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There is something at Park City Utah that all disabled folks and their families should know about, a very special placed called the National Ability Center. How do I explain this unique wonderful place, a place for the disabled, and a special wonderful place!
I visited the National Ability Center and certainly didnt know what to expect. But found a warm friendly caring center that develops skills, challenges the mind, body and spirit. I felt right at home as soon as I walked in.
One of the first things that I noticed was disabled and non-disabled were doing activities together. All ages and all abilities are welcome and made to feel right at home at the Center.
As they say The National Ability Center is committed to the development of lifetime skills for people of all ages and abilities by providing affordable outdoor sports and recreational experiences in a nurturing environment
The Center strives is to build self-esteem, confidence and physical development through recreation and physical activities.
What a place it is -from their indoor riding ring, to their 32 climbing wall, from their skiing program to their cycling program
Founded in 1985, the National Ability Center is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization. Programs are supported through special events, grants from private corporations and foundations, individual donations and program fees. All activities are offered at an affordable rate and scholarships are available, ensuring participation for all.
One of the neat things about the National Ability Center it offers recreational activities for the whole family. Integration into the community through disabled sports is their focus and they accomplish that by allowing individuals of all abilities to discover their own strengths and interests. Access to programs are open to the individuals as well as family and friends, which ensure active participation and fun for the entire family.
An individual is not isolated within his or her own activities. While at the Ranch, (Center) they can provide an educational and fun outlet for all ages and abilities. Participants include those with orthopedic, spinal cord, neuromuscular, visual and hearing impairments, as well as those with cognitive and developmental disabilities.
In 1996 an anonymous donor provided the National Ability Center with 26 acres of pristine land just minutes from three (3) world-class ski resorts and a few miles from Main Street in Park City Utah. Thanks to the generosity of that donor, the National Ability Center now calls that land home. It houses our integrated facility and hosts a variety of our year-round programs. The facility is quite impressive and is the culmination of a life long goal of the Centers founders. It is a place where there are no boundaries, a place for self-discovery and a place where everyone can challenge their own abilities.
The National Ability Center houses the Bronfman Family Recreation Center & Ranch What is included in the center:which consist of a 17,000 square foot indoor riding arena, an outdoor riding arena, stables, a universal challenge course, 32indoor climbing wall, a fully integrated playground a barrier free trail, as well as meeting/conference facilities and administrative offices. Also on site is the Bunk House dormitory facility, which offers 26 fully accessible, double occupancy rooms, exercise room and cafeteria.
The Wasatch Mountains of Utah provide a serene backdrop for families and friends, disabled and non-disabled, to enjoy the outdoors in a safe, comfortable, educational environment.
The Program Services Building is the pulse of the organization. It serves as the administrative and operational offices for the National Ability Center. Generously supported by Richard E. Marriott, the building features 1765 square feet of office space, 1,200 square feet of meetings and conference facilities and a reception area and lounge. The Program Services Building also houses the 32indoor climbing wall which is available to program participants and may be leased out to groups on a limited basis.
The Bunk House, or dormitory, is 20,000 square feet and features 26 fully accessible rooms (each with private baths), exercise facility, lounge and kitchen/dining area. The Bunk House was designed to house program participants and their families, athletic teams and non-profit groups. In addition, The Bunk House offers a lodging option to our Adventure Learning Program, Leadership Development programs, Outdoor Education Camps and our Camp Can Do!
The rates will vary according to the season, but are very affordable. All 26 rooms are double occupancy and wheelchair accessible; six rooms feature roll-in showers. The kitchen and dining areas feature up to date amenities and catering can be arranged. Housekeeping services are available on a limited basis and the facility offers all the comforts of home, away-from-home!
INDOOR ARENA
The Louis Scowcroft Perry Foundation generously donated the Indoor Arena at the National Ability Center. The 17,000 square foot arena is heated and allows us to provide year-round horseback riding programs to our members. The equestrian program is one of our largest, most successful programs, offering riding lessons throughout the winter months is a huge benefit to our participants.
The indoor arena is also Park Citys largest indoor facility for meetings, conventions and special events. The National Ability Center hosts our annual Southwestern Elegance Fundraiser in the Indoor Arena. In addition, many corporations have leased the facility for trade shows, social functions, film screening and auctions.
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