Families are invited to grab a scoop and get the scoop on Longmont’s longstanding but little-known therapeutic recreation program this Friday.
The city’s SCOPE program will host an ice cream social and open house from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on May 2 at the Izaak Walton Clubhouse (18 S. Sunset Street), offering attendees a chance to learn more about inclusive recreational programming for people of all abilities.
SCOPE, which stands for Supportive, Captivating, & Original Programs & Experiences, is a city-run initiative designed to create welcoming, enriching spaces where people with disabilities can connect, move, and grow through recreation. Its lineup includes everything from arts and crafts and music classes to sports leagues, fitness programs, and group outings.
“It’s been around for so long, but through my time here with the city, I’ve noticed that not a lot of people know what SCOPE is, who it’s for, or what it does,” said Ariana Heter, Longmont’s Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator. “This year, a main goal is getting SCOPE to the public.”
Though it’s been around since the early 2000s, SCOPE saw a notable expansion in May 2023, when the city hired Heter as its first full-time coordinator. A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Heter has led the program through record growth and introduced several new classes over the past year, including “Adaptive Line Dance,” “Drumming,” “Sing for Joy,” and “Fitness.”
Since then, participation has surged, with over 1,200 people involved last year. SCOPE athletes are also gaining recognition, including three local bowlers who won first place at the Colorado Special Olympics and qualified for the 2026 USA Games, according to a city press release.
Families new to the program are especially encouraged to attend Friday’s event, Get the Scoop on SCOPE, to meet staff, volunteers, and other participants.
“Your first SCOPE program can be hard because you’re leaving your child with people you don’t know,” Heter said. “So I want to provide an opportunity for people to get to know us so they feel comfortable, and also just to build community.”
One SCOPE parent and coach, identified in the press release as A.H., said the program has become a lifeline for their family. “I have seen the SCOPE program grow into a vital community that offers the athletes a place to exercise with friends in a fun, supportive and motivating environment,” they said. “Their passion and participation results in the formation of strong and competitive bonds with teammates while also increasing their fitness levels.”
In addition to giving people a taste of the programs, Friday’s ice cream social is a chance for prospective volunteers to learn how to get involved, from helping with monthly events to coaching teams or leading activities.
The event is free and open to all, but advance registration is required at bit.ly/scoop-scope.
“If you didn’t know about SCOPE, and you learn about SCOPE, and you have a neighbor who has autism, ask them if they know about SCOPE,” Heter said. “Just sharing your knowledge once you gain it can go a long way.”
For more details, visit bit.ly/longmont-scope or contact Ariana Heter at [email protected].
