Acworth Parks, Recreation, and Community Resource Department
4361 Cherokee Street
Acworth, GA 30101
Tel: (770) 917-1234
HORIZON THERAPEUTICS
Athletics
Fitness
Social Programs
Horizon Gala
The Horizon League and the City of Acworth’s Therapeutic programs are overseen by The Special Needs Development Group. The Special Needs Development Group is a 501c3, and the mission of the organization is to provide children and adults with physical, social, and cognitive disabilities the opportunity to participate in adaptive programs. Classes and programs are planned according to the principles of Therapeutic Recreation (TR). TR uses strategies to address the social/emotional, cognitive, physical, and leisure needs of those impacted by illness, injury, or disability.
Programs are open to all individuals ages 5 years and older with cognitive and physical disabilities. Adapted Leagues are played on the Horizon Field, (4000 S. Main Street). The Horizon League is a cushioned rubberized turf designed for athletes with special needs. The field has wheelchair-accessible dugouts and a flat surface to eliminate any barriers. Programs offered include adapted sports leagues (Fall Baseball, Spring Baseball, and Summer Kickball), Social programs (Bingo, Trivia, and Special Events), and Summer Day Camp.
Volunteers are a vital part of the success of the Horizon League. Each Horizon League player is assigned a “buddy” for each athletic game. Community volunteers are from local high schools, churches, or nonprofit organizations that help participants during the game. The buddy is on the field and in the dugout to assist the player during the game or program. If you would like to volunteer or would like more information please contact Lauren Ham, Therapeutic Program Coordinator, at (770) 917-1234 or lham@acworth-ga.gov.
Special Needs Development Group
The Special Needs Development Group is a 501c3, and the mission of the organization is to provide children and adults with physical, social, and cognitive disabilities the opportunity to participate in adaptive programs. Since 2008, and partnering with the City of Acworth, The Special Needs Development Group has provided athletic, social, and cultural programs and served more than 500 participants with special needs. In 2008 the City of Acworth and community leaders began the process of fundraising for a Special Needs Sports Facility that was inclusive to all athletes. The original fundraising goal was $1.2 Million. Through donations as small as $1, to anonymous contributions of $250,000 to public funding reaching $500,000, to several hundreds of thousands of dollars in in-kind services, to the community walking the bases for 24 hours straight to raise the funds, the facility officially opened its doors on April 16, 2009. Since the facility opened, the department has served more than 500 athletes. The key community aspect of the facility is the buddy system. With each program, a child is assigned a buddy from a local high school, church, or nonprofit organization that helps the participant during the game. Children and adults ages 5 and older with developmental and physical disabilities can participate in programs. The primary geographic area of focus is Cobb, East Paulding, South Bartow, West Cherokee counties, and the surrounding areas. Facility Overview The Horizon Field is a cushioned rubberized turf designed for athletes with special needs. The field has wheelchair-accessible dugouts and a flat surface to eliminate any barriers. In addition, the Horizon Field has accessible bathrooms, a concession stand, and a picnic pavilion. The restrooms and concession stand contains special accommodations that include air-conditioned restrooms, additional accessible stall, lower sinks, and countertops. The boundless playground is fully accessible to everyone. Ramps are included to allow children in wheelchairs and walkers to access different levels. Poured rubber pads let wheelchairs roll smoothly from one section to another. Adaptive swing seats are used so all children have the capability to swing. The Horizon Field is located at 4000 S. Main Street Acworth, Ga 30101.
