Brooklyn Park Staff Member Honored for Improving Accessibility
A Brooklyn Park staff member was honored for building a more accessible community through adaptive recreation.
“Inclusion services is really giving our community opportunity,” said Erin Bonikowske, an adaptive recreation specialist for the city and recent award winner. “Providing the necessary accommodations needed to participate with us while they are in programs.”
Bonikowske leads the Brooklyn Park adaptive recreation department, which offers a variety of programs for people with developmental disabilities. Some of those programs include the adaptive fitness class and an adaptive art class.
She and Krista Myhre, a certified recreational therapist working at the Brooklyn Park Community Activity Center, believe there really is something to be said about the power of inclusive movement. Plenty of kids and young adults without intellectual disabilities have their own activities to attend without worry or hassle. This is one opportunity for those with disabilities to find their place.
“They can just come in and know that they are,” Myhre said. “We hear them, we see them, we know what their needs are.”
In adaptive fitness, the class is able to move without barriers. Myhre leads the class in stretches and different kinds of exercises. On Wednesday, it was Valentine’s Day themed. Bonikowske helps coordinate the classes and connect with families.
30 Under 30 Honors
Bonikowske received national recognition for her work. The National Recreation and Parks Association honored her as one of 30 under 30 out of over 100 nominees.
Myhre said this honor is well-deserved.
“Erin is delightful,” Myhre said. “She just has a heart for the people she serves.”
Bonikowske welcomes students to adaptive fitness class.
In Bonikowske’s five years with the city, she has built her position and department essentially from the ground up. She also works as an Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator. In that space, she advocates for accessible facilities city-wide.
On top of coordinating classes like adaptive fitness, she also connects families with resources.
“We want to ensure that we are providing all the necessary accommodations needed so everyone can fully participate,” Bonikowske explained.
She said one of her favorite things is developing connections with families. She said many of them didn’t realize all the accessible opportunities available in the city.
“I really take pride in the work that I do,” Bonikowske said. “To be recognized at this national level meant the world to me.”
At the heart of this work, it’s clear Bonikowske holds a love for inclusion. She also has a drive to do even more.
All-Abilities Resource Fair
Part of Bonikowske’s job is coordinating the all-abilities resource fair. This year’s fair goes from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22, at the Community Activity Center.
Last year, Brooklyn Park hosted the fair alongside Oseso Area Schools. That tradition continues this year. More information about the fair is available on Brooklyn Park’s website.
