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Thurston County, Washington

The content on the Thurston County website is currently provided in English. We are providing the “Translation” for approximately 10 languages. The goal of the translation is to provide visitors with limited English proficiency to access information on the website in other languages. The translations do not translate all types of documents, and it may not give you an exact translation all the time. The translations are made through an automated process, which may not result in accurate or precise translations, particularly of technical and legal terminology.

Public Health and Social Services

About Us

Thurston County Specialized Recreation offers a variety of engaging activities in collaboration with Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater. Tailored for individuals with developmental and/or physical disabilities, but open to individuals of all abilities, this program fosters growth, community integration, and friendship. Through shared experiences, participants build self-esteem, independence, and lasting connections. Most activities are suitable for those aged 16 and above, unless otherwise specified. 

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photo collage of specialized recreation activities

How to Get Involved:

1

Complete the following forms.

The following forms are required, annually, prior to participation in any Specialized Recreation event or activity. All forms are fillable and sent to the Thurston County Recreation program via a secure site.

 

Annual Participant Forms: 

If paper forms or a printed guide are needed, please contact our office. 

2

Registration

Activities Include: 

  • Arcade adventures
  • Crafts & themed dance nights
  • Swim Club and so much more!

3

Scholarships are available!

Scholarships, provided by the PARC Foundation, are limited to $60.00 per person, per quarter. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, complete the form below. Annual Participant Form must be turned in prior to registering for event activities. 

Policies & Procedures

Payments, Refunds, & Program Cancellations

Payments by Credit Card: Costs associated with the credit card processing will be passed on to the customer. The credit card fee charged will be 2.35% of the amount due or a minimum of $2.00 (whichever is greater). This is only for payments made by credit card. You still have the option to pay by check or cash without any additional fees. For your convenience we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, cash and checks.

Refunds are not given for programs with prepaid tickets. Prepaid programs require fees that we have already paid for, and you will not get a refund if you change your mind about attending. Refunds or credits will be given for all other programs/events if you call us three (3) working days before the scheduled program/event to cancel.

If we must cancel a program, you will automatically get a credit or refund.

Logistics & Transportation

Reference the Program Registration Page for exact time and location of programs/events. Unless otherwise noted, all programming occurs at the address listed in the registration. Transportation is not provided, unless otherwise noted, by Thurston County or its staff.

Before programs start, staff are busy preparing and cannot supervise or provide any assistance. Please do not arrive more than 15 minutes before the program begins.

Intercity Transit provides free travel training to anyone interested in learning to use bus route services. For information contact the IT Transportation Coordinator at 360-705-5879

Participation Needs

We strive to provide reasonable accommodations for all of our programs. However, there may be some trips that are not conducive for people who have limited mobility because of location or logistics. Please call prior to registration to see if the activity will work for you.

Thurston County Specialized Recreation staff do not provide one-on-one attendant care for toileting, toilet transfers, feeding, or behavior management. If this type of assistance is needed during program hours, you must provide an attendant. Registration fees for attendants may apply and are listed on the registration page. Attendants who accompany participants are required remain with their client for the duration of the program.  

Late Pick-Up Fees

We will charge late fees if you are not picked up when the program ends. Please reference the registration page for end times.

  • If you are picked up 16-30 minutes late, you will be charged a late fee of $15.00.
  • If you are picked up 30-60 minutes late, you will be charged a late fee of $30.00.
  • Staff will not supervise participants more than one (1) hour past the programs end time. 

A bill for late fees will be sent via mail or email and must be paid within 30 days to continue attending future programs.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Thurston County Specialized Recreation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status or physical/mental abilities. This policy applies to the operation, conduct, or administration of community programs for youth or adults. Sponsoring organizations must also comply with this policy.

 

Contact our Specialized Recreation program at TCRecreation@co.thurston.wa.us or call 360-867-2679.