Skip Navigation
Recreation Programs

QUICK LINKS

Public Services Home Page
Recreation Events
RoadRUNNER Transit
LC Museum System
Branigan Memorial Library
Senior Programs
Water Events Calendar

 

 

Therapeutic Recreation Program

2225 E. Griggs Ave

Voice: (575) 541-5140 or (575)541-5145   TTY: 541-2661

Contact: Phillip Catanach, Theraputic Program Coordinator

Serving the needs of a Diverse Community!

The City of Las Cruces Therapeutic Recreation Program assists adults, youth, and children with and without disabilities in using their leisure time to enhance their physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and artistic abilities. All activities are subject to change. For information on registration, or to receive a free monthly calendar or brochure, please call 541-5140. This document can be made available in alternative formats by calling 541-2554 (voice) or 541-2661 (TTY). For information on activities or special events, please call the Therapeutic Program Hotline at LCTHERA (528-4372).

ARC LIFE CENTER:

Hours of Operation – Monday through Friday 8:00 – 5:00pm, with weekly scheduled night-time activities (Check monthly calendar for dates and times).
The ARC Life Center is open for drop in recreation and provides numerous activities.
Saturday Rental Hours:  The ARC Life Center is available for rentals on Saturdays from 8:00am – 11:00pm.  Call 541-5140 for information on availability and rental fees.

Point of Contact:  For information about the ARC Life Center or the Therapeutic Recreation Program’s many recreational, social, and artistic activities; call 541-5140 or    e-mail the Therapeutic Recreation Program at pcatanach@las-cruces.org .

 

Therapeutic Program Activities at the ARC Life Center

 

Title:                 ART CLASS
When:              Monday
Where:             ARC Life Center
Time:                10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Fee:                  None
Express your artistic side. This class provides participants an opportunity to experience many different aspects of art. This class, with open-ended projects, gives participants a chance to bring out their creativity.

Title:                 TUESDAY BILLIARD TOURNAMENT
When:              Tuesday
Where:             ARC Life Center
Time:                12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Fee:                  None
Rack em’ up. Weekly tournaments, sportsmanship, competition, and a chance to socialize with friends make the Billiard Tournament a fun activity for all.

Title:                 DRAMA
When:              Every other Tuesday (Check Monthly Calendar for specific dates.)
Where:             ARC Life Center
Time:                5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Fee:                  None
The spotlight will definitely shine on you as a member of the Drama Group. You can really “ham it up” while rehearsing and performing original skits and inspirational stories. Everyone wants to be a star, so get into the act!

Title:                 KARAOKE
When:              Tuesdays
Where:             ARC Life Center
Time:                6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Fee:                  None
Discover your own talents by trying out new activities. Sign to the latest CDs, check out the sound system and lights, and meet new friends. A new star is discovered with every song.

Title:                 WACKY WEDNESDAYS
When:              Wednesdays
Where:             ARC Life Center
Time:                1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Fee:                  None
Tournaments, challenges, contests, and games are what’s on tap every Wednesday afternoon at the ARC Life Center.  You never know if it will be Air Hockey, water balloons, eggs and spoons, obstacle courses, races, or Simon Says.  Be here each Wednesday to join the fun.

Title:                 MARTIAL ARTS
When:              Wednesday
Where:             ARC Life Center
Time:                5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Fee:                  None
The goal of this activity is to give participants the opportunity to improve their balance, coordination, attention, social skills, and self-esteem. Participants will learn skills like avoidance of dangerous situations and to be more aware of their surroundings in addition to learning basic blocks, punches, kicks, and other self-defense techniques. All levels and abilities are welcome.

Title:                 COOKING CLASS
When:              Every other Thursday (Check Monthly Calendar for specific dates.)
Where:             ARC Life Center
Time:                4:00 – 6:00p.m.
Fee:                 None
Learn to cooking simple, nutritious, healthy meals that taste good.  The class makes a dinner from start to finish, learning about kitchen appliances, safety, cleanliness, food preparation, and nutrition.  Attendance for this class is limited; you must sign up in advance to attend.  Call 541-5140 to sign up.

Title:                 NUTRITION CLASS with NMSU Cooperative Extension ICAN Progam
When:              Fridays (for eight weeks)
Where:             ARC Life Center
Time:                10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Fee:                  None
Class Limit:       10
Learn to make easy, healthy food recipes that TASTE GOOD! Each class has a nutrition education component taught before the cooking begins. The activity teaches independent living skills and gives participants a sense of accomplishment. The same 10 participants attend all eight weeks. A new session will begin four weeks after the previous session concludes.

Title:                 CRAFT CLUB
When:              Friday
Where:             ARC Life Center
Time:                10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Fee:                  None
Crafters work on different projects and are encouraged to expand their creative spirits to new heights. Participants may be asked to provide their own materials needed for designated projects.

Title:                 DANCE CLASS
When:              Friday
Where:             ARC Life Center
Time:                1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Fee:                  None
Learn to dance the Electric Slide, Macarena, Cumbias, Two-Step and more. This class goes through basic dance moves and gives participants a chance to move to the music. All dance levels are welcome.

Title:                 BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
When:              First Friday of Each Month
Where:             ARC Life Center
Time:                1:00 p.m.
Fee:                  None
Celebrate participants birthdays each month at the Birthday Celebration.  Dance Class turns into a party.  If you have a birthday coming up let us know so we can put your name on the Birthday Board and we can celebrate your birthday.

 

Therapeutic Program Activities out in the community!

Title:                 WALK N’ ROLL FOR HEALTH
When:              Mondays
Where:             At various locations (Check Monthly Calendar for walking locations.)
Time:                10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Fee:                  None       
There are many benefits that come along with walking. Come walk and roll with friends in this low intensity, self-paced activity.

Title:                 KARAOKE
When:              Mondays
Where:             Club Fusion Teen Center
Time:                12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Fee:                  None
Discover your own talents by trying out new activities. Sign to the latest CDs, check out the sound system and lights, and meet new friends. A new star is discovered with every song.

Title:                 BOWLING
When:              Tuesday
Where:             Sun Lanes, 1201 E. Amador
Time:                10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Fee:                  $3.00 covers as many games as you can bowl within the 2 hour limit (includes shoes).   
With league or open bowling, participation and opportunities for socialization make this a positive experience for everyone. Adaptive equipment available includes bumper rails and bowling ramps. Parents, families, and friends are encouraged to attend. For adults and high school aged participants.

Title:                 GLAMOUR GIRLS
When:              One Tuesday per month (Check monthly Calendar for specific date.)
Where:             Meet at the ARC Life Center
Time:                10:00 a.m.
Fee:                  $ 5.00 Manicure - $ 7.00 Facial
Join us for a morning of pampering and relaxation!  The group visits the great people at Olympia University of Cosmetology for a manicure or facial.  Other services are also available.  Space is limited to 9 people per trip.  Call 541-5140 to sign up.

Title:                 YOGA
When:              Wednesdays
Where:             Meerscheidt Recreation Center
Time:                10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Yoga teaches participants of all levels simple stretching, meditation, and breathing.  It is said that Yoga benefits the mind, body, and soul.

Title:                 LA BOTANA LUNCH GROUP
When:              Once a month
Where:             Local restaurant
Time:                12:00 p.m.
Fee:                  Cost of meal
This group meets once a month to enjoy a meal at a local restaurant. Participants choose, order, and pay for their own meals. This activity promotes independence, social skills, money management, and personal growth.

Title:                 CERAMICS
When:              Thursdays (4 week sessions)
Where:             Mesilla Park Recreation Center
Time:                10:00am
Fee:                  None
Participants create a ceramic piece from start to finish.  They learn the process from working with the molds, pouring, painting, and firing.  This class is limited to 10 participants per session.  Call 541-5140 to sign up.

Title:                 SPORTS CONNECTION
When:              Thursday
Where:             Meerscheidt Recreation Center
Time:                10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Fee:                  None
Volleyball, basketball, and floor hockey are a few of the sports activities on tap. All levels are welcome to come out and participate.

Title:                 MOVIE/MUSIC MATINEE
When:              Thursday (Music/Movie alternate each Thursday.)
Where:             Club Fusion
Time:                Movie 12:00 p.m. -2:00 p.m./Music 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Fee:                  None
Enjoy the newest releases on multiple screens and the latest hits on a hot sound system.

Title:                 AQUATICS/AQUATIC EXERCISE
When:              Friday
Where:             Frenger Indoor Pool, 800 Parkview Drive
Time:                10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Fee:                  None
You will be able to enjoy the benefits of open swim or exercise with one on one instruction. Socialize with friends while enjoying a warm, refreshing pool.

Title:                 MONTHLY MOVIE AT TELSHOR 12
When:              One Friday per month (Check monthly calendar for specific date.)
Where:             Telshor 12 Movie Theatre
Time:                9:45 a.m.
Fee:                  TBA
We have the theatre to ourselves!  Join us for a morning of fun family entertainment.  Watch the newest release at a great price.

Title:                 MONTHLY DANCES
When:              Once a month
Where:             ARC Life Center, 2225 E. Griggs or Club Fusion, 101 E. Union
Time:                6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Fee:                  $2.00 cover charge
An enthusiastic professional disc jockey, friends, snacks, prizes and much more make this occasion a very popular event.

Art Program

Therapeutic Art Activities, Adult Outreach and special events enrich individual’s lives with a full spectrum of arts that include painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, crafts, music, dance and other art related activities and exhibitions. Through the arts, individuals are able to express themselves, develop self-esteem, learn techniques for creative growth, and showcase their abilities and talents.

Title:                 OUTREACH ART AND RECREATION
When:              TBA
Where:             Various locations
Time:               TBA
Fee:                  None
The Community Outreach Program provides recreation opportunities and art instruction to persons who participate through schools, or other meeting areas. This program is available to organizations and subject to instructor availability and scheduling. Bringing Art and Recreation to the community is one of the many goals of the Therapeutic Program.  Spring 2008 Outreach Locations:  Mayfield High School, Onate High School, Las Cruces High School, Vista Middle School, and Hermosa Elementary School.

Title:                 AFFIRMATION 13 – ART EXHIBIT
When:              TBA (Usually held in October)
Where:             Corbett Center Art Gallery at New Mexico State University
Time:                TBA
Fee:                  None
Artists with special needs often encounter physical, architectural, or social barriers in the production and exhibition of their work. “Affirmation” empowers artists to create artwork for an exhibition, to showcase their talents and allow opportunity for exposure, to incorporate themselves fully in the community. 

SUMMER PROGRAM
The Therapeutic Recreation Summer Program will be held June 2 – July 18, 2008. The Program offers recreational activities that target individuals with special needs. The program is housed at the ARC Life Center. Hours of participation are 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, for ages 6-21. The program provides accessible, challenging, fun and age and ability leveled activities and Field Trips. Nutritional lunches are served free of charge to summer program participants. There is no charge for this program.  Space is limited.  Call 541-5140 for details.

The City of Las Cruces Recreation Section Summer Program runs in conjunction with the Therapeutic Program’s Summer Program.  Children 6 – 12 years of age with and without disabilities are encouraged to attend.  Summer Recreation provides inclusion, and educational opportunities.

 

SPECIAL EVENTS
Throughout the year a number of special event activities are held including; picnics, holiday socials, performances, and workshops. Check our monthly calendar for dates and times.

Activity Schedules may be altered to address seasonal and availability concerns.

 

 

© 2007 City of Las Cruces