Therapeutic Recreation Inspires Independence and Brings Fall Fun to Asheville

Posted on by Christo Bubenik

For over two decades, Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR)’s Therapeutic Recreation (TR) program has been a beacon of inclusion, empowerment, and community connection. Operating out of Murphy-Oakley Community Center – home to the city’s first all-abilities playground – the program combines the power of welcoming spaces, cultural arts, and sports, exercise, and active living. Asheville’s TR program serves hundreds of participants each year through a wide variety of life-enhancing experiences designed for individuals with disabilities.

What is Therapeutic Recreation? 

kids making funny facesAt its core, TR is a structured process that utilizes recreation and activity-based interests to address assessed needs of participants. It serves as a pathway to cognitive and physical health, recovery, inclusion, and overall well-being. 

While TR is the broader field, recreational therapy is the specialized practice driving it. As a deliberate treatment service, recreational therapy is designed to restore, remediate, and rehabilitate a person’s level of functioning and independence in life activities. It promotes health and wellness while reducing or eliminating limitations and restrictions that can often accompany a disabling condition.

The philosophy of Asheville’s TR team is simple but profound: they are here to challenge the idea of what a person is told they “won’t be able to do.” By providing high-quality, fully-accessible recreational activities, the program treats the whole person. This approach uniquely improves quality of life by fostering socialization and building confidence. Whether through adapted sports, creative arts, or community gatherings, every activity is an opportunity for participants to succeed and thrive.

Asheville Therapeutic Recreation Fall 2026 Programs

woman and young man wearing painters smocks standing in front of easelAs hot summer days turn into cool fall weather, the APR TR team has a packed schedule. The fall lineup includes popular year-round staples including weekly TR Adult Crafting and TR Adult Morning Movement classes where active arts and adapted sports accommodate all skill levels. TR Tots, TR Club Connect, and the OAKS Afterschool program also ensure there is a welcoming space for everyone from toddlers and children to teens and adults looking to build lifelong friendships.

Other programs anchor fall opportunities including TR After Dark field trips with seasonal themes, the TR Kicking It with the Fam kickball game and cookout where participants challenge their parents, and TR Bowling, TR Tennis, TR Chair Volleyball, and TR Archery which allow athletes of all abilities to explore fun and teamwork.

Search All Asheville Therapeutic Recreation Programs

APR’s Therapeutic Recreation Team

Asheville Parks & Recreation’s Therapeutic Recreation staffBehind every successful hike, adapted game, and creative craft session is a team of dedicated professionals. They understand the primary goal of the program is to give everyone in the community an opportunity to participate. Get to know the dedicated Therapeutic Recreation staff members who work creatively to bring fun, independence, and life-changing experiences to the Asheville community.

Lori Long, LRT, CTRS

TR Manager Lori Long is a Licensed Recreational Therapist and holds the national credential of Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. She began working in the field in 2005 following graduation with a bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy. When she’s not at work, Lori can be found on basketball courts throughout the southeast cheering on her daughter’s three basketball teams, vacationing at Disney, or fishing, swimming, and reading.

“I draw the most inspiration from our community,” she shares. “Watching our participants find success in a new activity and helping folks find different things to be passionate about are two of the many things that have kept me energized for over 15 years with APR.”

Justyn Travers

TR Coordinator Justyn Travers’ current work can be traced back to high school when he began volunteering in the special education classroom and with Special Olympics, as well as working at a summer camp for children with disabilities. While earning his bachelor’s degree, he worked one-on-one with teens and adults on the autism spectrum. Since joining APR, he’s implemented and strengthened existing programs, provided behavior training to other program leaders, and advocated for disability awareness and basic sign language training for all staff.

Bob Jackson

TR Program Leader Bob Jackson has worked in the recreation field for 30 years and loves what he does. “Growing up, recreation activities were my escape and where I found nonstop smiles and success,” he says. “When I went to college, it was the only thing that I could really see myself doing. Once I worked my first summer camp, I knew I was right where I needed to be.”

The TR adaptive baseball league is one of his favorite programs, remarking that the smiles, laughter, and skills shown on the diamond are magical and inspiring. Away from work, he hangs out with his wife and their new grandchild, travels, gardens, and practices yoga.

Heather Waters

TR Program Leader Heather Waters joined the APR team following 10 years as an access-centered dance/movement therapist. Previously, she worked as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), counselor, adjunct university faculty member, camp director, and facilitator in outdoor education, as well as serving for two years with the National Civilian Community Corps. She loves to spend time with her husband and dog, hike outside with friends, dance silly, and read as much as possible (bonus if it’s by the water!).

“I’m grateful to work in this field to provide access to all,” she says. “I love the creativity that comes from supporting neuro-diverse and inclusive spaces for folks to be their authentic selves.”

Explore More with Asheville Parks & Recreation

Therapeutic Recreation programs are just a few of the many activities, opportunities, and special events taking place in Asheville parks and community centers every month! Programs fill up fast and many require advance registration, so it’s worth spending some time planning which activities and events to attend. Use these resources to discover additional opportunities: