Our Recreation and Leisure Programs

Our Recreation and Leisure Programs improve the quality of life for people affected by cerebral palsy by providing essential social interaction and participation in healthy activities in nurturing environments.

We believe that recreation and leisure activities foster a balance between mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. We develop and adapt all of our programs so as to:

  • increase social interaction
  • encourage friendship and community building
  • promote positive self-esteem
  • foster self-sufficiency
  • contribute to personal growth
  • create opportunities for meaningful community participation
  • foster a sense of belonging and an enhanced quality of life
  • improve emotional well-being and reduce stress
  • improve happiness and self-confidence

Recreation and Member Service programs funded in part by: United Way of Calgary and Area.

 

Registration Information

Registration in CPAA Recreation and Leisure Programs is open to individuals with cerebral palsy who are or become members of our association. Membership is free.

Contact Us

  • Calgary

    Zach Woodward, Program Manager (Southern Region)
    Email: zachary@cpalberta.com

    Jim & Pearl Burns Centre
    3688 48 Avenue NE
    Calgary, AB T3J 5C8

    Phone: (403) 543-1164
    Fax: (403) 543-1161

  • Edmonton

    Karen Quinn, Program Manager (Northern Region)
    Email: karen@cpalberta.com

    Kim Henye, Program Coordinator
    Email: kim@cpalberta.com

    Michael Samson, Computability Coordinator
    Email: michael@cpalberta.com

    17231 - 105 Avenue
    Edmonton, AB T5S 1H2
  • Phone: (780) 477-8030
    Fax: (780) 471-0855



Member Programs in Calgary

  • Music Therapy (NEW!!)

    Music Therapy: A combination of music therapy and art, this program allows creative expression when words can't. Increase your personal expression, skill enhancement (both music and art), and positive peer interaction. Ideal for individuals who have a passion for music and a willingness to explore new creative activities.


  • Age: 18 years+
    Times: Mondays or Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m - 11:30 a.m.
    Dates: Mondays start January 12, 2009 & Wednesdays start January 14, 2009
    Place: Rotary Challenger Park, CPAA Office, 3688 48 Ave NE
    Cost: $45.00

    For more information on this program or to register contact Zach at
    403-543-1168 or zachary@cpalberta.com



  • After School Teen Program

    Looking for a place after school to hang out and meet new friends!!

    The Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta is openning its doors to youth ages 13-17. There will be food, games, music, computers, sports, crafts, excursions, and more. Support staff will be in attendance for any assistance required.

  • Times: Monday-Friday, 3:30 p.m - 5:30 p.m.
    Dates: Ongoing year round. Starts January 6, 2009
    Place: Rotary Challenger Park, 3688 48 Ave NE
    Notes: This program is for youth ages 13-17.

    For more information on the winter session or to register call 403-543-1161.



  • Horticulture Therapy / Community Garden Project
  •         Community Garden  
                              (Click on Image to Enlarge)

    Horticulture Therapy is a process using plants, horticultural activities, and the natural world to promote awareness and well being by improving the body, mind, and spirit. Adapted tools, materials, and specially designed gardens help to promote effective therapy. The growing of plants provides a wealth of tasks that stimulate throught, exercise the body, nourish the imagination, soothe the spirit, and educate people about an important aspect of life. If you are interested in helping with our community garden project please contact the CPAA Calgary office at 403-543-1164.

    Dates: On hold until Spring 2009
    Place: Rotary Challenger Park, 3688 48 Ave NE
    Cost: As per event


  • Art "fun" damentals


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    Art "fun" damentals is a community-based creative arts program for individuals of all abilities and disabilities. To register for this program, please contact Zach Woodward 403-543-1164 or email zachary@cpalberta.com.

  • Times: 9:30am - 11:30am
    Dates: Starts February 5, 2009
    Place: 3688-48 Ave. NE
    Cost: $45 per 12 week session


  • Adaptive Fitness
  • Community Garden


    The University of Calgary Health & Recreation Centre, Fitness Centre & the Talisman Centre offer many programs and services designed to encourage healthy participation in a variety of activities. The goal for these Fitness Centres is to provide an opportunity for participants to improve or maintain their health and vitality through a variety of activities and programs. CPAA will reimburse any member with cerebral palsy $75 of the registration of any of these programs, once a year with proof of enrollment.

    U of C Program Contact: Alena Lischka at 403-220-8814
    Talisman Centre Contact: Colin Hyland at 403-355-1254


  • Weekend Retreat Camp
  • Community Garden
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    The participants will explore the wilderness through a variety of activities. They will gain a sense of independence and self-accomplishment. They will develop long-lasting friendships with others who struggle with the same or similar challenges.

    Dates:

    T.B.A

    Location: Camp Horizon
    Cost: $180.00
    Registration: T.B.A.
    Contact the CPAA Calgary office at (403) 543-1161 for further information, subsidy inquiries, or registration.


  • Members Support Group

            
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    This group is for adults affected by cerebral palsy who wish to develop a social network and explore the community in a group setting with people who have the same barriers and frustrations. The group provides a private forum to seek advice as well as to develop strong bonds with others who have common interests.

    Times: Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with some added special events on other nights!
    Dates: Ongoing January - December, 2009
    Place: T.B.A.
    Notes: Meetings are usually held at the U of C Macewan Hall North. Please contact the CPAA office to confirm meeting locations and dates.



  • Bowling

    Improve your strength and coordination, and have lots of fun! Program registration is ongoing. To register for this program, please contact Zach Woodward at 403-543-1164 or zachary@cpalberta.com

    Times: Fridays from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
    Dates: Starts February 6, 2009
    Place: Fairview Bowling Alley, 1010, 999 36 St NE
    Fee: $25.00 for 12 weeks or $3.75 per game




  • Massage & Reflexology


  • (Click on Image to Enlarge)

    A service for all ages consists of half hour sessions of massage with a registered massage therapist. Call the CPAA Calgary office to book an appointment. Massage is a great way to relax and provide some temporary relief to tight muscles & tendons.

    Dates & Times: Tuesdays & Fridays, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
    Place: 3688 48 Ave NE
    Fee: $15-$30 per appointment



  • Exercise and Fitness

  • Includes exercises in a chair or wheelchair, weights, mat work and presentations (i.e. nutrition & universal gym). This is a 12 week session.

    Times: Thursdays 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
    Dates: Starts February 5, 2009
    Place: 3688 48 Ave NE (Rotary Challenger Park Fieldhouse)
    Fee: $45.00 per 12 week session

    Notes:

    To register for this program or for more information, please contact Zach Woodward at 403-543-1168 zachary@cpalberta.com



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Children's Programs in Calgary

  • PALS Visits
  • PALS vist
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    Are you a dog lover? This is a new program developed through a partnership with PALS (Pet Access League Society). PALS dogs come and visit, do tricks, and cuddle with you. PALS appear at many special CPAA events.



  • Dance
  • Dance Mentor
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    Dance is a great way to exercise; music is the key to people’s souls and the benefits are endless for people with disabilities. We have established the dance mentorship program to create a unison integrated environment for all dancers to come together and share the experience of movement.

    Times: T.B.D.
    Dates: Starts January 24, 2009
    Place: VRRI Recreation Centre, 3304 33 ST NW
    Fee: $45


  • Massage & Reflexology
  • Massage Therapy
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    A service for all ages consists of half hour sessions of massage with a registered massage therapist offering free massage on alternate Saturdays of each month. Call the CPAA Calgary office to book an appointment. Massage is a great way to relax and provide some temporary relief to tight muscles and tendons.

    Dates & Times: Tuesdays & Fridays, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
    Place: 3688 48 Ave NE
    Fee: $10.00 per appointment

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Calgary Recreation Resource Catalogue

  • Rotary Challenger Park:

    Offers fitness assessments, rental space and is a great facility, fully accessible to all abilities. For more information contact Wendy at 250-2707

    A Place Where Everyone Can Play!

  • Health Recovery:

    This program for adults with special needs is an excellent form of non-strenuous exercise and relaxation, combining slow stretches with soothing music. Call the Tai chi Society at 240-4566 for more information.

  • Village Square Leisure Centre:

    Offers functional fitness programs for individuals with special needs. The City of Calgary offers its own fee assistance for this program. For more information please contact Fitness Specialist at 280-9714 ext 742.

  • Special Olympics:

    Offers many recreational activities for all ages. Call Ben at 735-1022 for more information.

  • Between Friends Club:

    Offers recreation programs for people with disabilities, ages 5-30 years old. Phone 403-508-0113 for more information


  • Alberta Children's Hospital:

    Offers a focus group for youth with disabilities. Call Mezaun Lahka-Evin at 403-543-0076 for more details.

  • Vocational Rehabilitation Research Institute (Recreation):

    Offers a variety of integrated recreational programs. Call 403-284-2231 for details.

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Past Calgary Events

Check out the pictures below from previous recreation and special events in Calgary.

Rock Climbing
Stampede BBQ
Tai Chi

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Retreat Camp
Christmas Party
Art Explosion


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Edmonton Members Programs

  • Ballerina Dreams

    Click here or on the picture above to visit the Ballerina Dreams picture gallery

    The Ballerina Dreams program allows children with disabilities to truly feel like ballerinas.  This dance class is tailored to the special needs of these children and is facilitated by a dance instructor and physical therapist.  This program combines physical therapy with the opportunity to experience something new and is sure to boost your child’s confidence and self-esteem!

    For more information visit www.ballerinadreams.ca.

    Times:

    1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

    Dates: Saturdays, April 25 - June 20
    Place: Dance Co. Studio (9030 McKenney Ave., St. Albert)
    Fee: $50.00

    To register for this program please print out, fill in, and submit the Ballerina Dreams registration form to:
    Karen Quinn at:
    karen@cpalberta.com
    Ph: 780-477-8030
    Fax: 780-471-0855




  • Art Expressions

    Participants of all abilities have the opportunity to express their emotions and unique personalities through various artistic mediums like pastels, pencils, charcoal, acrylic and watercolour paint, sculpture, pottery and more.

  • Time: 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
    Session 2 Dates: Wednesdays, March 4 - April 15
    Place: The Art Gallery of Alberta (10230 Jasper Ave.)
    Fee: $10.00 per session

    For More Information or to Register Contact
    Kim Henye at:
    kim@cpalberta.com
    780-477-8030

     

  • Members Support Group


    (Click on Image to Enlarge)

    The goals of our Members Support Group are to build positive friendships while offering support in an enriching environment, to encourage our members to live empowered lives, and to promote awareness of cerebral palsy in the community to help break down barriers.

    The Members Support Group meets 3-4 times per month to listen to guest speakers, to go bowling, or go out for dinner. For more information check out Members Support Group Schedule for April through June 2009.

    Times: Bowling Nights, Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dinner and Meeting Nights, Thursdays 6:00 p.m. 8:30pm
    Dates: Ongoing January 8th - December
    Place: Varies depending on the event
    Fees:

    There may be minimal costs depending on the activity.


    For more information please contact Adult Support Coordinator Ralph Leibo at 780-433-4863.



  • Computability Program


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    Times: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
    Dates: ongoing
    Place: CPAA Office (17231 - 105 Ave)
    Fee: No Cost!

    Come and learn a new skill! The Computer Access Program is open to people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. You can learn new things: the Internet, Email, Word Processing, or just the basics of the computer. We have assistive technology to help you use the computer to the best of your ability!
    Call Michael at 780-477-8030 for more information or email him at michael@cpalberta.com.



  • CPAA Yoga

    The CPAA offers a yoga class for people of all abilities and skill levels. It includes stretching, strengthening, and lots of breathing to help you release tension and feel better.

    Times: Mondays, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
    Dates: Monday March 16, 2009 - Monday April 27, 2009
    Place: Central Lions Seniors Centre (11113 - 113 St.)
    Fee: $10.00 for 6 week session
    For more information or to register contact Kim Henye at:
    kim@cpalberta.com
    780-477-8030



  • Volunteer Opportunities

    There are many volunteer opportunities available with the CPAA in Edmonton. If you are interested in volunteering or want to find out more about available opportunities check out the volunteer page or contact :

    Zahida Hudani, Volunteer Coordinator
    Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta
    17231 105 Ave. Edmonton, AB T5S 1H2
    Ph: (780) 477-8030        Fax: (780) 471-0855
    Email: zahida@cpalberta.com


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Recreation and Leisure Partners

Between Friends Club

Bingo Dome Lounge

Calgary Cerebral Palsy Association

Cara Stables

Carewest Fanning Centre

Clayburn Bowl

Disabled Sailing

Easter Seals Camp Horizon

Edmonton General Community Outreach Program

Fairview Bowling Alley

Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association

Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association

Pace Kids

PALS

Rotary Challenger Park

Southland Bus Service

Stage Left Productions

The University of Calgary

Talisman Centre

United Way of Calgary and Area

Vocational Rehabilitation Research Institute

Volunteer Calgary

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