Recreation Council News…
“Evening of Entertainment – A Competitive Spotlight on Abilities” Talent Contest: THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CAME OUT TO SUPPORT OUR ANNUAL EVENT! What a huge success! We had 25 performers showcase their talents in singing, dancing, magic, poetry reciting, playing an instrument, telling jokes, and just plain dazzling the stage with the joy of performing. Every dollar earned is used to provide scholarships to people with disabilities to offset the cost of recreation programs of their choice. We look forward to another amazing event and the talent that will return to the stage next year in 2027.
Proposition RT (Prop RT)
Prop RT is a St. Charles County ballot measure based on Senate Bill 3, is a state bill that could reshape how local property taxes work in Missouri. These changes would limit funding for services supported by property taxes, including local schools, libraries, fire protection, and the DDRB of St. Charles County, which funds essential services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. St. Charles County voters will vote on this bill on April 7, 2026. If approved, Prop RT woul change how property tax revenues are calculated, fFreeze or cap property taxes, restricting future revenue growth and the ability to expand services. To learn more about Prop RT, visit www.ddrb.org/tax-
Of Interest to People with Disabilities…
April is World Autism Month: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 1 in 31 eight-year-old children have been identified with ASD. For more than 20 years, Autism Speaks has worked alongside the autism community to increase understanding, expand opportunity, and drive meaningful change. Together, we’ve fueled groundbreaking research, advanced critical advocacy, and opened doors to education, healthcare, employment, and community life for autistic people and their families. Learn more about how you can get involved: Information
MO History Museum Sensory-Friendly Evening (STL), Wednesday, April 8 from 5:30–8:00pm at The Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. Join us for a calm, welcoming evening at the Missouri History Museum for guests of all ages with autism and other disabilities, plus their companions. The museum will have adjusted lighting and sound, limited capacity, and a quiet room. The museum will be closed to the general public. Check out all the details on the FLYER. While this program is free, space is limited. Registration is Required.
St. Louis County Library Community Autism Expo (STL), Saturday, April 11 from 10:00 am-2pm at the Clark Family Branch, 1640 South Lindbergh Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63131. The Fair connects individuals with autism and their families to local services, supports, and inclusive resources.Visit with over 50 community organizations and service providers at vendor tables throughout the library. Attend a breakout session to learn more about topics that impact individuals with disabilities. The Clark Family Branch will be closed to regular library services for the entire day of the Expo, allowing the space to be fully dedicated to a sensory-aware, inclusive event experience. This free, public event welcomes people of all ages and abilities. www.slcl.org/events/community-autism-expo
Ready, Set, Go! Transition Summit (STL), Resource Fair Exhibitors for April 18, 2026 / 9 AM – 2 PM at UMSL Millennium Student Center, 3rd Floor, 17 Arnold Grobman Drive, St. Louis, MO 63121. Visit with over 30 providers serving adults with disabilities, and join one of our six breakout sessions on these topics: Solving the Employment Puzzle, Fostering Independence at Home, Future Planning and Safety Nets for your disabled loved one, Disability Disclosure, Understanding and Navigating the Transition Landscape, and Statewide and Local Community Resources for youth with disabilities. The event is being promoted on social media, for example, on the UMSL OIPE Facebook, Instagram pages and MPACT Facebook. Please reach out to Aina Ferris if you have any questions.
Partner News….Registering now
LifeBridge Summer Day Camp Registration is officially OPEN. Get ready for a summer packed with adventure, friendship, laughter, and unforgettable community experiences. From themed weeks and hands-on activities to exciting outings and new discoveries, every day is designed to spark confidence, connection, and pure fun. Spots fill quickly, so grab yours and let’s make this summer the best one yet. COST: $150 per week.
- May 26-29, 2026 – St. Louis City Camp – click here to register.
- July 20-24 – St. Louis City Camp at Thomas Dunn Learning Center – click here to register.
- July 27-31 – St. Louis City Camp at Thomas Dunn Learning Center – click here to register.
ACEing Autism St. Louis, Tennis Clinic NOW REGISTERING. We are a nationwide nonprofit providing tennis clinics for children (ages 5-18+) on the autism spectrum. DATES: Sundays: 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, TIME: 5-6pm, LOCATION: Tao Tennis Center at WashU, St. Louis, MO, COST: $70 Early Bird until April 1; $100 regular fee after 4/1. Register HERE Our mission is to help children with autism to grow, develop and benefit from social connections and fitness through affordable tennis programming. Our program focuses on fun, fitness, social connection, and skill development, offering one-on-one support from trained volunteers to create a safe and positive experience for every participant. We can also offer more support if needed.If financial assistance is needed, scholarships are available.
Fun Events in St. Louis for Everyone…
BluePrint Summer Camp Resource Fair (STL), Saturday, April 11 from 10am-1pm at McCluer North High School, 705 Waterford Drive, Florissant, MO 63033. NORTH COUNTY FAMILIES – Swing by to learn about summer opportunities for youth including camps, summer programs, jobs, and resources. Information
Grant Historic Sites: Concerts at the Park (STL), Saturday, April 11 at from 2:30PM – 3:30PM. Join us for the music of The Independent Silver Band is a vintage brass band, recreating a group that played in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, from 1884 to 1889. Playing on period instruments and wearing period wardrobe, the band plays music from the second half of the 19th century. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket to enjoy this free concert. Outside food and beverages are allowed. Information
Late Night Fishing at 4 St. Louis County Parks (STL), Saturday, April 11 from 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm. These St. Louis County Parks will be open for after-hours fishing: Creve Coeur, Simpson, Suson & Spanish Lark Parks. Bring your poles, bait and light source and enjoy a night of fishing from the bank of these lakes. See the “Programs/Activities” tab of the website, or call the Parks Department 314-615-8472, for more info. NO reservations are needed, this event is FREE. Information
Registering Now…Spring Floriography, the Language of Flowers (STL), Tuesday, April 14 from 1-3pm OR Saturday, April 18 from 9-11 am at Historic Bellefontaine Cemetery, 4927 West Florissant Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63115. Wear your walking shoes to stroll the grounds and hear our Floriculturist talk about the Victorian Era practice of “floriography”, also known as the language of flowers. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn the origins of this language and the connotations associated with an array of different spring flowers during a slide presentation, as well as a cut flower arrangement workshop to create and take home your very own unique floriography message. All materials and supplies provided. Space is limited, and reservations are required. The cost per person to attend is FREE, with a suggested donation of $15. Register Here
Registering NOW…Sunday Trolley Tour of Historic Bellefontaine Cemetery (STL), Saturday, April 25 from 12-2pm from 10 am-12 noon at Historic Bellefontaine Cemetery, 4927 West Florissant Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63115. Take a two hour trolley tour of historic cemetery led by a Bellefontaine Master Guide featuring stories of the many intriguing historic figures buried at Bellefontaine, as well as architectural highlights and horticulture features found on the grounds. Seating is limited and tickets are required by calling the cemetery office, 314-381-0750, or registering online. The trolley tour is FREE with a suggested $5 per person if possible. Slots fill for this activity. Information
Registering Now…Tower Grove Bird Walks (STL), 17 spots left for Sunday, April 26 from 8:30 am – 10:00 am at Tower Grove Park. Bring your own binoculars. This hike is FREE for ages 8 and above, but registration is required. Repeats monthly on the last Sunday, but slots fill, so get registered soon. Sign up here for April 26 Tower Grove Walk
Recreation Council Reminders…
Missouri Department of Conservation FREE nature classes: Classes are for outdoor lovers of all ages and abilities. Choose from nature classes to learn about plants and animals, outdoor skills, hiking, survival, fishing, and shooting sports. Registration is required for most classes unless indicated. Participants with disabilities should email the instructor when registering to discuss accommodations needed to participate. Support staff are usually allowed to attend to provide assistance, but instructors need prior notice. Visit these links to find all the class listings: MDC’s Free Classes & Programs Sign up for email or text alerts to stay informed of MDC’s latest programs and events here: Sign Up for MDC News.
Overnight Camp Registration and Voucher Funding: Complete an application HERE.
The 2026 Summer Opportunities Guide is now available to view and print: Find the PDF version HERE
St. Louis Magazine publishes a guide to local summer camps. From arts to athletics, there are many local offerings to keep your child active and entertained while continuing their development outside of the school year. Check out our 2026 Local Summer Camp Guide to find the right camp for your child. Camp Guide Here
BluePrint4 is a search engine to help you search for Summer Day camps and after-school programs in the St. Louis Metro area. www.blueprint4.com
- Program Providers for People with Disabilities
- Community Resources for People with Disabilities
- Recreation Council Facebook Page
- View this Newsletter as a WEBPAGE
Websites to find more events…
- Metro St. Louis-St. Charles, MO attractions: www.explorestlouis.com
- Around Town for Teenagers: www.explorestlouis.com
- Festivals, Music, Art in the Metro: www.stlouisarts.org/music-festivals
- St. Louis County Parks: Calendar ~ Activity Descriptions
- Explore St. Louis, MO: www.stltoday.com/events
- STL Magazine Family Fun: www.stlmag.com/family
- Kids Out and About: www.saintlouis.kidsoutandabout.com
- Fun 4 STL Kids: www.fun4stlkids.com/calendar
- Missouri Department of Conservation – www.mdc.mo.gov/events
- Michael’s Craft Store classes: www.michaels.com/classes
- Virtual Events: www.eventbrite.com
- Best Hiking Trails around St. Louis / St. Charles Metro area: www.hikingproject.com
- Free places to visit by STL Today: www.graphics.stltoday.com/maps/essential-st-louis
- Magic Mini Golf in the Delmar Loop

