independent leisure functioning by increasing leisure skills, improving social skills, and increasing independence and their awareness of and involvement in community recreational activities.

For more information on the Therapeutic Recreation Services programs and how you can become involved with, volunteer with and/or support the program, visit online https://www.saccounty.gov/services/Pages/Therapeutic-Recreation-Services-TRS.aspx. For more testimonials, check out the Therapeutic Recreation Service’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtEOg4My4qty6z8qA6dRd4g.