It Began With A Dream...Over 50 Years Ago!
In 2008, Recreation Unlimited celebrated its 50th anniversary as it continued the dream of Dick Ruff, who founded the organization in 1958 to provide recreational activities for people like himself with disabilities.
Soon after, Jimmy Crum, former sports director at NBC4 in Columbus, became a friend to Recreation Unlimited. When Dick died in 1974, Jimmy and other community leaders ensured his dream would live on.
Recreation Unlimited Today
Recreation Unlimited currently serves approximately 3,700 individuals with disabilities and health concerns representing up to 14 physical and developmental disability groups from 57 counties in Ohio and five surrounding states. Recreation Unlimited is the largest provider in the state of Ohio serving individuals with disabilities in the area of sports, recreation and education with the most comprehensive and quality program offerings.
The year-round 195-acre, wheelchair accessible campus features a new 20,000 sq. ft. Life Center, three major residence halls, a private cottage for retreats, multi-purpose lodge, life-time arts building, dining hall, outdoor pavilion, health services center and nurses quarters, outpost camp site, administrative and support buildings. Outdoor sports facilities include an aquatic center, track and field, tennis and sports court, softball field, golf hole, 25 ft. tree climb, two challenge courses and a 50 ft. Alpine Tower.
The spacious cedar facilities interconnect with a comprehensive system of nature trails with observation points for viewing waterfowl and wildlife. Over four miles of hard surfaced accessible trails are available. A seven-acre lake, accessible stream trail, prairie, forest, natural amphitheater and shelters provide an ideal environment for nature programs and outdoor education activities.
