Adaptive recreation organization announces phased reopening approach beginning with limited, one-on-one outdoor programs
PARK CITY, UTAH (June 4, 2020) – The National Ability Center, a leading non-profit organization that provides world-class adaptive recreation and outdoor adventures for individuals and families with differing abilities, announced the limited reopening of their Park City campus with a modified schedule for select in-person programming available to those living in the state of Utah.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome our NAC family back and reopen our doors to provide accessible, adaptive recreation. As we use a phased approach and work towards offering as many of our programs as possible, we will be actively implementing best practices and recommendations from local officials,” says Kevin Stickelman, CEO of the National Ability Center. “With a number of high-risk individuals comprising our participants and staff, our team is dedicated to providing a safe recreation environment for the entire NAC community and has worked diligently to develop procedures that will ensure our participants can return to the outdoors.”
Beginning on March 10, the National Ability Center elected to close all in-person activities in advance of the statewide stay-at-home order and introduced online programming, with experiences ranging from live meditation sessions on Facebook Live to a virtual cycling club. As the organization looks to launch revised programming for the summer session, there will be new procedures in place to aid in minimizing the spread of COVID-19. Programs will be revived with limited, individual lessons in cycling, mountain biking and archery. The organization’s popular session lessons, family unit and group activities, such as camps and outdoor adventures will potentially open in later phases as summer progresses. To support those individuals that are high-risk and living outside of the state of Utah, the NAC will continue to offer virtual programming via Zoom and Facebook.
The NAC also recently announced that participants can rent outdoor equipment, such as bikes, for two-week periods in Summit, Wasatch and Salt Lake County. Prior to rental, equipment will be cleaned according to CDC guidelines, and again upon return. These rentals will offer adaptive participants access to proper equipment to enjoy the great outdoors. Should the renter be interested in renewing the rental for another two-week period, a maintenance call via Zoom from an NAC staff member will be required.
“Since our original scheduled programming was greatly impacted by the multi-month closure, we are revamping our previously planned activities. The programming team has strategized ways for participants to actively engage in programs like archery and cycling, which are more conducive to social distancing.” said Stickelman. “Our programs create community and outdoor experiences for all abilities and we are working hard to ensure those elements remain a strong part of recreating with the NAC while keeping safety and health as our top priority. We are thrilled to be able to begin rebuilding towards a range of options for people of all abilities looking to get outdoors!”
For information on the National Ability Center’s reopening policies visit discovernac.org/phase-one-details/. To learn more about the National Ability Center’s programs, to donate or to become a volunteer, visit discovernac.org.
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About the National Ability Center
The National Ability Center provides world-class adaptive recreation and outdoor adventures for individuals and families of differing abilities, physical, cognitive and developmental, including competitive athletes, youth, veterans and more. Rooted in Park City, UT for over 30 years, with additional facilities in Salt Lake City and Moab, the National Ability Center empowers participants by building self-esteem, confidence and lifetime skills through inclusive programming and activities such as alpine and nordic skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, cycling, swimming, rafting, archery, among others. The National Ability Center is globally recognized as a leader in adaptive sports. For more information, visit www.discovernac.org.
