La Crosse, WI
Home MenuSpecial Recreation Programs
The City of La Crosse Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department is proud to offer a variety of leisure, educational and recreational programs for individuals with special needs in our community.
Our Special Recreation program offers year-round clubs, monthly events and trips. The Special Recreation programs are for all ages and all abilities.
Special Olympics Wisconsin - La Crosse Area is a non-profit agency that provides individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in sports competition, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy while participating in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, Special Olympics athletes, and the community. In order to be eligible for Special Olympics sports, athletes must be 8 years of age or older with an intellectual disability. Check out the sports here: Special Olympics Sports
Volunteers are always needed to help out with programs, practices and special events!
If you are interested in volunteering on a regular basis with trips, activities and sports practices, please call 608.789.7596 to schedule a mandatory volunteer orientation.
If you are interested in volunteering with one day, special events, please click here to see what opportunities are available.
Please feel free to contact our helpful staff with any questions you may have or to join our mail list! Staff can be contacted at 608.789.7596 or via e-mail.
Aimee Schmidt, Inclusive Recreation Coordinator
Emma Ryan, Special Recreation Coordinator
Hotline Phone Number:
Special Recreation: 608-791-0745
Special Rec Parties
Fridays; March 27, April 24, 2026 | 5:30pm-7:30pm
Black River Beach Neighborhood Center
Min: 20 | Max: 100
Registration Fee: $7 | **Registration Deadline: One week prior to party**
Grab a friend and get ready to party. There will be fun activities, games, trivia, and food!
Bingo Nights
Thursdays; March 12, April 2, 2026
Black River Beach Neighborhood Center | 6:00pm-7:30pm
Min: 5 | Max: 75
Registration Fee: FREE | **Registration Deadline: Monday prior to event**
Come and play bingo and win free prizes!
Activity Nights
Thursdays; March 19, April 16, 2026
Black River Beach Neighborhood Center | 6:00pm-7:30pm
Min: 5 | Max: 75
Registration Fee: FREE | **Registration Deadline: Monday prior to event**
Come in for crafts, games, and more! There will be a variety of activities at different tables to enjoy. Bring a friend to have fun!
Get Fit with UWL Physical Therapy Students
Tuesdays & Thursdays; January 20-May 7, 2026
4:30pm-5:30pm | Black River Beach Neighborhood Center
Ages 16+ | Min: 5 Max: 25
FREE | **Registration Deadline: Monday, January 5, 2026**
Get fit with UWL PT students as they lead a Health and Wellness program. No meetings on 2/12, 2/17, 3/5, 3/17, 3/19, 4/7
March Madness Guy’s Party
Sunday, March 29, 2026
12:00pm-2:00pm | Black River Beach Neighborhood Center
Min: 10 Max: 20
Registration Fee: $5 | **Registration Deadline: Monday, March 23, 2026**
Come for a March Madness party! A fun day of food, games, and other activities for the guys.
My Days with Peter Rabbit (and His Friends)
Sunday, April 12, 2026
3:00pm | Frederick Theatre, Morris Hall, 1615 State Street, La Crosse
Min: 8 Max: 15
Registration Fee: $8 | **Registration Deadline: Monday, April 6, 2026**
Adapted from the Tales of Beatrix Potter and featuring the beloved characters of Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck, Jeremy Fisher, Squirrel Nutkin and more, this play will spark the imagination - and delight in all who attend!
Spring Craft Day
Sunday, April 26, 2026
12:00pm-2:00pm | Black River Beach Neighborhood Center
Min: 8 Max: 20
Registration Fee: $5 | **Registration Deadline: Monday, April 20, 2026**
Come for a fun day of Spring crafts!
Nature Walks
Tuesdays; April 14 & 28, 2026
4:30pm-5:30pm | Myrick Park Gun Club Shelter
Min: 5 Max: 25
FREE
Come and walk together around Myrick Park. Please come dressed appropriately for the weather (including proper shoes) and bring a water bottle.
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