Arizona Recreation Center for the Handicapped (ARCH) operates as a specialized 5-acre recreation facility in Phoenix, Arizona, serving adults and children with developmental disabilities since 1975. The center offers three primary programs: Drop-In services for daily recreation at $3 per day/$50 monthly starting January 2025, Day Treatment for Adults (DTA) funded by Arizona’s Division of Developmental Disabilities, and ARCHKids after-school program for ages 8-22 still in school. Programming focuses on developing physical well-being, independence, and self-esteem through recreation therapy.
Activities include basketball, table tennis, arts and crafts, performing arts, community outings, and independent living skills training. The Drop-In program operates weekdays as the only all-day adult program in Maricopa County, while ARCHKids runs Monday-Friday 2-6 p.m. during school year and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in summer with extended care options. The facility provides snacks, limited transportation, and maintains trained staff supervision. Visitor reviews consistently praise the caring, compassionate staff and positive impact on participants, though some note concerns about lack of air conditioning during hot months and accessibility features throughout Phoenix, AZ.
