A Transformative Health and Safety Initiative
Specialized Autism Friendly Recreation Complex
Healthy Futures Start Here
Many individuals with autism face significant barriers to accessing traditional fitness and recreation programs, resulting in higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and other preventable health challenges. Our new Specialized Autism Friendly Recreation Complex will break down these barriers, providing a safe, supportive, and sensory-friendly environment where individuals of all ages and abilities can develop lifelong habits of health, fitness, and social connection.
Thoughtfully Designed Spaces That Transform Lives
The Els Center of Excellence® in Jupiter, FL already features a range of outdoor sports and recreation spaces, and we recognize that true health and well-being require consistent, year-round access to fitness, sports, and life skills – regardless of weather, time of day, or season. To expand the recreation activities available and to provide individuals with autism with a full range of recreation choices, Els for Autism is building a Specialized Autism Friendly Recreation Complex.
The building will be a replicable model, ensuring that individuals impacted with autism worldwide have access to specialized autism friendly spaces. The Recreation Complex will include a Gymnasium and Aquatic Center, with a dining hall, teaching kitchen, fitness studios, indoor basketball court, therapeutic pool, and splash pad throughout.
Life-Saving Aquatic Center
Theraputic Swimming Pool & Splash Pad
Drowning is the #1 cause of death for young children with autism, and Florida tragically leads the nation in autism-related drownings. Wandering and water fascination are common among children on the spectrum, making water safety education not just beneficial, but absolutely essential.
Including a therapeutic pool in the Aquatic Center provides a safe and secure environment to teach individuals with autism how to swim. Using the new Ernie Els #GameON Autism Aquatics curriculum, instructors will utilize the swim lanes and therapeutic area of the pool to deliver life-saving water safety education and drowning prevention strategies to families and organizations around the world.
Including a splash pad in the Aquatic Center allows individuals who cannot swim, choose not to swim, or fear immersion in the pool to enjoy water experiences and have opportunities for social interactions while feeling safe and secure. The Splash Pad will be a place to have FUN with water on a hot day. Watch Video
Life-Changing Gymnasium
The purpose-built Gymnasium will be an autism-friendly, stress-relieving, and welcoming space designed to mitigate hypersensitivity to bright lights and loud noises, particularly for those who are nonverbal or have difficulty socializing. This indoor, air-conditioned space will provide year-round access to recreational activities, including basketball, yoga, and other fitness programs. The Gymnasium will also offer additional indoor spaces to host our Moovin’ & Groovin’ Spring Break and Summer Camps, as well as our Bridge the Gap respite care program. Additionally, it will include a teaching kitchen. Watch Video
The Urgent Need for Safe, Accessible Fitness Spaces
- Drowning is the leading cause of death for autistic children, with Florida reporting the highest number of deaths among these children. A recent study conducted by the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County has found that Palm Beach County leads the state in drownings involving children with autism.
- Children with autism are 160 times more likely to drown than their neurotypical peers. (Source: Autism Society)
- 76% of children who drown are age 3 and under (Source: Autism Society of Florida)
- In the US, the prevalence of obesity among children with autism increases by 19% with an additional 36% at risk for being overweight.
Research has demonstrated that recreation, particularly sports, can be an effective supplemental therapy for individuals with autism. all of our programs and services, including those which will be housed in the Recreation Complex, are infused with evidence-based practices to maximize health, safety, and learning outcomes for all participants.
Dedicated Spaces in the Specialized Autism Friendly Recreation Complex
Thank you for being a vital part of our community and helping us create a world of limitless possibilities. Your generosity will make a lasting impact, improving the lives of individuals with autism for years to come.
Dedicated Spaces
Gymnasium
Splash Pad
Pool Pavilion
Multi-Purpose
Recreation Studio
Welcome Circle
Golf Course Gateway
Cardio Room
Aquatics Gateway
Outdoor Bench
Bill Deutsch & Rosalyn Silver
In Memory of Arnie Koonin
Sensory Transition Space
Hydration Station
Aquatics Stadium Seating
Grand Foyer
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Use the form before to contact our Development Department or call 561-320-9532
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