Timucuan Parks Foundation (TPF) has formed a partnership with PossAbilities Plus, a nonprofit based in Atlantic Beach, to provide outdoor educational and recreational opportunities for young adults with special needs. This collaboration is part of TPF’s Healthy Living program, which aims to highlight the therapeutic benefits of nature and create accessible activities for underserved groups.
Felicia Boyd, TPF program and outreach director, stated, “We are very excited to embark on this new partnership and look forward to bringing these young adults into our wilderness parks and preserves to show them the benefits of spending time in nature. Our work with groups like PossAbilities Plus is so rewarding. We designed our Healthy Living programs to promote the therapeutic effects of our parks and preserves and to create opportunities for educational and recreational activities for underserved groups.”
The first event under this partnership took place at Castaway Island Preserve, recognized as one of JaxParks’ “Healthy Parks.” The evening included yoga led by TPF volunteer Julie Anderson at the education building, followed by a guided walk along the boardwalk to an observation platform overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Participants learned about local ecosystems during their visit.
TPF Executive Director Fred Richards commented on the outing: “It was an evening filled with laughter, curiosity and enjoyment. We fully enjoyed having you there and look forward to future activities together.”
A subsequent event was held at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, where 13 young adults with special needs from PossAbilities Plus joined five parents or chaperones as well as volunteers from TPF’s Young Professional Group. Led by Hanna Park’s lead naturalist Stephen Klem and Dennis Thompson from Adventure Kayak Florida, participants went kayaking on the lake before taking a sunset hike through park trails.
Grants from HEAL Northeast Florida, RS&H, and Boeing supported both events. TPF plans more such outings across local wilderness parks.
PossAbilities Plus collaborates with organizations like TPF to offer safe recreational activities for young adults with special needs. The nonprofit also provides job training programs, parent resources, workshops, and operates initiatives such as Cup of Dreams Café, Unique Boutique, and Secret Garden that help participants develop skills including self-advocacy and resume writing. More information about their services can be found at https://possabilitiesplus.com/.
