City welcomes Adaptive Sports and Wellness Center to Unity Park
August 22, 2024
The City of Greenville celebrated the grand opening of the $2.3 million Prisma Health Roger C. Peace (RCP) Adaptive Sports and Wellness Center, located at 159 Wellborn Street in the heart of Unity Park. Funded almost entirely by community grants and support, the innovative, first-of-its-kind collaboration will provide personalized access to adaptive sports and wellness programs for individuals with chronic conditions or physical/intellectual disabilities.
“This new project will continue to improve health, well-being and quality of life, with programming to make the park and its amenities accessible to all,” said Greenville Mayor Knox White.
In addition to adaptive fitness outreach, the 9,000-square-foot center will provide physical, occupational and recreational outpatient therapies as well as pilot innovative rehabilitation technology that could expand to RCP’s other outpatient centers.
“I believe this new center has the potential to change people’s lives and outlooks for the better. I know it’s helped me tremendously,” said Preston King, a former collegiate golfer who began adaptive fitness classes after a lower leg amputation.
This initiative began as a collaboration between Prisma Health Roger C. Peace Rehabilitation Hospital and NOTUS Sports, supported by a $750,000 grant by the Greenville Health Authority.
“By helping level the accessibility playing field, we can reduce inequalities and other barriers to fitness,” said RCP administrator Elizabeth DuBose. “Our goal is to provide more access – whether through special equipment, expertise or the activities themselves. By modifying traditional sports, we can create inclusive environments where everyone can participate and thrive.”
The new center will offer:
- Adaptive cycling fitting and education; adaptive bike rentals will be available by appointment for public use on the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail
- Adaptive yoga classes led by certified therapists
- Adaptive fitness classes, including Tai Chi, aerobic exercise and strength training
- High-tech outpatient physical, occupational and recreational therapy
- Wellness programs, community outreach and education
- Peer support programs
- Cancer survivorship and prevention classes, support group meetings, group exercise and wellness opportunities
- Access point to the Upstate Community Abilities Network (UCAN), which provides adaptive sports clinics that range from archery to water skiing.
Research shows that adaptive sports can have a significant impact on patient lives. Participants praised the RCP programs, saying they led to better physical health but also greater independence and freedom. The new center will also be an outreach hub for Prisma Health’s cancer wellness and prevention programs, many of which feature adaptive wellness programs.
“If anyone has trouble staying active and healthy because of an injury, illness or because you need adaptations, come see us – we can help you figure it out,” said DuBose. “We want healthier living for everyone – especially after being inspired for so many years by the incredible patients we serve every day. They were the inspiration behind the creation for this incredible space.”
For more information on resources, in-person assistance or group activities, including cycling, visit RCP Adaptive Sports & Wellness Center online or call 864-522-6820.
